The Alcorn State Braves kick off their 2024 HBCU football season with a challenging test on Thursday night as they travel to Birmingham to face UAB. According to new head coach Cedric Thomas , the Braves will look to set the tone defensively as he prepares his unit for a tough battle against UAB’s efficient quarterback, Jacob Zeno. Thomas recognizes the significance of the game for his defensive front, starting with standout defensive lineman Malachi Bailey.
“You know, that’s going to start with Malachi Bailey,” Thomas said. “I like these games…there’s some money implications behind it. However, you still get evaluation. We got three kids that are playing in the league now, and they’re going to look at these guys from Malachi and guys like that.”
Bailey, along with Kayvon Henderson and other key players like Gideon Spottsville and Stemarion Edwards, will be crucial in applying pressure on UAB’s offensive line. Thomas emphasized the importance of disrupting the Blazers’ offensive rhythm.
“Malachi’s got to do a really good job of stretching those tackles on the edge, him and Kayvon Henderson,” he said. “From an offensive line standpoint, if we can get some pressure on the quarterback and not get knocked off the ball, we have a chance on the back end.”
The Braves’ defensive challenge will be heightened by facing UAB’s starting quarterback, Jacob Zeno, who transferred from Baylor and has proven himself to be a poised presence in the pocket. Thomas compared Zeno to another talented HBCU passer in former Jackson State and current Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, highlighting the UAB quarterback’s efficiency.
“Shedeur-like”
“They’ve got a really good quarterback that’s cool, calm, and collected in the pocket,” Thomas said. “Kind of puts you in the mind of a Shedeur when you’re talking about it from a numerical standpoint…70% or close to it in percentages that says he’s efficient with the football.”
According to the UAB athletics website , Zeno has the numbers to back up the accolades. Zeno set the single-season record for completions (279) and completion percentage (73.6). He also threw for the second-most yards in a season with 3,126. Zeno finished the season ranked second nationally in completion percentage. He set an UAB FBS single game passing record with 484 yards and five touchdowns against Florida Atlantic.
With Zeno’s accuracy and composure, Thomas knows his defensive line will have to be sharp and disciplined to limit UAB’s offensive production.
“We’ve got to do a good job up front attacking the O-line and changing some looks up because he’s a savvy quarterback. So that’s what we’ve got to do—attack that offense to try to have some success.”
Ultimately, the game will likely hinge on how well Alcorn State’s defensive line can disrupt Zeno’s timing and keep the Blazers’ offense out of rhythm. Thomas has confidence in his group of pass rushers to rise to the occasion.
“That starts with the guys up front,” Thomas said. “We expect Gideon Spottsville, Kayvon Henderson, Malachi Bailey, and Stemarion Edwards to kind of get after it from a defensive standpoint to give us a chance.”
As the Mississippi HBCU faces a higher-level FBS opponent, they’ll be looking to make a statement with their defensive front leading the charge.
The post Alcorn State prepping for Shedeur like QB at UAB appeared first on HBCU Gameday .
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