2008 Recruitng - Signed, Sealed, Delivered
UAB wrapped up its 2008 recruiting class with twenty five signatures on Wednesday. The Blazers went deep into the junior college ranks signing eleven JUCO's to fill out this year's class. The Blazers added 16 new names on defense and nine new names on offense.
"I think we have a good balance," said Blazer coach Neal Callaway. We didn't sign anyone at the tight end, H-back position but we felt we were ok at that position. Overall the Blazers lost 17 players in their two deep rotation but they needed to add depth because of a number of players who left the program last year. UAB finished the season with 60 players on scholarship far below the 85 scholarships allowed.
"We've still got a long way to go," Callaway acknowledged. "We were at 60 last year, we'll be at 75 next year and around 82 or 83 the following year. We're still a year away from being there – but we're better than we were.
"We signed eleven junior college guys and I am looking for all eleven of them to come in and compete for a starting position. I will be disappointed if they don't. They won't be given a starting position – they will have to earn it – but they are older and more mature and we are looking for them to contribute right away."
Callaway pointed out Aaron Johns as a new signee that he thought could play a big role next season. Johns had signed with UAB last season but still needed to make us some work before he became eligible. "He stuck with us and we stuck with him," Callaway said. "He started out at the University of Alabama, he's played in the spotlight. He can do big things for us."
Even though eight players in this year's class hail from Alabama the class does not have as much home grown talent as some school's classes do. Callaway addressed that issue, "we are going to sign guys who can help us win Conference USA. I hope we can get more guys from Alabama. Most years we won't sign this many JUCO guys – but I think every year we will sign four or five.
Beyond the eight Alabama natives the 2008 class has four signees from Georgia, three from Texas, two from Virginia, South Carolina and Florida. California, Hawaii, Mississippi and Kansas all have one new signee on the Blazer roster.
According to other reports there will be at least two invited walk-ons who will join the Blazers this summer. Sam Accuriso, a high school teammate of signee Josh Brinson will walk on in the fall. Accuriso played linebacker, fullback and tight end. He is 6-2, 225 lbs and he also received interest from Florida, Auburn, Mississippi State, Boston College and Arizona State.
Also walking on in the fall will be Geoff Hayth, a 6-1 220 lb defensive back from Dripping Springs, Texas. Hayth rated by rivals as a two star recruit when he finished high school In 2006. He received offers from Hawaii, Navy and the Air Force Academy. He originally committed to Air Force before changing his mind. He has not played football since 2006.
The Blazer staff feels confident they have filled holes and provided much needed depth for the 2008 squad. Now all that's left is some classroom work and some intense competition in the spring to prepare the Blazers for a better year in 2008. Spring practice will begin on March 19th and conclude with the spring game on April 12th.
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