UAB QB Ryder Burton's Blocking Effort Highlights Scrimmage

Quarterback's hustle play sparks praise from teammates despite some questioning the tactic.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:13pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a UAB football player making a blocking play, with the player's form broken down into overlapping planes of color and shape.UAB quarterback Ryder Burton's hustle play to block for a teammate's touchdown run exemplifies the team-first mentality the Blazers are cultivating this spring.Today in Birmingham

In UAB's second spring scrimmage, quarterback Ryder Burton made a key block to help running back Rod Robinson II score a touchdown, drawing praise from his offensive teammates but also some friendly trash talk from a defensive player who said he wouldn't have hit the QB in that situation.

Why it matters

Burton's blocking effort, while not a typical quarterback play, showcased the team-first mentality and energy that head coach Alex Mortensen is looking for from his players as the Blazers continue spring practice ahead of the upcoming season.

The details

On a 20-yard touchdown run by Robinson, Burton provided the lead blocking despite wearing a red no-contact jersey. While some questioned whether it was fair for the QB to engage in blocking, his offensive teammates appreciated the hustle and teamwork. Linebacker Ike Esonwune said he wouldn't have hit Burton in that situation but joked that a quarterback trying to block him in a live game 'wouldn't be good'.

  • UAB held its second spring scrimmage on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • The Blazers will hold their final week of spring practice, including the Spring Showcase, from April 14-18, 2026.

The players

Ryder Burton

UAB's starting quarterback, a redshirt junior known for his passion for the game and willingness to do whatever it takes to help his team.

Rod Robinson II

A 6-foot-1, 235-pound Georgia transfer running back who scored a touchdown in the scrimmage.

Alex Mortensen

UAB's head coach, who praised Burton's effort and emphasized the importance of quarterbacks doing everything they can to help the team score.

Ike Esonwune

A UAB linebacker who joked about giving Burton some 'friendly trash talk' for using his no-contact jersey to block on the play.

Calib Perez

UAB's left guard, who appreciated Burton's team-first mentality and passion for the game.

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What they’re saying

“It means everything to me. Just to know that somebody who isn't really out there on the field for contact to go out there and put his body on the line for me, it makes me want to play even harder for him.”

— Rod Robinson II, Running back

“We absolutely love seeing it. You've got to be a team guy and do everything you can to help get into the end zone. That's one thing we talked to the quarterbacks about today. You're judged on a lot of things, and you can't always affect what's going on around you. But your number one objective is to find a way to get the ball in the end zone.”

— Alex Mortensen, Head coach

“If a quarterback tries to block me, you wouldn't want to know. It wouldn't be good.”

— Ike Esonwune, Linebacker

“It fires you up because he's a part of it. He puts everything on the line. Football to Ryder is his livelihood. Like he breathes football. We could be sitting in the locker room talking about coverages, and we'll just start talking for 30 minutes to an hour, just talking about coverages and what we like to see on the field. … My personal stance around him, he's definitely uplifting. He means what he says. So if he says he's going to put everything on the line, he's going to.”

— Calib Perez, Left guard

What’s next

UAB will hold its final week of spring practice, including the Spring Showcase, from April 14-18, 2026.

The takeaway

Burton's blocking effort, while unorthodox for a quarterback, showcased the team-first mentality and energy that UAB's coaching staff is looking for as the Blazers continue to prepare for the upcoming season. The play drew praise from his offensive teammates and highlighted Burton's passion for the game.