2008 UAB Blazers football preview

UAB Blazers

2007 Record: (2-10, 1-7)
Coach: Neil Callaway (2-10 at UAB, 2-10 overall)

Starters Returning: 18 (8 offense, 9 defense, 1 specialist)

Offensive Starters Lost: WR Blake Thackston, WR Nick Coon, RB Tony Shepherd, OL Jo Arnold, OL JaMarius Dismuke.

Offensive Starters Returning: LT Matt McCants , C Jake Seitz, RT Terence Edge, TE Jeffrey Anderson, QB Joe Webb, WR Mario Wright, WR Frantrell Forrest, WR Rashaud Slaughter.

Defensive Starters Lost: DL Brandon Jeffries, DL Jerrickus Speights, DL LaDarrius Stanley, LB Gerod Condry.

Defensive Starters Returning: DE Bryant Turner, DE Joe Happe, DT D.J. Reese, NG Tim Davis, LB Joe Henderson, LB Mike Tashman, CB Kevin Sanders, SS Matt Taylor, FS Will Dunbar.

Starting Specialists Lost: None

Starting Specialists Returning: P- K Swayze Waters

2008 UAB Overview

When head coach Neil Callaway took over in 2007, the program was already low on numbers, depth and experience. Things only got worse when several players either transferred or were declared academically ineligible. The Blazers finished 2-10 and beat only one NCAA FBS opponent

Even though the Blazers return 18 starters, those numbers are comprised of first- and second-year players. UAB has a lot of work to do on both sides of the line after finishing 104th in rushing offense and last among 119 teams in rushing defense last season.

"We've got to become a more physical football team," Callaway said. "Last year, the lack of physicality on both sides of the ball is something that really hurt us. It is something that we need to improve on tremendously and I think we will. We are a year older and we will have more depth.”

2008 UAB Offense:

The Blazers return eight offensive starters but four of those were freshmen in 2007. QB Joe Webb has yet to prove he can handle the job over the course of a season. Webb and sophomore WR Frantrell Forrest could become a formidable duo. Forrest finished the year with two UAB freshman records, catching 49 passes for 563 yards. Webb completed 56 percent of his passes for 679 yards and five touchdowns.

However, the Blazers still lack a dependable running back. If JUCO transfer Aaron Johns doesn't come through, it could be another long year in the running game.

2008 UAB Defense:

The defense returns nine starters but UAB is still young and small in a front seven that included 10 freshmen and sophomores in its two-deep last fall. The strength of the entire team might be a secondary that returns four players with starting experience.

The defense is led by senior FS Will Dunbarwhowas a first team All-Conference USA selection after leading the league in tackles per game (12.2), registering 122 stops, the third highest total in school history.

Two returning starters at outside linebacker, senior Joe Henderson and sophomore Mike Tashman missed significant time in the spring with injuries but are expected to be ready to go in August. Henderson was a second team all-conference choice in 2007 and Tashman earned all-freshman honors.

2008 UAB Special Teams

The one area where the Blazers will shine is their kicking game. Senior PK Swayze Waters was a first team All-C-USA selection after finishing the season 22-of-28 on field goal attempts, setting a new UAB single-season record for field goals. Waters was also a 2007 Lou Groza Award semifinalist. He also served as the Blazers punter, ranking fourth in C-USA with a 41.4 yards average of 69 kicks.

CB Kevin Sanders will handle the return chores and has shown big play potential.

2008 UAB Football Analysis and Outlook

Patience is the key word for Blazer fans. Callaway, the former offensive coordinator at Georgia, is a solid coach and is making strides. He inherited a program that was virtually depleted of experience and depth. The Blazers finished last season with 14 true freshmen that saw action, including 12 that were on the field beginning with the season opener.

This problem was exemplified in UAB’s spring game. The Blazers did not have enough players to form two squads. Instead, Callaway was forced put his defense on one sideline, his offense on the other sideline and let them compete against each other.

While UAB is headed in the right direction, it is going to be a long slow, climb. It is doubtful the Blazers will move out of the East Division cellar this season.