06-09-2017, 10:43 AM
https://athlonsports.com/college-footbal...redictions
5. What to Expect from UAB?
After a two-year hiatus, UAB returns to the gridiron in 2017. Rebuilding the program from scratch isn’t going to be easy, but the Blazers are in better shape this time around with improved facilities and the potential of a long-term stadium solution. And of course, it doesn’t hurt UAB’s cause to have one of Conference USA’s top coaches leading the way. Bill Clark guided the Blazers to a 6-6 mark in 2014 and previously went 11-4 at Jacksonville State to 2013. Clark and his staff have pieced together a couple of solid recruiting classes to rebuild the talent level, but this team faces an uphill battle in its return to the gridiron. Senior linebacker Shaq Jones is a proven defensive leader for Clark, while the offense features former MTSU quarterback A.J. Erdely. FBS transfers Kalin Heath and Jonathan Haden should team with James Noble and Donnie Lee to form a capable group of running backs. With so many new faces on both sides of the ball starting for the first time at the FBS level, a transition year should be expected for UAB. However, don’t be surprised if the Blazers find a way to surprise and steal a couple of wins in league play.
Other Stuff:
Top Freshman: (1 of 3 writers - Mark Ross) Thomas Johnston LB, UAB
Best Coordinator Hire: (1 of 3 writers - Mark Ross) David Reeves DC, UAB
Hardest Team to Evaluate: (1 of 3 writers - Mark Ross) UAB
Coach on the Rise: (1 of 3 writers - Mark Ross) Bill Clark HC, UAB
5. What to Expect from UAB?
After a two-year hiatus, UAB returns to the gridiron in 2017. Rebuilding the program from scratch isn’t going to be easy, but the Blazers are in better shape this time around with improved facilities and the potential of a long-term stadium solution. And of course, it doesn’t hurt UAB’s cause to have one of Conference USA’s top coaches leading the way. Bill Clark guided the Blazers to a 6-6 mark in 2014 and previously went 11-4 at Jacksonville State to 2013. Clark and his staff have pieced together a couple of solid recruiting classes to rebuild the talent level, but this team faces an uphill battle in its return to the gridiron. Senior linebacker Shaq Jones is a proven defensive leader for Clark, while the offense features former MTSU quarterback A.J. Erdely. FBS transfers Kalin Heath and Jonathan Haden should team with James Noble and Donnie Lee to form a capable group of running backs. With so many new faces on both sides of the ball starting for the first time at the FBS level, a transition year should be expected for UAB. However, don’t be surprised if the Blazers find a way to surprise and steal a couple of wins in league play.
Other Stuff:
Top Freshman: (1 of 3 writers - Mark Ross) Thomas Johnston LB, UAB
Best Coordinator Hire: (1 of 3 writers - Mark Ross) David Reeves DC, UAB
Hardest Team to Evaluate: (1 of 3 writers - Mark Ross) UAB
Coach on the Rise: (1 of 3 writers - Mark Ross) Bill Clark HC, UAB