The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Two-A-Day Football Practices Come To An End
8/17/2001 12:00:00β―AM | Football
Aug. 17, 2001
TWO-A-DAYS OVER: The
UAB Blazer Football team went through its final round of
`two-a-day' practices Friday, working? in shorts and helmets in the morning and full pads in the
afternoon as preparations continue for Sunday's second major scrimmage of
the preseason.? After 14 practices
in eight days, it's understandable that the Blazers are a bit sore and
tired.
"We're definitely a tired team," said UAB
Head Coach Watson Brown Friday.
"We got our share of bumps and bruises and had a major injury with Wes
(Foss), but now we've got to get some rest and be ready to bounce back on
Sunday afternoon."
SUNDAY'S SCRIMMAGE: Once again, the format will be very controlled, with series of seven
plays (after which both sides switch personnel), no hits on the quarterbacks and
quick whistles on the ball carriers.?
Sunday's scrimmage is scheduled to start at approximately 4:00
pm.
BLAZERS TO WATCH:? Three UAB Blazers are among those named
to ESPN College Football Analyst Mel Kiper, Jr.'s "Top
Five Senior Prospects" list, published
Friday on ESPN.com. Jeff
Aaron is rated the fifth-best quarterback
prospect (tied with LSU's Rohan Davey), Bryan Thomas is rated the fourth-best defensive end prospect,
and Eddie Freeman is rated the
fifth-best defensive tackle prospect.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Redshirt sophomore Shane Pearson,
a tight end for his first two seasons at UAB and for the first week of 2001
training camp, will give defense a try...Pearson exchanged his green no. 85
jersey for a white one prior to Friday's afternoon practice...freshman
running back Kendal Gibson has
been a hot topic this week, especially since his performance in
Wednesday's scrimmage, when he showed just how powerful a
`power' back he is, rushing for 56 yards on eight carries and
punishing defenders large and small...Gibson apparently got a little too
hot in Friday's morning workout, and sat out the afternoon session after
receiving IV fluids to combat dehydration...redshirt sophomore
punter/quarterback B.J. King has
been back at practice the last two days, after missing the first week with
mononucleosis...running back Bernard Anderson and offensive lineman Barker White, both victims of the hamstring-pull epidemic that
has plagued the Blazers during the first week of practice, have both returned
to action...out at practice but not working out is freshman tight end Cedric
Hampton, who underwent surgery Monday to
repair a knee injury that predated his reporting to training camp two weeks
ago.
FAN DAY NEXT SATURDAY:
Fans will get a chance to meet the Blazer players and coaches up close and
personal next Saturday, Aug. 25,
at Fan Day? 2001 at the UAB Mini Park (University Boulevard between 13th and 4th Streets
South).? The festivities begin at 4:00
pm.
