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2006 UAB Offense

The Blazers will be going over an offensive overhaul this season. After 4 years of protecting Hackney, the offensive line will have to transition to a run-oriented offense. This won’t be as hard as it could have been, thanks to the amazing job done by the RB corps last season. Cory White and Dan Burks made quite the 1-2 punch in defensive lines, while Trey Cheney and Marculus Elliott also have enough experience to run all over opposing defenses.

The Blazers most visible question on offense is who will replace Darrell Hackney. It seems like Senior QB Chris Williams will get the start in the opener against Oklahoma on September 2 nd. But will he finish the season as the starter? Sam Hunt has a very strong arm and has improved his mobility, but is very undersized and may not be able to take the punishment. Joe Webb has great speed, but lacks any real game experience.

Key to the Offense:
While everyone is so concerned with UAB’s backfield, it will be UAB’s receiving corps that will determine UAB’s success scoring. Receivers Nick Coon and Norris Drinkard will have to remember to catch the ball, then run. Too many passes have been dropped in the past, costing UAB close games (See UAB vs Tenn. last season). If the receiving corps holds on to the ball, look for UAB to be playing in late December.

 

2006 UAB Defense

While Coach Wayne Bolt boasted an impressive resume at Troy State University (now Troy University), his system never seemed to make the transition to the Southside. Coach Rick Christophel has the experience working on the Southside, as part of the coaching staff for the 2001 “Steel Sheild.” And he has the personnel to make something special yet again, returning senior cornerback Will Evans, strong safety Chris Felder, linebackers Orlandus King and Mastaki Smith, defensive end Jermaine McElveen, nose tackle Clarence Respress, and tackle Jerrickus Speights.

Stand out defensive end Larry McSwain will be looking to lead this senior laden defense by example. The hard work and dedication seems to be paying off, after having his named announced for three preseason honors (Nagurski Trophy Watch List, Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award pre-season watch list, and Conference USA preseason defensive player of the year).

 

Key to the Defense:
Coach Rick Christophel will have his hands full setting in place the most important part of the Blazers game plan this season, which should be “make the key stops to give the offense the chance to win the game.” Stopping third-down conversions have been troublesome in the past for the Blazer defense. Stop the third down conversions and UAB will be in contention for the Eastern Division Championship.

 

UAB Special Teams

Senior Parker Mullins will have to step it up, and step it up fast. Marshall’s two blocked punts still linger in the backs of the minds of Blazer fans. The Blazers will be fighting tooth and nail for field position and must have the kicking game fighting just as hard. The key for the kicking game? Fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals. Get the ball off far and fast. Or should I say, fast and then far…

 

How it all goes down
Coach Watson Brown stepped down during the spring as AD to focus more on coaching the Blazers. What effect will that have on the team as a whole? We’ll see soon enough. One can only hope that means winning the games the Blazers are supposed to win and showing up for the games they aren’t. So, unlike most, I’m going to give Brown and the Blazers the benefit of the doubt. But should Brown not pull the Blazers through to at least a bowl game, look for his head to be on the chopping block at the end of the season.

 

UAB 2006 Season Record: 7-5 (4-4)

Wins: OU, ECU, Miss. St., Troy, Memphis, Rice, SMU

Losses: UGA, Marshall, UTEP, So. Miss, UCF

Bowl: Birmingham Bowl – Dec 23rd