UAB 2023 position preview: Defensive line

If it wasn’t already quite apparent, Trent Dilfer and his staff have a fondness for defensive linemen. The Blazers return 10 total starters -- five on defense and four on defense -- and the defensive line should once more be a strength for a unit with designs on maintaining its status quo as a dominant force on the field. Fish McWilliams is the lone returning starter but Drew Tuazama and Tyrique Howard played major roles in the rotation last season. Along with the strong core of upperclassmen, UAB brought in a plethora of prep signees and a key transfer. Departed: Isaiah Forte, Montaj Cook, Justin Goodwin, Jalen Williams, Gralyn Stokes (Long Island), Alvino Carbajal III (ULM) Returning starter(s): Fish McWilliams, Sr* Other returning players: Drew Tuazama, Sr* -- Matthew Craig, So* -- Michael Moore, Sr* -- Kevin Penn, Sr* -- Joker Gill, Jr* -- Tyrique Howard, Sr Spring/Summer arrivals: Jamin Graham, Jr* -- Antavious Woody, Fr* -- Fred Owens, Fr -- Jonathan Allen, Fr -- Connor Knight, Fr -- Miquon Merriweather, Fr -- Eamon Smalls, Fr -- Tyler Thomas, Fr -- Emmanuel Waller, Fr 2023 position preview: QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | DL | OLB | LB | CB | S | ST Outlook: UAB has three defensive linemen with extensive playing experience but there are plenty of other upperclassmen ready to step into a larger role. However, the new coaching staff gobbled up as many prep signees as possible in their first recruiting attempt and the new crop will certainly add competition and depth. Fish McWilliams was the first player name out of Trent Dilfer’s mouth when the latter was hired as head coach of the program. The senior was named All-CUSA Second Team last season and amassed 70 tackles (15.5 for loss) and 9.5 sacks throughout his career. He is the new unofficial face of the program and is embracing his role as an unquestioned leader on and off the field. Drew Tuazama had a breakout year in his first season for the Blazers, racking up 33 tackles (6 for loss) and five sacks, and Tyrique Howard produced 18 tackles in 12 games. Kevin Penn, Michael Moore and Joker Gill are the only other defensive linemen on the roster with FBS game experience. The Blazers brought in pair of freshmen transfers, Jamin Graham (Nebraska) and Antavious Woody (FSU), both of whom are Alabama natives, and returners Matthew Craig and Fred Owens have yet to appear in a game in their short careers. All but one of UAB’s defensive lineman signees enrolled this summer ahead of fall camp. Battle to WATCH: There are plenty of upperclassmen to serve on the front lines but it’ll be a free-for-all amongst a large and talented crop of freshmen that Dilfer and his staff assembled during their first foray into recruiting. Connor Knight and Emmanuel Waller -- critical signees from the Birmingham metro -- and Eamon Smalls were coveted recruits and could make a play for reps beyond fall camp. Keep an Eye on: Woody. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound transfer did not see any action last season, after signing with Florida State in the 2022 recruiting cycle, and chose to enter the portal after redshirting. He was a 3-star prospect out of Lafayette High School, according to composite rankings by both 247Sports and On3, and one of the top 25 prospects in the state during his senior year. Projected depth chart: (NT) Fish McWilliams, Sr* Tyrique Howard, Sr Kevin Penn, Sr* OR Antavious Woody, Fr* (DT) Drew Tuazama, Sr* Joker Gill, Jr* Michael Moore, Sr*