UAB and Jacksonville State Open College Football Week 1 – the week 0 happened last saturday – this Wednesday (September 1st), broadcast to Brazil by ESPN and Star+, at 8:30 pm. Despite a duel between two smaller programs, without as many high-rated athletes for the next NFL Draft, the American football fan will have some interesting names to watch out for in the confrontation. Let’s go to them:
UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham)
Justin Thomas – edge rusher: The short time on the field for LSU made the linebacker opt for a transfer to UAB. On the show, Thomas is expected to start immediately and be responsible for terrorizing opposing quarterbacks. Thomas is over 1.95m and 120 pounds, an attractive size for any NFL scout. It weighs against the player the short playing time and the low productivity so far in his career. In the Blazers, he will have the chance to prove his worth.
Khristopher Moll – linebacker/safety: Chosen for the C-USA first team in the last two seasons, serving as a starter for UAB in every game in the past two years. Moll also received an honorable mention on Phil Steele’s All-American team. The player stands out for his versatility, making plays against running or air play. In 2020, Moll has 59 tackles, 4 tackles for losing yards, 2 sacks, 2 passes defended, and six quarterback pressures.
Jacksonville State
DJ Coleman – edge rusher: 1.97m tall and 112kg. Coleman already impresses with his size even before stepping onto the field. The pass rusher is the anchor of the Jacksonville State defensive line. He has already played in 2021, in the spring of the USA, as FCS – a kind of second division of college football – chose to postpone the start of its 2020 season to 2021, due to Covid-19. Coleman has started 24 of the university’s last 26 games. He was twice named to the Conference selection and, last season, was named FCS second-team All-American. He led the team in tackles for losing yards, 12, and sacks, with 9, constantly living in the opposing backfield.
