All eyes may be on the Olympics right now, but there is still sporting news happening right now in Birmingham.
Moll, McBride, Pittman land on preseason football watchlists
As football season inches closer and closer, key UAB players have been making noise in several preseason award watchlists.
Kristopher Moll was one of 90 players named to the preseason watchlist for the Bednarik Award, honoring the nation’s top defensive player, on July 19. The redshirt senior linebacker has been a key contributor to the Blazers’ strong defense in his time at UAB, earning first-team All-Conference-USA honors last season.
DeWayne McBride was among 82 players selected for the preseason watchlist for the Doak Walker Award, honoring the nation’s top running back, on July 21. The sophomore back had an impressive freshman season last year rushing for 439 yard in just six games.
Hayden Pittman was among 56 selected for the preseason John Mackey Award watchlist, honoring the nation’s top tight end, on July 23. Pittman is entering into his sixth year at UAB and fifth season playing for the Blazers after receiving an extra year of eligibility from the NCAA due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the 2020 season, he was named second team All-Conference-USA.
The several awards are yet to announce their watchlists, and more UAB players could be named in them. Last season, ten Blazers were named to the preseason awards watchlists.
Casey Dunn fills out baseball staff
UAB men’s baseball coach Casey Dunn announced the addition of two assistants to his staff on July 19. B.J. Green joins the Blazers as associate head coach and Alan Kunkel joins as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.
Green arrives in Birmingham from Georgia Southern where he served as a pitching coach since 2009. Under his watch, the Eagles
An Alabama native, Green previously coached at Alabama from 2001 to 2009 and played for the Crimson Tide from 1998-2001.
Kunkel comes to UAB from USF. In his two seasons with the Bulls, he primarily worked with hitters.
Prior to his tenure at USF, Kunkel served as head coach at Calvary Christian Academy in Florida leading the school to two state titles in four years.
Women’s soccer picks up Tennessee transfer
UAB women’s soccer head coach Erica Demers announced July 21 that Tennessee transfer Carlyn Presley will be joining the Blazers for the 2021 season.
The sophomore midfielder played in four matches for the Volunteers her freshman season.
The Blazers will travel to Mississippi State for an exhibition match on August 10 and open the regular season on the road against Chattanooga on August 19. Their first home match will be versus Arizona State on August 29.
