UAB football: Steve Russ talks high-energy approach to defense

Steve Russ’ “Energy Bus” hasn’t rolled into Birmingham just yet, but the juice that fuels it runs strong throughout UAB’s defense.

Russ, who is in his first season as the Blazers’ defensive coordinator, is a fan of Jon Gordon’s book, “The Energy Bus,” which emphasizes the importance of positive energy and engagement when pursuing goals. Russ has adopted elements of that philosophy and even created an Energy-Bus model of his own during his time as the Carolina Panthers’ linebackers coach from 2018-19.

Gordon spoke to the Blazers earlier during camp, but the term “Energy Bus” hasn’t been used by Russ since he was hired last December. Still, one of the book’s key concepts has become an ethos for a defensive unit looking to redefine itself this season.

“If you’re juiceless, you’re useless.”

There’s no telling how many times UAB defenders have heard that phrase over the past eight months.

“I’ve heard that so much,” UAB defensive lineman Eamon Smalls said with a smile. “It just means that if you aren’t bringing any energy, you aren’t really contributing. We need that energy, especially on defense, because that makes the defense go.”

Gordon doesn’t want to give away too much when discussing this year’s defense. He is, however, open about the way he wants the Blazers to attack the football this fall.

“I want to see our guys play fast,” Russ said. “When you turn on the tape, it’s very glaring when we’re playing fast and when we’re not as fast. The team that plays fast, you can see the confidence, you can see the swarming, you can see guys getting off blocks, you can see guys playing decisively.

“When you don’t play fast, you’ve got to go 11-for-11. You got to win the 11 one-on-ones that are going on out there when you don’t play fast. So when you play fast, now maybe it puts the odds in your favor and puts the offense on its heels.”

UAB’s revamped defensive staff has gone a long way toward implementing that speed on the field. On top of the instruction, Russ is also working to instill a sense of urgency in his defenders in everything they do. Whether between meetings in the athletic facility or transition between drills during practice, players are moved from station to station at a frenetic pace.

“Tempo, high intensity,” Smalls said. “We’re running everywhere. It’s just ‘Next man up, next man up.’ As soon as you’re done with a drill, you’re on to the next drill. So just getting that sense of urgency, getting us moving fast.”

Russ’ own high energy on the field also plays a part in setting the tempo for his unit.

“To see him over there going crazy,” Smalls said, “when we get a pick and we’re running down the sideline and he’s running with us, being crazy. You see that, and it definitely gets you juiced up.”

Adapting to a new philosophy and defensive system will take time. Russ calls his unit’s adjustment a “work in progres,” but noted he has seen daily progress from his players during camp.” That’s been backed up by head coach Trent Dilfer, who has praised the defense following both of UAB’s scrimmages during camp.

“We’re pretty good on getting guys ready to go,” Smalls said. “If we see a guy who’s down, we’re going to pick him up. It ain’t necessarily like yelling at them like, ‘Move your ass.’ It’s more like, ‘Come on, man, let’s pick it up.’”

Russ’ job will be to improve a UAB defense that ranked near the bottom of most statistical metrics last season. Last year, the Blazers ranked 94th nationally, allowing 393.3 yards per game. They were even worse in terms of scoring defense, tying for 120th by giving up an average of 34.3 points.

Based on coaching reports from scrimmages this month, the Blazers should be able to improve on both of those areas this fall. However, Russ is keeping things close to the vest when it comes to the strengths of his unit.

One area that has been highlighted throughout camp is the defense’s resiliency and ability to react to adverse situations during scrimmages. Last season, UAB allowed opposing offenses to score on 85.71% of their trips to the red zone, including a 66.07% touchdown rate. During camp, the Blazers have shown a better ability to bend and not break, keeping the offense out of the end zone at a higher frequency.

“We really preach the spirit of perseverance,” Russ said. “In this day and age of college football and in the NFL, they’re going to move the ball. It’s an offensive game, and we’re just living in it. Things like that are going to happen. They’re going to move the ball, they’re going to get in the red zone. We’ve got to have that spirit of perseverance where it doesn’t bother us. … If somebody goes on a 12-play drive and all they get is a field goal out of the thing, that hurts. My math isn’t great, but it takes three field goals to beat a touchdown. If we can play really good resilient football, we’ll be in good shape.”

UAB will practice one more time on Thursday before entering game week for its season opener against Alabama State on Aug. 28 inside Protective Stadium. Until then, Russ will look to keep the Blazers’ juice flowing on his side of the ball.

“We’ve got to be able to make sure that when we put that ball down, we’re ready to play,” Russ said. “No matter where it is, no matter why, it doesn’t matter when, when you put that ball down, we’re going to be ready.”