The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Football Camp Coverage: Practice No. 1
8/1/2018 3:55:00 PM | Football
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The UAB football team began its preparation for the 2018 season on Wednesday morning, Aug. 1, with its first practice of fall camp under Legacy Pavilion at the Football Operations Center.
Despite a rainy start to the day, practice went off without a hitch under Legacy Pavilion and Coach Clark pointed to how he was pleased with the team's enthusiasm to start the 2018 season.
TAKEAWAYS:
Coach Clark Transcription:
On the enthusiasm of practice:
"We will see what it looks like on day two, day seven, etc., but we talk all the time about being enthusiastic about the game and enjoying yourself. It's a game but it's important so let's enjoy it every chance we can."
On the amount of returning starters:
"That group should know what it looks like. You've got the younger guys and the stuff that you've added, but it is nice to have that group back that understands what we are trying to get accomplished."
Impressions on the first day of practice:
"For us, it was a huge improvement. We are trying to be great and that is a high standard. We went from a two-minute drill to the last period of kicking and we had guys let down a hair, so those are the little things. It's like the first game to the second, there should be improvement. Obviously we don't have pads on and I am stickler for protecting each other, not tackling to the ground, but still getting things done. I think they did a good job of doing that today."
On overcoming the first day jitters:
"I think they did. We had one guy cramp up that shocked me but I think he was just trying to do really well. You've got to take care of your body. That's rest, Gatorade and all of the above. For the most part we have had a great summer and I think it showed today."
On players putting pressure on themselves:
"We do a lot of mental training. I think that's the latest thing that has come around. We spent a lot of time this summer talking to them about 'what do winners look like?' and that meditation time and self-talk time you need - all of those things. We talk about the total athlete. Good question because that is important.
Junior Center Lee Dufour:
On the first day of practice:
"It was a great first day. Expectations are high and everyone came out with high energy. We don't have the pads on just yet so things are just bump and grind, but other than that it was a great first day and we're excited for the season."
On if there's a comfort level with the amount of returning starters:
"I wouldn't necessarily say there is a comfort level as much as the expectations are much higher. No one's spot is safe. The level of competition we have here at UAB, no one can just come out here and assume they have a spot. It definitely helps have the other four returning offensive lineman here though. I have played with them before and know what they are capable of, but like I said no one's spot is safe. You can never be comfortable in a college football game but it helps to have those guys back."
On the community being excited for UAB Football:
"I think we have all the capability to win as many games as we want this season. The community support has been great and there is nothing like Birmingham as far as a college fan base goes. I can't go eat a burger without someone stopping me and saying "Hey man, I am going to be at all of the football games this year." It's been real exciting. As much as they help us, we try to give it right back."
On the preseason Rimington Watch List accolade:
"It is definitely an honor. As an offensive lineman, we all think we do the most work on the field, but no one notices until you mess up, so it feels good to be recognized as one of the better centers in the country. More motivation for me to push even harder."
Despite a rainy start to the day, practice went off without a hitch under Legacy Pavilion and Coach Clark pointed to how he was pleased with the team's enthusiasm to start the 2018 season.
TAKEAWAYS:
- The Blazers were just in helmets to start camp, but the physicality was still on display despite not tackling. UAB will progress to shells and pads but will remain in just helmets on Thursday.
- The battles between the wide receivers and defensive backs were split throughout the day with the offense winning some plays and the defense winning others, but two specific catches on offense that had the team buzzing were a one-handed catch by Xavier Ubosi and an acrobatic catch by Kendall Parham.
- With the amount of returning players to start camp, the organization of the first day was smooth, as Clark has noted that this is first time he's had the same group of returning players for back-to-back seasons since his time as a high school coach.
Coach Clark Transcription:
On the enthusiasm of practice:
"We will see what it looks like on day two, day seven, etc., but we talk all the time about being enthusiastic about the game and enjoying yourself. It's a game but it's important so let's enjoy it every chance we can."
On the amount of returning starters:
"That group should know what it looks like. You've got the younger guys and the stuff that you've added, but it is nice to have that group back that understands what we are trying to get accomplished."
Impressions on the first day of practice:
"For us, it was a huge improvement. We are trying to be great and that is a high standard. We went from a two-minute drill to the last period of kicking and we had guys let down a hair, so those are the little things. It's like the first game to the second, there should be improvement. Obviously we don't have pads on and I am stickler for protecting each other, not tackling to the ground, but still getting things done. I think they did a good job of doing that today."
On overcoming the first day jitters:
"I think they did. We had one guy cramp up that shocked me but I think he was just trying to do really well. You've got to take care of your body. That's rest, Gatorade and all of the above. For the most part we have had a great summer and I think it showed today."
On players putting pressure on themselves:
"We do a lot of mental training. I think that's the latest thing that has come around. We spent a lot of time this summer talking to them about 'what do winners look like?' and that meditation time and self-talk time you need - all of those things. We talk about the total athlete. Good question because that is important.
Junior Center Lee Dufour:
On the first day of practice:
"It was a great first day. Expectations are high and everyone came out with high energy. We don't have the pads on just yet so things are just bump and grind, but other than that it was a great first day and we're excited for the season."
On if there's a comfort level with the amount of returning starters:
"I wouldn't necessarily say there is a comfort level as much as the expectations are much higher. No one's spot is safe. The level of competition we have here at UAB, no one can just come out here and assume they have a spot. It definitely helps have the other four returning offensive lineman here though. I have played with them before and know what they are capable of, but like I said no one's spot is safe. You can never be comfortable in a college football game but it helps to have those guys back."
On the community being excited for UAB Football:
"I think we have all the capability to win as many games as we want this season. The community support has been great and there is nothing like Birmingham as far as a college fan base goes. I can't go eat a burger without someone stopping me and saying "Hey man, I am going to be at all of the football games this year." It's been real exciting. As much as they help us, we try to give it right back."
On the preseason Rimington Watch List accolade:
"It is definitely an honor. As an offensive lineman, we all think we do the most work on the field, but no one notices until you mess up, so it feels good to be recognized as one of the better centers in the country. More motivation for me to push even harder."
Players Mentioned
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