The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Photo by: Ken Shepherd
11/9/2026 10:00:00 AM | Football
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – UAB defensive lineman Marlin Dean has been named the American Conference Defensive Player of the Week following a dominant performance in the Blazers' 23-12 victory over Charlotte, the league announced Monday.
The honor is Dean's second of the season and marks the third time a UAB player has earned American Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors in 2026. Prior to this season, the Blazers had never received the league's weekly defensive award since joining the American in 2023.
Dean joins fellow UAB linebacker Ike Esonwune, who earned the honor following the Blazers' victory over ULM on Sept. 12. Dean previously received the award after UAB's 24-20 victory over Navy on Sept. 25.
The three defensive awards, combined with kicker Jonah Delange's Special Teams Player of the Week recognition on Sept. 14, give UAB four American Conference weekly honors this season.
Against Charlotte, Dean was a disruptive force throughout the afternoon, recording a career-high three sacks for a loss of 22 yards, four total tackles and a forced fumble. His performance helped UAB limit the 49ers to just 234 yards of total offense, including 59 rushing yards, as the Blazers improved to 5-0 at Protective Stadium. Dean's three sacks brought his season total to 10.5, the fifth-most in a single season in UAB history and the most by a Blazer since Larry McSwain recorded 13 sacks in 2004.
Through nine games, Dean has totaled 40 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. He leads the American Conference in sacks and tackles for loss, while his five forced fumbles are tied for the national lead.
Dean has played a central role in UAB's defensive turnaround under defensive coordinator Todd Grantham. The Blazers lead the American Conference in total defense (298.6 yards per game) and rank first nationally in passing defense (122.6 yards per game).
UAB (5-4, 3-2 American) returns to the road Saturday, Nov. 14, to face Temple at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Kickoff is set for noon CT (1 p.m. ET), and the game will stream on ESPN+.
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FAMILY-FRIENDLY TICKETING: UAB Athletics is making it easier and more affordable for families to cheer on the Blazers with discounted youth tickets for children ages 4-12 at football and men's and women's basketball home games. Youth tickets start at just $15 for football, $10 for men's basketball and $8 for women's basketball, with children ages 3 and under admitted free with a required complimentary ticket. Additional purchase requirements and seating restrictions apply. For complete ticket information, click here to visit the UAB Athletics Ticket Office or call (205) 975-8221.
COMPETITIVE EXCELLENCE FUND: The Competitive Excellence Fund has become integral in our department mission to Win Champions, Graduate with Honors, and Impact the community. Through your generosity, our coaches will have the greatest opportunity to recruit and retain talented student athletes worthy of wearing a UAB uniform. Click here or connect with the Blazer Boosters team on how you can continue to fuel success.
FOLLOW UAB FOOTBALL: Follow us at @UAB_FB on Instagram and X.
The honor is Dean's second of the season and marks the third time a UAB player has earned American Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors in 2026. Prior to this season, the Blazers had never received the league's weekly defensive award since joining the American in 2023.
Dean joins fellow UAB linebacker Ike Esonwune, who earned the honor following the Blazers' victory over ULM on Sept. 12. Dean previously received the award after UAB's 24-20 victory over Navy on Sept. 25.
The three defensive awards, combined with kicker Jonah Delange's Special Teams Player of the Week recognition on Sept. 14, give UAB four American Conference weekly honors this season.
Against Charlotte, Dean was a disruptive force throughout the afternoon, recording a career-high three sacks for a loss of 22 yards, four total tackles and a forced fumble. His performance helped UAB limit the 49ers to just 234 yards of total offense, including 59 rushing yards, as the Blazers improved to 5-0 at Protective Stadium. Dean's three sacks brought his season total to 10.5, the fifth-most in a single season in UAB history and the most by a Blazer since Larry McSwain recorded 13 sacks in 2004.
Through nine games, Dean has totaled 40 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. He leads the American Conference in sacks and tackles for loss, while his five forced fumbles are tied for the national lead.
Dean has played a central role in UAB's defensive turnaround under defensive coordinator Todd Grantham. The Blazers lead the American Conference in total defense (298.6 yards per game) and rank first nationally in passing defense (122.6 yards per game).
UAB (5-4, 3-2 American) returns to the road Saturday, Nov. 14, to face Temple at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Kickoff is set for noon CT (1 p.m. ET), and the game will stream on ESPN+.
###
FAMILY-FRIENDLY TICKETING: UAB Athletics is making it easier and more affordable for families to cheer on the Blazers with discounted youth tickets for children ages 4-12 at football and men's and women's basketball home games. Youth tickets start at just $15 for football, $10 for men's basketball and $8 for women's basketball, with children ages 3 and under admitted free with a required complimentary ticket. Additional purchase requirements and seating restrictions apply. For complete ticket information, click here to visit the UAB Athletics Ticket Office or call (205) 975-8221.
COMPETITIVE EXCELLENCE FUND: The Competitive Excellence Fund has become integral in our department mission to Win Champions, Graduate with Honors, and Impact the community. Through your generosity, our coaches will have the greatest opportunity to recruit and retain talented student athletes worthy of wearing a UAB uniform. Click here or connect with the Blazer Boosters team on how you can continue to fuel success.
FOLLOW UAB FOOTBALL: Follow us at @UAB_FB on Instagram and X.
Players Mentioned
Tuesday, November 10
Monday, November 09
Monday, November 09
Saturday, November 07
