UAB Fall Camp SNAPSHOT: Day Ten
By Steve Irvine
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - August 14, 2025
UAB Fall Camp Snapshot
UAB’s defensive front, which projects as one of the most dependable groups on the field, is a combination of some key additions mixed with returning players ready to take on an extended role. Sam Mills III, whose coaching career has been almost entirely in the NFL, joined the staff to coach the defensive line. He stopped by after practice earlier this week to talk about his group and the season ahead.
On his group as whole: “I like it. Obviously, all camps you’re going to have ups and downs but I like the group so far. I like the blend we have with youth and also some veteran leadership. I like the blend we have with some size and speed and different body types to do different things with. I’m really happy with where we are, but we have a lot of room for improvement. They understand that. We’re speaking the same language now. Things that I see in the meeting room, they see also. So, they start to yell it out and call it out. I like the growth now but we got a lot of growing to do.”
On the defensive line depth: “It will tell over time. Guys have to be in the moment. Moments out here (on the practice field) are nice and comfortable. They are used to these moments out here. We have to get in a game, get the rotation going and get guys working with different guys in a live situation. That’s when you’ll know if you have the depth that you believe you have. But I do feel like we have a lot of guys who can play and can contribute. It’s all hands on deck.”
On players like Eamon Smalls and Jonathan Allen who had to play as true freshman two years ago: “I actually see the lights come on with those guys. You can tell they are not foreign to the field. They have played some but the amount that are playing (now), you can tell the light is coming on, you can tell the confidence, you can tell the growth is there. That’s been exciting to watch those guys mature. Really, to be honest with you, they’re where they’re supposed to be. If we look back 20 years ago, freshmen didn’t come in and play like that unless you were all-word. These guys are coming in and they’re going through the process of you learn first, you get a little bit and then you’ll be close to ready. And then we’ll see how it falls out. I’m really happy, especially with those two, because they are Blazers who have been here and it’s good to see them attached to the new system and carry the new system.”
On coaching in college: “It’s been fun. The guys have been energetic. Every day these guys have energy. But it’s also different. Every day these guys have class and have a lot going on. Emotion wise, there’s a lot going on, so they’re always managing situations. But they are a pleasure to work with because they’re willing to learn and they’re eager to learn.”
On coaching differently in the NFL and college: “You do at times. The reason I say you do at times, we try to get everyone ready to play but if a guy is just too young and not ready you just lean on some other guys heavier. Some guys feel the sense of urgency of this is their last year, their last opportunity to make an impression to maybe play after this professionally. So, there is a balance of where you are in your career, where you are on your stage and how much you can kind of handle.”
On his thoughts what his line will look like in the opener: “We’re still in an evaluation process. We’re still tinkering with people working with other people. There is so much in the air right now but I love it because it is true competition and the guys feel that. The guys feel that nothing is established yet and we’re still open for competition. Any man can win the job.”