Israel hopes hard work pays off for Knights

Click on Kyle to read more

After an up-and-down career, the senior is looking to cement his place as UCF's starting quarterback.

When UCF senior quarterback Kyle Israel signed on as a member of Coach George O'Leary's inaugural recruiting class with the Knights, he was given a promise that has echoed in his head ever since: "Work hard, and you'll get a chance to lead this football team."

It has taken three years to get here, and it's still another two months before he gets a chance to begin to cement his place as the Knights' 2007 starter. But for a local product who has waited his entire career to be given the chance, the opportunity to take the starting reins for good has been plenty of motivation this offseason. Kyle Hightower: Orlando Sentinel