2002 Statistics

written by Tim Stephens

UAB Coach Watson Brown finally has the quarterback and receivers to get away from the option and throw the ball down the field.

Sophomore Darrell Hackney will direct a wide-open attack that features plenty of talented receivers. Hackney took over as the starter in the fifth game of 2002, and all he did was complete 50.9% completion for 14 TDs and only seven interceptions. Hackney can throw the long ball with deadly accuracy and also is effective with intermediate routes. UAB fans are salivating at the idea of Hackney playing three more years. If Hackney can stay healthy, he'll be one of the most productive sophomore QBs in the nation. Keeping him healthy is a must - Hackney underwent off-season surgery on both knees and there is no experience behind him. UAB could be forced to count on true freshman Jake Tompkins (46 TDs as a HS senior) if Hackney goes down. Tompkins was generally regarded as the No. 2 quarterback prospect in Alabama behind LSU signee Jamarcus Russell and eventually could challenge Hackney for the starting job.

UAB's starting backfield returns. After injuries slowed Kendal Gibson and Theron Dudley in 2002, true freshman Dan Burks got plenty of playing time - he averaged 64 yards per game over the final eight games. Burks possesses an excellent spin move and runs tough. He's more of a grinder than a scatback, though, and UAB could use more speed from its running backs. Gibson, a junior, is a big back (5-11, 240) who has surprising elusiveness, but he, too, is not going to run away from anybody. Injuries meant Dudley wasn't much of a factor in 2002, and he could lose some of his playing time to speedy redshirt freshman Bo Moncur, who excites the coaches with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and his burst through the line on draw plays.

Hackney's top targets will be junior Roddy White and sophomore Lance Rhodes, who was spectacular in the spring game after transferring from Arizona State. Rhodes doesn't look the part, but he will be one of the faster receivers in C-USA. Big junior Chico Cleveland causes matchup problems for linebackers and DBs, and sophomore Jhun Cook will get a chance for more playing time after filling in as a freshman. Cook is a physical receiver who can make tough catches over the middle. UAB will miss the speed and big-play capability of departed senior Willie Quinnie, but probably won't miss his penchant for drops and fumbles.

Tight end could become a bigger factor as Brown opens up the playbook; UAB has three quality tight ends in senior Sam Dudley and sophomores Cedric Hampton and Lynorse Garrett. Dudley and Hampton are strong blockers while Garrett is the best pass-catcher of the three.

This should be the best offensive line UAB has ever fielded. Four starters are back, including a couple with serious potential. Guards Andy Galloway and Larry Coachman are as good as any C-USA tandem. Galloway is an excellent all-around lineman, while Coachman is a powerful run-blocker that no defender - especially a defensive back, linebacker or rush-end - would enjoy running into on sweeps and/or trap plays. Wilbert Hamilton and Artavious Williams return at tackle, but they need to be more consistent and cut down on their illegal procedure and holding penalties. Sophomore Matt Batusic will get the first shot at center, but will be pushed by JUCO transfer Rodney Outlaw. Batusic has gained almost 50 pounds since arriving at UAB and could be a future performer. UAB is counting on big things from tackle Barker White, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the 2002 opener. White was UAB's most improved lineman going into fall practice.

QB Darrell Hackney

written by Tim Stephens

UAB's defense remains young, but should be much improved. New defensive coordinator Wayne Bolt brings a 4-3 alignment that puts emphasis on linebackers, a UAB strength. Still, it's a long way from the 2001 "Steel Shield" unit that led the nation in rushing defense and sent four defensive linemen to NFL camps (including high draft picks Bryan Thomas and Eddie Freeman). UAB allowed 154 yards rushing per game in 2002, a 100-yard increase from 2001. Things will be better in 2003.

The best lineman is senior Shamar Abrams, a 330-pounder who is quick and agile. Other linemen with experience include ends Anthony Garrett, Chris Mason, Sam Kendrick and Shane Pearson. UAB often converts high school tight ends and linebackers into defensive linemen, so many of them are smallish (but quick) with instincts QBs don't often see. That means much is expected of big redshirt freshman Quinton Harris at tackle. Harris, if he can keep his weight under control, has the potential to be an important player in their scheme(s). He's surprisingly quick for his size and has a good vertical leap.

At linebacker, sophomore Zac Woodfin earned second-team all-conference honors in 2002 after making 120 tackles. Woodfin is a throwback-type player, relentless and smart. He rarely gets caught out of position. He's tough against the run, and seemed to improve in pass coverage as the 2002 season progressed. Gaylon Black, Nigel Eldridge, Darrius Taylor and DeMarcus Rogers all have experience, too. Black was on his way to a monster season until suffering a season-ending knee injury in the second game. Kyle Bissinger, a former quarterback, has moved to linebacker as well and should figure into the rotation. UAB's linebackers have outstanding speed and pursue the ball well. More depth is needed, though.

UAB's secondary can't help but be better in 2003. With no help from a pass rush, an inexperienced Blazers secondary was torched at times in 2002. UAB was especially vulnerable on third downs, allowing long conversions that let a couple of potential upsets (Southern Miss, Pittsburgh) get away. All the starters return. Safeties Thurman Pearson and Julius Wainwright are among the best in C-USA. Pearson is a good tackler and excellent in run support. Wainwright was thrown into the rotation as a freshman last year. He experienced his growing pains, but by the end of the year was playing as well as any young defensive back in C-USA. Cornerbacks Dio Hill and Carlos Hendricks are solid, too, but they both gave up too many big plays in 2002. They especially were vulnerable to over-the-top throws to big receivers and were exposed for their inexperience early in the season by Florida's Taylor Jacobs and Pittsburgh's Larry Fitzgerald (to be fair, both lit up most who covered them). By the end of the season, Hill and Hendricks seemed more comfortable. Senior Warren Butler and junior Justin Whitmore'll push them. Hill has pro potential if he becomes more consistent.

LB Zac Woodfin