Football season is just around the corner, and fans are buzzing with excitement to see the action unfold on the field. If you're a fan of Samford or UAB, you're in for a treat this upcoming season. Both of these universities boast exceptional talent and promise an exciting season ahead. The Bulldogs look to continue their success as reigning SoCON champs and extend their eight game conference win streak while Trent Dilfer is fired up to start a Blazer dynasty. In this article, we will shine the spotlight on the top five football players to watch at Samford and UAB as they take the field to showcase their skills, dedication, and determination in pursuit of gridiron glory. You're going to want to keep an eye on them.
1. Michael Hiers: QB, Samford University
Other schools may have power, but Samford has a Hier Power. The former Briarwood legend showed out this past season. He led the Bulldogs to an 11-2 season with their only losses being to the Georgia Bulldogs and the NDSU Bison who both appeared in their division's championship games. Hiers threw for 300+ yards in five games and tossed at least four touchdowns in seven games. He led the country in completion percentage with 76.6% earning him the SoCon Offensive Player of the Year award. At SoCon's Football Media Days, Samford's QB1 was predicted to win the award again this year, and if he can stay healthy, that is exactly what he'll do.
2. Jermaine Brown Jr.: RB, UAB
The opportunities are endless for Coach Dilfer and how he can utilize Jermaine "Skull" Brown Jr. With DeWayne McBride gone, Skull will have no issues filling his shoes as he has been placed on the Maxwell Award Watch List and is expected to put up big numbers this season. On top of his 948 rushing yards last season, he was 4th in receiving yards averaging 6.3 yards per catch and the top kick returner. The man can do it all. Last season, the Blazers ran for nearly 1000 yards more than their opponents making it a huge part of their offense. We will see what Coach Dilfer has planned for Skull and the Blazer offense soon.
3. Keondre Swoopes: DB, UAB
As the Blazer's top returning defensive player, Swoopes was responsible for 53 tackles and three turnovers which gave him Honorable Mention All-Conference USA recognition. Maybe the AAC will be a better judge of talent? They've already proved that. Swoopes is set to have another great year as he has been selected on the AAC Preseason First Team All-Conference roster. Accompanied by the McWilliams brothers and a stacked defensive roster, Swoopes will continue to lead UAB as one of the top ranked pass defenses in the country despite the conference change.
4. Chandler Smith: WR, Samford University
Hiers' favorite target is back for another season, and these two make for a lethal combination. With 100 receptions, 1,071 yards and 11 touchdowns, Smith led the team in all categories and was a large part of the Bulldogs success last season. By the end of the season, Smith was ranked in the National Top 25 in receptions per game (4th), receiving touchdowns (10th), receiving yards (11th) and receiving yards per game (24th). His ability to catch the ball combined with his speed make him a nightmare to cover off the line. At the SoCon's Football Media Days, Smith was selected on the All-SoCon First Team Offense roster, so we expect to see big things from him this year.
5. The McWilliams Brothers: DB and DT, UAB
The brother duo of Mac and Fish (yes... Fish) have also been named to the AAC Preseason First Team All-Conference roster. In addition, Fish has been named to the Outland Trophy Watch List that is presented to the nation's top interior offensive or defensive lineman. In 2022, the McWilliams Brothers combined for 51 tackles and you can expect to see a lot more than that this year.
