Although Steve Russ Energy Bus hasn’t arrived in Birmingham yet, the energy that powers it is powerful throughout UAB defense.
In his first season as the defensive coordinator for the Blazers, Russ is a fan of Jon Gordon’s book, The Energy Bus, which highlights the value of good energy and participation when working toward objectives. During his tenure as linebackers coach for the Carolina Panthers from 2018 to 2019, Russ incorporated aspects of that theory and even developed his own Energy-Bus approach.
Although Russ hasn’t used the nickname “Energy Bus” since he was appointed last December, Gordon did speak to the Blazers earlier during camp. Nevertheless, a defensive unit trying to reinvent itself this season has adopted one of the book’s main ideas as its ethos.
You are worthless if you have no juice.
Over the last eight months, UAB defenders have heard that remark countless times.
Eamon Smalls, a defensive lineman for UAB, smiled and remarked, “I’ve heard that so much.” It just indicates that you aren’t truly contributing if you aren’t putting in any effort. Especially when it comes to defense, we need that energy because it keeps the defense going.
Gordon wants to avoid giving away too much about the defense this year. Nonetheless, he is forthright about how he wants the Blazers to approach football this season.
Russ remarked, “I want to see our guys play fast.” It’s extremely obvious when we’re playing quickly and when we’re not when you turn on the tape. You can see the players getting off blocks, playing decisively, and the team’s confidence and swarming when they play quickly.
You have to go 11-for-11 when you don’t play fast. When you don’t play swiftly, you have to win the eleven one-on-one matches that are now taking place. Playing quickly may therefore improve your chances and put the opposition on your heels.
Much progress has been made in putting that speed on the field by UAB’s redesigned defensive staff. In addition to the training, Russ is trying to make his defenders feel that everything they do has to be done with urgency. Players are transferred quickly from station to station, whether it’s during practice or in between meetings in the sports facilities.
“High intensity, tempo,” Smalls remarked. Everywhere we go, we’re running. “Next man up, next man up” is all that is required. You go on to the next drill as soon as you finish the previous one. Just creating a sense of urgency will help us move quickly.
Russ’s high level of enthusiasm on the field also contributes to his unit’s tempo.
Smalls remarked, “It’s crazy to see him over there when we get a pick and we’re running down the sideline and he’s running with us.” When you see that, it makes you feel energized.
It will take time to get used to a new defensive scheme and mindset. Although Russ describes his unit’s adjustment as a work in progress, he has observed his teammates’ daily progress throughout camp. Trent Dilfer, the head coach, has supported that, praising the defense after UAB’s two camp scrimmages.
Smalls remarked, “We’re pretty good at getting guys ready to go.” We will pick up a guy who is down if we notice him. It’s not always like shouting at them to “move your ass.” Come on, man, let’s pick it up, is more like it.
Russ’s task will be to boost a UAB defense that finished the previous season near the bottom of most statistical measures. The Blazers gave up 393.3 yards per game last season, which put them in 94th place nationally. In terms of scoring defense, they were even worse, allowing an average of 34.3 points per game to tie for 120th place.
The Blazers should be able to get better in both of those areas in fall, according to coaching reports after this month’s scrimmages. But when it comes to his unit’s strengths, Russ is keeping things under wraps.
The defense’s resilience and capacity to respond to unfavorable circumstances during scrimmages has been emphasized throughout camp. Opposing offenses were able to score on 85.71% of UAB’s trips to the red zone last season, including a 66.07% touchdown rate. The Blazers have demonstrated an improved ability to bend without breaking during camp, which has increased the frequency with which the offense stays out of the end zone.
Russ remarked, “We truly preach the spirit of perseverance.” They will move the ball in the modern NFL and college football environment. We are simply live in an attacking game. That kind of thing is going to occur. They are going to get into the red zone and move the ball. It must not upset us because we must have that spirit of endurance. It stings when someone goes on a 12-play drive and all they get is a field goal. I’m not very good at arithmetic, but a touchdown requires three field goals. We will be in good condition if we can play resilient football at a high level.
Before starting game week for their season opener against Alabama State on August 28 inside Protective Stadium, UAB will have one last practice on Thursday. Russ will try to maintain the Blazers’ momentum on his end of the court until then.
Russ stated, “We must be able to ensure that we are prepared to play when we put that ball down.” Regardless of the location, the reason, or the time, we will be prepared when you lay the ball down.
