U A B
F o o t b a l l
2008 UAB Blazers 2007: Saw action in all 12 games for the Blazers, starting nine contests … ranked 12th on the team in tackles with 31, including 16 solo hits … recorded eight tackles for loss (for 25 yards) … also had one sack (6 yards vs. Alcorn State) … recorded six tackles against Mississippi State and Houston. 2006: Did not see any action during the fall and was redshirted. High School: Attended Daphne High School … named honorable mention all-state in Class 6A as a defensive lineman by the Alabama Sports Writers Association … helped lead Daphne to a 13-2 record and advancement to the 6A state championship game … a two-year starter at defensive end at Daphne … totaled 65 tackles during his senior season including two caused fumbles, three fumble recoveries and an interception … led the team with 15 sacks from the end position … also contributed 11 tackles for loss … earned all-county as a sophomore, junior and senior … as a junior, Turner had 66 tackles, nine sacks and three forced fumbles … was captain of team as senior … was coached by Glenn Vickery … also competed in shot put for the Daphne HS track and field team and finished second in 6A state meet in the event as a senior. Personal: Born Nov. 25, 1987 at Mobile, Ala. … son of Veronica and Bryant Turner … major is undeclared.
Willie Thompson
Turner’s Career Statistics Tackles G UA A Tot TFL 2007 12 16 15 31 8
2007: Saw reserve duty on offensive front for the Blazers with three starts at midseason (vs. Mississippi State, Tulane and Houston). 2006: Saw limited action during the season … made one start (vs. SMU). 2005: Did not see any action and was redshirted. High School: Attended Jefferson County High School ... was a highlyregarded lineman prospect from the state of Georgia coming out of high school ... has physical tools to be outstanding college performer ... as a senior, was named first-team Class AAA all-state by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution at conclusion of 2004 season ... voted his team’s best offensive lineman his junior and senior seasons ... was selected to participate in the 2004 NorthSouth All-Star game ... helped Jefferson County advance to Class AAA state playoffs and earn 7-4 record last season ... also tabbed all-region as senior ... coached by J.B. Arnold. Personal: Born March 9, 1987 ... son of Patricia and Willie Thompson ... major is psychology.
87 Bryant Turner Defensive End 6-2 • 260 Sophomore Daphne, Ala.
Redshirted in 2006 as a true freshman, Bryant played significant role on Blazer defense last fall as he saw his first playing time … listed No. 1 at defensive end entering fall practice. 81
Bryant Turner
Yds 25
Sks Yds 1 6
PBU 2
FF 0
U A B
F o o t b a l l
2008 UAB Blazers 47 Rowdy Wade Tight End 6-2 • 225 Junior Parrish, Ala.
Has been moved from secondary to tight end/Hback position for the Blazers entering fall practice. 2007: Saw limited action for UAB during season. 2006: Did not see any action for the Blazers. High School: Attended Parrish High School … played quarterback in high school and helped lead team to 2003 Class A state championship … holds numerous school records at Parrish … threw for 1,240 yards and rushed for 800 yards during senior season … also participated in baseball and basketball during prep career. Personal: Born June 9, 1987 at Parrish, Ala. … son of DeLeah and Ronny Wade … major is undeclared.
for the Groza Award ... also tabbed first-team All-Conference USA by media and a second-team selection by conference’s head coaches ... led conference in field goals made with 22, a UAB single-season record ... connected on 22-of-28 field goals during season ... was 8-of-10 from 40-49 yards and an impressive 3-of-4 for 50-plus yards ... hit five field goals against Alcorn State to set UAB single-game record ... also handled punting chores and recorded an average of 41.4 yards per contest. 2006: Began season as “long distance” placekicker, but he assumed all placekick duties in ninth week of season ... finished year with nine field goals on 12 attempts ... also converted all seven of his extra point tries ... connected on season-high three field goals in two different games (vs. SMU and in final game of season at UCF) ... his long field goal was a 42-yarder vs. Marshall ... handled all kickoff duties throughout the season ... had 17 touchbacks during the campaign ... made two tackles on kickoffs during the season.
