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The quarterback position belongs to Ryder Burton. In two starts last season he showed a real command of the offense. He threw for 251 yards and three touchdowns in the memorable upset win over Memphis, his first career start. QB2 is Nate Rogers, who is more of a rushing threat.
The running back room will be transfer heavy. The additions of Ja’Vin Simpkins (Coastal Carolina), Rob Robinson II (Georgia), Bam McReynolds (ULM), and true freshmen Jayson Mall and Hudson Higgins provide a ton to this room. Marquise Collins adds depth. Simpkins led Coastal Carolina in rushing last season, McReynolds was number two at ULM, and Robinson dealt with injuries while at Georgia.
The wide receiver room returns some experience in AJ Johnson, Kaleb Brown, and tight end Antonio Ferguson. The additions of Ty Mims (Texas State), KJ Daniels (Oklahoma), CJ Smith (Memphis), EJ Reid (Wake Forest), Jailen Holmes (Oregon State), and multiple tight ends provide solid depth for this unit.
The offensive line room returns experience in Adam Lepkowski, Calib Perez, Barry Walker, Kyrik Mason, and Payton Kirkland. Redshirt freshman Donovan Lawrence is one to watch. The additions of Samuel Riddy Jr. (East Carolina), Keyon Cox (Oregon State), Cooper Young (West Virginia), and Barrett Maddox (JUCO) will all see action.
The defensive line room is very transfer heavy. Chris Burge has the most Returning experience. The additions of Marlin Dean (Georgia State), Noah Nelson (Georgia State), Tylin Jackson (Eastern Washington), Chris Spencer (Old Dominion), Eli Hall (Liberty), Cam Cunningham (Youngstown State), Sterling Sanders (Boston College), Blanche Gold (Morgan State), Raymond Macias (Campbell), and Nigel Tate (Boston College) bring a lot to the table, but will need time to gel.
The linebacker room is also very transfer heavy. The additions of Ike Esonwune (Oklahoma State), Muaaz Byard (Middle Tennessee State), Shawn Myers (Colorado), Braden Sullivan (Eastern Kentucky), and Colby Archie (JUCO) are massive. Esonwune follows new Defensive Coordinator Todd Grantham from Oklahoma State and knows what’s expected.
The secondary returns some production in Isaiah Crozier and Delvon Gulley. The additions of Darrell Sweeting (Marshall), Draden Fullbright (Oklahoma State), Courage Ugochukwu (Utah State), Anta’Veon McKenzie (Sacramento State), Guylijah Theodule (Southern Miss), Elijah Pratt (SMU), Kris Wokomah (Baylor), Jeremiah Jordan (Memphis), Diezel Wilkinson (Montana), Jaylen Thompson (Memphis), Jotavion Pierre (Oklahoma State), and Que Billingsley (Gardner-Webb) bring a lot to the table, but will need time to gel as a unit.
Kicker Jonah Delange returns and is one of the best in the American Conference. Punting duties will belong to LSU transfer Badger Hargett, who has yet to see action at the college level.
Alex Mortensen already has a leg up on Trent Dilfer because he wants to be at UAB and respects the people there. That goes a long way. The defense is basically brand new but will be well coached under Todd Grantham. The offense needs key players to stay healthy but will put up solid numbers.
