A hallmark of the UAB defense since the return of the program has been an attacking defense predicated on disrupting the quarterback and shutting down opposing running games.

Expect nothing to change under a new defensive staff that embraces that same philosophy.

The Blazers return 10 starters — five on offense and four on defense – but only one on the outside edge of the defensive front.

Michael Fairbanks is set to cap his productive career at SAM linebacker, along with Nikia Eason on the other side, and Jalen Mayala will contend with a trio of transfers and a talented freshman in developing a dangerous edge attack.

Departed: Kelle Sanders, Kyle Harrell, Kybo Jamerson, Brennan Blake

Returning starter(s): Michael Fairbanks II, Sr*

Other returning players: Nikia Eason, Sr* — Jalen Mayala, Jr*

Spring/Summer arrivals: Desmond Little, Jr — Jamarcus Jones, Jr — Kendall Johnson, Jr — Daniel Harris, Fr

2023 position preview: QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | DL | OLB | LB | CB | S | ST

Outlook: UAB lost two experienced edge-rushers to graduation, one of whom, Kyle Harrell, was a member of the 2017 return team, but returns a key starter this season while reloading with portal additions and a talented freshman enrollee.

Michael Fairbanks started every game at SAM last season, racking up 42 tackles (3.5 for loss) and 1.5 sacks, and is the most experienced of any edge rusher on the roster. Fellow redshirt senior Nikia Eason has amassed 44 tackles (11 for loss), five sacks and two blocked punts in his UAB career — receiving his first extensive action last year after excelling on special teams — and Jalen Mayala has appeared in only five games in two years with the program.

The Blazers brought in three transfers to build numbers and depth and all three should play a vital role in the edge rotation, along with true freshmen Daniel Harris. LSU transfer Desmond Little and Tennessee State transfer Kendall Johnson are physically molded in prototypical UAB pass-rusher fashion, combining for 38 tackles (8 for loss) and recording two sacks each, and Jamarcus Jones posted 46 tackles (3 for loss) in his two-year career in the junior college ranks.

Battle to Watch: While Michael Fairbanks has a sturdy lock at SAM, expect continuing competition behind him and at the Jack position. Nikia Eason Jr. has the most experience returning and the Blazers added a talented trio of transfers to the mix in Desmond Little (LSU), Kendall Johnson (Tennessee State) and Jamarcus Jones (Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College).

Keep an Eye on: Harris. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Florida native joins a thin but talented position group and could make an immediate impact in his true freshman season. Harris was a consensus 3-star prospect at Palm Bay Senior, according to all major recruiting services, and was an early coup for Dilfer and his staff.

Projected depth chart:

(SAM) Michael Fairbanks II, Sr*

Kendall Johnson, Jr OR Jalen Mayala, Jr*

(JACK) Nikia Eason, Sr* OR Desmond Little, Jr

Jamarcus Jones, Jr OR Daniel Harris, Fr