UAB outside linebacker Nikia Eason Jr. is embracing the burden of leadership heading into his final season on the Southside and faces a daunting task in maintaining an elite standard established by a roll-call of master pass rushers.

“This season, especially having a new coach, we’re trying to bring the team together,” Eason said. “With Kelle (Sanders) and Kyle (Harrell) leaving last year, I have to fill a big role on defense. I have to better myself, play this role and step in and handle what they left me.”

Eason made a name for himself on special teams early in his career but is now the elder statesman of a position group that employs three total returners, two true freshmen and a trio of transfers. While not the most physically imposing among his position mates, the sixth-year senior — affectionately known as ‘soldier’ to his teammates — utilizes his own experience and the lessons passed down from his mentors.

“Soldier has been really one of the bright spots at camp,” UAB head coach Trent Dilfer said. “He’s always been told he’s a one-trick pony and we don’t buy into that philosophy. He’s having to play a hybrid position where he’s a rusher, a long-armed physical guy, and a coverage guy. He’s just such a dynamic force and person and has an energy and a presence to him that guys gravitate.”

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For the Blazers, the outside linebacker role developed into a defensive glamour position under former head coach Bill Clark and defensive coordinator David Reeves and resulted in Jordan Smith (fourth round) and Alex Wright (third round) being drafted in consecutive seasons.

Between the 2019 season and last year, Smith and Wright, combined with Sanders, amassed 252 tackles (52 for loss) and 29.5 sacks in the JACK role for the Blazers.

“They’re my brothers and we still talk to this day,” Eason said. “Jordan (Smith) and I were working out right before fall camp. He stays on me hard and says I have big shoes to fill and it’s time to be a leader and step up.”

Even with a new coaching staff, the role is expected to remain as productive and terrifying as it has in the past and outside linebackers coach Kentworth Thompson should have no problems elevating the position further.

A defensive analyst during spring practice, Thompson was promoted to on-field staff in July and has extensive experience that includes stints at UNLV (2020-2022), Fresno State (2018-2019), East Carolina (2016-2017), Vanderbilt (2014-2015), San Jose State (2001-2006 and 2013) and Cal (2007-2012).

“It’s an explosive playmaking position and, if you’re going to use an outside linebacker, you’re going to have to be able to do multiple things,” UAB outside linebackers coach Kentworth Thompson said. “Dropping into coverage, tackles for losses, sacks, interceptions, pass breakups — we expect that room to be able to produce those types of things.”

For his career, Eason has appeared in 40 games while collecting 47 tackles (13 for loss), seven sacks and two blocked punts.

A large assortment of stats, along with NFL aspirations, have always been in play for UAB defenders but the foundation of the program – forged by Clark – was built upon competing for championships. The Blazers last won a conference title in 2020 and fell out of contention late in the season the past two years and are eager to prove their constant doubters wrong after being picked to finish eighth in the AAC preseason media poll.

“It’s really important, a big goal, but first we’re trying to win a championship,” Eason said. “Everybody is down on us, saying we’ll have a losing season, and we’re trying to prove them wrong.”

Along with Eason, Michael Moore and Jalen Mayala are the only returning players at the Jack position, but Dilfer and his staff brought in transfers Desmond Little (LSU), Kendall Johnson (Tennessee State) and Jamarcus Jones (Mississippi Gulf Coast) and signed talented freshmen Daniel Harris and Tyler Thomas.

“A lot of the young guys coming in respect and look up to us,” Eason said. “We have to set a good example for all of them so they can follow in our footsteps.”

The recent transfers are physically imposing, even out of pads, and the freshmen are still in need of development, but Eason has tacked on weight and is prepared for whatever his role may entail to better suit the overall success of the team.

“He’s an unselfish player and those guys understand that, so therefore, he’s done a really good job of making them feel welcome,” Thompson said. “It’s a group that’s bonded together. It’s an unselfish group, and that’s a testament to him because we don’t have that many guys returning. Being able to open himself up to new people is a big deal for the progress of the group.”