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http://www.sportsmanias.com/news/uab-bla...6d338b4a02

That is one big son of a gun...

One of Bama's backup QBs transferred to NTXSt for next year. I wonder (based on past problems) if he was steered west by the UA's AD administration.

(02-23-2016 07:05 PM)BAMANBLAZERFAN Wrote:  One of Bama's backup QBs transferred to NTXSt for next year. I wonder (based on past problems) if he was steered west by the UA's AD administration.

I propose, before posting, we all ask ourselves if what we're about to post adds value to the conversation.

I could not receive the cited article on my computer. Did Brandon Hill transfer directly from Bama or did he pass through some intermediary situation like perhaps a JUCO? I am looking to see if there is evidence of a change in Bama's AD administration in regard to UAB, or is it business as usual as in the past?.

(02-23-2016 07:47 PM)BAMANBLAZERFAN Wrote:  I could not receive the cited article on my computer. Did Brandon Hill transfer directly from Bama or did he pass through some intermediary situation like perhaps a JUCO? I am looking to see if there is evidence of a change in Bama's AD administration in regard to UAB, or is it business as usual as in the past?.

It's not just Brandon Hill's size that makes him hard to miss, but the new UAB offensive lineman has been a steady force of encouragement for a program on its way back.

Hill, who started his career at Alabama and played a season at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College before coming to UAB in January, has emerged as a leader for the Blazers as they began spring practice last week.

"He's a leader," UAB head coach Bill Clark said. "He's always encouraging his teammates. He's intelligent. He's got high football IQ. The sky is the limit for him."

Hill, who has been working as an offensive guard, was listed at 6-foot-6 and 375 pounds when he signed. He's likely heavier than that now and didn't want to say how much he currently weighs, but is working to get back in the 375 range.

Clark said that he's been able to make it through every practice. He did extra work on weekends before UAB started spring practice.

"I'm working on it," Hill said. "You always can get better. I can get get better. And with the way we practice and our tempo, you always get in shape."

UAB First Football Practice
OL Brandon Hill (73). The UAB Blazers football team holds its first practice at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama Tuesday February 16, 2016. The team will compete again in fall 2017. (Joe Songer/jsonger@al.com).
Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Hill's athleticism has stood out, and defensive players certainly meet their match when taking him on. Clark said the biggest challenge going forward will be working on Hill's lateral movement and getting adjusted to the fast tempo that UAB wants to run offensively.

"Trust and play your technique and stay away from him," UAB linebacker Tevin Crews said. "That's what I try to do. That's a big guy and he can move. He's a pretty athletic guy."

Hill said that UAB's family atmosphere enticed him when he committed last fall. He also noted that he could possibly "get my master's degree before I even probably play a down."

"A lot of people don't get an opportunity to be a part of something great," Hill said, in reference to UAB's return to the football field after the program was shut down in December 2014 and then restored last June.

"With (offensive line) Coach (Mike) Bennefield, Coach Clark and all the strength and conditioning coaches, it just felt like home again."

PRACTICE UPDATE

UAB had its fifth spring practice on Tuesday with a full pads workout at Legion Field.

Clark noted that there was some rain early and that practice as a whole "wasn't terrible, but we finished up pretty good."

Thank you Western for helping me know the facts. Hill is certainly a fine example of the UAB staff's recruiting acumen. It also answered my question about how he got from Bama to UAB.