67 Joseph Waller Offensive Line 6-4 • 290 Sophomore Huntsville, Ala.
Was redshirted in 2006 as a true freshman but saw his first collegiate action last fall … listed as No. 2 left guard entering fall practice. 2007: Saw limited action for the Blazers, seeing playing time in four games during the season. 2006: Did not see any action as a true freshman and was redshirted. High School: Attended Huntsville High School … named to the Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State team as a 5A offensive lineman at Huntsville High School … named to The Birmingham News and The Huntsville Times Super All-Metro team … led Panthers to the 5A state playoffs … finished senior season with a 7-5 record … was coached by Kevin Wieseman. Personal: Born Oct. 28, 1987 at Huntsville, Ala. … son of Becky and Lane Waller … major is business.
94 Swayze Waters Placekicker/Punter 6-0 • 170 Senior Jackson, Miss.
Enters senior season firmly established as one of nation’s top placekickers ... also listed as No. 1 punter after spring practice ... has handled kickoff duties each of his first three seasons at UAB ... came to Birmingham after outstanding prep career at Jackson Prep. 2007: Enjoyed outstanding junior season as he was named a semifinalist 82
Swayze Waters
U A B
F o o t b a l l
2008 UAB Blazers 2005: Was the Blazers’ regular kickoff man throughout season ... provided backup role as placekicker and punter but did not attempt a kick in either category ... named to Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll. High School: Attended Jackson Prep in Jackson, Miss. ... was an outstanding kicker prospect who also was a productive receiver throughout his prep career ... was his team’s leading receiver for three years ... was named all-state his senior year by the Mississippi Private School Association ... was named All-Metro by the Jackson Clarion Ledger junior and senior year ...all-district junior year first-team selection of the Jackson All-Metro and All-Mississippi Private Schools Association teams and second-team all-state in Mississippi ...voted MVP his senior year by teammates ... as a senior had 35 catches, 813 yards and 10 touchdowns ... set a school record with 14 field goals in 2004 ... kicked a 50 and 51-yard FG in the same game setting a school record ... averaged 42.1 yards as the team’s punter ... coached by Ricky Black ... also participated in baseball and track during prep career ... won baseball team’s “Best Offensive Player” award as senior ... three times (2003, 2004 and 2005), his baseball team captured MPSA state championship. Personal: Born May 18, 1987 at Jackson, Miss. ... son of Susan and Joel Waters ... major is business. Waters’ Career Statistics Kicking FG-FGA Pct. 01-19 2006 9-12 .750 1-1 2007 22-28 .786 0-0 Totals 31-40 .775 1-1 Punting 2007
No 69
Yds 2859
Avg 41.4
20-29 3-3 5-5 8-8 LG 61
I20 22
30-39 40-49 3-5 2-3 6-9 8-10 9-14 10-13
Joe Webb
50-59 LG 0-0 42 3-4 52 3-4 52
Blk 0
5 Joe Webb Quarterback 6-4 • 220 Junior Birmingham, Ala.
Enters fall practice as the No. 1 quarterback on the depth chart ... a gifted athlete, he has excellent size and arm strength ... has seen action at QB in nine games during his career ... has a career percentage of 58.3 ... a passing and running threat ... definitely a “player to watch” in Conference USA in 2008. 2007: Saw extensive action on the field for the Blazers but most of it until late in the season came at wide receiver ... saw quarterback playing time in seven contests ... was 43-of-71 passing in the final three games ... saw significant QB action in season finale at Marshall, hitting 14-of-26 for 200 yards with 1 TD pass) ... made nine starts overall in 2007 ... was 14-of-20 for 112 yards vs. Memphis in next-to-last game ... against UCF (11/10/07), he hit 15-of-25 passes for 156 yards with three touchdowns and one interception ... also was productive in action at receiver as he finished with 30 receptions for 459 yards with three touchdown catches ... recorded three games with six receptions ... season-high was 106-yard performance (and one touchdown) vs. Tulane ... had six catches for 98 yards and a touchdown in season-opener at Michigan State ... registered 288 rushing yards with one rushing touchdown ... had season-high of 81
