The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Scrimmage For First Time This Spring
3/28/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 28, 2009
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB football team scrimmaged for the first time this spring on Saturday afternoon at Legion Field. The Blazers' offense shined throughout the two-hour scrimmage, putting up 713 yards through the air and 194 yards on the ground.
"Offensively, we did some really good things today," said UAB head coach Neil Callaway. "I think most notably the receivers. Joe (Webb) made some good plays, too."
Although Callaway was pleased with the progess that he is seeing in the offense's performance, he was not satisfied with the defense in the first scrimmage of the spring season.
"Defensively, I was very disappointed," said Callaway. "We are missing a lot of people on defense right now, and I know that. But, I thought the defense could've been better today. Overall, they have to step it up. "
UAB's offense scored on its first drive of the day and kept that momentum going throughout the scrimmage. The Blazers went 80 yards on six plays to reach paydirt on a six-yard touchdown run by sophomore Jae Fitzgerald on their first possession. Senior quarterback Joe Webb was 3-for-4 for 54 yards on that drive, including a 37-yard pass to Rodell Carter to set up the Fitzgerald TD.
Webb led the charges overall, going 14-for-20 for 315 yards and five touchdown passes. Redshirt freshman David Isabelle and sophomore Joseph Bento saw time under center as well. Isabelle went 19-for-30 for 293 yards and three touchdowns, while Bento had 105 yards passing on eight completions.
UAB's wide receivers put on a show on Saturday, with 13 different players recording a catch and nine players catching one touchdown pass each. Four receivers surpassed the 100-yard mark, led by senior Mark Ferrell with 125 yards on six catches and a trip to the endzone.
Senior Darryl Harris caught six passes for 120 yards and a TD and junior Frantrell Forrest turned it on late and tallied six receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown, with most of his yards coming towards the latter end of the scrimmage. Carter reached 100 yards on five catches on the day as well.
The passing game wasn't the only thing on display on Saturday as the Blazers established the running game, racking up a total of 194 yards on 37 carries (5.2 yards per carry) and four touchdowns on the ground.
"We had some pretty good plays with our running game today," said Callaway. "Our offensive line created some big holes for them to run through at times. We did okay, but we still have a ways to go at the running back spot."
Fitzgerald was the Blazers' top rusher with 59 yards on 10 carries, including three touchdowns. Junior Justin Brooks took the hand-off 10 times and tallied 50 yards and one touchdown.
Overall, Fitzgerald had 114 all-purpose yards on the day, with 55 yards receiving to go with his 59 yards on the ground. Brooks ended the day with 105 total yards, including 55 yards receiving and 50 rushing.
Even though Callaway was not pleased with the overall performance of the defense, a trio of defensive linemen broke through for quarterback sacks in the second half. Junior D.J. Reese, sophomore Nick Cannady and newcomer junior college transfer Derek Slaughter all recorded solo QB sacks.
The Blazers will return to the field on Monday to continue their spring practice schedule.
