The Blazers return 16 starters, seven on offense and nine on defense, and the elevation of offensive coordinator Bryant Vincent to interim head coach should have an effect on a core of receivers that have the capability to evolve the UAB offense beyond a boom-or-bust mentality. Leading returning receiver Trea Shropshire entered and exited the transfer portal twice during the offseason, ultimately deciding to remain with UAB to finish off his college career, and multi-game starters Samario Rudolph and Tejhaun Palmer will see an increased role along with Ryan Davis and Fred Farrier II.The good news is that Trea Shropshire emerged from his journey through the transfer portal, along with his nation-leading 26 yards per reception last season. The bad news is that the rest of the returning receiving corps combined for only 324 yards on 33 receptions, including a lone touchdown catch by Samario Rudolph. However, there is reason to be optimistic about the prospects of an enhanced passing game. Shropshire developed into a dangerous deep threat for the Blazers but only caught 27 passes during the season. His 703 yards led to a nation-leading 26.0 yards per catch, including 7 touchdowns, and has the opportunity to become the fourth UAB receiver (Derrick Ingram, Roddy White and Austin Watkins Jr.) to have more than 1,000 yards in a single season with an increase in usage. - Birmingham Post Herald