yards on 18 rushing attempts. 2006: His first action of the season did not come until the 11th game at Southern Miss, but he made the most of his opportunity in his final two contests (both road games) ... started season finale at UCF and hit 25-of-39 passes for 289 yards in that contest ... connected on 33-of-51 passes (64.7 percent) for 426 yards with one touchdown pass for the season ... had quarterback rating of 141.3 in his limited action ... also rushed for 38 yards in two games ... came off the bench against Southern Miss and hit 8-of-12 passes for137 yards and a touchdown ... his touchdown was a 19-yarder to Sylvester Mencer ... his 289-yard performance was a season-high for any Blazer quarterback ... had a long rush of 36 yards in Southern Miss game. 2005: Did not see any action during his true freshman season and was redshirted ... named to Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll. High School: Attended Wenonah High School ... was named honorable mention Class 5A all-state by The Birmingham News ... coached by Ronald Cheatham ... threw for more than 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior ... played with a broken left wrist to complete 14 of 24 passes for four touchdowns in one game ... set single-game record for Birmingham city
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2008 UAB Blazers schools ... led Wenonah to the first round of state playoffs...team finished third in its region ... set school record at Wenonah with a 415-yard passing performance with four touchdown passes ... served as team captain his senior season ... was selected his team Most Valuable Player ... also participated in basketball and baseball during prep career ... was member of National Honor Society. Personal: Born Nov. 14, 1986 at Birmingham, Ala. ... son of Wanda and Joseph Webb (divorced) ... major is criminal justice. Webb’s Career Statistics Passing G Att Cmp Yds Pct 2006 2 51 33 426 .647 2007 11 117 65 679 .556 Totals 13 168 98 1105 .583
TD 1 5 6
Int 0 1 1
LG 39 31 39
Avg/G Eff. 213.0 141.3 61.7 116.7 85.0 124.2
QB Sam Hunt … his long reception (28 yards) came in season opener at Michigan State. High School: A two-sport standout at Minor High School, he lettered in both football and basketball for the Tigers ... played football just one season in high school, becoming a speedy offensive weapon at wide receiver for head coach Tony Lunceford as a senior ... had 36 receptions for 641 yards and eight trips to the endzone in 2006 ... helped his squad to a 6-6 season record, advancing to the 6A playoffs before falling to Pelham, 31-24, in the second round ... the Tigers finished the year ranked 15th overall in the state rankings ... hails from the same high school as current UAB running back Rashaud Slaughter. Personal: Born May 6, 1989 at Birmingham, Ala. ... son of Mary and Earnest Wright … major is undeclared. Wright’s Career Statistics G Rec Yds TD 2007 10 27 272 4
17 Jeff Witt Defensive Back 5-11 • 180 R-Freshman Hartselle, Ala.
Mario Wright
A reserve defensive back, Witt provides depth to secondary. High School: Attended Hartselle High School … coached by Bob Godsey … recorded 50 total tackles in 2005 season with six pass break-ups and one interceptions … in 2004, he had 47 tackles with four pass breakups … also had four interceptions and one touchdown during junior season … registered pair of interceptions and one touchdown in state playoff quarterfinal game against Fairfield … also participated in track and field. Personal: Dec. 28, 1987 at Athens, Ala. … son of Diane and Jim Witt … major is criminal justice.
11 Mario Wright Wide Receiver 6-5 • 205 Sophomore Birmingham, Ala.
Made an immediate impact among Blazers’ receiving corps last season and will be counted more heavily in 2008 … a tall, rangy wideout who makes it difficult for undersized defensive backs. 2007: Saw action in 10 games and started seven for the Blazers, including the final three of the season … ranked third on the team in receptions with 27 (for 272 yards and four touchdowns) … touchdown total was second on team … became even more of a factor down the stretch last season, catching 13 passes for 138 yards and three touchdowns in final three games … in season finale at Marshall, Wright had five receptions for 47 yards with a pair of touchdowns for 11 and 10 yards … also had five catches against Memphis (57 yards) and Tulsa (51 yards) … in addition to two TD receptions against Marshall, he also had scoring catches against Tulsa and UCF … scored 14 points vs. the Thundering Herd as he also caught a two-point conversion pass from 84
