University of Alabama Birmingham

Type of Offense: Pro-Style I. This offense is a run oriented offense that uses run plays and play action to get defenders out of position for passes in the 15-25 yard range. The tight end and fullback are more involved in the offense as the fullback is a blocker and the tight end is 70/30 blocking versus running routes. Most known for the isolation running plays in the middle, the offense has evolved to a more off tackle and “counter trey” running offense. This is more of the style of professional ranks allowing for a QB with a strong arm to thrive.

Type of Defense: 4-3.  Fast OLBs with the WLB being stronger in pass coverage and the SLB being stouter versus the run.  MLB is balanced and expected to make most of the tackles, especially versus the run game.  A lot of Cover 2 with the MLB expected to get deep (15 yards) on a pass play.  Corners on an island playing the edges with help over top.  Gap responsibilities on the run game with DL and LB filling gaps and DE normally containing on the edge. 

• Run/Pass %: 47/53
• Run/Pass Attempts: 417/465
• Points Per Game: 26.3
• Points Allowed Per Game: 31.6

Key Returning Players:
• Brian Ellis, QB: Returning starting quarterback, he threw for 2940 yards and 25 TDs in 2010. Strong armed and reliable, Ellis should be able to show some improvement in 2011 leading UAB to a chance at a bowl game.
• Jamie Bender, S: Bender is a solid if not spectacular safety for UAB and made 94 tackles including 2.5 for loss and adding 2 interceptions and a fumble recovery in 2010. He will have the chance to improve on that interception total with the multitude of passing offenses he will face in 2011.

Key Incoming Freshmen:
• Johnny Cockrell, DB: Cockrell is a 3 star juco transfer who at 5-11 200 pounds and 4.5 40 yard speed can come in and push or even overcome starters in the defensive backfield. Where he translates is another question as he would be most helpful if he can play the cornerback position with his size, but may translate better to a strong safety spot.
• Uneik Crumble, OL: At 6-4 340 pounds, Crumble is a mountain of a man who is rated a 3 star recruit. With his size he could end up at guard and has the chance to excel at that spot.  

Overall Assessment:
4-8 was below expectations for a UAB squad that really felt it was ready for a bowl game in 2010. On the bright side, 2 of the 4 wins were against schools with winning records and bowl participants. Two tough losses to SEC schools (UT and Miss. St.) really hurt the Blazers chances. Looking forward to 2011 they have Florida, Miss. St., Troy, and FAU in the OOC games along with Houston, UCF, Tulsa, ECU, and Southern Miss in conference. That adds up to 7 bowl teams from 2010 on the schedule. Best case is 7-5 or so and a lower tier bowl game that can be used as a stepping stone to improvement.