UAB FOOTBALL FALL CAMP REPORT: DAY 3

By Steve Irvine

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - August 2, 2024

In some ways the linemen on both sides of the ball took centerstage on Thursday on the third day of UAB football fall camp. It was the first day that the Blazers practiced in shoulder pads as Trent Dilfer put his team to work in shells.

The physical practice was punctuated by a bunch of good battles in the trenches.

“We're way more physical, defensive line especially,” Dilfer said. “And offensive line (is) more physical. Safeties, you know, triggering there to see the run game, what happens, reacting to pass. Things you need to see in pads. We're not tackling yet, so that'll be (more evident) when we first can tackle, and we'll find out when we're there. But significantly better, but, you know, a lot of stuff we've got to improve on, too.”

Restructuring the defensive line was a big emphasis during the offseason. The addition of transfer portal defensive linemen LeDarrius Cox, Derrick Shepard Jr. and Demarcus Smith was critical. A group of young returnees, along with veterans like Kevin Penn and Joker Gill, will also contribute. That group made an impact on Thursday.

“The interior push is a big deal,” Dilfer said. “You know, I've always thought it as a quarterback. Outside edge pressure you can live with, you can move them up. you know, as long as it's not free runners on you. When it gets pushed in front of you, it's very hard. You can't see, they get around your feet, messes up the timing. So the interior push was really significant.”

Dilfer expressed some disappointment with his offensive line in the team’s first fall camp practice on Tuesday. He said that group responded, for the most part, on Wednesday and Thursday.

“They were square, they were using their hands better, their hand placement was better,” Dilfer said. “I would say inconsistent. Their good's really good, when they stay disciplined with not just their technique, but the scheme. When they get tired, when it gets a little different for them, there are some breakdowns. Luckily, you know, the two quarterbacks (Jacob Zeno and Jalen Kitna) that got the reps there are super athletic. You know, they saved them a couple times, and we've got to do a better job of that.”

The first offensive line during the media viewing period on Thursday remained as tackles JonDarius Morgan and DJ Jones, guards Zaire Flournoy and Quez Yates and center Brady Wilson. But little is set in stone there. Others making a push to get in either the starting lineup or the rotation include Baron Franks II and Delano Townsend at guard, Trey Bedosky and Jordan Hall at tackles and Adam Lepkowski at center.