LG 28
Rec/G 2.7
Avg/C 10.1
Avg/G 27.2
U A B
F o o t b a l l
2008 Blazer Newcomers Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wt.
Hometown (High School or JC)
Garrett Armstrong
LB
6-0
240
Baton Rouge, La. (Hoover, Ala. HS)
Chris Assily
SAF
6-2
215
Honolulu, Hawaii (Orange Coast, Calif. CC)
Anthony Barnes
DE
6-3
255
Hazlehurst, Miss. (Copiah-Lincoln, Miss. CC)
Josh Brinson
WR
6-1
165
Homestead, Fla. (South Dade Senior HS)
Rodell Carter
WR
6-4
220
Mount Pleasant, S.C. (Georgia Military College)
Daniel Clements
SAF
5-11
200
Birmingham, Ala. (Homewood HS)
Chase Daniel
SAF
6-3
190
Birmingham, Ala. (Hoover HS)
Nick Davison
DT
6-0
275
Calhoun, Ga. (Calhoun HS)
David Decordova
DT
6-2
280
Manhattan Beach, Calif. (El Camino College)
Mark Ferrell
WR
6-2
220
South Boston, Va. (Mississippi Delta JC)
Elliott Henigan
DL
6-4
240
Atlanta, Ga. (The Lovett School)
Andre Hicks
DB
5-9
165
Atlanta, Ga. (The Lovett School)
David Isabelle
QB
6-3
185
Huntsville, Ala. (Johnson HS)
Aaron Johns
RB
5-10
190
Thomasville, Ala. (Copiah-Lincoln CC)
Jared Koechner
OL
6-5
285
Louisburg, Kan. (Fort Scott JC)
Drew Luker
LB
6-3
180
Sweet Water, Ala. (Sweet Water HS)
**Kyle Roget
LB
6-1
235
Arlington, Texas (Tyler JC)
**Ryan Roget
OL
6-3
285
Arlington, Texas (Tyler JC)
**Daniel Seahorn
OL
6-2
300
Houston, Texas (Tyler JC)
Terrell Springs
DB
5-9
175
Chester, S.C. (Chester HS)
Lamanski Ware
LB
6-2
205
Lanett, Ala. (Lanett HS)
Jarrell Watters
LB
6-0
225
Thomasville, Ala. (Thomasville HS)
Kattrell Watters
LB
6-0
235
Thomasville, Ala. (Thomasville HS)
Daniel White
LB
6-2
220
Apopka, Fla. (Apopka HS)
** Enrolled at UAB in January, 2008 85
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2008 Newcomer Bios Garrett Armstrong, LB
Rodell Carter, WR
6-0, 240 Baton Rouge, La. (Hoover, Ala. HS)
6-4, 220 Mount Pleasant, S.C. (Georgia Military College)
Grew up in Baton Rouge but spent his senior season at Hoover High School in metro-Birmingham ... attended 9th-11th grades at Mary G. Montgomery in Mobile ... as a senior at Hoover, he recorded 96 tackles overall with 11 sacks ... earned Defensive Leadership Award at Hoover, called the Blackshirt Award ... coached by Rush Propst at Hoover ... also participated in track and field at prep level ... son of Rene and Gary Armstrong.
An agile and speedy receiver who played under head coach Bert Williams at Georgia Military College in Milledgeville, Ga. … ranked as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com … competed in eight contests during freshman season, catching 24 passes for 389 yards … averaged 16.2 yards per catch … racked up five touchdowns during freshman campaign … did not play during 2007 season due to an injury … will have three years of eligibility remaining at UAB … played at Wando High School where he earned Region 7AAAA all-star accolades his senior season by the Charleston Post and Courier … listed by the Herald-Journal as No. 32 in the Fabulous 50 players in the state of South Carolina … participated in the North Carolina/South Carolina Shrine Bowl which featured the top players from their respective state … tabbed third-team all-state.
Chris Assily, SAF 6-2, 215 Honolulu, Hawai”i (Orange Coast, Calif. CC)
Outstanding prospect for UAB secondary … attended Orange Coast Community College in Costa Mesa, Calif. … earned first-team All-Mission Conference honors following 2006 season … finished second on team in tackles with 56 stops (35 solo hits) and four interceptions … earned a spot on the JC Athletic Bureau California Community College Football Coaches Association All-America defense in 2006 … helped team to 7-3 record in 2006 … was named the “Male Athlete of the Year” for Orange Coast Community College … averaged 9.9 yards per punt return … also averaged 26.3 yards on kickoff returns … as a freshman in 2005, he recorded 44 tackles with four interceptions … attended Kaiser High School in Honolulu.
