BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — UAB has signed its first football player since announcing plans to restart the program.

Former Memphis offensive lineman Tyler Jones has signed a financial aid agreement to attend UAB. The 6-foot-5, 295-pounder from Albertville, Alabama, redshirted as a freshman last season with the Tigers.

UAB coach Bill Clark says "it's obviously a big deal to get the first one." University President Ray Watts announced on June 1 plans to revive the program shut down after last season because of financial reasons.

The school hasn't indicated when it plans to field a team.

The Conference USA board of directors is expecting a comprehensive plan by the fall on UAB's efforts to reinstate football. UAB supporters pledged $17 million to help cover the operational costs from football over the next five years.