Aug. 7, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB football team encountered something during Thursday's practice that it has not had to deal with yet this season - heavy rain and thunderstorms.

The Blazers' normal three-hour practice was delayed approximately 60 minutes into the start of the session due to the inclement weather. As a result, UAB head coach Neil Callaway was forced to cut out some things that he had in store for the afternoon practice. However, despite the shortened practice, the second-year head coach was pleased with how his team performed on the day.

"We had a good practice today in spite of the weather," Callaway said. "It cooled off with the rain and I don't know if that had anything to do with it. It was a very competitive, high tempo, spirited practice."

In the opening hour of practice, the team was able to get in some drills and special teams work before the storms came. Due to the lightning in the area, the Blazers were forced to seek shelter for just over an hour to wait out the storm.

When the team returned to the field, Callaway was more than happy with the team's attitude.

"Once we got back out here and got going, I thought we played well," Callaway said. "I thought the spirit and tempo was good. I really liked the intensity as well."

Individually, Callaway said there were several players who stood out during Thursday's practice. The first name he mentioned was defensive back Marquis Coleman. He also liked the performance of Jim Mitchell and Jae Fitzgerald, among others.

"I thought Marquis did some real good things out there today," Callaway said. "He made some real nice plays. I thought Jim and Jae both had some good runs and Rodell (Carter) and Mario (Wright) each had some nice catches."

The Blazers will return to the practice field on Friday afternoon for another late afternoon practice. The team will be allowed to wear full pads on Friday for the first time during the camp.

"We are going to have a lot of contact and competitive drills," Callaway said. "It's the first time this year anything will be `live', so I hope it is going to be a good day."

UAB will open the 2008 slate with a home game against Conference USA foe Tulsa on Saturday, Aug. 30. It marks the first time in program history that the Blazers have opened a season against a C-USA opponent. The Blazers and Golden Hurricane will kick off at 3 p.m. CT at Legion Field.