University of North Alabama Athletics

FLORENCE -- An afternoon down-pour forced the University of North Alabama football team indoors for part of its Wednesday workout, but didn't slow down the team's preseason preparations head coach Mark Hudspeth said. The UNA newcomers went through a morning practice session before the Lion veterans took the field at 2:30. That afternoon drill was then halted briefly due to rain and the drills shifted to Flowers Hall. "We had a good practice," said Hudspeth "We may be a little behind on the installation of our offense but we have time to get where we need to be." Hudspeth said he continued to be impressed with running back DeMarcus Blount, who he said is in the best shape of his career. He also said that transfer quarterback Hansel Bearden has shown that he is going to compete for the starting quarterback position with Vinnie Saylor and Chris Gunn. Hudspeth said the Lions worked on their blitz pickup, did a lot of motion work and line assignments during the period indoors. Hudspeth said he is eager to see the entire UNA team practice together for the first time on Thursday. "It will be good to see everybody on the field together," he said. "The speed of the game will change a lot for the freshmen. The reps will also be cut down significantly tomorrow because of the number of players on the field. UNA will begin a three-hour Thursday practice sessions at 2:45.