05-01-2021, 10:45 AM
05-01-2021, 05:25 PM
(05-01-2021 10:45 AM)blazerblazer Wrote: [ -> ]Front page of The Athletic today.
https://theathletic.com/2547038/2021/05/...than-ever/
Article is behind a paywall can someone post it?
05-02-2021, 01:08 PM
Toggle navigation
Subscribe
Never miss a sports story that matters.
You're approaching your free article limit.
Subscribe
UAB football has a new normal: Under Bill Clark, the Blazers continue to be better than ever
By Chris Vannini May 1, 2021 9
Editor’s note: Part of a continuing series previewing the Power 5 and top Group of 5 teams for the 2021 college football season.
The best thing one can say about UAB football is that it finally feels like a normal program.
For a few years, the Blazers were defined by their rebuild from nothing, taking the field in 2017 after the program was shut down in 2014 and revived a few months later, though it did not play a game in 2015 and 2016. Now it’s defined by championships. UAB has won two of the past three Conference USA championships. It’s the first team in league history to win three consecutive division titles. It has won at least 60 percent of its games in a season in four consecutive years. The Blazers had won 60 percent of their games in a season just once at the Football Bowl Subdivision level in their pre-shutdown era from 1996 to 2014.
Maybe in order for UAB football to live, it first had to die. Only three players on the 2021 roster were a part of a UAB team without a season. Most of the team just knows UAB football as a regular college football team.
“We seem like a normal program, and it sure feels good,” head coach Bill Clark said.
The capstone of that renaissance arrives in 2021. After three decades playing at decrepit Legion Field, this fall the Blazers will move into Protective Stadium, a new, 47,000-seat, $175 million facility built on the grounds of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. It marks the latest step forward for a program that practiced on bumpy dirt fields not long ago.
“It really is unreal,” Clark said. “Every day, multiple people ask me about it. They see it — that’s what we were lacking. Whatever you felt about Legion Field, it was tucked away and you just didn’t see it. Now, people go by every day and they think about UAB football. They think first-class, they think it’s gonna be cool and they think about us. Everything’s just going to be great about it.”
UAB has championships, first-class facilities, a staff with more continuity than most and a lot of experience returning in 2021. If a couple of holes get filled, this could be Clark’s best team yet. Forget “returning starters.” UAB might have 16 returning senior starters among the 22 offensive and defensive positions, thanks to an extra year of eligibility from the NCAA. But the schedule is tough, opening with four games away from home.
UAB’s not Cinderella anymore. In Conference USA, it’s become the Goliath.
“If we had a dream, this would have been the dream,” Clark said. “We win three West division championships in a row, two conference titles out of the last three. But the key is not resting on our laurels. We’ve got one of the toughest schedules we’ve had. We’re going into this new stadium, have a lot of people back, but what do we do to continue to take the next step?”
Roster analysis
Quarterback: UAB returns every quarterback from a year ago, but who will start the first game remains up in the air. Returning senior Tyler Johnston III has opened the past two years as the starter, but injuries have sidelined him at various points. Johnston averaged 8.7 yards per attempt with seven touchdowns and one interception over five games, starting the first two and last two. Sophomore Bryson Lucero started the other five games and had seven touchdowns to eight interceptions. Then there’s junior Dylan Hopkins, who went 3-2 as a starter in 2019 but did not play in a game last season.
Coaches agreed that Johnston is in the pole position at the moment, but the starting job is a three-man battle.
“Right now, we’ve got three guys that are really capable of playing for us and have started games and won games for us,” offensive coordinator Bryant Vincent said. “So we feel like we’re as deep as we’ve been. The depth at that position and the leadership and where it’s going, we feel really strong about.
“Tyler is the starter right now until somebody takes it from him, but we’ll go into fall camp with Tyler one, Dylan two and Bryson three.”
Tyler Johnston III has 4,429 career passing yards. (Chuck Cook / USA Today)
Running backs: UAB needs to replace the best running back in school history but feels it has the man for the job. Spencer Brown’s 4,011 rushing yards, 42 rushing touchdowns and 19 100-yard games were all school records, and he was MVP of the C-USA Championship Game twice.
He also had nearly three times as many carries as the next closest Blazer in 2020. But coaches are excited about sophomore DeWayne McBride. The 220-pounder had only 47 carries last year, but he averaged a ridiculous 9.3 yards per carry. That included two 70-plus-yard rushing touchdowns.
“We feel like he’s got a chance to be special,” Bryant said. “He’s a big kid that can run for power and speed and make cuts and get vertical. He’s got good hands out of the backfield. He has a chance to be the next Spencer Brown — or better.”
Despite the small sample size with game experience, Bryant expects McBride to be a bell-cow running back like Brown, taking most of the carries. Clark, however, pointed to several complementary players who will be in the mix, including senior Lucious Stanley (5.9 yards per carry last year), junior Jermaine Brown Jr. (250 rushing yards) and sophomore Lee Witherspoon, an incoming transfer from Mississippi State.
Wide receivers/tight ends: This is the biggest question mark on offense. Gone are the top two targets in Austin Watkins Jr. and Myron Mitchell, who combined for 63 catches and 904 yards a year ago, nearly half of UAB’s production. Senior Trea Shropshire is expected to take over as the top wideout after finishing with 14 catches for 310 yards. The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder broke out in the C-USA title game with five catches for 180 yards, and UAB coaches hope he finds that consistency.