Anthony Barnes, DE 6-3, 255 Hazlehurst, Miss. (Copiah-Lincoln, Miss. CC)
Daniel Clements, SAF 5-11, 200 Birmingham, Ala. (Homewood HS)
A four-year letterwinner at Homewood High School for head coaches Bob Newton and Dickey Wright … honored as his squad’s Defensive MVP as a senior, he led the team in solo tackles and tackles-for-loss during his junior and senior seasons … had 105 tackles, including 11 tackles for loss as a junior ... recorded 63 stops with 11 TFL his senior season ... named to the Birmingham News’ Super Seniors: Best of the Rest list while earning honorable mention All-Metro team in 2007 … also nabbed a spot on the All-Over The Mountain team by the Over The Mountain Journal as a senior … helped the Patriots to back-to-back 5A State Championships in 2004 and 2005 … also participated in track & field, earning two varsity letters. Chase Daniel, SAF
Will have two years of eligibility remaining when he joins the Blazers … team won the Sea Island Company Golden Isles Bowl in 2007 … was a Mississippi Association of Junior Colleges and Community College’s allstate second team selection … finished 2007 with 43 tackles, 21 assists, six tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery … led his team to state runner-up finish in 2007 … sat out 2006 season … had 15 tackles, six assists, two tackles for loss, one sack and one fumble recovery as a freshman in 2005.
6-3, 190 Birmingham, Ala. (Hoover HS)
Josh Brinson, WR
A four-year letterwinner at Hoover HS under former head coach Rush Propst … selected by the Alabama Sports Writers Association as an honorable mention all-state performer in 2007 … recorded 80 overall tackles which was best on team … recorded 13 tackles in contest vs. Colerain HS in game played at Cincinnati ... had seven tackles and a fumble recovery against Hueytown HS in the second round of the 6A playoffs … named to Birmingham News Super All-Metro Team ... helped lead team to 53-5 record and two state championships during his four-year career.
6-1, 165 Homestead, Fla. (South Dade Senior HS)
Nick Davison, DT
Played his prep career at South Dade Senior High School for head coach Ivan Chicola … had seven receptions for 186 yards and four touchdowns as a senior as he suffered an injury in the first game of the season that kept him out until the playoffs … upon his return from the injury, he helped the Buccaneers reach the Region 4, Class 6A semifinals in 2007 … earned numerous honors during his junior campaign, including All-District 16-6A by the South Dade News Leader and honorable mention All-Dade County 4-6A by the Miami Herald … also a key player at guard for the Buccaneers basketball team … also lettered in track.
6-0, 275 Calhoun, Ga. (Calhoun HS)
A four-year letterwinner at Calhoun HS … was UAB’s first commitment for 2008 … tabbed by the Chattanooga News Free Press as a member of its preseason ‘Dynamite Dozen’ in 2007, which lists the areas top 12 players … was also tabbed by the Free Press as the Best of Preps North Georgia Defensive Player of the Year in ’07 … tabbed 2007 all-state honorable mention and all-area second team North Georgia by the Chattanooga News Free Press … also a standout baseball player who earned first-team all-Rome Area and second-team all north Georgia.
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2008 Newcomer Bios David Decordova, DT
offensive threat, gaining 851 yards for a 6.5 yard per carry average in addition to scoring 11 touchdowns on the ground his senior campaign … was a Northside Neighbor Athlete of the Week in 2007 … helped lead Lovett to the state semifinals in 2006 after making a second round appearance in 2005.
6-2, 280 Manhattan Beach, Calif. (El Camino, Calif., College)
A defensive standout for two years for head coach John Featherstone at El Camino College in Torrance, Calif. … helped the Warriors win the California State Championship in 2006 and the Mission Conference Championship in 2007 … had 18 tackles, eight TFLs for 26 yards and two sacks for 12 yards in nine games played during his sophomore season … also recovered a fumble and returned it 20 yards … recorded 30 tackles, six TFLs, 1.5 sacks, two pass breakups, one forced fumble and one blocked kick as a freshman … excelled in the classroom as well, being named to the El Camino Scholar-Baller list … attended Mira Costa High School and played for coach Don Morrow … had 32 tackles, two sacks and two fumbles recoveries during his senior campaign with the Mustangs.
Mark Ferrell, WR 6-2, 220 South Boston, Va. (Mississippi Delta Junior College)
Played two seasons for head coach Jay Miller at Mississippi Delta Junior College … had nine receiving touchdowns, including three game-winners, during his career with the Trojans … had 31 catches for 602 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore in 2007 … ranked second in Mississippi Association of Community & Junior College’s Region 23 in receiving yards during his sophomore season … scored five of the Trojans’ seven total receiving touchdowns in 2007 … spent his prep career with head coach Stan Hodgin at Halifax County High School in South Boston, Va. … earned first team AAA Northwest Region by the Washington Post and All-Western Valley District first-team honors from VirginiaPreps.com as a senior in 2005. Elliott Henigan, DL 6-4, 240 Atlanta, Ga. (The Lovett School)
Was a 2007 Atlanta Journal-Constitution CityLife First Team selection … tabbed as a Northside Neighbor Athlete of the Week during his senior season … helped lead Lovett to a runner-up finish in the Georgia Class AA Championship in 2007 … ranked third on the team his senior season with 51 tackles to go along with 16 assists … had four sacks in addition to forcing and recovering one fumble … was a key part of a defense that held opponents to 12.7 points per game in 2007 … helped Lovett to a semifinal appearance in the state championship in 2006 and a second round showing in 2005.
