The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Offense Gets the Best of Defense in Football Scrimmage No. 1
3/11/2020 12:46:00 PM | Football
BIRMINGHAM – The Blazer offense got the best of the defense in UAB's first scrimmage of spring practice Wednesday morning at the Football Operations Center.
UAB brings back nine returning starters on a unit that finished eighth nationally in total defense a year ago, but the offense also has nine returning starters and looked explosive in today's scrimmage.
THREE TAKEAWAYS:
HEAD COACH BILL CLARK:
Opening Statement:
"Today was good. I think we have learned how to practice together – practice hard but protect each other. That is always what you look for as a head coach. We had a bunch of guys that were banged up that we fixed in the spring, but that's an opportunity for other people. I am proud of the effort and I think offense took a step today."
On who performed well offensively:
"I hate to single certain guys out. I think the speed we practice with and the physicality. We have added a lot of new things this spring and I think we executed those for the most part. There are things we want to work on though. We had some offsides, but we protected the ball. That is the main thing. When we protect the ball we have a chance to be pretty good."
On what he learns as a coach from spring scrimmages:
"There is the team aspect, but then you are looking at individuals. For example, we have a guy out, then an A2 comes up and becomes a one, or the third guy becomes a two. That is an opportunity to see what those guys can do. And then you are also evaluating new things that we are trying as coaches. Schemes on both sides of the ball. Those are things for us to look at too."
On the leadership of the team:
"The attitude has been terrific. That really started after the bowl game. It is a constant work in progress. I think the seniors and those returning guys are doing a good job of that."
The Blazers are now off for spring break and return to the field on March 24. The Pepsi Spring Game will be played on April 4 at Legion Field. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. and tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
For more information on the UAB football team, be sure to follow @UAB_FB on Twitter and Instagram.
UAB brings back nine returning starters on a unit that finished eighth nationally in total defense a year ago, but the offense also has nine returning starters and looked explosive in today's scrimmage.
THREE TAKEAWAYS:
- Running Backs: Both Browns (Spencer Brown and Jermaine Brown Jr.) looked dynamic during the scrimmage. Spencer – the UAB all-time leading rusher – had an injury plagued junior year but currently looks to be in midseason form. His backfield mate Jermaine Brown Jr. showed flashes of being electric as a true freshman and the duo could provide many problems for opposing offenses in 2020.
- Offensive Line: The offensive line returns four starters from last year, but has mixed it up during spring ball to get some new faces opportunities. Specifically, Matthew Trehern was running with the ones and looked very solid at right guard.
- Wide Receivers: Myron Mitchell made some specular catches in the scrimmage and proved last year that he can catch virtually any deep ball thrown in his direction. Rising junior Kevin Davis also had a big day and is a player who has been in the program for four years that could emerge as a weapon for the Blazers.
HEAD COACH BILL CLARK:
Opening Statement:
"Today was good. I think we have learned how to practice together – practice hard but protect each other. That is always what you look for as a head coach. We had a bunch of guys that were banged up that we fixed in the spring, but that's an opportunity for other people. I am proud of the effort and I think offense took a step today."
On who performed well offensively:
"I hate to single certain guys out. I think the speed we practice with and the physicality. We have added a lot of new things this spring and I think we executed those for the most part. There are things we want to work on though. We had some offsides, but we protected the ball. That is the main thing. When we protect the ball we have a chance to be pretty good."
On what he learns as a coach from spring scrimmages:
"There is the team aspect, but then you are looking at individuals. For example, we have a guy out, then an A2 comes up and becomes a one, or the third guy becomes a two. That is an opportunity to see what those guys can do. And then you are also evaluating new things that we are trying as coaches. Schemes on both sides of the ball. Those are things for us to look at too."
On the leadership of the team:
"The attitude has been terrific. That really started after the bowl game. It is a constant work in progress. I think the seniors and those returning guys are doing a good job of that."
The Blazers are now off for spring break and return to the field on March 24. The Pepsi Spring Game will be played on April 4 at Legion Field. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. and tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
For more information on the UAB football team, be sure to follow @UAB_FB on Twitter and Instagram.
Players Mentioned
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