UAB running back Spencer Brown, formerly of Mortimer Jordan, charges ahead for a touchdown in Birmingham.

Former Mortimer Jordan running back Spencer Brown has set a new single-game, freshman rushing mark at UAB, bouncing the previous record which was held by Gardendale alum Jordan Howard.

Howard, now in his second year with the Chicago Bears, held the record for four years after his 159-yard effort in a 27-24 road win at Florida Atlantic on Oct. 12, 2013. The Gardendale native went on to set the program’s freshman rushing record, which still stands at 881 yards.

The single-game record fell last Saturday when Brown carried UAB to a 23-22 home win over Louisiana Tech. He battered his way to 165 yards and a touchdown off 25 carries, asserting himself as the alpha of the Blazers’ backfield in just his first season in the college ranks.

With 459 yards rushing through five games, many believe it’s only a matter of time until Brown eclipses Howard’s freshman-season rushing record. After all, he’s only got 386 yards to go.

Brown and the Blazers get back to action this Saturday when Middle Tennessee State visits.

Erik Harris is the Sports Editor of The North Jefferson News. Email him at njnsports@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jeharris2.