Adam Hollifield is an example of how hardwork can pay off, if provided the opportunity.

The walk-on from Spain Park High School sat on the bench as a third-string offensive guard last season for the University of Alabama at Birmingham&8217;s football team and was a redshirt in 2005.

However, this spring he was given the opportunity to lineup as the No. 2 right guard in the first spring practice and worked his way to a starting job at left guard by the end of spring.

&8220;It&8217;s been the toughest spring I&8217;ve ever gone through,&8221; Hollifield said.

He is excited about the opportunity to play in his first college game on September 1 when the Blazers open the season at Michigan State.

&8220;I might already be a bit nervous. You want to play in front of 80,000 people every game,&8221; he said. &8220;People may over look us this year, but I think we&8217;ll be able to compete in the conference (USA).&8221;

Hollifield is joined by former Spain Park teammate Matt Taylor, listed as UAB&8217;s No. 2 free safety, and Thompson&8217;s Justin Cofer, who is the No. 3 tight end. Pelham&8217;s Drew Brandenburg is also on the team