April 2, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- The UAB football team returned to the practice field Wednesday and head coach Neil Callaway was pleased with his team's effort in its ninth practice of the spring.

"I thought it was a good day," said Callaway. "I thought both sides continued to compete hard. The offense won the competition drill we have at the end. It's the first time they've won that particular drill this spring."

Callaway said the offensive line is making progress but has a ways to go. "We're still making some mental mistakes upfront offensively that you don't want," he said. "But we're doing a lot of mixing and matching right now. Once we can get settled in, I think that will help."

The second-year Blazer coach said his receivers have continued to impress since their outstanding performance in Saturday's scrimmage.

"I thought they had an excellent day Monday, blocking and receiving, and another good day today," said Callaway.

As far as the running game, Callaway the two backs leading the pack right now at this point of spring drills are sophomores Dexter Barnett and Justin Brooks, the latter a transfer from Troy who sat out last fall.

"I don't know that we've got a starter at this point," Callaway said. "I think the top two guys are Barnett and Brooks. If we had to play today, we'd play with those two.

The Blazers will return to practice Friday with the spring's second scrimmage to be held on Saturday.