The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Continue Preseason Practice With Two-Hour Session Monday
8/10/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 10, 2009
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB football team went through two hours of practice in shells on Monday afternoon during its fourth practice of fall camp. The Blazers continued their preseason work as they look ahead to their first day in full pads on Tuesday.
UAB head coach Neil Callaway, who is now in his third season at the helm of the program, wasn't quite as pleased with Monday's practice as he had been about the previous days.
"Today wasn't as good as the past two days of practice," said Callaway. "I wouldn't say it was terrible, but it was not as good. We looked a little sluggish today, but that's not unusual after a day off."
Although he was not satisfied with the overall performance on Monday, Callaway pointed to the play of senior wide receiver Mark Ferrell as one of the highlights of the day.
"I think Mark Ferrell made a lot of good plays today," said Callaway. "He's the guy that stood out. He has carried over from the spring. He has his weight down, he looks fast, he looks strong and he just really looks good."
With Tuesday marking the first day in pads for the Blazers, Callaway is looking forward to see how his team responds to the first full-contact practice of fall camp.
"We obviously want to see intensity since it's a full contact day," said Callaway. "There won't be any `what ifs' tomorrow. Either you make the play or you don't. It will be more of a true test of what we do and where we are at."
UAB continues to prepare for its season-opening contest versus Conference USA foe Rice on Sept. 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT at Legion Field.
