The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB's Nelson And Backman Selected In 2015 NFL Draft
5/2/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Former UAB football players J.J. Nelson and Kennard Backman were selected in the 2015 NFL draft on Saturday. Nelson was drafted in the fifth round by the Arizona Cardinals, while Backman was a sixth-round selection by the Green Bay Packers.
The Cardinals made Nelson, who was named a 2014 First-Team All-American by the Walter Camp Foundation and was the 2014 Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Year, the 23rd pick in the fifth round and the 159th player chosen overall.
A first-team All-American by several outlets in 2014, Nelson finished his UAB career with a school record 4,670 all-purpose yards and ranks third all-time in receiving yardage at 2,273. His 20 career receiving touchdowns are tied for third-most in Blazer history.
The Midfield, Ala., native was the first Blazer ever selected to the Walter Camp All-America Team. He had arguably his best year in 2014 with a sensational senior season. He concluded the campaign ranked No. 1 in the country in kickoff return average at 38.3 yards per return, which is the fifth-highest season mark in NCAA history and led the NCAA with four kickoff returns for a touchdown.
Backman was chosen by the Green Bay Packers as the 37th pick in the sixth round and 213th selection overall in this year's draft.
Backman was a four-year starter for the Blazers at tight end. He led the team in receptions in 2014 with 39 and also registered three touchdown catches. Backman was tabbed a second-team All-Conference USA honoree the following the season. The talented Austell, Ga. product finished his UAB career with 96 receptions.
