The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Men's Soccer Adds Two to 2016 Class
5/24/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB men's soccer team and head coach Mike Getman announced the addition of Julian Mehl and Andrew Nkpolukwu to the 2016 signing class on Tuesday.
Mehl and Nkpolukwu join eight other Blazers in the 2016 signing class including Adam Brooker, Jacob Futrell, Philip Makinde, Richard "Trey" Nelson III, Chase Rushing, James Teal and Tarnue Tyler. The 10 athletes will join the Blazers and compete this fall.
Julian Mehl l Goalkeeper 6-1 l Cologne, Germany
Mehl hails from Henrich-Mann Gymansium, where he graduated as one of the top of his class. The Cologne, Germany, native was a starter from U-10 to U-19 with FC Koeln, where he won the Western German Championship and participated in the top youth tournament in Europe.
"Julian has played in one of the top youth league in the world and has been very successful," Getman said. "We believe he will do great things here at UAB and compete for playing time right away."
Andrew Nkpolukwu l Midfield l 6-4 l Sydney, Austrailia
Nkpolukwu attended All Saints Catholic Senior College prior to coming to UAB. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Nkpolukwu has lived and played in Sydney, Austrailia for the past 15 years. Nkpolukwu played five years in the top tier NSW Premeier Leauge where he was named the NSW Combine Catholic College MVP.
"Andrew has the physical and technical qualities to make a major impact on our team," Getman added. "I expect him to help us right away."
Previous eight signees:
Adam Brooker l Forward l 6-3 l 185 l Demopolis, Alabama
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.
Massimo Ferrin l Forward l 5-10 l 160 l Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Ferrin currently plays for Vaughan Soccer Club under coach Patrice Gheisar. The Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, native is the leading scorer on the squad and was the national runner-up in 2014. The standout forward was brought in to the Canada U-20 National Team's training camp.
"Massimo has all the tools to be a great goal-scorer," Getman said. "He is quick and skillful, but it is his soccer brain that sets him apart. He also has the experience to step in and make an impact right away."
Jacob Futrell l Center Back l 6-3 l 170 l Auburn, Alabama
Futrell currently plays for Auburn High School under coach Bo Morrissey. The Auburn, Alabama, 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 and 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 "Trey" Nelson III l Forward l 6-1 l 160 l Montgomery, Alabama
Nelson currently plays for Loveless Academy Magnet Program and for Vestavia Hills Soccer Club under coach Luke Whittle, the squad that ranks No. 1 in the state of Alabama. The Montgomery, Alabama, native is a member of the Olympic Development Program 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, Louisiana
Rushing, a captain of Jesuit High School in New Orleans under coach Hubie Collins, is a four-year starter. The River Ridge, Louisiana, 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," Getman said. "He has the skills, vision and athleticism to help our team right away. I expect him to contribute from Day One."
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, Tennessee
Teal, who hails from Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a member of the Tennessee ODP. 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, Missouri
Tyler, a member of the Missouri ODP squad, currently plays for Rock Bridge High School 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 and good 1v1, and he loves to compete. I expect him to make an immediate impact."
