The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Fall Camp Coverage: Practice No. 2
8/2/2018 4:50:00 PM | Football
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB Football team returned to Legacy Pavilion on Thursday morning for its second practice of fall camp, which culminates on Aug. 30 for the Blazers' 2018 season opener versus Savannah State.
TAKEAWAYS:
On the second day of fall camp:
"I thought we had a good day. Our receiving corps stepped it up and we threw the ball down field better but the big thing for us is to get out of non-pads. We've got a lot of guys going against each other and we don't want to get somebody injured, so to make it through the second day without an injury is one of the first things I look for along with the organization."
On having so many seniors and upperclassmen returning:
"When you compare us to last year we had some practice time but they had no idea what the urgency of games looked like. Some of those guys came from places that they were really far off from doing it the right way to the very top levels of FBS football so it is totally different in that respect. I thought we did a really good job last year and as I said, going through the wars and through the season and a bowl game, really has helped us a lot. I know from a coaching standpoint it allows us to be more detailed and even more demanding."
On the experience of the offense and how dynamic it can be:
"I think consistency is what we are looking for and the defense is battling right now and I think for us, what we have to be careful of is saying we have a bunch of guys back and that automatically makes us better and that is not the case. It does give us a leg up but I think one of our problems last year was inconsistency. I think we have more depth that a lot of people don't even know about that's going to help us. From what we've seen through the first two days is they are toe-to-toe with the defense but we'll see what happens when the pads get put on. I think some of our bigger running backs, we'll see if they are really being tackled or not."
On the player on offense having versatility:
"The more things you can do from a tight end who can block and catch, and a wide receiver who can catch and block or even run the ball, that is harder to defend. That also allows you to put people in where you need them to be, and put people in who are multiple, because that's what we want to be. We want to be multiple."
Tight End Donnie Lee:
On day two of camp:
"Practice has been going well. We are taking it day-by-day and it's a grind and everybody is trying to get a starting position, but you have to come to work at practice every day."
On how good the offense can be:
"We're explosive at every position and we have depth at tight end, receiver, running back and on the offensive line. We have 30+ seniors returning, it is going to be a great season."
On playing different positions since he's arrived at UAB:
"Playing different positions has helped me on and off the field in terms versatility and being able to be coached. I want to take the challenge that is given to me. I've played different positions every since I was a kid so it has helped me to get where I am today."
On the importance of helping the younger guys:
"We have to hit the ground running. We have something to prove and we want to win a conference championship and a bowl game, which has never been done here, so there is a lot to prove."
TAKEAWAYS:
- Receivers continue to make great plays in one-on-one situations, and specifically Xavier Ubosi and Donnie Lee have had a great start to their senior seasons.
- Depth: The Blazers look to have far more depth this season, which includes a talented crop of freshmen who are hopeful to see the field in their first year.
- With depth comes competition and there has been a lot of it during the first two days of camp. Lee Dufour stated in an interview that no one's spot is guaranteed and UAB has practiced like that for the first two days.
- The Blazers will increase to shells on Friday after playing the first two days in just helmets.
- The Blazers are officially four weeks away from their first game, which comes on a Thursday night, Aug. 30 against Savannah State. Season tickets, mini plans and single game tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
On the second day of fall camp:
"I thought we had a good day. Our receiving corps stepped it up and we threw the ball down field better but the big thing for us is to get out of non-pads. We've got a lot of guys going against each other and we don't want to get somebody injured, so to make it through the second day without an injury is one of the first things I look for along with the organization."
On having so many seniors and upperclassmen returning:
"When you compare us to last year we had some practice time but they had no idea what the urgency of games looked like. Some of those guys came from places that they were really far off from doing it the right way to the very top levels of FBS football so it is totally different in that respect. I thought we did a really good job last year and as I said, going through the wars and through the season and a bowl game, really has helped us a lot. I know from a coaching standpoint it allows us to be more detailed and even more demanding."
On the experience of the offense and how dynamic it can be:
"I think consistency is what we are looking for and the defense is battling right now and I think for us, what we have to be careful of is saying we have a bunch of guys back and that automatically makes us better and that is not the case. It does give us a leg up but I think one of our problems last year was inconsistency. I think we have more depth that a lot of people don't even know about that's going to help us. From what we've seen through the first two days is they are toe-to-toe with the defense but we'll see what happens when the pads get put on. I think some of our bigger running backs, we'll see if they are really being tackled or not."
On the player on offense having versatility:
"The more things you can do from a tight end who can block and catch, and a wide receiver who can catch and block or even run the ball, that is harder to defend. That also allows you to put people in where you need them to be, and put people in who are multiple, because that's what we want to be. We want to be multiple."
Tight End Donnie Lee:
On day two of camp:
"Practice has been going well. We are taking it day-by-day and it's a grind and everybody is trying to get a starting position, but you have to come to work at practice every day."
On how good the offense can be:
"We're explosive at every position and we have depth at tight end, receiver, running back and on the offensive line. We have 30+ seniors returning, it is going to be a great season."
On playing different positions since he's arrived at UAB:
"Playing different positions has helped me on and off the field in terms versatility and being able to be coached. I want to take the challenge that is given to me. I've played different positions every since I was a kid so it has helped me to get where I am today."
On the importance of helping the younger guys:
"We have to hit the ground running. We have something to prove and we want to win a conference championship and a bowl game, which has never been done here, so there is a lot to prove."
Players Mentioned
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