Vincent said Ryan Davis had the most impressive spring out of the group. The 5-11, 175-pound sophomore had three catches last season but could break out this fall after playing while a bit banged up. Sophomore Samario Rudolph also had three catches as a freshman, and the Blazers will need more out of 6-4, 225-pound senior RaJae’ Johnson-Sanders. New faces should get in the mix, too, with incoming freshmen receivers Fred Farrier and Jordan Palmer expected to get a shot.
The tight end position is secure. Returning senior Hayden Pittman was named second-team All-C-USA last season with 19 catches for 227 yards, and he enters 2021 on a 25-game catch streak. Gerrit Prince is also back as a returning senior after leading UAB with four touchdown catches, earning honorable mention all-conference.
UAB’s run has been led by its stout defenses, but even with the receiver questions, Vincent expects the offense to carry its weight.
“We feel like this is going to be the best offense we’ve had up to this point,” the offensive coordinator said.
Offensive line: UAB allowed just four sacks in nine games, the fewest among any team that played at least nine games, while the rushing attack averaged 200 yards per game and finished No. 33 in yards per carry. All five line starters are back, including four returning seniors who took advantage of the extra year of eligibility. They’ll all be seniors in 2021.
From left to right, that includes tackle Colby Ragland, guard Jakoby Jones, center Andrew Smith Jr., guard Matthew Trehern and tackle Sidney Wells. Ragland and Wells earned first-team All-C-USA honors, while Trehern was an honorable mention.
“You feel really good about your offensive line in what we do, the toughness of that group, the maturity of that group,” Vincent said. “We have excellent leadership up front with the offensive line. Anytime you’re solid there, man, it always gives me a good feeling.”
With all five starters back, depth is strong as well. Senior tackle Kadeem Telfort started three games last fall. So did sophomore center Will Rykard. Sophomore tackle Chris Noble also comes in with nine games of playing experience as a redshirt freshman.
This was the best line in C-USA last year and should be once again.
Blazers' returning production
Passing yards
100
Lucero, 969
Rushing yards
50
McBride, 439
Receiving yards
47
Shropshire, 310
OL starts
91
Four with 9
Tackles
84
Moll, 59
Tackles for loss
73
Turner, 5.5
Sacks
71
Eason, 2.5
Interceptions
75
Cash, 2
Defensive line: The defensive front loses only one player, but it’s a huge loss. Jordan Smith departed early for the NFL after recording 9 1/2 tackles for loss and 4 1/2 sacks in 2020, both team highs.
Everyone else on the line is back. Among the starters, that includes returning senior defensive tackle Tyree Turner (5 1/2 TFLs, two sacks, honorable mention All-C-USA), senior defensive tackle Antonio Moultrie (DL-high 33 tackles, second-team All-C-USA) and junior nose tackle Fish McWilliams (two sacks). Their backups return, too, including defensive tackles Mi’Cario Stanley and Isaiah Forte and nose tackle Tony Fair.
But that sam end position that Smith held remains a question. Defensive coordinator David Reeves runs a 3-4 defense, with that position often used as an edge rusher, so it’s included in the defensive line section for simplicity. Reeves pointed to senior Kelle Sanders and junior Nikia Eason Jr., who were the backups last season. But the biggest name to watch will be Justin Thomas, the defensive end transfer from LSU. At 6-5, 255 pounds, he’s similar to Smith’s 6-7 frame. The senior played in only 11 games at LSU, so there’s not a ton of game tape to evaluate, but the physical ability is there. UAB also landed Indiana defensive end transfer Jalen Mayala, a former three-star recruit in the 2020 class, so he could be a name to watch as well.
Antonio Moultrie is part of a defensive front loaded with experience. (Chuck Cook / USA Today)
Linebackers: Not including the sam end role, the remaining starting linebackers are back. Returning senior Kris Moll had a team-high 59 tackles while earning first-team All-C-USA honors for the second consecutive season, but he’s moved back to a star safety position and could line up all over the field. Fellow senior Noah Wilder had 50 tackles and 4 1/2 TFLs while earning second-team All-C-USA honors. Junior jack end Alex Wright enters his third season as a starter. The former C-USA All-Freshman team member had three TFLs in eight games a year ago.
Several backups are no longer with the team, meaning junior Deshaun Oliver Jr. and senior Tyler Taylor should get more time. Former West Virginia and junior college linebacker Charlie Benton played in six games in 2020 and could also break into the rotation.
“It’s the deepest the room has been since I’ve been the defensive coordinator,” Reeves said. “A bunch of guys took a bunch of steps forward in spring.”
Defensive backs: Like the defensive line, this is a veteran group with one big question: the departure of cornerback Brontae Harris. UAB allowed the second fewest yards per attempt in the country (5.5), the second consecutive year the Blazers were in the top 10. They’ve been in the top 30 in all four seasons since the program’s rebirth.
Returning senior TD Marshall is back for his third year as a cornerback starter after two All-C-USA seasons. Senior Will Boler returns to start at one safety spot after earning honorable mention all-conference, while junior Damon Miller and senior Grayson Cash will likely battle for the other spot. Miller started the final seven games of 2020 and earned honorable mention all-conference, as did star position starter Dy’jonn Turner. The defensive backfield is deep.
Several candidates stand out for the other corner spot, including seniors Devodric Bynum and CD Daniels, but Reeves also pointed to redshirt freshman Mac McWilliams, who played in four games as a true freshman last season.
