The demise and return of football at the University of Alabama-Birmingham has shown one of the great sides of college athletics. The UAB Football program looks set to return to playing in 2017 in a stronger position than they had been in for many years before the program was shut down in 2014. Head Coach Bill Clark remained in charge of the team despite it being shut down and is now preparing the team to return to action in less than 18 months. In an interview, he said “We are making the most of the time we have to prepare for 2017 and are building our program to be stronger than ever. As our team improves on the field, in the weight room, on the recruiting trail and in the classroom, we are also moving toward exciting news in fundraising and facilities projects that will be game changers.”
The news in recent months has been overwhelmingly positive for the program. The composite recruiting rankings for UAB in 2016 had them ranked #66 in the nation which was one of the highest rankings in Conference USA, behind only Marshall. This is a clear indication that recruits are viewing the program with great positivity despite them having no games to play in 2016. If they can add another good recruiting class for 2017, this is a team that has the potential to be a top mid-major program in the near future.
The UAB football program also announced their non-conference schedule for the 2017 season. They open at home to Alabama A&M from the FCS on September 2nd before going on the road a week later to face the Ball State Cardinals from the MAC. The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at home follows before they start conference play in the West division of Conference-USA.
The Blazers have also secured a lucrative game against the Florida Gators in Gainvesville on 18th November for their fourth non-conference game in 2017. Going beyond 2017, they have a visit to Kyle Field to face the Texas A&M Aggies in 2018 also confirmed.
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