The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Hold First Scrimmage Of Spring Football
3/5/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 5, 2005
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- The UAB football team held its first scrimmage of spring football in cool, but windy weather on the Blazers' practice field Saturday.
"My overall impression was that it was kind of an average day," said UAB head coach Watson Brown. "I didn't think we had great spirit in the scrimmage on either side. They weren't loafing, but I didn't really sense a lot of spirit. I think we've got to look at the tape to focus on individuals, because that's really what spring ball is all about; finding the individuals that can make plays for you and using them the right way next fall."
UAB scrimmaged for an hour and a half and used many different players in an effort to fill some holes left by key players from the 2004 squad.
"We lost three starting linebackers, so every single practice we're watching the linebackers closely," said Brown. "I think the three places where we have concerns are linebacker, replacing Roddy White and kicker Nick Hayes. I think Parker Mullins kicked the ball well. We'll go back and see how the linebackers did today, but I think it's a two-fold deal replacing Roddy White."
Junior quarterback Chris Williams started the scrimmage and alternated possessions with senior starter Darrell Hackney. Williams was 17-of-26 for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Williams completed the first touchdown of the game, a three-yard pass to senior wide receiver Carl Duncan. Later in the contest, Williams connected with senior tight end Chico Cleveland for a 20-yard score.
Hackney had several passes dropped by his receivers early in the scrimmage, but came on strong at the end, finishing the game 9-of-15 with 91 yards and one TD. Hackney, who lost his go-to guy Roddy White to graduation, found senior wide receiver Reggie Lindsey in the corner of the endzone for a 22-yard touchdown.
The Blazers' passing game may be more of a committee effort this season, as 13 different players caught passes, including five with multiple receptions. Lindsey was UAB's leading receiver with four catches for 48 yards. Duncan and had four (19 yards), while Cleveland had three (36 yards). Senior Jhun Cook and freshman transfer Steven Brown had two catches each. Cook for 16 yards and Brown for 21 yards.
"Somebody's got to step up at receiver and we've got to spread the ball around more," said Brown. "I think we're doing that pretty well. I thought a lot of people caught passes today, so we're not going too much to one guy like we did last year. I'm not saying we were wrong last year, because Roddy White was a great player to give the ball to."
It was a similar situation with UAB's running game, as 13 Blazers recorded a carry. Sophomore Trey Chaney was the workhorse of the afternoon, tallying 44 yards on 16 carries. Junior Dan Burks had five rushes for 46 yards, including a six-yard touchdown. Corey White, a junior running back, had five carries for 15 yards, while junior Norris Drinkard had 25 yards on two rushes. Freshman fullback Nolan Hughey had two carries for five yards, but also scored a touchdown.
Junior Parker Mullins, who has punted for the Blazers for two season, may also handle kicking duties in 2005, replacing Nick Hayes. Mullins was 3-of-3 for field goals on the afternoon, including kicks of 47, 42 and 17 yards. Additionally, Mullins made 4-of-5 extra points.
The linebacker position is a question mark for UAB. The Blazers lost three starters at the position, as well as a few backups.
"I think these new guys have gotten a lot better. I haven't thought that anyone has just stepped up above the rest yet, but at the same time we'll go back and watch this tape we'll be able to see where they all are. We played eleven linebackers today, and we're trying to find the best guys."
UAB will hold its second scrimmage of the spring as part of its annual Blazer Day on Sunday, March 13. The UAB Spring Football Game will begin at 2:30 at West Campus Field.
