UAB football opens spring practice under new head coach Alex Mortensen

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - UAB football opened spring practice Wednesday under new head coach Alex Mortensen, who takes over after serving as the interim head coach at the end of last season.

Coach Mortensen had been UAB’s offensive coordinator since 2023.

Mortensen said the focus this spring is on player development and establishing a culture in the program.

“I think the biggest thing is just, we’re going to do everything going forward the best we can in every area and try to max out every variable that we can to help push our players to develop and to help the team develop,” Mortensen said.

Quarterback Ryder Burton is returning after leading UAB to an upset win over Memphis last season. Burton said his decision to come back was driven by his belief in Mortensen.

“I think what Coach Mort is trying to accomplish is just a team that’s physical. A team that loves to play for each other and for the city of Birmingham,” Burton said.

Defensive Coordinator Todd Grantham joins the staff with SEC and NFL experience. Most recently, Grantham was the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State under Mike Gundy. Grantham said Mortensen’s coaching style is consistent with the hall-of-fame level coaches he’s worked under in the past, like Alabama legend Nick Saban.

“The one thing about those guys is they believe in discipline, accountability and toughness. They all have their own way of doing it, but it comes down to discipline, accountability, and toughness. Being with Coach Mortensen at Alabama, I knew that style of program would be here,” Grantham said.

Spring practice will continue for the Blazers over the next month.

UAB’s spring showcase is scheduled for Saturday, April 18.

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