Copyright AL.com
Jalen Kitna is set to reclaim starting duties at quarterback for UAB in Saturday’s game at UConn, AL.com has learned. Kitna sat out the Blazers’ win over Memphis on Oct. 18 with a shoulder injury. He was replaced by Ryder Burton. Both quarterbacks are expected to play in Saturday’s matchup against the Huskies. Kitna ranks No. 7 nationally, averaging 296 passing yards per game this season. The redshirt senior has completed 69.1% of his passes for 1,776 yards and 10 touchdowns with four interceptions through six games. The former Florida transfer started eight games for UAB last year in addition to his six starts this season. Kitna returned to practice during UAB’s open week last week and has worked with the first-team offense this week. “I’m feeling great,” Kitna said last week. “You know, I’m out there practicing and I’m ready to go. I’m just trying to get ready, prepare like any other week and go dominate.” Burton earned weekly honors from the Manning Award after completing 20 of 27 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns with an interception during UAB’s 31-24 victory over Memphis. Before that, the redshirt sophomore had taken part in just four total snaps in his college career. Burton transferred to UAB from West Virginia this offseason. Last week, he discussed his mindset toward the starting role, stating that while he is confident in his ability, UAB made it clear that Kitna was the starter when he joined the team. “I knew what I would learn in a year with Alex Mortensen as my OC, so I was perfectly okay with that,” Burton said. “At the end of the day, Joe Burrow played one good year and went to the league. My ultimate goal is to play in the NFL. If that means I have to sit a year or sit the rest of the year, I’m okay with that. I’m gonna do my role to the very best I can. And at the end of the day, Heavenly Father’s gonna let the cards fall where they fall.” UAB (3-4) will take on UConn (5-3) at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday inside Pratt & Whitney Stadium. The game will be televised on CBS Sports Network.
