Charlie Goode was merely a reserve linebacker for the UAB football team last year, working his way onto the special teams unit during fall camp, but made a name for himself with a pair of punt blocks that bookended the regular season.

“I definitely got some confidence after that,” Goode said. “The first one, I was thinking maybe it was a fluke, but after the second one, I started believing I could make plays and compete with these guys. It gave me a lot of confidence going into the offseason.”

Seizing control of his newfound confidence, Goode capitalized on an impressive spring practice and a fresh set of eyes from a new Blazers coaching staff has elevated the young linebacker up the depth chart and into a contributing role leading into summer workouts.

“He’s doing a nice job,” UAB head coach Trent Dilfer said. “His preparation is elite and understanding of what they’re trying to accomplish defensively. He physically is more gifted than he’s given credit for. He’s definitely got a spot to help contribute and help us be successful on defense.”

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Goode, a Homewood native, was a 2020 ASWA all-state honorable mention for the Patriots, racking up 219 tackles during his career, and made his way over the hill as a walk-on for the Blazers. He did not play his initial season on the Southside, redshirting as a true freshman, but appeared in 12 games last year while recording two blocked kicks.

Although the vast majority of his snaps were on special teams, Goode’s film jumped out to new UAB defensive coordinator Sione Ta’ufo’ou.

“Coach Sione really gave me a chance,” Goode said. “Everybody kind of starts on special teams and if they can make plays there, you can make plays on defense. He took a shot with me and I’ve worked my way up a bit.”

Despite his walk-on status, Goode has emerged from spring practice with momentum and a seat at the table after running with the first and second teams the last few weeks.

The 6-foot-3, 225-pound redshirt sophomore continues to garner favor with the defensive staff all the while competing with a wealth of veterans — Tamarious Brown, Reise Collier and Deshaun Oliver Jr. — and an injection of talent from true freshman Everett Roussaw and transfer portal additions James Smyre (Marshall) and Jay Tinker (West Alabama).

“Consistency, he’s literally where he’s supposed to be all the time,” Ta’ufo’ou said. “He’s comfortable and understands the system. Coaches the other guys up and coaches himself up. He shows up in flashes of physicality. He communicates really well. He doesn’t miss a lot of reads and doesn’t miss his spot. When he does, he knows right away. He owns it and fixes it.”

Goode’s recent ascent is not a coincidence by any means but partially derived from the tutelage of former linebackers Noah Wilder and Tyler Taylor — the former of which finished his career as UAB’s third all-time leading tackler (339).

“My two years with Noah (Wilder), he really took me under his wing,” Goode said. “He started out as a walk-on and showed me the way. He taught me the work ethic you have to have to be able to play at this level. Tyler, that’s my boy, he taught me passion and pride and I hope only the best for his future.”

Not all the credit is due to his mentors and the coaches throughout his playing career, though, Goode hit the books in January during offseason workouts and devoured every bit of knowledge available. The combined result is a quick rise through the ranks and possibly a formidable role for the Blazers this upcoming season as they enter the American Athletic Conference.

“When we got our installs, packages and play sheets, I studied them every night,” Goode said. “Knowing the plays inside and out is really what’s given me the edge this offseason.”