The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Defensive Unit Stands Out During Thursday Practice
8/18/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 18, 2011
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The UAB football team continued its fall camp with a two-hour practice in helmets and shoulder pads on Thursday morning at the practice facility.
UAB head coach Neil Callaway seemed pleased with his team's effort during Thursday's workout, singling out the entire defensive unit.
"It was a good day," Callaway said. "The guys worked hard. I noticed that we worked through being tired today, especially defensively. I thought we did a nice job on the 11-on-11 stuff today.
"I think we are on pace defensively," Callaway continued. "We are not where we want to be by any means, but I've been seeing some good things. We still have work to do, but I'm pleased with where we are at this point."
Callaway was also happy with the kicking unit on Thursday. Freshmen Ty Long and Colin Anderson are competing for the starting spot at kicker in what seems to be a close contest.
"I thought our kickers did a nice job today," Callaway said. "We tried to create some pressure situations on them and they both handled it well."
Callaway said his team will have a lighter practice on Friday in preparation for the Blazers' first scrimmage on Saturday.
"We're going to ease up a little bit (Friday)," Callaway said. "We'll go for the same length of time, but we'll only be in helmets and shorts. We just want to review some things."
A week from Saturday, on Aug. 27, the team will host its annual Football Fan Day, which will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the food court of the Riverchase Galleria Mall in Hoover.
UAB opens the 2011 season on Saturday, Sept. 10 when the Blazers travel to Gainesville, Fla. to take on Southeastern Conference foe Florida (7:00 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Net).
