UCF offensive coordinator Troy Walters is enthused by what he's seeing early in preseason camp. The offseason improvements are evident and the team has become closer together. Here's what he had to say after Friday's second practice:

How are things different in year two now that everyone, coaches included, are familiar with the system?

"A lot easier. Everybody knows what's going on. Players, coaches. We can function better. We know exactly the expectations, the standards are set. We don't have to start from Ground Zero. We can keep building upon what we learned last year, what we learned in the spring. We're light years of where we were last year. It's exciting."

Did the team pick everything up from spring? How are the guys looking after the first few days?

"Awesome. They did a great job this summer. Coach Duval and his staff did an excellent job of getting the guys in shape, getting them stronger, getting them faster. Across the board, we're better. It's evident. The guys are running, flying around. We're big, we're strong. It's exciting. And scheme wise, the guys put in their work this summer. They were working on their own, in the meeting rooms going over the playbook. They knew the standards and expectations, so we didn't miss a beat."

Tre'Quan Smith mentioned freshman Marlon Williams standing out. How has he looked?

"We've gone through two practices. We're excited about the freshmen we have in. We recruited them to be playmakers and difference makers. They've shown they can grasp the offense. That's always important for a freshman. They've done that. Their athletic ability will allow them to be successful. We're excited about all the freshmen that we have."

What's your message to the wide receivers heading into camp?

"We want to be great. We want to go from good to great. Our standards are high. Expectations are high. We don't want to win six games. We want to compete for championships. I tell them, 'Every day you're out on that field, we're competing for a championship.' I think they're getting that mindset that everything we do is to be great. That's the message."

How much does it help having Tre'Quan Smith leading that wide receiver corps?

"Tremendous help. Now he's going into his fourth year here. He knows how to practice. He knows how to be a goal. He's doing a great job of taking a leadership role. Mentoring the young guys. Setting an example. That's what I needed the most. Not so much talking, but setting the example. Show the young guys how to do things, how to practice, how to prepare. You've been successful. The proof is in the pudding. He's done that and he's been a great addition and a great guy in the room."

Leaders always emerge. You mentioned Tre'Quan. Are you seeing other guys step up in those roles?

"Case Harrison. He's a wiley vet. I kid him, it seems like he's been around for 10 or 12 years. He's an experienced guy who brings leadership. Cam Stewart is stepping up. Tristan Reaves. Those are our veteran guys. They've been through the fire. Those are the guys that we've pushed that leadership role upon and they're making sure the young guys follow."

What's your impression of Case Harrison?

"Love the kid. Team player. He's going to have a big role on this team, whether it's special teams or at receiver. All he wants to do is win. He wants what's best for the team. You can't get enough Case Harrisons. I'm glad we have them."

What are your early impressions of the offensive line?

"The first thing you notice is physically is we look like a football team. I couldn't say that last year. Up front, we look like a good o-line. They worked their tails off this summer. It showed the first two practices. They're getting after it. Our d-line is special. Our d-line and outside 'backers, they're special. So they're going to make the o-linemen work every day. They're doing what they do, they're holding their own, they're athletic. The one thing I like about our o-line is they're playing as one. They've came together in the offseason and the summer. They're a family, a close-knit group. That's what you need. You need all guys on the same page going in the same direction."

As an offensive unit, what is the biggest questions that you want to see answered during camp?

"I want to see us get tougher, mentally and physically. Physically, I want us to go out there and dominate play in and play out. And our defense is going to present that challenge. But I want the mindset of every day going out there and being physical. Be the most physical team across the board on the field. And then mentally tough, no matter what the situation is. We're not going to let anybody or anything prevent us from being successful. That's mental toughness. Not letting anything or anybody prevent you from being great. If we can become tougher mentally and physically, the sky is the limit."

Coach Frost talked about developing a family attitude among the players. Do you see that more now with the offense?

"I see it amongst the whole team. That's one of the things that I mentioned to Coach Frost yesterday when we were going through stretches is we've got a great group of guys across the board. Really no egos. All team-first guys. I think we're going to be stronger and better cohesively as a unit than we were last year. That's going to win football games. When you love playing for your brother to your right and your left and you trust and you hold each other accountable, that can take you a long ways. I see that as an entire team. That's exciting."

Is there one unit that has stood out on offense that's made the biggest improvement?

"I can't single out any one unit. I think as a whole we've played well. We've done a good job these first two practices. Every practice we've got to get better. Make the corrections, get better and we'll be in good shape."