No matter who is throwing passes for the UAB football team, the slot receiver duo of Samario Rudolph and Fred Farrier II can count on being an integral part of the offense in its ever-evolving form.

Rudolph opened last week’s loss at Western Kentucky with a reception from starting quarterback Dylan Hopkins on a short out route, turning the simple play into a 59-yard touchdown on the third play of the game.

Later, following an injury to Hopkins, backup Jacob Zeno connected with Farrier for his first career touchdown catch on a 14-yard pass into the right corner of the end zone.

“It was an opportunity I’ve been waiting on,” Farrier said. “I just want to show the team that they can trust me, I want to show the coaches that they can trust me. I knew when the ball came into my area, it reminded me of high school. When I saw the ball, I just caught it, and it didn’t feel like anything crazy. I caught it and that was it.”

Despite the growing number of offensive contributions, the Blazers are still seeking their first road win of the season as they finish up a two-game swing against FAU, Saturday, Oct. 29, at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida.

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Turnovers are responsible for the majority of UAB’s road woes but its corps of receivers have begun to prove their reliability as opponents choose to defend DeWayne McBride and company on the ground, in hopes of prying the ball loose as McBride has done four times this season.

Rudolph and Farrier have taken up slot duties this season after each player started their respective career on the outside. The former came to be known during his true freshman season, rising from scout team running back to starting receiver and catching a game-sealing touchdown to clinch the 2020 C-USA west division title.

“Flip (Rudolph) exemplifies everything we look for in a Blazer,” UAB interim head coach Bryant Vincent said. “He’s tough, he plays with a chip on his shoulder and he’s a great teammate. Fred Farrier has a chance to be one of the best receivers to ever come through UAB. He’s got the right mindset, he’s got the talent and he’s got the skill and work ethic.”

Rudolph played in 19 games during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, collecting only nine receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns, and in seven games this season has surpassed his first two years with six catches for 160 yards and two scores. His talent and ability have been apparent since stepping on campus and three years in the system have afforded the redshirt sophomore a plethora of knowledge.

“You understand defenses and coverages from the inside out,” Rudolph said. “When you play receiver, it’s like Coach Larry said, ‘read the triangle.’ You can break down a defense faster. We bring a lot of savviness, elusiveness, speed and creative route running.”

Before Rudolph and Farrier become the sole slot receivers in rotation, Ryan Davis was a part of the unit but was held out for most of fall camp because of a lingering injury. Unfortunately, Davis suffered a setback four games into the season and is lost for the year. The redshirt junior had six catches for 74 yards this season but is still a daily presence in meeting rooms while helping to coach up his teammates.

“I see they’re all falling in love with it,” Davis said. “They are looking to find something new to do every day. They’re trying to learn more and trying to get on top of their game and I’m trying everything I can to help them in that aspect.”

Taking Davis’ advice to heart, and being the son of Alabama A&M running backs coach Fred Farrier Sr., Farrier is a fervent student of the game and analyzes the finer details of his position in any given situation. Vincent touted Farrier’s potential for an impressive career during fall camp and the second-year receiver is beginning to produce on the field.

“I’ve been able to read coverages better,” Farrier said. “I can read leverages now as before I couldn’t read if there were 2-high or 1-high (safeties). The difference, especially inside, is being able to read coverages. At the college level, the look changes, whereas in high school it stays the same. Outside, it’s kind of a one-way go, it’s just you and the corner.”

The Blazers continue to find ways to mismatch opponents and Rudolph and Farrier are expected to lead the charge from the slot position. As long as Trea Shropshire and Tejhaun Palmer are taking the top off of unsuspecting defenses predicated on stopping the run, the underneath routes and short passing game are there for the taking in an offense that has yet to reach its full potential.

“We got a really smart, versatile, hard-working slot group,” UAB wide receivers coach Larry Smith said. “As a whole collective group, we got a hard-working group, but those guys, in particular, are really smart guys who can move inside and outside and play a lot of positions for us.”