The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Men's Soccer Signs Five Players
2/24/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
"I am very excited about this year's recruiting class," said Getman. "I think we have a great group of players who will help us next season and should make immediate impacts."
Michael Biggs (Altamont HS), Jeremy Drake (Altamont HS) and Jeremy McLane (John Carroll HS) are from Birmingham, while Ian Backstrom (Farrigut HS) and Derick Radcliffe (Bearden HS) are from Knoxville, Tenn.
Radcliffe is one of the top players to come out of the state of Tennessee. The 5-10, 155-pound midfielder was tabbed a two-time All-American and Gatorade Player of the Year for Tennessee by the NSCAA. He led Bearden HS to an undefeated season in 2002, and back-to-back state championships in 2001 and 2002. He also led Bearden HS to a No. 1 national ranking last season.
"Derick has all the skill and understanding we want in a midfield player," said Getman. "He is going to be a great college player."
Biggs is a forward/midfielder at Altamont HS and is considered by many as the top player in the state of Alabama. The 5-11, 160-pounder was a member of the Alabama State Olympic Development Program (ODP) team as well as Vestavia Steamers Club team. He also led his high school to the Alabama state runner-up finish in 2002.
"We are very pleased to have Michael join our team," said Getman. "He is certainly one of the most exciting players to come out of the state of Alabama."
Drake is a goalkeeper who is Biggs' teammate at Altamont HS, the Alabama State ODP team and Vestavia Steamers Club. Drake was also an intricate part to Altamont high school's state runner-up finish in 2002. He is an outstanding athlete who was also the 2003 state champion in the high jump.
"Jeremy is very quick and athletic," said Getman. "He is going to be a great college athlete."
McLane, a 5-10, 160-pound midfielder from John Carroll HS, has been a member of the state ODP team since 1998. He joined Drake and Biggs as a member of the Vestavia Steamers Club team. Just recently, McLane was named the most valuable player at the Lakeshore Shootout.
"Jeremy McLane is solid in all areas of the game," added Getman. "He can help our team in several different positions."
Backstrom, a 5-8 155-pound midfielder, is a member of the Tennessee State ODP team. He was named all-south and all-state and was also tabbed all-district three consecutive years. Backstrom is also a member of the Arsenal Club team.
"We first saw Ian at our camp last year and were immediately impressed," said Getman. "He is a versatile player and should fit in well with our style."
