UCF's injury-riddled wide receiver corps did get some good news last week. Taylor Oldham, a redshirt junior that figured to be in the primary rotation this season, returned to action for the first time this season against UConn.
Oldham went through spring practice as part of the first group, but suffered a foot injury in the spring game that sidelined him for the entire summer and preseason. Only recently was he cleared to begin practicing again.
"I caught up in a pile and I landed on it," Oldham said. "The pressure from the pursuit knocked me down. It was a broken bone, a separation of the foot... After surgery, I was in a cast for about two months, then a walking boot for a month. Just a bunch of rehab in the training room with (trainer) Jud (Fann), trying to get back on my feet... It feels pretty good (now). Being out a long time, you've got to get back in shape. That's what practice is for, I guess."
This was supposed to be Oldham's year to shine after spending his few years playing behind the likes of J.J. Worton, Rannell Hall, Josh Reese and Breshad Perriman.
"It was tough," Oldham said. "J.J. and those boys, I was playing behind them and learning a lot. I knew this year would be the year I could star and play a lot. Win or lose, I just want to play and be in there. The injury was unfortunate for me, but I'm back now."
Oldham reeled in three receptions for 22 yards with two of those coming in the first drive.
"I saw the ball in the air and I was like, okay, I'm gonna catch it," Oldham said. "When the ball was in the air, all I was thinking about was flashbacks to the spring game, please don't break... I haven't taken a hit since April... I was a little nervous, but it was fun."
Even though he doesn't have the on-field experience, Oldham is a veteran in terms of year spent in the program. Just like he did a couple years ago, the freshmen are now looking to him for answers.
"I guess you could say I'm experienced years wise, but playing wise I'm not that experienced," Oldham said. "It is kind of odd having them ask me questions like where to line up because that was me a couple years ago. Asking Breshad and J.J. in the huddle, what am I supposed to do? They had to tell the same thing I'm telling those guys, just relax and concentrate.
"They're young guys, so it's formation, lining up right. The thing with them is to be patient. They're a little antsy sometimes, so you've got to tell them in the huddle to relax. It's gonna be okay. Concentrate on the ball, catch the ball. They've got some work to do, we all do."
