The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Football Team Practices Early as Classes Start
8/16/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 16, 2011
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB football team practiced in the morning for the second-straight day as classes began on Tuesday. The practice ran roughly two hours long with the fall semester starting up.
Head coach Neil Callaway was pleased overall with practice as the coaching staff concentrated on some new drills for the offense, defense and special teams.
"Today was good, we did a lot of situational stuff," Callaway said. "We worked on the one-minute stuff, worked on what we call `may day kicks' with the kickers, trying to get all the situations covered. We still have a couple more to go but we are trying to get everything implemented that we're going to need."
Linebacker D.A. Autry was a standout player at practice according to Callaway, who was also excited about the breakaway speed of redshirt freshman wide receiver Jamarcus Nelson.
"(Nelson) is somebody that can go the distance anytime he touches the ball and (the opponents) have to know where he's at," Callaway said. "He still has to mature, still has some things to work on, but he certainly can be a good weapon for us with his speed."
The group of receivers has played well so far throughout the preseason camp with plenty of depth at the position.
"We have a good mix (of receivers)," Callaway said. "We talked about J.J. (Nelson) earlier and his speed and we have some bigger physical guys. Jackie (Williams) is kind of in between; he's got a lot of quickness and ability to make plays."
Callaway also pointed out the freshmen receivers having productive practices, but playing time is still up in the air.
"I've been pleased with those guys but it's too early at this point," Callaway said. "I think all three of the young guys have done some good things."
UAB opens its 2011 season on Saturday, Sept. 10 when it plays at Florida (7:00 p.m. ET/Fox Sports Net). UAB plays its first home game of the season a week later on Sept. 17 when it hosts Conference USA foe Tulane in a 3:00 p.m. CT kickoff at Legion Field.