“It seemed like every time we sat down, that guy was making a phenomenal play,” Reeves said.
Special teams: All of the starting specialists are back, headlined by kicker Matt Quinn. The freshman earned honorable mention all-conference honors after making 11 of 12 kicks, including 5-for-5 on kicks longer than 40 yards. Senior punter Kyle Greenwell averaged 42.6 yards on 46 punts, including eight longer than 50 yards and 15 downed inside the 20-yard line.
“Shoot, if we had an MVP of the spring game, (Greenwell) averaged almost 50 yards a kick on 11 or 12 kicks, with hang time,” Clark said. “We feel good about those guys.”
There will be a new long snapper, and Clark expects junior cornerback Starling Thomas V to take over at punt returner after missing the 2020 season.
What others are saying about UAB
Given how much production returns for UAB, opposing coaches don’t have many questions about the Blazers in 2021. They expect to see what they always see: size and physicality.
“They have unique height and length,” said one head coach who faced UAB. “They have athletic ability, good team speed. The edge players were extremely long and could create issues for you. I felt like the backs made them a little bit different. Just a tough group. A lot of respect for how they play.”
Having played and recruited against UAB, the head coach knows they’re one of the toughest teams to beat in the region. With all the infrastructure improvements within the program, coaches know the Blazers aren’t going away anytime soon and should continue as one of the best teams in C-USA.
“They’re built to sustain,” said the head coach. “They’ve done a good job. They have lots and lots of players. I don’t know who else coming back, but they’ve done a good job evaluating and recruiting. Certainly, where they’re located, they’re going to be able to put together a good roster. They’re football guys there. That staff, the head coach, they’re into it, they work hard at it.”
How the Blazers have recruited from 2018 to 2021
The recruiting strategy has changed in each of the past few years because the needs of the program have changed. The 2016 class ranked No. 2 in C-USA, but it had 50 players because the program had to be rebuilt. The sheer numbers have since declined, as have the rankings. The 2017 class had 31 players, followed by two 23-member classes, followed by two 13-member classes, including the most recent 2021 group. Those initial classes grow up, and balancing the roster with classes takes a long time. UAB has also added several transfers instead of high school players in certain classes.
The 2021 class does not feature a player nationally ranked in the 247Sports Composite, but 11 are rated three-stars. Clark pointed to Greensboro, Ala., guard Eli Richey as the program’s best offensive line signee in his tenure as head coach. He also really likes receivers Fred Farrier and Jordan Palmer. But with so many players back across the board, finding playing time as a freshman could be tough.
UAB’s program was rebuilt with junior college players. Then the strategy moved to high school players, now supplemented with transfers. But Clark has noticed he’s no longer selling a vision to high schoolers. UAB isn’t a rebuilt program to them. It’s just a winning program.
“Our high school recruiting now is what’s going to really change everything, along with this stadium,” Clark said. “These guys are actually fans. They know us. They’ve seen us win, and they want to be a part of it.”
Transfers to know
The Blazers added four transfers from Power 5 schools: Indiana defensive end Jalen Mayala, Mississippi State running back Lee Witherspoon, West Virginia outside linebacker Charlie Benton and LSU defensive end Justin Thomas.
UAB’s program was rebuilt with junior college players, some of whom had previously played at bigger schools. So the staff is plenty experienced in finding players from other schools.
“It’s all about a fit,” Clark said of transfers. “There’s some good reasons. Proximity to home is always a big reason, but I’m just really careful. You don’t want a kid that’s just running away from work. When you find a guy that you’re the right fit for, it can be good. We’re not getting a bunch (anymore), but the ones we got, I feel really good about.”
Jordan Smith, a former Florida defensive end who arrived from Butler Community College, became an all-conference player. Now Thomas will be a candidate to fill that role.
“He’s got a chance to be really good,” Clark said.
Bill Clark is 40-22 in five seasons at UAB. (Ben Queen / USA Today)
Impact of coaching changes
There are no changes for this UAB on-field staff. The Blazers have had among the least amount of coaching turnover in the country in recent years. All 10 assistant coaches return in 2021 under Clark. There was only one new assistant heading into 2020 and just two new coaches the year before. Vincent is entering his fourth season as offensive coordinator, and Reeves is entering his fifth as defensive coordinator. That familiarity builds on itself.
“We believe in the way we do things,” Clark said. “We talk a lot about family, and these guys have been with me for a long time. A lot of these guys played for me. I just think there’s a belief in how we do things. We’re gonna have to have a lot of belief for the schedule we get next year.
“When they believe, it goes to their players. They know if we follow this process and these steps, then we’ve got a chance to be good. When the coaches believe in it, that’s really important.”
Schedule analysis
Sept. 1
Jacksonville State
Montgomery, Ala.
Sept. 11
Georgia
Away
Sept. 18
North Texas
Away
Sept. 25
Tulane
Away
Oct. 2
Liberty
Home
Oct. 9
Florida Atlantic
Home
Oct. 16
Southern Miss
Away
Oct. 23
Rice
Home
Nov. 6
Louisiana Tech
Home
Nov. 13
Marshall
Away
Nov. 20
UTSA
Away
Nov. 27
UTEP
Home
The Blazers are the rare team without a home game until October. The new stadium is coming, but for planning purposes, UAB didn’t schedule any September games at home. Those first four games away from home are difficult, too. Jacksonville State — a neutral Wednesday night opponent in Montgomery, Ala. — reached the spring 2021 FCS playoffs, Georgia should contend for the College Football Playoff, North Texas is typically around bowl eligibility in recent years and Tulane should be one of the better teams in the American Athletic Conference.
