The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Hold Second Scrimmage Of Fall Practice
8/23/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 23, 2004
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB football team practiced for approximately two and a half hours Monday, highlighted by the second scrimmage of fall workouts. The scrimmage, which lasted just under two hours, had plenty of big plays, both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. UAB head coach Watson Brown noted the big plays from the scrimmage and was pleased with the play of the first team offense and defense, but much like the first scrimmage, he has concerns about depth. "It was a good first-team scrimmage," said Brown. "A lot of playmakers made a lot of plays. We have a lot of playmakers. There's really not a position that doesn't have one. I think if we can stay healthy with the playmakers that we have, we have a chance to hit big plays more than we have ever hit them here. "I was disappointed in the second offensive line. Today, they didn't hold up against the defenses. That disappointed me a little bit. I was pleased with both our first units. My concern is depth. I didn't feel as though that stuck out today. I was disappointed with both second units. I thought the second defense gave up too many big plays and I thought our second offensive unit, especially our offensive line, was disappointing." Junior quarterback Darrell Hackney, named to the preseason watch list for the 2004 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, was 12-of-17 for 292 yards and four touchdowns on the day, including a 70-yard touch-down strike to junior college transfer Reggie Lindsey. "I think he (Darrell) is confident," said Brown. "I think he knows the offense better than he has ever known it." Lindsey had four catches on the day for 126 yards and two touchdowns. He was also on the receiving end of a 35-yard touch-down strike from Hackney. Senior receiver Roddy White also had four catches for 106 yards and a touchdown. Junior tight end Cedric Hampton had three catches for 47 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore running back Dan Burks led all rushers, going for 51 yards on seven carries, including a 22-yard touch-down scamper. Burks also carried the ball in for a touchdown on a one-yard run. "Dan Burks plays hard every play," Brown said. "He's a hard runner, but he can also beat you around the corner." Senior placekicker Nick Hayes, named to the 2004 Lou Groza Award Preseason Watch List, was 2-of-3 from field-goal range. Hayes connected on field goals from 47 and 33 yards. He was also 8-of-8 on extra-point attempts. The defense also had several highlights on the day. Junior defensive back Justin Whitmore had a 28-yard interception return for a touchdown and senior linebacker Darrius Taylor had two picks in the scrimmage. In addition, sophomore transfer Larry McSwain had a 44-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown. Sophomore quarterback Curtis Falany was 10-of-13 for 94 yards and two touchdowns, including a 55-yard touch-down pass to senior receiver Bradly Chavez. UAB is next scheduled to practice Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. The Blazers open the season at home against Baylor Sept. 4. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Legion Field.
