Dismissed Florida QB Kitna signing up with UAB, Dilfer

• Alex Scarborough, ESPN Personnel WriterDec 30, 2023, 09:40 AM ET Close Covers the SEC.Joined ESPN in 2012.
• Graduate of Auburn University.Jalen Kitna, who was dismissed

by Florida after an arrest on felony charges that were later dropped, has actually devoted to sign up with the football group at UAB.The sophomore quarterback has actually been confessed to the school, a university representative informed ESPN. Kitna, boy of previous NFL quarterback Jon Kitna, plans to be on school for a main go to Wednesday.Kitna, who was a backup quarterback for the Gators, was jailed on 5 kid pornography charges in

November 2022 after authorities received a pointer that a user had actually distributed an image of kid sexual abuse product on the social networks platform Discord. But the charges were dropped in July after he reached a plea offer that led to him pleading no contest to two misdemeanor counts of breach of the peace. He served 6 months ‘probation.In a declaration to ESPN, UAB coach Trent Dilfer and athletic director Mark Ingram said”substantial due diligence “was carried out in examining Kitna’s application to the school and

interest in playing football.Editor’s Picks Kitna said in a statement to ESPN that he was”

grateful for the chance.” “I acknowledge that I made ignorant decisions that I deeply are sorry for and have given that learned from,”he said. “As a result, I took duty by pleading no-contest to second-degree misdemeanor disorderly conduct charges related to those decisions.”Kitna said he is in great standing at Florida and weighed”

several offers to play football from different schools. “”Nevertheless, I firmly believe that UAB is the best fit for me,”

he said.”I consider myself lucky to be in Birmingham, surrounded by an extraordinary support group, having discovered a church family, and being able to benefit from the numerous resources offered by the university.”Dilfer, who went 4-8 in his first season as UAB coach in 2023, acknowledged the shock of

Kitna’s arrest however noted his discussions with Kitna and his family. “Preliminary headings can be tough to surpass, even if they do not hold up to the scrutiny of the legal procedure with time,”Dilfer said.”UAB and the Department of Athletics have performed substantial due diligence, and I have personally looked at the truths of this case and the thorough examination, and I have actually had honest conversations with Jalen and his moms and dads. I firmly think Jalen discovered important lessons and will carry himself well and reveal fantastic character as a member of our community. Otherwise, he would not be at UAB.” Said Ingram:”Jalen has actually worked diligently to finish his six-month probation and participate in activities to grow and mature as a boy. He

has actually devoted to continued engagement with a robust support group in your home and on school, and I am positive in the choices made by the institution and Department of Sports to both support admission to UAB and to provide the suitable guidance, resources and support services to promote Jalen’s growth and success.”