The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Scrimmage For Second Time In Fall Camp
8/16/2008 12:00:00β―AM | Football
Aug. 16, 2008
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB football team wrapped up its second scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday afternoon, going for just over two hours at Legion Field. Unlike the previous scrimmage which pitted the one's vs. the two's, head coach Neil Callaway placed his offensive and defensive starters against one another, while the second-teamers faced each other.
Overall, Callaway seemed pleased with his offense, but was disappointed in the defense.
"I thought offensively there were a lot of good things," Callaway said. "We made some plays that were impressive. We did have three or four turnovers that we can't have, so we have to do a better job of protecting the ball.
"Defensively, to be honest, I was very disappointed," Callaway continued. "Particularly at the end when we did some red zone and goal line situations. I don't think the defense competed very well. Championship football teams play great defense and I don't think we were near the defensive effort that we needed."
The first team offense was led by junior quarterback Joe Webb, who threw for 132 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 11-of-24 passing on the afternoon. True freshman quarterback David Isabelle also performed well, going 9-of-16 for 192 yards and a touchdown.
"I thought both quarterbacks did some good things," Callaway said. "Joe obviously does a great job. He made some good throws and made some good runs. David did some good things but still needs to learn how to manage a game. He's a guy who can make some plays and once he learns what he needs to do and gets comfortable with it, then I think he is going to be an outstanding player."
One notable change was the transition of junior Rashaud Slaughter returning to the running back position after originally being slotted as a wide receiver during spring practice and the start of fall camp.
Slaughter, who was the starting running back last season, played impressively during the second scrimmage. The Adamsville, Ala. native collected 53 yards on five carries, including a 37-yard scamper to set up a touchdown. He also caught three balls for 61 yards to give him 114 all-purpose yards on the afternoon.
Other running back performances included sophomore Justin Brooks who had six carries for 52 yards and two touchdowns, while Jim Mitchell ran for 53 yards on nine carries. Senior Aaron Johns missed the scrimmage with a sore leg, according to Callaway.
"At the running back situation we will have to go back and look at it," Callaway said. "Aaron Johns didn't get to play. The other three (Slaughter, Brooks and Mitchell) probably ran about the same. That's an area we'll have to make some decisions."
Sophomore wide receiver Frantrell Forrest led the receiving corp, gathering two touchdown receptions (36, 5) and finishing with four receptions for 56 yards on the afternoon. Rodell Carter only had one catch for 47 yards, while senior Brandon Heath had two catches for 31 yards and a touchdown. However, Callaway said he needs more out of the receiving group.
"I am disappointed in our receivers," Callaway said. "I thought Rodell (Carter) had some drops today which were uncharacteristic of the type of camp he has had. Frantrell had a good day and made some plays. We have to make sure our skill people are doing everything they need to do to have success."
Callaway and his team will now turn their focus towards the Tulsa game, as the coaching staff will begin implementing the game plan. The Blazers and Golden Hurricane will open the 2008 season on Aug. 30, with a 3 p.m. kickoff at Legion Field.
