It's not unusual for UAB free safety Will Dunbar to have an impact when he's on the football field.
On Saturday, when UAB opens the 2007 season at Michigan State, it's Dunbar's absence that will impact the Blazers' defense.
Dunbar, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound senior playmaker in the secondary, is suspended for the Michigan State game. UAB head coach Neil Callaway announced the suspension during his weekly media luncheon on Monday. Callaway didn't elaborate why he's suspending one of his star players Dunbar's suspension is expected to be for this one game.
"He's one of the better football players on this football team," Callaway said. "We'll miss him but we're going to play without him."
Dunbar was the team leader in tackles last year with 65. The Atlanta product also had three interceptions, one sack and one pass break-up while playing in all 12 games and starting six times. He was a third-team All-Conference USA choice last season and preseason first-team all-conference this season.
Matt Taylor, a 5-11, 185-pound junior from Oak Mountain High School, steps into Dunbar's starting spot. The former walk-on is one of the more versatile members of the secondary. He has played cornerback, nickel back and both safety positions but will start for the first time Saturday.
Callaway said the Blazers would rotate four players in the game at the two safety spots. In addition to Taylor, the starter at strong safety is senior Durrell Fuqua while the backups are senior Carnell Williams and freshman Marquis Coleman.
Barring injuries, either Taylor or Fuqua will be on the field at all times, according to Callaway. Williams began fall camp at cornerback before moving to safety last week. Coleman has been impressive during fall camp but Saturday will mark his first college game.
"We will not put Marquis and Carnell on the field at the same time," Callaway said. "I think they are fine as far as knowing what to do. But as far as making calls, which our safeties make most of our calls on defense, if we had both of them on the field at the same time, we'd probably have some problems."
Another problem could be what Callaway expects Michigan State to do.
"Offensively, they're going to be a team that is going to run the ball, play-action pass, try to throw the ball deep on you and try to get big plays," Callaway said.
Without the experienced Dunbar roaming the secondary the Blazers could be more susceptible to the deep pass. He's also a key part of UAB's rush defense.
Dunbar's situation is reminiscent of a year ago when defensive end Larry was suspended during UAB's 24-17 season-opening loss at Oklahoma.
On Saturday, when UAB opens the 2007 season at Michigan State, it's Dunbar's absence that will impact the Blazers' defense.
Dunbar, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound senior playmaker in the secondary, is suspended for the Michigan State game. UAB head coach Neil Callaway announced the suspension during his weekly media luncheon on Monday. Callaway didn't elaborate why he's suspending one of his star players Dunbar's suspension is expected to be for this one game.
"He's one of the better football players on this football team," Callaway said. "We'll miss him but we're going to play without him."
Dunbar was the team leader in tackles last year with 65. The Atlanta product also had three interceptions, one sack and one pass break-up while playing in all 12 games and starting six times. He was a third-team All-Conference USA choice last season and preseason first-team all-conference this season.
Matt Taylor, a 5-11, 185-pound junior from Oak Mountain High School, steps into Dunbar's starting spot. The former walk-on is one of the more versatile members of the secondary. He has played cornerback, nickel back and both safety positions but will start for the first time Saturday.
Callaway said the Blazers would rotate four players in the game at the two safety spots. In addition to Taylor, the starter at strong safety is senior Durrell Fuqua while the backups are senior Carnell Williams and freshman Marquis Coleman.
Barring injuries, either Taylor or Fuqua will be on the field at all times, according to Callaway. Williams began fall camp at cornerback before moving to safety last week. Coleman has been impressive during fall camp but Saturday will mark his first college game.
"We will not put Marquis and Carnell on the field at the same time," Callaway said. "I think they are fine as far as knowing what to do. But as far as making calls, which our safeties make most of our calls on defense, if we had both of them on the field at the same time, we'd probably have some problems."
Another problem could be what Callaway expects Michigan State to do.
"Offensively, they're going to be a team that is going to run the ball, play-action pass, try to throw the ball deep on you and try to get big plays," Callaway said.
Without the experienced Dunbar roaming the secondary the Blazers could be more susceptible to the deep pass. He's also a key part of UAB's rush defense.
Dunbar's situation is reminiscent of a year ago when defensive end Larry was suspended during UAB's 24-17 season-opening loss at Oklahoma.
