MOBILE, Ala. — UAB running back Jordan Howard, one of the most sought-after players since UAB announced it is shutting down its football program, watched South Alabama’s practice Monday morning as the Jaguars prepared for the Raycom Media Camellia Bowl.
Former Alabama head coach Ray Perkins also attended the practice.
A Productive Season at UAB
Howard, a 6-foot-1, 228-pound sophomore from Gardendale, Ala., rushed for 1,587 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. He averaged 5.2 yards per carry and 132.2 yards per game.
Since UAB’s announcement, Howard has drawn interest from programs including Indiana, Notre Dame, Louisville and Vanderbilt. He is expected to make a decision soon.
UAB Connections
Howard’s production came in an offense directed by Bryant Vincent, whom South Alabama head coach Joey Jones has hired as the Jaguars’ new offensive coordinator.
Two other UAB players, center Lee Dufour and quarterback Cody Clements, have announced they are transferring to South Alabama.
Jaguars’ Backfield
South Alabama’s running back depth thinned during the regular season. Jay Jones, who led the team with 393 rushing yards and three touchdowns at the time, suffered a season-ending knee injury in the sixth game.
Senior Kendall Houston finished as the team’s leading rusher with 659 yards and a touchdown. Redshirt freshman Xavier Johnson ran for 417 yards and a touchdown but missed time late in the season with a shoulder injury, and junior Terrance Timmons rushed for 382 yards and two touchdowns.
Bowl Preparations
South Alabama plays in the Camellia Bowl on Saturday in Montgomery. It is the first bowl appearance in the history of the Jaguars’ football program, which began play in 2009 and competes in the Sun Belt Conference.