“It’s tough. There’s no way around it,” Clark said. “I’d rather be playing at home sooner. Jacksonville State could win the FCS. We’ve got to go to Georgia, who’s top four. It’s a who’s who, all road games. So we’re just gonna have to be that much better. Then we’re gonna play a great Liberty team at home in the first game, so it doesn’t get any easier.”
Liberty, which went 10-1 last year, is the fourth nonconference game. In C-USA play, the toughest stretch comes late. The Blazers host Louisiana Tech, which is always a solid team, then travel to Marshall for a rematch of last year’s C-USA championship game. Then it’s a trip to UTSA, which should be another contender for the conference title. That three-game stretch will determine whether UAB can win a fourth consecutive division championship.
Final assessment
As UAB’s return from the dead gets farther away, each division title can make one forget just how miraculous the results were. The Blazers had been one of the worst programs in the country pre-shutdown. Now they’re expected to contend for or win Conference USA every year, and 2021 is no different. They already set a record with three consecutive division titles, and with so many key contributors back in 2021, they’ll be favored for a fourth.
The quarterback situation must work itself out and new leaders must emerge at running back and wide receiver, but coaches believe this team could be among the best since the return. The opening of Protective Stadium is the latest stamp on what has been a remarkable run. But the Blazers have no intention of it being the last mark they leave.
UAB’s national championship odds from BetMGM: +50,000
(Top photo of DeWayne McBride: Michael Wade / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Get all-access to exclusive stories.
Subscribe to The Athletic for ad-free, in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.
Chris Vannini covers the Group of Five conferences, college football coaching and national college football for The Athletic. He previously was managing editor of CoachingSearch.com. Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisVannini.
Subscribe to join the conversation.
Chris P.
May 1
I really wish every writer would write these the way u do Chris. Some of them read like they are meant only for fans of that team vs yours where I’m not a uab fan but I know exactly what they lose and bring back.
Chris Vannini
STAFF
May 1
@Chris P. Thanks!
John D.
May 1
Good job Chris. Jermaine Brown is no longer a RB he’s a slot receiver. Also, Kris Moll isn’t a LB he’s moving to safety.
Chris Vannini
STAFF
May 1
@John D. Ah thanks for the catch.
Jeff K.
May 1
Great coverage here Chris. You need to write a book about this teams return from the dead to success. All the stakeholders.
Jack C.
23h ago
9-3
Wayne S.
23h ago
Great write-up Chris. Coach Clark has proven how successful this program can be with the right support. Our facilities were just embarrassing prior to his tenure. Moving into Protective Stadium is just the cherry on top of the past few years.
Mark M.
23h ago
This is a well-done piece. Kudos from a Georgia fan. Much respect for the transformation at UAB!
Scott G.
20h ago
Clark isn’t wrong about Legion Field being hidden. I lived in Birmingham for 3 years until I saw it, which is insane to think about when you’re talking about a 72k seat stadium. I’ve always joked that it’s like the Hogwarts of football stadiums because its a huge structure that only appears if you’re going there.
As for the team, the only concern for me is WR depth and OC. Reeves has shown that he’s an elite DC but the offensive play calling puts too much on QBs.
READ MORE
Submit your questions for Ari Wasserman’s recruiting mailbag
Who will be the breakout quarterback of the 2022 NFL Draft? Keep an eye on Liberty’s Malik Willis
Ten potential 2022 NFL Draft prospects to follow this fall: Spencer Rattler, Kyle Hamilton, Derek Stingley and more
Optimistic NC State returns 18 starters, including QB Devin Leary. Next step for coach Dave Doeren? ‘Win the ACC’
2021 NFL Draft picks by college: Alabama and Ohio State top list, Georgia sets program high, Notre Dame most since 1994
What the Jacksonville Jaguars are getting in Jordan Smith, UAB’s high-upside edge rusher
Already have the app? Open Article in App
National
Boxing
Bundesliga
Champions League
College Basketball
College Football
Culture
EFL
Europa League
Fantasy Baseball
Fantasy Basketball
Fantasy Football
Fantasy Hockey
Fantasy Premier League
Golf
International
La Liga
MLB
MLS
Mixed Martial Arts
Motorsports
NBA
NCAA Women's Basketball
NFL
NHL
NWSL
Premier League
Scottish Premiership
Serie A
Sports Betting
Sports Business
UK Women's Football
WNBA
The Athletic Ink
Podcasts
Headlines
US
Arizona
Atlanta
Baltimore
Bay Area
Boston
Buffalo
Carolina
Chicago
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Columbus
Dallas
Denver
Detroit
Houston
Indiana
Jacksonville
Kansas City
Las Vegas
Los Angeles
Memphis
Miami
Minnesota
Nashville
New Orleans
New York
Oklahoma
Oregon
Orlando
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Sacramento
San Antonio
San Diego
Seattle
St. Louis
Tampa Bay
Utah
Washington DC
Wisconsin
Canada
Calgary
Edmonton
Montreal
Montréal (français)
Ottawa
Toronto
Vancouver
Winnipeg
Subscribe
Start Free Trial
Buy a Gift
Student Discount
Invite Friends
HQ
Careers
Code of Conduct
Business Inquiries
Press Inquiries
Support
FAQ
Forgot Password?
