The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers In The Pros Giving Back To Program
3/6/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 6, 2003
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- Seven former UAB football players are teaming up in their support of Blazer Athletics.
After outstanding careers with the Blazers, all seven have experienced success at the professional level in the National Football League. Jake Arians (PK, Tuscaloosa, Ala., 1996-99 at UAB, former team was Buffalo Bills), Josh Evans (DL, Lanett, Ala., 1991-94 at UAB, New York Jets), Eddie Freeman (DL, Mobile, Ala., 1998-01 at UAB, Kansas City Chiefs), Otis Leverette (DE, Americus, Ga., 1999-00 at UAB, San Diego Chargers), Izell Reese (DB, Dothan, Ala., 1994-97 at UAB, Denver Broncos), Dainon Sidney (DB, Atlanta, Ga., 1996-97 at UAB, Tennessee Titans) and Bryan Thomas (DE, Birmingham, Ala., 1998-01 at UAB, New York Jets) are making a generous joint contribution in support of the UAB program.
The former UAB football standouts will present their gift of $265,000 to UAB President Carol Garrison and Director of Athletics Watson Brown at halftime of this Saturday's men's basketball game vs. Memphis (gametime for the C-USA contest is 1:00 p.m.). The players' contribution will be used toward athletics scholarships at the University.
"I wouldn't be in the situation I am in without UAB," said Reese, who was a member of the Blazers when the transition was made from Division 1-AA to 1-A. "I came in at a great time and it means something to me to be a part of history. I am proud to be one of the first players drafted out of the program.
"I told Coach Brown when I left that, whether I was playing professionally or not, I was willing to help the program," said Reese. "UAB and UAB football did a lot in helping me and I want to help the program. It's been exciting for me to see the program grow."
Brown expressed his appreciation for his former players stepping forward to assist the program. "We are very proud of these seven guys, as I am of all our former players," said Brown, who has been head coach at UAB since 1995. "We are extremely grateful to these seven players who want to come back to help our program in this generous manner so soon after they finished their careers with us."
