BlazerSportsReport.com - Rain shortens Blazers practice

August 9, 2012

Aaron Jordan

The UAB football team went through a shortened practice on Thursday morning, working out for approximately 90 minutes in shells and shorts at the football facility.

The Blazers managed to dodge the rain clouds on Thursday morning to get in the scheduled practice.

The day began with the teams splitting into two groups. Most of the veterans on the squad lifted during the first eight periods of the 14-period practice, while the newcomers worked on the practice field. Once the upperclassmen returned, they were observers while the rookies, which consisted of some veterans Blazers, remained as the main focus during the morning session.

UAB defensive line coach Jimmy Williams spoke to the media following Thursday's practice and is generally pleased with what he has seen from his group.

"They have been working hard and have a great attitude," Williams said. "Improvement is on going. I'm excited about (the defensive line's) attitude. I'm excited about their effort and their ability potential. Work is in progress - we are still new and they are still young so we are going to keep working."

Williams pointed out that a pair of freshmen lineman, Jontavius Morris and Roscoe Byrd, that have stood out to him through the Blazers' 11 practices during fall camp.

"I really love them and they are great young men," Williams said of the freshman duo. "They have been coached well and they understand work ethic and they have a defensive line demeanor - they're physical, tough kids that are working hard. Those are the foundations to winning and they got it."

The Blazers will be back on the field on Friday morning, as the team continues work towards the first scrimmage of fall camp, which is set to take place on Saturday night.

UAB opens the football season on Saturday, Sept. 1, hosting instate rival Troy at Legion Field, with kickoff set for 11 a.m. CT.

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