Cedric Thompson is willing to do whatever it takes to win a third conference championship or a "three-peat" as he calls it.
Recruited to UCF as a running back, Thompson has grown into an H-Back, a spot where the fifth-year senior could see increased action this season. He's also been one of the most important players on special teams, playing all four units.
"I'm playing H and a little bit of Y as well," Thompson said. "They're trying to find different ways to get me on the field and get me the ball. I'm doing some blocking as well. It's definitely a major role in the offense... (I play) all four (special teams). That won't let up. My offensive role has increased, but my special teams role hasn't decreased. I still want to help the team with that because I know that's one of my strengths.
"I'm also trying to increase my leadership role on the team. Make sure the guys know how to do things right. I've been here for five years. I just want to make sure guys do things the right way because we have a great opportunity to three-peat and become a dynasty. I'm very encouraged to make that happen this year."
As for special teams, Thompson thinks he may be the only player on all four.
"I may be," he said. "If there's another guy it may be Jordan Franks or Jordan Akins. Those are three to four team guys. Some of the core special teams guys on our team."
Camp is nearing its conclusion. The Knights will practice on Friday before Fan Fest before a big scrimmage on Saturday morning. They begin prepping for FIU next Wednesday.
"I feel like camp is going well," Thompson said. "We've had some ups and downs on the field, but that's what really makes us better as a team because we know we can work through adversity. We've been working hard on the field, off the field and in the film room. We're really putting in work so we can have a successful again."
And how is that offense coming along?
"I feel like during this camp we've really seen guys emerge," Thompson said. "Guys that want to play. Guys that know how to do it right. Guys that are tough. That's what camp does for you. Camp allows you to see who's tough, who can work when things get a little sticky as Coach says. During the span of camp, we've seen the guys who can do that for us and the guys we know we can win with."
As a former running back, Thompson offered his thoughts on that unit.
"I feel like these running backs may be the most competitive running backs I've seen since I've been here," Thompson said. "At any point any of them can get on the field and play and produce. Any of them can throw a block and catch the ball. I'm pretty comfortable with all of them. Taj McGowan is young, but showing some maturity on the field. I'm pretty confident in all of them to make plays."
Tre'Quan Smith has the makings to be Justin Holman's top receiving threat this season. Following practice there was considerable buzz about one of his catches.
"He had a really nice catch," Thompson said. "We came out of a special teams period and one of the first plays he got a nine ball thrown to him. He went up and caught it at the highest point. It was really impressive. He's another young guy with a lot of talent that produces on the field. It's another guy we can count on in our offense to be productive."
Who are his players to watch?
"I've got two," Thompson said. "On offense, Chris Johnson, a receiver. He should be a redshirt sophomore. He's a quiet, humble guy but he goes to work. He learns things in the film room and he makes plays on the field. He quietly does it, but it's very noticeable. A guy on defense is (linebacker) Mark Rucker. I think this year he's going to get his shot. I've known him since high school and he's always been a playmaker. I feel like he'll do the same for us this year."
As for goals, Thompson is eying what else - a conference championship. To win that, it's all about the 12 one-game seasons.
"Definitely my goal this year is I want to win another conference championship. That goes into practicing hard every day. Every game is taken seriously. We want to win all our conference games. That's always our goal. If we do that, that puts us in position to have a successful season. Every game we have is treated as a season. FIU is the first season and we want to go and attack that. My goals are definitely to three-peat as conference champions and bring our team together, build chemistry and have a successful year."
UCFSports.com
Cedric Thompson and Domenic Spencer following last December's victory at East Carolina which clinched UCF a share of their second consecutive conference championship.
