INJURIES CREATE OPPORTUNITY FOR NEW EXPERIENCE ON UAB’s OFFENSIVE LINE
By Steve Irvine
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - April 10, 2026
Smooth hasn’t been part of the way that UAB’s developing offensive line has traveled through spring practice. In a way that’s not a bad thing.
“Man, I'm super proud of how we've approached spring in regards to just everybody's mindset on getting better,” said UAB offensive line coach Matt McCants. “Obviously, we've had a few things that we've had to shake up in regards to a few guys getting dinged up. But everybody's taking the approach that the next man up. And if it's my turn, it's my opportunity to go and showcase what I got. Guys are really taking advantage of the time to come out here and get better. I think it's beautiful to watch and obviously just got to keep going every day, but proud of the guys, how they want to come to work with us.”
Injuries have been a factor this spring. Returnee Kyrik Mason, who played in just one game during his first season at UAB, missed several practice this spring but has returned to work with the first team at right tackle. West Virginia transfer Cooper Young looked good at guard in the early going but has been out with a lower body injury. Returnees Barry Walker and Nelson Ramirez are missing the spring with injuries and Oregon State transfer Keyon Cox has been limited.
All of that put a dent in the offensive line depth during spring practice. But there is a silver lining to the situation. One, according to UAB run game coordinator/offensive line coach Gordon Steele, is all of the banged up players are expected to be ready to go in fall camp. Two, as McCants stated, the next man up mentality has allowed others opportunities to prove their ability.
A good example of both is Donovan Lawrence, a 6-foot-5, 305-pound second year offensive guard from Dacula High in Georgia. Lawrence, who was hampered by a foot injury as a true freshman, is getting some first team reps and turning heads.
“He's one of the guys, if we don't have the situation that we have, maybe he doesn't get exposed to what he's been exposed to right now,” McCants said. “I'm just super proud of how he's worked and the things he’s had to fight through. Coming off last year, he had the foot deal and he's been working out super hard to get back. He’s been doing awesome.”
Calib Perez, who along with center Adam Lepkowski, represent the most UAB experience on the offensive line, has definitely noticed Lawrence’s progress.
“He’s a big guy,” Perez said. “You watch him like in solo blocks or double teams, he's just moving people. I haven't seen anything like it and I've been in college football for what, seven years. It's really fun to watch Donovan Lawrence play.”
Perez also gave a scouting report on what he’s seen from other offensive linemates, particularly ones that aren’t proven at UAB.
“Hudson Reed is coming along,” Perez said. “He's starting to develop really well. I like the direction he's taking. He's taking the coaching. Wes Wiggins the same way. Wes is taking the coaching as well, adjusting on the fly, trying to become a better player. And they're getting real reps. They're getting thrown into the fire and they're actually responding the best way we can. New guys, like transfers. I like Barrett Maddox. He's a guy that can play multiple positions. He's practiced at guard this spring (and) had tackle reps. He's been moving around. I think he's been doing a pretty good job. (Samuel) Riddy is coming along as well. He's very explosive, coming off the ball. He can move people. He's strong, he's solid. You haven't seen Keyon (Cox) as much. Even in the meeting room, he’s taken steps. I like the room of guys that we have this year.”
On Thursday, during the media viewing period, the first team during non-contact work consisted of Lawrence at guard and Payton Kirkland at tackle on the left side, Lepkowski at center and Perez at guard and Mason at tackle on the right side. The second group consisted of Cox at left tackle, Wiggins at left guard, Kade Martin at center, Aidan Platt at right guard and Maddox at right tackle.
Once everyone gets healthy that rotation could change. But the experience this spring is helping Steele and McCants build depth up front.
“I feel really good about our depth,” Steele said. “You know, we're a little banged up right now, but they all have things that by summer and fall camp should be good to go. I think all of it provides us a good amount of depth. Some guys we've worked with before and or had a few days with them (in spring). Just seeing where they were, they provide some talent.”