The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Football Team Practices Wednesday As Spring Game Approaches
4/13/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 13, 2011
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- The UAB football team went through its 13th practice of spring drills here Wednesday, continuing its preparations for this Saturday's Spring Game.
The Blazers will hold their Spring Game Saturday at 11:00 a.m. CT at West Campus Field in the first event of UAB's Blazer Blitz Weekend. Home baseball and home softball games, as well as soccer, will follow on campus that afternoon and the day will be filled with plenty of fan and family-friendly activities.
"I thought it was very good today," UAB head coach Neil Callaway said after Wednesday's practice. "We had a lot of good competition on both sides of the ball. The defense really wanted to match the intensity of the offense and that was a good sign to see. It was a good, competitive day."
Callaway mentioned two individuals on the defensive side -- linebacker D.A. Autry and safety Johnny Cockrell -- who caught his eye in practice. He also said senior running back Pat Shed had a good day on Wednesday.
"Two guys stood out defensively today in D.A. Autry and Johnny Cockrell," Callaway said. "D.A. is still making some mistakes but the one thing about him is that he makes mistakes at full speed. He brings a lot of energy and intensity to our football team. He still has a lot of things to learn, but he does bring that for us. Pat Shed had a good day on the offensive side of the ball, which was good to see."
Callaway and the Blazers will practice Friday morning leading up to Saturday's 15th and final session when they hold the Spring Game.
"Saturday is a big day for us," he said. "Not only with the spring game, but there is also softball and baseball games, as well as a soccer game after we play, so there is a lot going on Saturday. I think anytime we can do things on our campus, it's a good thing. It will be a good day for everyone to come out and enjoy the festivities. Hopefully we'll have a good crowd and we're looking forward to it."
