Why a recent Group of Five defensive line transfer could be a quality late pickup for a Power Five team

Earlier this offseason, former UAB safety Jaylen Key transferred to Alabama. Now, another former Blazer will likely soon join him at the Power Five level.

Defensive lineman Drew Tuazama, a Pro Football Focus preseason third-team All-AAC selection, entered the transfer portal on Friday and could end up being a quality late pickup for a Power Five program. In the three days since he entered the portal, Tuazama already has Power Five offers from schools such as Colorado, Mississippi State and Indiana. There are other Power Five programs beyond just those that have interest, too.

One Power Five staffer told On3 that the 6-foot-5, 275-pound Tuazama, who led UAB with five sacks last year, is clearly a Power Five caliber player and is talented enough to even be a starter for at least some teams at the Power Five level.

“He’s a guy with elite length that can help contain the edge that has enough power to make up for his change-of-direction (deficiencies) to help in both the run and the pass game,” the Power Five staffer said.

Tuazama spent 2019 and 2020 at Syracuse and then joined UAB last year after a season at East Mississippi Community College. Along with players like Key, he helped the Blazers rank first in Conference USA last year in scoring defense, passing defense and defensive efficiency.

In UAB’s final two games last season — a 37-27 win over Louisiana Tech in its regular season finale and a 24-20 victory over Miami (Ohio) in the Hometown Lenders Bahamas Bowl — Tuazama posted seven total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, an additional quarterback hurry and a pass breakup. He also had sacks against Rice, Charlotte and 2022 Conference USA champion UTSA. He finished the year with 33 total tackles.

“Not super athletic but just a good and strong football player,” the Power Five staffer said.

Tuazama indicated in a tweet that he had been planning since April on leaving UAB, which is entering its first year with Trent Dilfer as its head coach, but he had to wait until graduating before transferring. Now, he’s set to be immediately for a new team (likely one at the Power Five level) with two years of eligibility remaining.

“He’s definitely a Power Five player,” an FBS offensive coach familiar with Tuazama told On3. “He can rush the passer with speed and power. He can also help stop the run. I think he has a chance to be a Sunday guy.”

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.