UAB adds first player to football program since reinstatement

Steve Petrella

UAB adds first player to football program since reinstatement image

Bill Clark has been watching his players go for the last seven months, so he's got reason to smile wide as he welcomes a new one.

Friday, the UAB coach added his first transfer since the program was reinstated in June — offensive lineman Tyler Jones, previously of Memphis, a three-star recruit in the class of 2014 per 247 Sports. He redshirted in his only season with the Tigers and had an offer from UAB coming out of high school.

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UAB president Ray Watts disbanded the football program in December for financial reasons, only to bring it back last month thanks to widespread support from fans, alumni, faculty and students. The team could resume play in 2016, although AL.com reports 2017 is a more realistic option.

Even with two years to lay the ground work, Clark and his staff have a massive project on their hands. Most of the players from the 2014 team have graduated or transferred, and many who stayed at the school will graduate by the time the program gets back on the field.

Steve Petrella