The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Concludes Preseason With Final Two-A-Day Practice
8/17/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 17, 2005
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- The UAB football team had its final two-a-day practice Wednesday, as the Blazers wrapped up their preseason workouts. The Blazers spent the morning in full pads and were on the practice field for just under two hours. UAB hit the field in the afternoon with a lighter practice in shorts and helmets for about 90 minutes.
UAB returns to its regular-season schedule Thursday as classes begin for the fall semester.
"I think we've done everything we can do," said UAB head coach Watson Brown. "We've stayed fairly healthy on defense and have gotten better. The offensive line injuries have slowed us down on that side. I think it's been a very good two-a-days. We've had the minor injuries, but we haven't lost a guy. If we get through the afternoon without doing that, then its been a pretty good two-a-days.
"It's good news, bad news on the offensive line," said Brown. "Bad news, we're not ever getting any coordination up front. Good news is that they're going to be back. Hopefully, we'll get some people back Monday full-speed. Then, we'll have about two weeks to get some of that coordination back."
Despite the injuries, the Blazers are still going to be physical in practices this week.
"I think at some point you might back off a little," said Brown. "However, the guys that are out here have to know what to do. You just have to keep going with the ones you've got. If your numbers get to the point where you aren't two-deep, then you have to back off. We'll back off next week, so we have to get this work in. We have one more to get in and then our scrimmage Saturday. If we get those in, then we will have had eight hard, physical practices. I think we'll be okay, but we just have to cross our fingers and hang on for dear life."
UAB has been able to use the injuries to its advantage. Since several returners have been nursing injuries, the newcomers have had plenty of time to show the coaching staff just what they can do on the field.
"I told these young players that while the older guys are out, it's their shot." Brown said. "They are getting lots of reps and plenty of chances. They have a few more days until people come back, so they have to show their talent now."
The Blazers open the season on Saturday, Sept. 3, as the Blazers head to Knoxville, Tenn., to face Tennessee. UAB and the Volunteers will kick off at 12:30 ET/11:30 CT at Neyland Stadium. The game will be televised regionally on Jefferson Pilot.