Redeem Gift
Email Us
©2021 The Athletic Media Company. All rights reserved.
Terms of Service
Privacy Policy
Payment Terms
Support
Subscribe
Never miss a sports story that matters.
You're approaching your free article limit.
Subscribe
UAB football has a new normal: Under Bill Clark, the Blazers continue to be better than ever
By Chris Vannini May 1, 2021 9
Editor’s note: Part of a continuing series previewing the Power 5 and top Group of 5 teams for the 2021 college football season.
The best thing one can say about UAB football is that it finally feels like a normal program.
For a few years, the Blazers were defined by their rebuild from nothing, taking the field in 2017 after the program was shut down in 2014 and revived a few months later, though it did not play a game in 2015 and 2016. Now it’s defined by championships. UAB has won two of the past three Conference USA championships. It’s the first team in league history to win three consecutive division titles. It has won at least 60 percent of its games in a season in four consecutive years. The Blazers had won 60 percent of their games in a season just once at the Football Bowl Subdivision level in their pre-shutdown era from 1996 to 2014.
Maybe in order for UAB football to live, it first had to die. Only three players on the 2021 roster were a part of a UAB team without a season. Most of the team just knows UAB football as a regular college football team.
“We seem like a normal program, and it sure feels good,” head coach Bill Clark said.
The capstone of that renaissance arrives in 2021. After three decades playing at decrepit Legion Field, this fall the Blazers will move into Protective Stadium, a new, 47,000-seat, $175 million facility built on the grounds of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. It marks the latest step forward for a program that practiced on bumpy dirt fields not long ago.
“It really is unreal,” Clark said. “Every day, multiple people ask me about it. They see it — that’s what we were lacking. Whatever you felt about Legion Field, it was tucked away and you just didn’t see it. Now, people go by every day and they think about UAB football. They think first-class, they think it’s gonna be cool and they think about us. Everything’s just going to be great about it.”
UAB has championships, first-class facilities, a staff with more continuity than most and a lot of experience returning in 2021. If a couple of holes get filled, this could be Clark’s best team yet. Forget “returning starters.” UAB might have 16 returning senior starters among the 22 offensive and defensive positions, thanks to an extra year of eligibility from the NCAA. But the schedule is tough, opening with four games away from home.
UAB’s not Cinderella anymore. In Conference USA, it’s become the Goliath.
“If we had a dream, this would have been the dream,” Clark said. “We win three West division championships in a row, two conference titles out of the last three. But the key is not resting on our laurels. We’ve got one of the toughest schedules we’ve had. We’re going into this new stadium, have a lot of people back, but what do we do to continue to take the next step?”
Roster analysis
Quarterback: UAB returns every quarterback from a year ago, but who will start the first game remains up in the air. Returning senior Tyler Johnston III has opened the past two years as the starter, but injuries have sidelined him at various points. Johnston averaged 8.7 yards per attempt with seven touchdowns and one interception over five games, starting the first two and last two. Sophomore Bryson Lucero started the other five games and had seven touchdowns to eight interceptions. Then there’s junior Dylan Hopkins, who went 3-2 as a starter in 2019 but did not play in a game last season.
Coaches agreed that Johnston is in the pole position at the moment, but the starting job is a three-man battle.
“Right now, we’ve got three guys that are really capable of playing for us and have started games and won games for us,” offensive coordinator Bryant Vincent said. “So we feel like we’re as deep as we’ve been. The depth at that position and the leadership and where it’s going, we feel really strong about.
“Tyler is the starter right now until somebody takes it from him, but we’ll go into fall camp with Tyler one, Dylan two and Bryson three.”
Tyler Johnston III has 4,429 career passing yards. (Chuck Cook / USA Today)
Running backs: UAB needs to replace the best running back in school history but feels it has the man for the job. Spencer Brown’s 4,011 rushing yards, 42 rushing touchdowns and 19 100-yard games were all school records, and he was MVP of the C-USA Championship Game twice.
He also had nearly three times as many carries as the next closest Blazer in 2020. But coaches are excited about sophomore DeWayne McBride. The 220-pounder had only 47 carries last year, but he averaged a ridiculous 9.3 yards per carry. That included two 70-plus-yard rushing touchdowns.
“We feel like he’s got a chance to be special,” Bryant said. “He’s a big kid that can run for power and speed and make cuts and get vertical. He’s got good hands out of the backfield. He has a chance to be the next Spencer Brown — or better.”
Despite the small sample size with game experience, Bryant expects McBride to be a bell-cow running back like Brown, taking most of the carries. Clark, however, pointed to several complementary players who will be in the mix, including senior Lucious Stanley (5.9 yards per carry last year), junior Jermaine Brown Jr. (250 rushing yards) and sophomore Lee Witherspoon, an incoming transfer from Mississippi State.
Wide receivers/tight ends: This is the biggest question mark on offense. Gone are the top two targets in Austin Watkins Jr. and Myron Mitchell, who combined for 63 catches and 904 yards a year ago, nearly half of UAB’s production. Senior Trea Shropshire is expected to take over as the top wideout after finishing with 14 catches for 310 yards. The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder broke out in the C-USA title game with five catches for 180 yards, and UAB coaches hope he finds that consistency.
