Rebuilding UAB signs 19 junior college football players

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) UAB's recently restarted football program has signed 19 junior college players.

All 19 are expected to enroll in January for the Blazers, who return for the 2017 season. Coach Bill Clark is rebuilding a team that UAB dismantled last December, along with two other sports programs, citing expenses.

The university opted to bring football, bowling and rifle back.

The NCAA is allowing UAB to sign extra players in the mid-year period and in February to speed up the rebuilding process.

Clark says Blazers coaches ''started with a wide net and a long list at each position.'' The class includes two quarterbacks, seven linemen, four defensive backs and four linebackers.