Players from disbanded team stick together at new schools

guys are hanging out with guys who’ve already been here. They’ve mixed in with kind of the general population of our team and have gotten along great.”

UAB ended its program just as it was finishing a breakthrough season. The Blazers went 6-6 last fall after nine straight losing seasons. The move has drawn criticism on campus. Since the decision, Watts has received no-confidence votes from faculty groups and student government leaders.

Blazers coach Bill Clark said the very day the school announced football was closing he got calls from coaches ready to pursue his players.

“There were just a few guys (who did that),” Clark said. “It wasn’t real smart. I understand recruiting and have been doing it for a while, but that wasn’t a good move.”

In the ensuing days, numerous coaches arrived on UAB’s campus. Wide receiver Nyiakki Height, who transferred to Georgia State, said it was like being a high school recruit again.

“It was a frenzy after that happened,” Clements said. “You have coaches all over the place kind of like roaches trying to pick up the pieces and get some guys to help their programs.”

Some players moved up to Power 5 schools. Running back Jordan Howard headed to Indiana after rushing for 1,587 yards this past season. Linebacker Jake Ganus, who led UAB in tackles, is now at Georgia. Offensive tackle Victor Salako ended up at Oklahoma State.