Published: October 15, 2008 11:42 pm      

UAB quarterback running with chance

Now that Joe Webb has his opportunity, he is running with it.

Literally.

UAB’s starting quarterback not only is making an impact with his arm, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound junior also ranks among the league’s leading rushers, averaging 84 yards per game.

That ranks him third in the country among college quarterbacks, and above Marshall’s top running back, Darius Marshall (80.8).

It seems all Webb needed was a chance.

Webb split time at quarterback last year with Sam Hunt. He started one game, the season finale against Central Florida, and entered this season with career numbers of 98-of-168 passing for 1,105 yards, six touchdowns and just one interception.

When he wasn’t behind center, Webb saw considerable action as wide receiver. He finished his sophomore year with 30 catches for 459 yards and three touchdowns.

Now, the QB job is Webb’s alone, and he remains a bright spot in an otherwise terrible season for the Blazers.

Heading into Saturday’s 4 p.m. game against the Thundering Herd in Birmingham, Ala., Webb is 131-of-228 for 1,509 yards.

He has eight touchdowns and nine interceptions, although three of those came last Thursday against Houston.

Webb got the chance he wanted, to be able to be only the quarterback — and the only quarterback. Webb is the only player to have attempted a pass this season.

“It’s given me a chance to work with people more one-on-one, my teammates and coaches,” he said late Tuesday night. “I look at tape and might look at my receivers, I might look at the offensive line play. I might say, ‘You’re doing this. It might work better if you did this.’ I’ve been able to stay more focused on my assignments.”

Webb is reaping the benefits of his patience.

“I felt like I could have an important role in this offense,” he said. “I’ve just tried to do things to help the team win. We’ve had some guys step up and make some plays. We just need more of them and we will be just fine.”

Among those players is receiver Frantrell Forrest, who set a school record for freshmen last year for receptions (49) and yards (563). This year, Forrest has 33 receptions for 419 yards and two scores.

“Frantrell finds a way to get open,” Webb said of his favorite target. “He knows how to do it. He’s got pretty good speed, he plays fast, and when we need a big play, he’ll go up and do it. He’s like our big-play guy. He finds holes in the defense. If you need a first down or need a big play, you can look to Frantrell.”

Webb figures to be looking in Forrest’s direction plenty Saturday as the Blazers (1-6, 0-3) try to beat the Herd and possibly turn their season around.

“A win Saturday would get everything off our back,” Webb said. “It would get rid of some of the criticism and would really help our confidence. It would help get us ready for the next game. It would give us the feeling, ‘We needed this win, we got the win, now let’s move on to the next game.’”