The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Football Practice No. 6 News and Notes
3/19/2019 3:37:00 PM | Football
BIRMINGHAM - The UAB football team returned from break to hold its sixth practice of spring ball in full pads on Tuesday morning at the Football Operations Center.
THREE TAKEAWAYS:
THREE TAKEAWAYS:
- The two positions on offense that had a lot of uncertainty surrounding their groups heading into spring ball were wide receivers and offensive line. The wide receiving unit lost its top five pass catchers from a year ago, while the offensive line graduated four starters who combined to make 91 starts over the last two years. However, there has been a fresh crop of talent that has risen to the occasion at both positions.
- Despite losing a dynamic group of wideouts, the Blazers return a few players with experience in Austin Watkins and Kendall Parham. Watkins played the first four games of last year and had seven catches for 82 yards before redshirting, while Parham appeared in 10 games with 14 catches for 174 yards, as well as four carries for 70 yards and a TD. Those two have been heavily involved in the offense, however, it has been Birmingham native Myron Mitchell who has stood out through the first six practices. Mitchell has been targeted often and looks ready to contribute right away.
"All of our guys have been trying to get comfortable with Tyler [Johnston III], and it is starting to show in practice," said wide receivers coach Larry Smith. "It is a really promising group and I am looking forward to finishing the spring strong. These kids love the game of football. They enjoy being around each other and enjoy learning. Mentally, they understand we have a lot of prove. With us losing as many seniors as we did, guys are taking ownership and realizing that the bullseye on our back just got a lot bigger."
- Redshirt senior center Lee Dufour quarterbacks the new look offensive line. Dufour is one of two players on the current roster who was on the team in 2014, and he's been a stalwart as a starter since 2017. Around him, left tackle Colby Ragland is looking to fill the role of James Davis at left tackle, while David Galten, Greg Fecanin and Andrew Smith Jr. have been competing for the two guard positions. At right tackle, Patrick Nuss is in the mix, along with newcomer Sidney Wells who has looked impressive in the early stages of camp.
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