2003 Statistics

Quarterback
Junior Darrell Hackney is a savvy, two-year starter who has progressed into a top signal caller in the conference. His athleticism makes him versatile, and his arm makes him potent. His was on pace for a 2,800-yard season before being injured in the seventh game last year. Hackney is a true leader, and his guidance will prove valuable. One weakness is that his lack of timely TD throws cost the team wins (TCU, Southern Mississippi losses). The up side of Hackney's mid-season injury is that sophomores Curtis Falany and Chris Williams now have extensive game experience. The two combined for almost 900 yards and six touchdowns as replacements. All-American JUCO-transfer Chad Willmott led his team to the NJCAA title, and will challenge for whatever role he is tapped.

Running Back
The Blazers need more production here, and should get it from sophomores Corey White, Bo Moncur and Dan Burks, both of whom missed much of '03 due to injury. A known local, White is a big-bodied back who eagerly punishes opposing defenses. He came on strong late, finishing with 120-yard plus performances against Tulane and Houston. He is an asset in short yardage situations, but lacks breakaway speed. Moncur fits that bill better. He and Burks are quicker, more agile runners, but too are over 200. The drop-off then (for their one-back sets) makes us feel that if these guys falter, defenses then can not be kept honest.

Receiver
Roddy White is a potential star. The rangy senior has great athletic ability, and is a big-play threat every time he touches the ball. He totaled four 100-yard games last season, but defenses looking to stop him with double teams have to contend with the rest of this deep corps. He and Hackney will be the premier pass-catch duo in the conference. Speedy Nick Coon is a fine deep threat who, too, can go deep and burn if ignored. His (and White's) talents allow the others to roam free over the middle. The multiple-receiver sets UAB employs give many receivers a chance to shine, rotating the entire depth chart for optimal effect.

Tight end Cedric Hampton is a sound blocker and will see the ball at critical times. With five players who totaled ten catches or more returning, he will again slip into deep pockets undetected.

Offensive Line
With three key starters having to be replaced, this is Blazers' biggest concern offensively. Senior guard Andy Galloway is mobile and smart, and will be the anchor. He and junior center Matt Batusic will be asked to lead by example and help mold the inexperience around them. Redshirt freshman Jamarius Diamuke has great size for the tackle position and has remarkable potential. His anticipated quick progression will be key to the line's success. Size and speed offset the lack of experience, but expect this unit to take a step down initially, but could rebound if the running game can keep opposing linemen guessing the play call. Any offensive transparency will spell the end of those things good on this side of the ball.

OFFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
The unit will revolve around, and focus on, Hackney. With such talent at receiver in this open set, look for the Blazers to continue spreading the field, but this year they will pass more often. With eight upperclassmen starters and legitimate stars at the quarterback and receiver positions, this offense has the potential to be very potent. Accordingly, UAB needs to use the pass to open the run. The ground attack has to earn more than 11 TDs and make their third-down conversion rate respectable before teams will leave those receivers in simpler coverages. Like many teams with a weaker line, the Blazers ability to roll Hackney out (and then for him to successfully find a target) will go a long way toward overcoming their woes.

Defensive Line
Senior Shamar Abrams will lead an active front line that is full of talent. An imposing force in the middle, Abrams plays with both great agility and strength. With Abrams demanding attention along the interior, look for end Jermaine McElveen to build on a strong freshman campaign that earned him freshman all-American honors. He is a pure speed rusher and has a rangy frame, built for rushing the pass. As a boon, East Tennessee State-transfer Tony Haynes-Dalton is expected to shine so this crew doesn't skip a beat. This is an improved unit, which makes the rest of the defense able to focus on specialized tasks instead of run-stopping support. Something will be done about letting foes get 4.4 per ground try.

Linebacker
The Blazers feature a linebacker trio as talented as any in the league. Three senior starters (who combined for 342 tackles) return, as well a few veteran reserves. The star, Zac Woofin, is a first-team all-conference selection and the nation's number-two returning tackler. Simply put, he produces. Nigel Eldridge and Gaylon Black will flank, Woofin. Any of UAB's three have the strength to thrive in run defense, but enough versatility to avoid being one-dimensional. This unit will set the tone for the Blazers' defensive efforts, thriving even more with such a solid line.

Defensive Back
Seniors Bobby Keyes and Carlos Hendricks both play as solid as they do smart. The proven corners are feisty defenders, able to tackle and pass-defend equally strong, too. Fellow senior Dio Hill was a major player in the secondary before injury. Now healthy, he should regain that form. The safety position features three juniors, but is not as strong as their corners. Their lineup will likely shuffle throughout the year. This squad was in the top third for pass defense in '03, and we see no reason, especially with such a strong front-seven, that this trend will change.

DEFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
From the front line, to the defensive secondary, things look good. Talent is abundant, experience is plentiful, depth is sound; big things should be in store. The key is the play of the defensive front. When they improve, thus allowing the linebackers more freedom and the secondary to be more aggressive, this defense will reach its lofty potential. The first place this crew cam start is with their horrid TO-margin (86th in all I-A) and in allowing foes a 40% third-down conversion rate.