Built in the Trenches: UAB’s Line Takes Shape
By Steve Irvine
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - March 24, 2026
In some ways the first spring practice day in full pads is a big deal. When you play on the line scrimmage, apparently, it’s “just another day.”
That’s the way that Adam Lepkowski, UAB’s senior center, described Wednesday’s practice, which was the fourth spring practice session overall and first in full pads. But he did admit there is a slight difference between the padded and non-padded practices.
“Well, when you're not wearing pads, you're mainly focused on using your hands,” said Lepkowski, a 6-foot-3, 300-pound graduate student, who started all 12 games at center for the Blazers last season and was one of the top players at his position in the American Conference. “(It’s) a lot of handwork, hand placement. That's just to get your technique down. And then you really, when you put on the pads, that's when it all culminates together. When you go pads the first time, you can just add that extra thud, if you know what I'm saying.”
It’s a big spring for Lepkowski and the offensive line and they work toward laying the foundation for a group that is a mixture of returning depth pieces and newcomers. Lepkowski and guard Calib Perez are the lone players considered as returning starters. Perez started the first nine games and played in 10 games. Barry Walker and Payton Kirkland each started in the season finale at Tulsa but had no other starts.
This spring is an audition for everyone involved. On Wednesday, the first group on the offensive line consisted of Lepkowksi at center, Perez and Cooper Young at guards and Kirkland and Barrett Maddox at tackles. Kyrik Mason lined up with the first group at right tackle earlier spring practice but he was banged up and was not dressed out on Wednesday. Maddox took his spot with the first group.
However, as UAB head coach Alex Mortensen has said several times, including after practice on Wednesday, the depth chart is not the focus for any position right now.
“The depth chart right now is really for administrative purposes and organizational purposes,” Mortensen said. “Primarily, we're going to continue through the course of spring to move guys around into different spots. We're going to continue evaluating for a while. We're not going to get in too big of a hurry from that standpoint. It's certainly competitive. There's a sense of urgency for guys. There's no doubt about that. But as a staff, we don't want to rush a judgment in any area. And I don't want the players to feel like there's any finality to anything at this point.”
Lepkowski was asked after Wednesday’s practice if he could single out any of his new offensive linemates for their play thus far.
“I would definitely say all the new guys,” Lepkowski said. “I mean, Hudson (Reed) and Wes (Wiggins), the freshmen, I can definitely tell that they're going to be special, you know. There's definitely some stuff that we got to work on technique-wise, but I think they have the right mentality. It kind of reminds me of me. (ECU transfer) Sam Riddy, too, that guy is strong. He's got a solid punch, you know. So I'd watch out for him. We just got a lot of great new guys, and I think we all have the right mindset. That's what I'm really looking at.”
While the subject of newcomers was fresh, Lepkowski was also asked about the defensive linemen after going against them in full pads for the first time.
“Sterling (Sanders), (he’s) long and he’s got great power,” Lepkowski said. “Cam (Cunningham), great power too. He might be big (6-foot-1, 325 pounds) but he can move. He hit me with a crazy spin move and I was like I didn’t know which way to go. I definitely think our linebackers, too, (are) very physical. You got to be on your game when you’re going up to the second level because they’ll hit you in the teeth and stuff.”
UAB will have its second practice in full pads on Friday.