Vincent said Ryan Davis had the most impressive spring out of the group. The 5-11, 175-pound sophomore had three catches last season but could break out this fall after playing while a bit banged up. Sophomore Samario Rudolph also had three catches as a freshman, and the Blazers will need more out of 6-4, 225-pound senior RaJae’ Johnson-Sanders. New faces should get in the mix, too, with incoming freshmen receivers Fred Farrier and Jordan Palmer expected to get a shot.
The tight end position is secure. Returning senior Hayden Pittman was named second-team All-C-USA last season with 19 catches for 227 yards, and he enters 2021 on a 25-game catch streak. Gerrit Prince is also back as a returning senior after leading UAB with four touchdown catches, earning honorable mention all-conference.
UAB’s run has been led by its stout defenses, but even with the receiver questions, Vincent expects the offense to carry its weight.
“We feel like this is going to be the best offense we’ve had up to this point,” the offensive coordinator said.
Offensive line: UAB allowed just four sacks in nine games, the fewest among any team that played at least nine games, while the rushing attack averaged 200 yards per game and finished No. 33 in yards per carry. All five line starters are back, including four returning seniors who took advantage of the extra year of eligibility. They’ll all be seniors in 2021.
From left to right, that includes tackle Colby Ragland, guard Jakoby Jones, center Andrew Smith Jr., guard Matthew Trehern and tackle Sidney Wells. Ragland and Wells earned first-team All-C-USA honors, while Trehern was an honorable mention.
“You feel really good about your offensive line in what we do, the toughness of that group, the maturity of that group,” Vincent said. “We have excellent leadership up front with the offensive line. Anytime you’re solid there, man, it always gives me a good feeling.”
With all five starters back, depth is strong as well. Senior tackle Kadeem Telfort started three games last fall. So did sophomore center Will Rykard. Sophomore tackle Chris Noble also comes in with nine games of playing experience as a redshirt freshman.
This was the best line in C-USA last year and should be once again.
Blazers' returning production
Passing yards
100
Lucero, 969
Rushing yards
50
McBride, 439
Receiving yards
47
Shropshire, 310
OL starts
91
Four with 9
Tackles
84
Moll, 59
Tackles for loss
73
Turner, 5.5
Sacks
71
Eason, 2.5
Interceptions
75
Cash, 2
Defensive line: The defensive front loses only one player, but it’s a huge loss. Jordan Smith departed early for the NFL after recording 9 1/2 tackles for loss and 4 1/2 sacks in 2020, both team highs.
Everyone else on the line is back. Among the starters, that includes returning senior defensive tackle Tyree Turner (5 1/2 TFLs, two sacks, honorable mention All-C-USA), senior defensive tackle Antonio Moultrie (DL-high 33 tackles, second-team All-C-USA) and junior nose tackle Fish McWilliams (two sacks). Their backups return, too, including defensive tackles Mi’Cario Stanley and Isaiah Forte and nose tackle Tony Fair.
But that sam end position that Smith held remains a question. Defensive coordinator David Reeves runs a 3-4 defense, with that position often used as an edge rusher, so it’s included in the defensive line section for simplicity. Reeves pointed to senior Kelle Sanders and junior Nikia Eason Jr., who were the backups last season. But the biggest name to watch will be Justin Thomas, the defensive end transfer from LSU. At 6-5, 255 pounds, he’s similar to Smith’s 6-7 frame. The senior played in only 11 games at LSU, so there’s not a ton of game tape to evaluate, but the physical ability is there. UAB also landed Indiana defensive end transfer Jalen Mayala, a former three-star recruit in the 2020 class, so he could be a name to watch as well.
Antonio Moultrie is part of a defensive front loaded with experience. (Chuck Cook / USA Today)
Linebackers: Not including the sam end role, the remaining starting linebackers are back. Returning senior Kris Moll had a team-high 59 tackles while earning first-team All-C-USA honors for the second consecutive season, but he’s moved back to a star safety position and could line up all over the field. Fellow senior Noah Wilder had 50 tackles and 4 1/2 TFLs while earning second-team All-C-USA honors. Junior jack end Alex Wright enters his third season as a starter. The former C-USA All-Freshman team member had three TFLs in eight games a year ago.
Several backups are no longer with the team, meaning junior Deshaun Oliver Jr. and senior Tyler Taylor should get more time. Former West Virginia and junior college linebacker Charlie Benton played in six games in 2020 and could also break into the rotation.
“It’s the deepest the room has been since I’ve been the defensive coordinator,” Reeves said. “A bunch of guys took a bunch of steps forward in spring.”
Defensive backs: Like the defensive line, this is a veteran group with one big question: the departure of cornerback Brontae Harris. UAB allowed the second fewest yards per attempt in the country (5.5), the second consecutive year the Blazers were in the top 10. They’ve been in the top 30 in all four seasons since the program’s rebirth.
Returning senior TD Marshall is back for his third year as a cornerback starter after two All-C-USA seasons. Senior Will Boler returns to start at one safety spot after earning honorable mention all-conference, while junior Damon Miller and senior Grayson Cash will likely battle for the other spot. Miller started the final seven games of 2020 and earned honorable mention all-conference, as did star position starter Dy’jonn Turner. The defensive backfield is deep.
Several candidates stand out for the other corner spot, including seniors Devodric Bynum and CD Daniels, but Reeves also pointed to redshirt freshman Mac McWilliams, who played in four games as a true freshman last season.
“It seemed like every time we sat down, that guy was making a phenomenal play,” Reeves said.
