Steve Irvine’s Position-By-Position Breakdown of 2025 UAB Football Roster
By Steve Irvine
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - June 15, 2025
For the most part, work on building the 2025 is close to completion for UAB head coach Trent Dilfer and his staff.
The Blazers added 10 scholarship players since the conclusion of spring practice. It’s possible that number took grow by a couple before fall camp begins. For now, though, we’ll take a position-by-position look at what the roster looks like for Dilfer’s third season as the UAB head coach. The list includes scholarship and non-scholarship players.
DEFENSE
Defensive line
Current roster: Demarcus Smith R-Sr.; Nigel Tate R-Sr.; Denver Warren R-Sr.; Fred Owens R-So.; JaSire Peterson R-So.;; Jonathan Allen R-So.; Eamon Smalls R-So.; Kyle Mosley R-Fr.
December/January signees (not in school during spring): None
Spring additions: None
Outlook: December transfer portal additions Nigel Tate and Denver Warren looked like a pair of anchors on the defensive front during spring practice. However, it still should be a good competition in the summer and fall camp. JaSire Peterson, another portal addition, should also play a key role. Demarcus Smith and Eamon Smalls missed most of spring drills to rehab an injuries. It’s possible this could be one of the better positions on the defense.
Defensive end/Edge
Current roster: Amorie Morrison R-Sr.; Jamichael Rogers R-Sr.; James Smyre Sr.; Ezra Odinor R-So.; Chris Burge R-Fr.; Myles Cook R-Fr.; J’Quan Mason R-Fr.; Zach Johnson Fr.
December/January signees (not in school during spring): James Steel, Carvel Academy, Bear, Del.
Spring additions: None
Outlook: Jamichael Rogers, a transfer from Miles College, was one of the stars of the spring with his relentless work on the edge. He will definitely play a big role this fall. Amorie Morrison was one of the most coveted recruits but the former Old Dominion starter was sidelined during the spring with an injury. Ezra Odinjor had a solid first season at UAB and James Smyre is looking for a breakout season. It will be an interesting position to watch this summer and during fall camp.
Linebacker
Current roster: Devin Hightower R-Sr.; Eli Ennis Sr.; Calvin Pitcher Sr.; Eddy Toussom Sr.; Gage Messick R-Jr.; Brandon Franklin R-Jr.; Tylan McNichols So.; Jacoby Bridges R-Fr.; Phillip Davison Jr. R-Fr.
December/January signees (not in school during spring): None
Spring additions: None
Outlook: First things first, Eddy Toussom looked at home during the spring at inside linebacker and Tylon McNichols has two years of college seasoning. That covers the scholarship returnees for the Blazers. Transfer portal addition Calvin Pitcher looked comfortable at linebacker in the spring despite playing safety during his time at Idaho State. Eli Ennis missed spring because of a prior injury but big things are expected of the Nicholls State transfer. Devin Hightower and Gage Messick are also solid additions. Depth should be a strength.
Cornerback
Current roster: Tamarion Crumpley R-Sr.; Donald Lee R-Sr.; T’sai McDaniel R-Sr.; Tariq Watson R-Jr.; Roy Williams R-Jr.; Perry Fisher R-Jr.; Jaylyn Ferguson R-So.; Ja’Lyen Judson Fr.; Julius Lane Jr. Fr.
December/January signees (Not in school during spring): None
Spring additions: Isaiah Crozier, Youngstown State; Delvon Gulley, Alabama A&M
Outlook: Depth appears to be a strength at this position, particularly with a couple of key additions in the spring portal. First things first, Jaylyn Ferguson and Tariq Watson ended strong spring practice performances by taking the first team reps during the Spring Showcase. Ferguson could be poised for big things after working his way through his first two seasons at the school. Watson had an interception and a fumble recovery during the Spring Showcase. December portal additions Tamarion Crumpley and Perry Fisher are ready to contribute. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see some mixing and matching in the secondary, even though all of these players are listed on the roster at cornerback. Returnee Donald Lee is a good example. Lee, who was limited in spring because of an injury, has played cornerback, nickel and safety and could very well do the same this season. Delvon Gulley was a FCS Freshman All-America selection this past season at Alabama A&M after compiling 29 tackles, three interceptions and four pass breakups. Isaiah Crozier had 10 tackles and a pass breakup in nine games last season and played in one game in 2023.
Safety
Current roster: Jalen Cheek R-Sr.; Pierre Royster R-Sr.; Sirad Bryant R-Sr.; Josh Baka Sr.; AJ Brown R-Jr.; Kyle McKinney R-So.; Josiah Crawford Fr.; Love Kirby R-Fr.
December/January signees (not in school during spring): None.
Spring additions: Jeremiah Vessel, UNLV
Outlook: Getting Sirad Bryant and AJ Brown back from the portal was huge. Bryant, the lone returning starter is the physical and emotional leader of the defense and Brown has worked toward this opportunity. The position is filled with proven playmakers on the college level. Josh Baka was the leader in tackles at Kent State last season while Royster had 110 tackles in two seasons at Saint Francis University. Cheek played in 20 games over three seasons at Boston College. The Blazers added another piece to the position in UNLV transfer Jeremiah Vessel, who played one season at New Mexico State before playing last season in Las Vegas. Tristan Anderson of Rockmart, South Carolina was a high school signee in February but is not listed on the current roster.
OFFENSE
Offensive line
Spring roster: Baron Franks II R-Sr.; Ryan Gunter R-Jr.; Adam Lepkowski R-Jr.; JonDarius Morgan R-Sr.; Calib Perez R-Jr.; Logan Moore R-So.; Mason Chorak R-So.; Jaden Ligon R-Fr.; Kade Martin R-Fr.; Barry Walker R-Fr.
