UAB '16 class interesting

Harry · February 1, 2016

I knew that they would probably have quite a few transfers and jucos etc but I just saw their updated commitment listing and sure enough..

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/10/2016_uab_football_commitments.html

There are like 30 and they are all juco or transfers! What's the deal? Is it because they are restarting football in 2017 that they are taking this approach? Actually, it seemed like they had a primarily juco transfer roster the year before last. It seems like their coach likes going that route.

Does anyone know the particulars or parameters of how the NCAA is allowing them to restart their program? I am assuming there is a strategy to this sort of like what UTSA did when they started theirs up.

ChristopherRyanWilkes · February 1, 2016

Seems to be a big advantage to be honest. Someone mentioned an eligibility deal that has helped them. UTSA seemed to have that same advantage and some success with their first class. I think they can also sell "being a part of history."

Harry · February 1, 2016

Quote

How many will return is unknown, and the 2015 season will count toward their five years of NCAA eligibility. However, those players could seek a waiver from the NCAA to get that year of eligibility back. So even a player entering his last year of eligibility in 2015 might be able to play in 2016.

UAB did not sign a recruiting class in February, but it still can hand out the NCAA-maximum 25 football scholarships this year. There would be no letters of intent involved. It's too late for that. But Clark still could have freshman scholarship players on campus when the fall semester starts. Though at this point there are probably few FBS-level high school recruits available.

It is more likely Clark will hold on to many of those 25 spots and use them on mid-year enrollees, either junior college players who can sign in December, high school players who graduate early or other college transfers.

Those players would still count toward UAB's 2015 class.

In February, UAB can sign another 25 players.

JUCO signees and transfers will be a key for UAB's rebuild. Going into an FBS season relying on a two-deep filled with freshmen and sophomores is a recipe for failure.

Lambert was hired by Charlotte in 2011 to start a program scheduled to begin playing in FCS 2013, and then move up to FBS. He said the goal was to have an experienced team by 2015.

The 49ers will have 11 seniors and 29 fourth-year juniors this year, Lambert said.

Unless UAB pushes off its relaunch off until 2017, Clark won't have time to let his players grow up.

"That's always the tricky part, how do I get age on the team in a short amount of time," Lambert said.

Quote

UAB likely will need to rely on nonscholarship players more than Clark might prefer to in the Blazers' first year or two back in business. Finding walk-ons who can turn into contributors will be crucial.

How many will return is unknown, and the 2015 season will count toward their five years of NCAA eligibility. However, those players could seek a waiver from the NCAA to get that year of eligibility back. So even a player entering his last year of eligibility in 2015 might be able to play in 2016.

UAB did not sign a recruiting class in February, but it still can hand out the NCAA-maximum 25 football scholarships this year. There would be no letters of intent involved. It's too late for that. But Clark still could have freshman scholarship players on campus when the fall semester starts. Though at this point there are probably few FBS-level high school recruits available.

It is more likely Clark will hold on to many of those 25 spots and use them on mid-year enrollees, either junior college players who can sign in December, high school players who graduate early or other college transfers.

Those players would still count toward UAB's 2015 class.

In February, UAB can sign another 25 players.

JUCO signees and transfers will be a key for UAB's rebuild. Going into an FBS season relying on a two-deep filled with freshmen and sophomores is a recipe for failure.

Lambert was hired by Charlotte in 2011 to start a program scheduled to begin playing in FCS 2013, and then move up to FBS. He said the goal was to have an experienced team by 2015.

The 49ers will have 11 seniors and 29 fourth-year juniors this year, Lambert said.

Unless UAB pushes off its relaunch off until 2017, Clark won't have time to let his players grow up.

"That's always the tricky part, how do I get age on the team in a short amount of time," Lambert said.

UAB likely will need to rely on nonscholarship players more than Clark might prefer to in the Blazers' first year or two back in business. Finding walk-ons who can turn into contributors will be crucial.