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2008 conference record: 3-5

Returning starters

Offense: 11, defense: 7, punter/kicker: 0

Top returners

QB Joe Webb, C Jake Seitz, TE Jeffery Anderson, OL Terence Edge, WR Frantrell Forrest, CB Terrell Springs, DE Bryant Turner

Key losses

S Will Dunbar, LB Joe Henderson, CB Kevin Sanders, S Matt Taylor

2008 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Joe Webb* (1,021 yards)
Passing: Joe Webb* (2,367 yards)
Receiving: Frantrell Forrest* (536 yards)
Tackles: Joe Henderson (87)
Sacks: Bryant Turner*(4.0)
Interceptions: Kevin Sanders (7)

Spring answers

1. Webb ready for big year: After becoming the full-time starter last year, quarterback Joe Webb turned into one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in C-USA. He finished the year with 2,367 passing yards and 1,021 rushing yards. The rushing yards set a C-USA record for a quarterback. Webb's 282.3 yards of total offense per game ranked 15th in the country.

2. Receivers look good: One of the main points of emphasis this spring was throwing and catching the ball better than a year ago. UAB had one of the worst passing offenses in the conference last season, which hurt them when they fell behind in games early in the season. Head coach Neil Callaway said the passing game was the most improved aspect of the team.

3. High hopes for 2009: UAB won two of its final three games last season (only loss was to C-USA champion East Carolina) to give it momentum heading into the spring. With the entire offense returning and most of the defense, Callaway thinks this might be the year his team turns the corner.

Fall questions

1. Replacing the kicker: Replacing Swayze Waters, who was the first player to be first-team all-conference as both a kicker and a punter, has been a chore for the Blazers. Trey Ragland was at the top of the depth chart when spring drills began, but had to fend off fellow sophomore Max Garcia. The competition will continue into the spring.

2. Defense is a concern: The Blazers lost just four players from last year's defense, but several missed spring drills because of injuries. Callaway said it was hard to gauge to progress of the defense, especially the linebackers and secondary, because it was so shorthanded. The one bright spot is that the defense allowed just 13.7 points in the final three games after allowing an average of 37 in the first nine.

3. Running game needs work: Although the Blazers averaged 168.9 rushing yards per game last season, most of that was because of Webb. Callaway was hoping to get a little more production out of his running backs this spring. Rashaud Slaughter returns as the team's top back, but several players will get a chance to vie for top billing come the fall.