UAB 2023 position preview: Offensive line

A brutal and punishing offensive lien was the hallmark of the UAB football team during the Bill Clark era and new head coach Trent Dilfer aims to keep it that way. The Blazers return 10 total starters -- five on offense and four on defense -- and only two returning offensive linemen having extensive experience on the FBS level. A quartet of multi-year starters graduated and departed the program -- following a successful run that included the record-breaking careers of both Spencer Brown and DeWayne McBride -- and a complete overhaul of the offensive line is in order. Departed: Quincy McGee (Ole Miss), Therion Cannon (Western Carolina), Sidney Wells, Matthew Trehern, Kadeem Telfort, Will Rykard, Eli Richey, Cameron Young, Elliot Bradshaw Returning starter(s): Brady Wilson, Jr* -- Trey Bedosky, Jr* Other returning players: Zaire Flournoy, Jr* -- Luke Jones, Fr* -- Arturo Escamilla, Fr* -- Ryan Gunter, Fr* -- Tennyson Hadfield, Fr* -- Tater Reid, Jr* --Adam Lepkowski, Fr* -- Quez Yates, Jr* Spring/Summer arrivals: Will Parker, So* -- Jalen Nettles, Jr -- Brennan Moran, Sr* -- Mason Chorak, Fr -- Jordan Hall, Fr -- Logan Moore, Fr -- Delano Townsend, Fr 2023 position preview: QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | DL | OLB | LB | CB | S | ST Outlook: The Blazers have a new coaching staff and essentially a clean slate on the offensive line following the departure of an entire unit of high-level production and two unexpected losses to early retirement and the transfer portal. UAB’s offensive front paved the way for 14,515 rushing yards since the 2017 season -- eclipsing 2,000 yards each season with the exception of the COVID-shortened 2020 season when the Blazers averaged 200 ypg in nine contests -- but face the daunting challenge of replacing the entire starting line. Brady Wilson has the most experience of any returning offensive lineman and his work at center bodes well for the Blazers. The Spanish Fort product has appeared in 13 games, logging seven starts last season with four as a sixth lineman, and is the lynchpin for a unit seeking its own respect. Likewise, Trey Bedosky was used in jumbo packages, earning two starts at left tackle last year, and was working at right tackle at the conclusion of spring practice. On the left side of Wilson, Tennessee transfer Will Parker sets up at tackle and Quez Yates takes over at guard following a season-ending injury to Zaire Flournoy during spring drills. With Yates moving from right to left guard, the former position will see an intense battle in fall camp. UAB also returns Tater Reid, Adam Lepkowski and redshirt freshmen Luke Jones, Ryan Gunter, Arturo Escamilla and Tennyson Hadfield. Jones and Gunter should compete early for reps at the tackle positions and Lepkowski will see time behind Wilson at center. Along with Yates and Reid, JUCO transfer Jalen Nettles and late addition Brennan Moran will battle it out for the guard positions. The Blazers signed a wealth of prep talent during the 2023 recruiting cycle and there’s no reason that one or two could work their way into the rotation. Delano Townsend, Mason Chorak, Logan Moore and Jordan Hall are summer enrollees and should give a sturdy push to the veterans. Battle to WATCH: There are plenty of battles to be had in fall camp but four of the five positions have definitive leaders heading into August. The one spot completely up for grabs is right guard and there’s a good chance a fresh face wins the position. Transfers Jalen Nettles and Brennan Moran have the experience to win the competition but don’t discount Tater Reid or any number of freshmen that arrived in the summer. Keep an Eye on: Moran. A post-spring portal addition, the Sioux Falls transfer is an interesting prospect and could satisfy an immediate need at guard as a plug-and-play guy. The South Dakota native played his redshirt freshman season before losing consecutive seasons to COVID-19 and an injury, but returned last season to help pave the way for 2,435 rushing yards. Projected depth chart: (LT) Will Parker, So* Luke Jones, Fr* (LG) Quez Yates, Jr* Jalen Nettles, Jr (C) Brady Wilson, Jr* Adam Lepkowski, So* (RG) Brennan Moran, Sr* Tater Reid, Jr* (RT) Trey Bedosky, Jr* Ryan Gunter, Fr*