UAB's Special Teams Continue To Provide A Spark

By Steve Irvine

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - September 19, 2025

Solomon Beebe’s game-opening kickoff return for a touchdown in UAB’s win over Akron was a memorable moment for Blazer special teams coordinator John Jones.

“Guys did a great job executing,” Jones said earlier this week. “Isaiah Jacobs, blowing up three dudes and Beebe running through the one arm tackle and not getting caught this time. We had a unique plan for what they did. It was kind of something different than we've ever done before because they challenged us (in a different) way. All week we repped it, we repped it, we repped it. To actually see it open up and happen the way it did and guys execute, it was very exciting. I mean watching the tape and watching it come to life. Everything you picture and envision, to watch it happen on the field was amazing.”

It marked the first UAB kickoff return for a touchdown since Myron Mitchell did it against Alabama State in the 2019 season opener. It also took longer than Jones thought it should. Twice last year, in fact, UAB kickoff returners, Beebe and Armoni Goodwin, nearly broke a kickoff return for a touchdown. Both times the opposing kicker was credited with the tackle.

“I was telling a coach when we got on the field, I said, you know, I was thinking last night while I was laying in bed, the only bad thing is it should have been our third one,” Jones said. “I said, you know, that was the first one since Myron Mitchell, it really should have been our third one in two years.”

As it stands, the return was just a special part of another game that included positive contributions by the special teams.

“We had some other (good) returns, one up to the 35,” Jones said. “Isaiah had a good return. We had Elijah Lagg, who did a great job with his one foot out of bounds, making sure that ball was out of bounds but still securing it to make sure we started the ball in 35. We were able to provide really good field position even though we didn't break another one. But three other times we start (on or past the) 35 and that's great for our offense. That's all we're trying to do is create positive momentum for the offense and great field position.”

Charting the special teams through statistical rankings is sometimes difficult, particularly early in the year. For example, UAB is ranked 90th in punt return defense, giving up 8 yards per return. However, the Blazers have punted just five times in three games and the only return went for eight yards.

But there are positives as UAB heads into Saturday’s challenging visit to 15th ranked Tennessee. Jonah Delange is 3-of-4 on field goals and made all 12 extra points, extending his point after streak without a miss to 43 over the past two seasons. Iverson Hooks is 32nd in the country in punt return average (11.4 yards per return) and the kickoff return unit is 31st nationally.

Jones wants more from UAB’s special teams.

“I feel like we're just leaving too much meat on the bone,” Jone said. “Whether it be covering a punt, you know, flipping the field or our punt return unit. Even though we've had a few good returns, I still feel like we left some yards on the field the other night. Like kickoff pinning guys deep, if they decide to bring it out. Owen (Simpson) has done a good job of touchback wise, but when he does leave it short, we got a pin guys inside the 25. We did that a couple times other night. But, you know, if we scored every time, I would find something wrong. I'm never gonna be satisfied. Like I told the guys, our standards are high. That’s just the expectation. We set the bar high and we expect to meet it every time.”