Bedosky Embracing Leadership Role on Offensive Line

BIRMINGHAM - Entering the 2023 season, the UAB football team returners zero starters on the offensive line. However, veteran players like redshirt junior Trey Bedosky are expected to step into a bigger role this year. "This summer, we emphasized a lot on the older players having to step up and play roles that we haven't known," said Bedosky.

"Everyone is trying to earn those starting spots now. " Bedosky is no stranger to the field here in Birmingham. Last season, he played in seven games while helping UAB rush for an average of 235 yards per game, which was eighth nationally.

Bedosky was a full-time starter on special teams as well. The Fairborn, Ga. native started his career with the Blazers in 2020.

Since then, he has had three different head coaches. "You know, different schemes, learning it, it's a little different, and it can get hard at times," Bedosky said. He said this isn't new to him, as he had three different head coaches during his career in high school as well.

He really appreciates former Blazer head coaches Bill Clark and Bryant Vincent for taking a chance on him and said UAB became home because certain people took a chance on a smaller offensive lineman. Bedosky's football career hasn't been linear. He quit football his freshman year of high school for personal reasons.

During his sophomore year of high school, Bedosky started taking football more seriously. Last season, Bedosky suffered from a season-ending concussion during the Florida Atlantic game at the end of October. During that time of injury, he said he really focused on what football meant to him, and just how big a role it plays in his life.

"I was kind of down after I got hurt because I was playing this role I always wanted," said Bedosky. "Being gone showed me how much harder I have to work, getting my body in the right shape and all of that. " This season, Bedosky will be asked to step into a starting role and help form a cohesive unit on the new-look offensive line.

It's a challenge Bedosky said he is ready for and one that he has been eagerly awaiting since arriving at UAB. While he isn't on the field, Bedosky enjoys playing pickleball with his teammates and playing video games. He said his biggest advice is "don't quit on your dreams, no matter what happens to you.

If you have a dream, keep it high and don't walk away from it. " .