Special teams: All of the starting specialists are back, headlined by kicker Matt Quinn. The freshman earned honorable mention all-conference honors after making 11 of 12 kicks, including 5-for-5 on kicks longer than 40 yards. Senior punter Kyle Greenwell averaged 42.6 yards on 46 punts, including eight longer than 50 yards and 15 downed inside the 20-yard line.
“Shoot, if we had an MVP of the spring game, (Greenwell) averaged almost 50 yards a kick on 11 or 12 kicks, with hang time,” Clark said. “We feel good about those guys.”
There will be a new long snapper, and Clark expects junior cornerback Starling Thomas V to take over at punt returner after missing the 2020 season.
What others are saying about UAB
Given how much production returns for UAB, opposing coaches don’t have many questions about the Blazers in 2021. They expect to see what they always see: size and physicality.
“They have unique height and length,” said one head coach who faced UAB. “They have athletic ability, good team speed. The edge players were extremely long and could create issues for you. I felt like the backs made them a little bit different. Just a tough group. A lot of respect for how they play.”
Having played and recruited against UAB, the head coach knows they’re one of the toughest teams to beat in the region. With all the infrastructure improvements within the program, coaches know the Blazers aren’t going away anytime soon and should continue as one of the best teams in C-USA.
“They’re built to sustain,” said the head coach. “They’ve done a good job. They have lots and lots of players. I don’t know who else coming back, but they’ve done a good job evaluating and recruiting. Certainly, where they’re located, they’re going to be able to put together a good roster. They’re football guys there. That staff, the head coach, they’re into it, they work hard at it.”
How the Blazers have recruited from 2018 to 2021
The recruiting strategy has changed in each of the past few years because the needs of the program have changed. The 2016 class ranked No. 2 in C-USA, but it had 50 players because the program had to be rebuilt. The sheer numbers have since declined, as have the rankings. The 2017 class had 31 players, followed by two 23-member classes, followed by two 13-member classes, including the most recent 2021 group. Those initial classes grow up, and balancing the roster with classes takes a long time. UAB has also added several transfers instead of high school players in certain classes.
The 2021 class does not feature a player nationally ranked in the 247Sports Composite, but 11 are rated three-stars. Clark pointed to Greensboro, Ala., guard Eli Richey as the program’s best offensive line signee in his tenure as head coach. He also really likes receivers Fred Farrier and Jordan Palmer. But with so many players back across the board, finding playing time as a freshman could be tough.
UAB’s program was rebuilt with junior college players. Then the strategy moved to high school players, now supplemented with transfers. But Clark has noticed he’s no longer selling a vision to high schoolers. UAB isn’t a rebuilt program to them. It’s just a winning program.
“Our high school recruiting now is what’s going to really change everything, along with this stadium,” Clark said. “These guys are actually fans. They know us. They’ve seen us win, and they want to be a part of it.”
Transfers to know
The Blazers added four transfers from Power 5 schools: Indiana defensive end Jalen Mayala, Mississippi State running back Lee Witherspoon, West Virginia outside linebacker Charlie Benton and LSU defensive end Justin Thomas.
UAB’s program was rebuilt with junior college players, some of whom had previously played at bigger schools. So the staff is plenty experienced in finding players from other schools.
“It’s all about a fit,” Clark said of transfers. “There’s some good reasons. Proximity to home is always a big reason, but I’m just really careful. You don’t want a kid that’s just running away from work. When you find a guy that you’re the right fit for, it can be good. We’re not getting a bunch (anymore), but the ones we got, I feel really good about.”
Jordan Smith, a former Florida defensive end who arrived from Butler Community College, became an all-conference player. Now Thomas will be a candidate to fill that role.
“He’s got a chance to be really good,” Clark said.
Bill Clark is 40-22 in five seasons at UAB. (Ben Queen / USA Today)
Impact of coaching changes
There are no changes for this UAB on-field staff. The Blazers have had among the least amount of coaching turnover in the country in recent years. All 10 assistant coaches return in 2021 under Clark. There was only one new assistant heading into 2020 and just two new coaches the year before. Vincent is entering his fourth season as offensive coordinator, and Reeves is entering his fifth as defensive coordinator. That familiarity builds on itself.
“We believe in the way we do things,” Clark said. “We talk a lot about family, and these guys have been with me for a long time. A lot of these guys played for me. I just think there’s a belief in how we do things. We’re gonna have to have a lot of belief for the schedule we get next year.
“When they believe, it goes to their players. They know if we follow this process and these steps, then we’ve got a chance to be good. When the coaches believe in it, that’s really important.”
Schedule analysis
Sept. 1
Jacksonville State
Montgomery, Ala.
Sept. 11
Georgia
Away
Sept. 18
North Texas
Away
Sept. 25
Tulane
Away
Oct. 2
Liberty
Home
Oct. 9
Florida Atlantic
Home
Oct. 16
Southern Miss
Away
Oct. 23
Rice
Home
Nov. 6
Louisiana Tech
Home
Nov. 13
Marshall
Away
Nov. 20
UTSA
Away
Nov. 27
UTEP
Home
The Blazers are the rare team without a home game until October. The new stadium is coming, but for planning purposes, UAB didn’t schedule any September games at home. Those first four games away from home are difficult, too. Jacksonville State — a neutral Wednesday night opponent in Montgomery, Ala. — reached the spring 2021 FCS playoffs, Georgia should contend for the College Football Playoff, North Texas is typically around bowl eligibility in recent years and Tulane should be one of the better teams in the American Athletic Conference.
