The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Men's Soccer Inks Seven for 2016 Signing Class
2/6/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The UAB men’s soccer team and head coach Mike Getman announced the addition of seven newcomers to the 2016 squad on Saturday.
“This has been a great recruiting year for us! We have filled all of our needs and improved the overall athleticism of our team,” Getman said of the signees. “We got the top 3 players in the state of Alabama and we added other players with national and international experience. This group is going to make a big impact on our program over the next four years.”
Adam Brooker, Jacob Futrell, Philip Makinde, Richard Nelson III, Chase Rushing, James Teal and Tarnue Tyler committed to the program this week when they signed their NLIs and will join the Blazers this fall.
Adam Brooker l Forward l 6-3 l 185 l Demopolis, Ala.
Brooker hails from Demopolis HS where he played under Coach Brad Daniels. The forward also plays for the Birmingham United Soccer Association under Coach Jeremy Hampton. Brooker is the first signee from Demopolis to sign to play at the collegiate level since 2008, while he also is the second male player in Demopolis history and the first since Rob Cooke inked with Faulkner University to sign with a college soccer program.
“Adam has great athleticism and skill,” Getman said of the signee. “He has the potential to score a lot of goals. We are very excited to have him join our team and look forward to watching him develop into a top class player.”
As a junior last season, he scored 27 goals, paired with 21 assists, while he helped his team to a 12-4 record and an appearance in the second round of the state playoffs. His junior campaign put him at 62 goals in his varsity career.
Jacob Futrell l Center Back l 6-3 l 170 l Auburn, Ala.
Futrell currently plays for Auburn HS under Coach Bo Morrissey. The Auburn, Ala., native garnered 2015 Super All-State honors by AL.com. He also plays for the Auburn Thunder under Coach Jenny Ferguson.
“Jake is an incredible athlete who loves to compete,” Getman added. “He has the tools to be a great Center Back. I am looking forward to working with him and watching his career take off.”
Philip Makinde l Forward l 5-10 l Aurora, Ontario Canada
Makinde, a member of the Canada U-17 National Team, is a transfer from Drake University. In high school, he played soccer, basketball and ran track at Richmond Green. During his club career, the forward played under Coach Patrice Gheisar of the Vaughan Soccer Club.
“Philip brings amazing pace and great skill to our team,” Getman said of the transfer. “I expect him to make a major impact right away. It is a big advantage having him on campus this semester. It gives him plenty of time to get used to our style and the pace of college soccer.”
Richard Nelson III l Forward l 6-1 l 160 l Montgomery, Ala.
Nelson currently plays for Loveless Academy Magnet Program and for Vestavia Hills SC under Coach Luke Whittle, the squad that ranks No. 1 in the state of Alabama. The Montgomery, Ala., native is a member of the Olympic Development team (ODP) and the South Region ODP squad.
“Trey has great quickness and skills,” Getman said. “He loves to take players on one-on-one. He is a perfect fit with the way our team plays. I expect him to help us right away.”
Chase Rushing l Midfield l 6-0 l 165 l River Ridge, La.
Rushing, a captain of Jesuit HS in New Orleans under Coach Hubie Collins, is a four year starter. The River Ridge, La., native garnered All-State First Team Honors in 2015. He also played club soccer for the Chicago Fire Juniors under Coach Steven McAnespie.
“Chase is a very complete player,” said Getman. “He has the skills, vision, and athleticism to help our team right away. I expect him to contribute from Day 1.”
Rushing joins fellow signee, Nelson, as a member of the South Region ODP team. He also plays for the Louisiana ODP team.
James Teal l Goalkeeper l 6-5 l 210 l Chattanooga, Tenn.
Teal, who hails from Chattanooga, Tenn., is a member of the Tennesese ODP program. He also plays for Chattanooga FC.
“James has the size and skills to be a top class keeper,” Getman added. “He is surprisingly quick and can make the big save to keep his team in the game. I expect him to challenge for playing time right away.”
Tarnue Tyler l Forward l 5-9 l 145 l Columbia, MO
Tyler, a member of the Missouri ODP squad, currently plays for Rock Bridge HS under coach Scott Wittenborn. In club play, he represents Scott Gallagher under Coach Ken Jacobsmeyer.
“Tarnue is a special player with everything it takes to succeed,” Getman said of the forward. “He is quick, skillful, good 1v1 and he loves to compete. I expect him to make an immediate impact.”
