The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Real Talk with UAB Quarterback Tyler Johnston III
8/14/2019 4:07:00 PM | Football
BIRMINGHAM - As countdown to kickoff rapidly approaches, the UAB Athletic Communications staff caught up with starting quarterback Tyler Johnston III to discuss last year's championship season and team goals for the 2019 campaign.
Q: Take us back to your first collegiate start against UTSA. What were you thinking going in, and what was your reaction when you led the team to a school record 668 yards of total offense?
A: I was thinking to not put too much pressure on myself because most of the time a lot of people would. I went into that game knowing my teammates had my back. I was playing for A.J. Erdely who was hurt. He was a great quarterback and he taught me a lot of things. When you have Spencer Brown right beside you, an offensive line that was great and receivers who were catching everything, it was just a great game for us.
Q: Talk a little bit more about A.J. Erdely. You both came in at the same time. What was your relationship like and what did he teach you throughout the years?
A: A.J. was always there for me. We did have competition, but every time I asked him about something, he would answer. He wouldn't look away - he would answer. A.J. was a great leader and a great person. We are still friends to this day.
Q: What do you think about him working at Southern Miss?
A: (Laughter) A job is a job. I get it. That is awesome for him. I'll never just say 'Ah man, you can't do that.' It's great for A.J. I am happy for him. He is a competitive person so it's going to be awesome playing against him knowing he is just right over there. It will be fun.
Q: What have you worked on the most this offseason as a quarterback?
A: My footwork, a quicker release and being on time with my throws. I want to know every detail about every route and learn different things that I didn't know last year; just knowing more about the game overall.
Q: In the spare time that you do have, what are you favorite non-football related activities?
A: Going back to see my family and friends. Seeing old friends is always fun. Going to the beach with them and having fun. We live 45 minutes from the beach. Just being able to spend time with them because I don't get to see them much.
In Birmingham, just hanging out with my brother, my girlfriend, the guys on the team. We have a lot of people from Spanish Fort on the team. I like to go to Topgolf. I think Birmingham is a great place to live in.
Q: Finally, what are the goals for this year's team?
A: Going undefeated. That's the biggest goal. I am excited to see how this team is going to grow. Everyone is coming along and the coaches keep pushing us. Coach Clark is a great coach. Coach [Bryant] Vincent is keeping us positive. He is right there pounding the offense making us better. I can see the defense is getting better from their coaches too. The players are just growing around each other. I know we are a young team, but growing together is a big thing for this team.
The Blazers are 15 days away from kicking off the 2019 season at Legion Field on Aug. 29 versus Alabama State.
Season tickets, mini plans and single game tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here or by calling the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at 205-975-UAB1. Fans can also request more information on ticket options for the upcoming season here. Discounted group tickets and fan experiences are available for a minimum purchase of 20 tickets to any home football game. To purchase group tickets for the 2019 season, please contact Chris Curtis at (205) 934-3172 or ccurtis2@uab.edu.
Q: Take us back to your first collegiate start against UTSA. What were you thinking going in, and what was your reaction when you led the team to a school record 668 yards of total offense?
A: I was thinking to not put too much pressure on myself because most of the time a lot of people would. I went into that game knowing my teammates had my back. I was playing for A.J. Erdely who was hurt. He was a great quarterback and he taught me a lot of things. When you have Spencer Brown right beside you, an offensive line that was great and receivers who were catching everything, it was just a great game for us.
Q: Talk a little bit more about A.J. Erdely. You both came in at the same time. What was your relationship like and what did he teach you throughout the years?
A: A.J. was always there for me. We did have competition, but every time I asked him about something, he would answer. He wouldn't look away - he would answer. A.J. was a great leader and a great person. We are still friends to this day.
Q: What do you think about him working at Southern Miss?
A: (Laughter) A job is a job. I get it. That is awesome for him. I'll never just say 'Ah man, you can't do that.' It's great for A.J. I am happy for him. He is a competitive person so it's going to be awesome playing against him knowing he is just right over there. It will be fun.
Q: What have you worked on the most this offseason as a quarterback?
A: My footwork, a quicker release and being on time with my throws. I want to know every detail about every route and learn different things that I didn't know last year; just knowing more about the game overall.
Q: In the spare time that you do have, what are you favorite non-football related activities?
A: Going back to see my family and friends. Seeing old friends is always fun. Going to the beach with them and having fun. We live 45 minutes from the beach. Just being able to spend time with them because I don't get to see them much.
In Birmingham, just hanging out with my brother, my girlfriend, the guys on the team. We have a lot of people from Spanish Fort on the team. I like to go to Topgolf. I think Birmingham is a great place to live in.
Q: Finally, what are the goals for this year's team?
A: Going undefeated. That's the biggest goal. I am excited to see how this team is going to grow. Everyone is coming along and the coaches keep pushing us. Coach Clark is a great coach. Coach [Bryant] Vincent is keeping us positive. He is right there pounding the offense making us better. I can see the defense is getting better from their coaches too. The players are just growing around each other. I know we are a young team, but growing together is a big thing for this team.
The Blazers are 15 days away from kicking off the 2019 season at Legion Field on Aug. 29 versus Alabama State.
Season tickets, mini plans and single game tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here or by calling the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at 205-975-UAB1. Fans can also request more information on ticket options for the upcoming season here. Discounted group tickets and fan experiences are available for a minimum purchase of 20 tickets to any home football game. To purchase group tickets for the 2019 season, please contact Chris Curtis at (205) 934-3172 or ccurtis2@uab.edu.
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