2008 UAB Blazers Preview

Neil Callaway’s second season as the head football coach at UAB doesn’t come with as many unanswered questions as a year ago. But there is one important question surrounding the UAB program: Can the Blazers take a step toward a more respectable record than last year’s 2–10 finish?

Two Minute Drill

A Quick Look at the Blazers

The good news is last year’s lineup is a year older. The bad news is that this is still a painfully young team and depth is still an issue. Quarterback Joe Webb has the ability to be one of the more dynamic players in Conference USA. But can the offensive line give Webb the protection to keep him healthy for the entire season? Keep in mind that the Blazers’ starting left tackle last season spent more time playing the tuba in the band than he did on the high school football field. The running game should be improved, especially if one-time Alabama tailback Aaron Johns is eligible in the fall. The defensive players are bigger and stronger than a year ago but may still need more time in the weight room to hold up to the stress of a long season. The schedule is also challenging with non-conference games against the likes of Tennessee, South Carolina and Florida Atlantic and C-USA trips to Southern Miss, Houston, UCF and Tulane. If the Blazers can stay relatively healthy, then they should be competitive the entire season. If injuries take a toll, however, it could be another long season in Birmingham.

That’s hard to answer, considering UAB still fields one of the most youthful lineups in the conference. Freshmen dotted the starting lineup a year ago, and those players are still relatively inexperienced. Callaway will also rely once again on a bunch of newcomers for immediate help.

However, one thing is certain. UAB is bigger, stronger and more physical than a year ago, and the Blazers are in better position to win games. The final record may not show the improvement — particularly with another grueling schedule — but Callaway believes his team is ready to take a step in the right direction.

Quarterbacks

Joe Webb has been the quarterback of the future for the past three seasons. It’s finally time for the talented 6'4", 220-pound Birmingham native to get his full-time shot at quarterback. Webb, a starter at wide receiver and part-time quarterback last season, is one of the most athletically gifted quarterbacks in Conference USA. He’ll make as many — if not more — plays with his legs than his right arm but needs to stay healthy with a pair of inexperienced backups in sophomore Anthony Speight and former walk-on Rodney Bivens Jr.

Running backs

Aaron Johns needs to be really good, really fast. The former University of Alabama tailback played junior college football for a year but was ineligible last fall. He’s expected to show up in August and get the immediate opportunity to earn the starting job. The best running backs in the spring were sophomores Dexter Barnett and Justin Brooks. Redshirt freshman Jae Fitzgerald also has a chance to contribute.

Receivers

Frantrell Forrest had a team-best 49 catches for 563 yards last season and appears poised to produce even bigger numbers. Mario Wright has the potential to become one of the best receivers in the conference, Sylvester Mencer is the most experienced receiver on the team, and tight ends Jeffrey Anderson and Zach Lankford have the ability to help in the passing game. Rashaud Slaughter moves to slot receiver after serving as the team’s running back last year. This should be the deepest position on offense.

Offensive linemen

Things are better up front this season than they were a year ago, but this group still must grow up for the Blazers to move the ball. Jake Seitz, a two-year starter at center, will probably slide over to left guard and allow redshirt freshman Caleb Thomas to play center. There’s also significant experience at tackle with Matt McCants and Terence Edge, who started as true freshmen. Adam Hollifield missed spring with a foot injury but will battle transfer Daniel Seahorn at right guard.

Defensive linemen

The defense will probably be as good as the defensive front allows. That might not necessarily be good news. UAB is certainly more experienced than a year ago — primarily because nearly everyone returns — but the Blazers are still young and not particularly big. Sophomore end Bryant Turner and sophomore tackles Tim Davis and D.J. Reese are probably the best of the bunch.

Linebackers

Callaway and his coaches hit the recruiting trail hard trying to find linebackers. They were successful in finding numbers — seven linebackers were among the signing class — but time will tell if they found talent. It helps that senior Joe Henderson — 207 tackles in three seasons — returns. Mike Tashman is an undersized playmaker, B.J. Steed has starting experience in the middle, and Keon Harris had a good spring. Look for plenty of newcomers to find playing time.

Defensive backs

Perhaps the best offseason news was free safety Will Dunbar’s decision to return for his final year. The 6'1", 195-pounder was the leading tackler in C-USA last season despite playing over half of the season with a banged-up knee. He’ll be surrounded by experience — most notably cornerbacks Kevin Sanders and Brandon Carlisle and strong safety Matt Taylor.

Specialists

Swayze Waters handles punts, field goals, extra points and kickoffs, and is one of the best in the nation. Waters did miss spring work after having surgery on his right hip. He’s expected to be ready for the opener, but Trey Ragland could provide help.

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