“It’s tough. There’s no way around it,” Clark said. “I’d rather be playing at home sooner. Jacksonville State could win the FCS. We’ve got to go to Georgia, who’s top four. It’s a who’s who, all road games. So we’re just gonna have to be that much better. Then we’re gonna play a great Liberty team at home in the first game, so it doesn’t get any easier.”
Liberty, which went 10-1 last year, is the fourth nonconference game. In C-USA play, the toughest stretch comes late. The Blazers host Louisiana Tech, which is always a solid team, then travel to Marshall for a rematch of last year’s C-USA championship game. Then it’s a trip to UTSA, which should be another contender for the conference title. That three-game stretch will determine whether UAB can win a fourth consecutive division championship.
Final assessment
As UAB’s return from the dead gets farther away, each division title can make one forget just how miraculous the results were. The Blazers had been one of the worst programs in the country pre-shutdown. Now they’re expected to contend for or win Conference USA every year, and 2021 is no different. They already set a record with three consecutive division titles, and with so many key contributors back in 2021, they’ll be favored for a fourth.
The quarterback situation must work itself out and new leaders must emerge at running back and wide receiver, but coaches believe this team could be among the best since the return. The opening of Protective Stadium is the latest stamp on what has been a remarkable run. But the Blazers have no intention of it being the last mark they leave.
UAB’s national championship odds from BetMGM: +50,000
(Top photo of DeWayne McBride: Michael Wade / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Get all-access to exclusive stories.
Subscribe to The Athletic for ad-free, in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.
Chris Vannini covers the Group of Five conferences, college football coaching and national college football for The Athletic. He previously was managing editor of CoachingSearch.com. Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisVannini.
Subscribe to join the conversation.
Chris P.
May 1
I really wish every writer would write these the way u do Chris. Some of them read like they are meant only for fans of that team vs yours where I’m not a uab fan but I know exactly what they lose and bring back.
Chris Vannini
STAFF
May 1
@Chris P. Thanks!
John D.
May 1
Good job Chris. Jermaine Brown is no longer a RB he’s a slot receiver. Also, Kris Moll isn’t a LB he’s moving to safety.
Chris Vannini
STAFF
May 1
@John D. Ah thanks for the catch.
Jeff K.
May 1
Great coverage here Chris. You need to write a book about this teams return from the dead to success. All the stakeholders.
Jack C.
23h ago
9-3
Wayne S.
23h ago
Great write-up Chris. Coach Clark has proven how successful this program can be with the right support. Our facilities were just embarrassing prior to his tenure. Moving into Protective Stadium is just the cherry on top of the past few years.
Mark M.
23h ago
This is a well-done piece. Kudos from a Georgia fan. Much respect for the transformation at UAB!
Scott G.
20h ago
Clark isn’t wrong about Legion Field being hidden. I lived in Birmingham for 3 years until I saw it, which is insane to think about when you’re talking about a 72k seat stadium. I’ve always joked that it’s like the Hogwarts of football stadiums because its a huge structure that only appears if you’re going there.
As for the team, the only concern for me is WR depth and OC. Reeves has shown that he’s an elite DC but the offensive play calling puts too much on QBs.
READ MORE
Submit your questions for Ari Wasserman’s recruiting mailbag
Who will be the breakout quarterback of the 2022 NFL Draft? Keep an eye on Liberty’s Malik Willis
Ten potential 2022 NFL Draft prospects to follow this fall: Spencer Rattler, Kyle Hamilton, Derek Stingley and more
Optimistic NC State returns 18 starters, including QB Devin Leary. Next step for coach Dave Doeren? ‘Win the ACC’
2021 NFL Draft picks by college: Alabama and Ohio State top list, Georgia sets program high, Notre Dame most since 1994
What the Jacksonville Jaguars are getting in Jordan Smith, UAB’s high-upside edge rusher
Already have the app? Open Article in App
National
Boxing
Bundesliga
Champions League
College Basketball
College Football
Culture
EFL
Europa League
Fantasy Baseball
Fantasy Basketball
Fantasy Football
Fantasy Hockey
Fantasy Premier League
Golf
International
La Liga
MLB
MLS
Mixed Martial Arts
Motorsports
NBA
NCAA Women's Basketball
NFL
NHL
NWSL
Premier League
Scottish Premiership
Serie A
Sports Betting
Sports Business
UK Women's Football
WNBA
The Athletic Ink
Podcasts
Headlines
US
Arizona
Atlanta
Baltimore
Bay Area
Boston
Buffalo
Carolina
Chicago
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Columbus
Dallas
Denver
Detroit
Houston
Indiana
Jacksonville
Kansas City
Las Vegas
Los Angeles
Memphis
Miami
Minnesota
Nashville
New Orleans
New York
Oklahoma
Oregon
Orlando
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Sacramento
San Antonio
San Diego
Seattle
St. Louis
Tampa Bay
Utah
Washington DC
Wisconsin
Canada
Calgary
Edmonton
Montreal
Montréal (français)
Ottawa
Toronto
Vancouver
Winnipeg
Subscribe
Start Free Trial
Buy a Gift
Student Discount
Invite Friends
HQ
Careers
Code of Conduct
Business Inquiries
Press Inquiries
Support
FAQ
Forgot Password?
Redeem Gift
Email Us
©2021 The Athletic Media Company. All rights reserved.
Terms of Service
Privacy Policy
Payment Terms
Support
05-02-2021, 02:25 PM
Thank you