David Isabelle, QB 6-3, 185 Huntsville, Ala. (Johnson HS)
A triple-threat quarterback … was 139-of-206 for 2,181 yards passing with 15 touchdowns as a senior … on the ground, he carried the ball 114 times for 826 yards, finding the end zone seven times during his final season … was a Birmingham News Class 5A All-State selection … named first-team Alabama Sports Writers Association 5A All-State … named Most Valuable Player on The Huntsville Times Supper All-Metro Team … named Most Valuable Player on Huntsville All-City Team … averaged 42 yards punting on 23 kicks … led Johnson HS to a combined 20-7 record during his junior and senior.
Aaron Johns, RB 5-10, 190 Thomasville, Ala. (Copiah-Lincoln, Miss., CC)
Also signed with UAB in February, 2007 ... a former prep standout in Alabama, Johns spent 2006 season helping Copiah-Lincoln Community College to 9-3 record … ranked 15th among junior college running backs in yards per game with 91.4 average … rushed for 914 yards on 165 carries (5.5 per rush) in 10 games … also ran for 24 touchdowns in 2006 … was on receiving end of 14 passes for 152 yards … signed with and played at University of Alabama during 2004 season … had 68 plays on the 2004 season and rushed for 185 yards on 47 carries … longest run of 44 yards came against Western Carolina. … best game was an 86-yard performance on 11 carries against Western Carolina … also caught two passes in that game for 19 yards … had 24 yards on nine carries in the season finale against Auburn … as a prepster at Thomasville High School, he was the Alabama Sportswriters Association Class 4A Back of the Year and Montgomery Advertiser Player of the Year his senior season when he rushed for 2,050 yards on 183 carries and had 33 TDs … also had 224 receiving yards as senior … scored 37 total touchdowns in his high school career … as junior, while splitting time with three other backs, Johns rushed for over 700 yards and recorded three interceptions on defense … was listed as the No. 26 player in Alabama by SuperPrep magazine … coached by Jack Hankins.
Jared Koechner, OL 6-5, 285 Louisburg, Kan. (Fort Scott, Kan., JC)
Andre Hicks, DB 5-9, 165 Atlanta, Ga. (The Lovett School)
Was a standout on both sides of the ball … named to the 2007 Atlanta Journal-Constitution All-State First Team in addition to being selected to the publication’s CityLife First Team … was the Atlanta Journal-Constitution CityLife Offensive Player of the Year … had 14 tackles and six assists in helping Lovett to a runner-up finish in the 2007 Georgia Class AA Championship … forced one fumble and made three interceptions as a senior … was also an
Named second-team All-Kansas Jayhawk League after leading his team to a 9-3 record and appearance in the Valley of the Sun Bowl … was an Academic AllAmerican … blocked for All-American running back Rodney Lovett who rushed for 1,300 yards and All-American and Jayhawk Conference Player of the Year quarterback Greg Cross … helped anchor an offensive line that helped average 24.3 points per game last season … his offensive line allowed 18.5 sacks for an offense that averaged 191.7 passing yards per game … played high school football at Louisburg HS … will have two years of eligibility remaining when he joins the Blazers.
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2008 Newcomer Bios Drew Luker, LB
one blocked punt as junior … missed three games his junior season due to injury … was school’s nominee for Heisman Award his senior year … a fouryear starter for Lanett … also participated on basketball team.
6-3, 180 Sweet Water, Ala. (Sweet Water HS)
Has played a key role on Sweet Water High School teams that have captured three class 1A state championships in the past four years … has been named first-team all-state as a defensive back by the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) each of the past two years … part of a Sweet Water senior class that compiled record of 56-10 during career at school … has played safety on defense and quarterback on offense each of the past two years … as a senior, he recorded 92 tackles on defense with six interceptions, seven pass breakups and one fumble recovery … offensively, he had 452 yards rushing with six rushing touchdowns while throwing for 1,092 yards and 12 touchdowns … also handled holder duties for Sweet Water extra points and field goals … an excellent student, Luker has been chosen as his school’s salutatorian for 2008 graduation … also participated in basketball and baseball.