December/January signees (not in school in spring): Aidan Platt, Auburn (Ala.) HS; Donovan Lawrence, Dacula (Ga.) HS
Spring additions: Daniel Mincey, Kentucky; Nelson Ramirez, College of San Mateo; Brandon Sneh, Kansas State/Wagner/Elizabeth City State; Kyrik Mason, Georgia State/Monmouth; Rod Orr Jr., Toledo; Peter Simmons R-Sr., Michigan
Outlook: Competition over the summer and fall camp may be worthy of the price of admission. The starting offensive line during the Spring Showcase consisted of Adam Lepkowski at center, Calib Perez and Barry Walker at guard and Logan Moore and JonDarius Morgan at tackles. Chances are pretty good it won’t look identical to that once the season begins. UAB had just 10 offensive linemen on the roster by the end of fall camp and two of them were unable to participate in the Spring Showcase because they were banged up. On paper, the coaching staff picked up a ton of help in the spring portal and they might not be done with adding pieces to the offensive line puzzle. It will be interesting to see where they fit into the mix during fall camp.
Quarterback
Current roster: Jalen Kitna R-Sr.; Ryder Burton R-So.; Trace Campbell R-Jr.; Cam Jennings R-Fr.; Adrian Posse R-Fr.; Nate Rogers R-Fr.; Vanden Dugger Fr.
December/January signees (not in the school in spring): None
Spring portal additions: Vanden Dugger, Dana Hills HS, Dana Point, California
Outlook: Trent Dilfer expects big things from Kitna, who had eight games of college football seasoning last fall. He is the unquestioned leader at quarterback. The rest of the depth chart is not as clear. Sophomore transfer Ryder Burton made a good first impression in spring practice. Someone – whether it be Burton or someone else – needs to step forward during fall camp to secure the backup slot. The latest addition is true freshman Vanden Dugger, who is walk-on player from California.
Running back
Current roster: Solomon Beebe So.; Amari Brundidge R-Fr.; Jevon Jackson R-Sr.; Isaiah Jacobs R-Sr.
December/January signees (not in school during spring): None
Spring additions: Marquis Collins, Duke; Drew Patterson, Lipscomb Academy, Nashville, Tennessee
Outlook: Time will tell how the carries will be split up. Perhaps more accurately, health could determine the rotation. If healthy, this could very well be a position of strength. The team’s top three running backs in the spring – Isaiah Jacobs, Jevon Jackson and Solomon Beebe – each bring something different to the field. Injuries stalled Marquis Collins progress at Duke but he was a highly-regarded prospect from College Station, Texas.
Tight end
Current roster: Connor Harby R-Sr.; Elijah Lagg Jr.; Joshua Rubin R-So.; J.C. Sivley R-So.; Antonio Ferguson R-So.; Brayden Johnson R-Fr.
December/January signees (not in school during spring): Aaron Mattingly, Green Hill HS, Mount Juliet, Tenn.; Gabriel Cline, Monsignor Pace HS, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Spring additions: None
Outlook: Another position that will be fun to watch develop over the summer and during fall camp. J.C. Sivley has the most UAB experience and he’s played in 12 games over three seasons. Elijah Lagg and Antonio Ferguson both performed well in the spring.
Wide receiver
Current roster: Kaleb Brown R-Jr.; Xavier Daisy So.; Brandon Hawkins Jr. R-Sr.; Iverson Hooks R-So.; AJ Johnson Sr.; Aron Marsch R-Jr.; Evan McCray R-Sr.; Corri Milliner R-So.; Malik Muhammad R-Fr.; Lamar White R-Fr.
December/January signees (not enrolled in spring): CD Gill, Saraland (Ala.) HS; Jaylen Elder, Morgan County (Ga.) HS
Spring additions: Jailen Holmes, Oregon State/Independence Community College
Outlook: Kaleb Brown, who is expected to step in immediately and play a critical role, missed spring practice because of a foot injury and returnee Xavier Daisy all missed time in the spring. Is Corri Milliner ready to step into the top receiver role after finishing last season with a flourish? Evan McCray showed in the spring that he’s ready to do big things at the FBS level. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Iverson Hooks take a large leap forward this season. There is talent at receiver but it will take work to figure out the rotation. Don’t be surprised if at least one freshman finds a role.
SPECIALISTS
Current roster: P Patrick Foley, R-Sr.; PK Jonah Delange, Jr.; LS Caleb Moser, Jr.; LS Evan Bishop, R-So.; PK Owen Simpson, Fr.
December/January signees (not in school during spring): None
Spring additions: PK Owen Simpson, Vestavia Hills HS
Outlook: UAB has perhaps the best punter-kicker duo in the AAC in Patrick Foley and Jonah Delange. Foley, who is entering his third season as the team’s starting punter, is currently second in school history in career yards per punt (43.27). He was on the Ray Guy watch list the past two seasons. Delange had one of the most consistent seasons in the country last year before closing with a bad game. Delange made his first 14 field goal attempts of the season and was 21-of-22 heading into the season finale at Charlotte. Delange missed both of his field goal attempts against Charlotte, including what would have been the game winner. However, his tough final game wasn’t an indication of how much he meant to the Blazers. He should be one of the country’s best kickers once again. Owen Simpson, a local incoming freshman, who gets the stamp of approval from former UAB and NFL standout Ty Long, will have the chance to take over as the team’s kickoff specialist. Caleb Moser is an experienced and dependable long snapper.