The UAB football team quickly evolved into a modern high-powered offense in Trent Dilfer’s first year leading the program but the ground game has not been left behind.

The Blazers return 13 total starters — seven on offense and six on defense — but none in the backfield with the loss of Jermaine Brown Jr. to graduation.

However, the rushing attack should be no worse for wear with Isaiah Jacobs returning from injury and Lee Beebe taking a bulk of the reps in spring practice. Lee Witherspoon is in his final year and UAB hit the portal for former SEC running back Armoni Goodwin.

Departed: Jermaine Brown Jr. — Demetrius Battle — Taven Curry (ULM)

Returning starter(s): None

Returning players: Lee Witherspoon, Sr* — Isaiah Jacobs, Jr* — Lee Beebe, So* — Dylan Peterson, Fr*

Spring/Summer arrivals: Armoni Goodwin, Jr* — Amari Brundidge, Fr — Solomon Beebe, Fr

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

Outlook: The Blazers have four legitimate running backs that could carry the load themselves but the committee and hot-hand approach is far more beneficial in taking advantage of defenses and extending the playing lifespan of all involved.

That being said, Isaiah Jacobs is a physical freak and the de facto leader of the unit following the departure of UAB’s all-purpose yards leader Jermaine Brown Jr.

Jacobs was paired with Brown to start the 2023 season and was an immediate threat before succumbing to a season-ending injury in the loss at Tulane. He was voted a team captain before the start of the season and finished with 55 carries for 249 yards and three touchdowns and 17 receptions for 63 yards.

LSU transfer Armoni Goodwin was also injured during spring practice but is set to join the fray in fall camp. During his two seasons with the Tigers, Goodwin started three games in 13 appearances and rushed for 331 yards and five touchdowns.

With Jacobs and Goodwin on the mend in the spring, Lee Beebe took the reins while splitting reps with Lee Witherspoon and Dylan Peterson. Beebe came on strong at the end of last season, finishing with 360 yards and four touchdowns, and closed out the season at North Texas with seven attempts for 101 yards and a pair of scores.

Witherspoon missed the entire 2021 season with an injury after transferring from Mississippi State and made spare appearances in 2022. He played in every game last season, producing six receptions for 37 yards in the passing game, and has 131 yards and two touchdowns during his time on the Southside.

Dylan Peterson was one of the three running backs to split reps in the spring but he is unlikely to see the field much with Jacobs and Goodwin expected back in the fall. However, the experience gained by Peterson bodes well for creating depth.

UAB added two walk-on freshmen during the summer and both were standout players for their respective Alabama schools. Amari Brundidge helped lead Parker to the AHSAA Class 6A semifinals, falling to eventual champion Clay-Chalkville, and closed out his senior season rushing for 945 yards and eight touchdowns. Solomon Beebe finished his final season at Park Crossing, where he was both an asset to the run and the pass while amassing 703 total yards.

Battle to Watch: Jacobs and Beebe have proven their worth on the field and are expected to receive first dibs in the pecking order in fall camp and beyond. Although not fighting for scrapes, Witherspoon and Goodwin will compete for the first option off the bench.

Keep an Eye on: Brundidge. The bulky true freshman will most certainly receive a redshirt this upcoming season but has the power and speed that UAB running backs coach Hindley Brigham has developed into record-setters in the past few years.

Projected depth chart:

Isaiah Jacobs, Jr*

Lee Beebe, So*

Armoni Goodwin, Jr* OR Lee Witherspoon, Sr*