Terrell Springs, CB
Jarrell Watters, LB 6-0, 225 Thomasville, Ala. (Thomasville HS)
Was early commitment to UAB in August of 2007…tabbed first-team all state by the Alabama Sports Writers Association in the Class 4A division… named as a second-team selection to the Southwest Alabama All-Region Football team by the Mobile Press Register…led the defense with 107 tackles and two fumble recoveries… his team had a record of 11-3 overall and went 10-2 in their division in 2007…helped his team to a runner-up finish in the 2006 state championship and to the semifinals in 2007…was a part of a defense that only allowed 16.2 ppg in 2007… recorded 128 tackles in 13 games played as a junior in 2006…identical twin brother of Kattrell Watters…coached by Jack Hankins.
5-9, 175 Chester, S.C. (Chester HS)
Kattrell Watters, LB Attended Chester High School where he was standout performer and fouryear starter … listed among top defensive prospects in South Carolina … has superb speed … played in SCADA North-South All-Star Game … ranked as No. 73 cornerback in the country by Rivals.com … tabbed all-state, all-region and all-area by various publications … The State (Columbia, S.C.) newspaper named Springs honorable mention all-state … defensively as senior, he had 58 tackles with 20 pass breakups and four interceptions … also had nine receptions for 171 yards and three touchdowns with 38 rushing attempts for 369 yards (9.7 per rush) and six TDs … averaged 31.4 on kickoff returns as senior … was coached by Victor Floyd … has also enjoyed great success as member of Cyclones’ track team … won region championship in 100 meters and finished third in the state … also anchored Chester’s 4x100-meter relay to state title … also a member of wrestling team … was high school teammate of Marquis Coleman who was a true freshman on UAB roster last season.
6-0, 235 Thomasville, Ala. (Thomasville HS)
Was an early commitment to UAB in August of 2007…was selected by the Alabama Sports Writers Association as a finalist in 2007 for Mr. Football in Alabama Class 4A lineman category…tabbed first-team all-state by the ASWA in 2006 and 2007 in the 4A division…named as a second team selection to the Southwest Alabama All-Region Football team by the Mobile Press Register…recorded 105 tackles, two and a half sacks, three fumble recoveries and one interception in 2007…his team had a record of 11-3 overall and went 10-2 in their division in 2007…helped his team to a runner-up finish in the 2006 state championships and to the semifinals in 2007…was a part of a defense that only allowed 16.2 ppg in 2007… recorded 150 tackles in 15 games played as a junior in 2006… identical twin brother of Jarrell Watters… coached by Jack Hankins.
Lamanski Ware, LB Daniel White, LB
6-2, 205 Lanett, Ala. (Lanett HS)
6-2, 220 Apopka, Fla. (Apopka HS)
Outstanding prospect from Lanett High School … coached by Ronnie Sikes … was named first-team all-state by Alabama Sports Writers Association as a junior and senior, earning the honor as a tight end his junior season and as a linebacker as a senior … named area Player-of-the-Year by the Valley Times-News and a three-year member of the publication’s all-area team … coached by Ronnie Sikes at Lanett … as a senior he had 96 total tackles with four caused fumbles, four fumbles recovered, three sacks, eight tackles for loss and one interception … also had four blocked punts during the season … on the offensive side, he had 28 receptions for 461 yards and four touchdowns as a senior … helped lead Lanett to first undefeated regular season for school since 1976 … team reached state 2-A quarterfinals, losing to eventual state champion Leroy in overtime … in earning all-state honors as a junior he had 32 receptions for 441 yards and two touchdowns on offense with 84 tackles, four caused fumbles, five fumble recoveries, one interception and
Attended Apopka High School where he played linebacker … was a threeyear starter for the Blue Darts … recorded 60 tackles and one interception his senior season … helped his team record a 12-2 record and reach the Florida Class 6A State semifinals his senior season … was selected to play in the Central Florida All-Star Game and was named the game’s defensive MVP … was a member of a defense his senior season that held opponents to an average of 13.4 points per game … his junior season played the Blue Darts went 9-3, and 5-0 in conference … coached by Rick Darlington … former teammate of current Blazer sophomore Tim Davis.
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