kennard backman

Green Bay Packers tight end Kennard Backman was back at UAB last week (Drew Champlin/AL.com)

Kennard Backman's versatility at UAB helped him get drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Now, the second-year tight end said his main goal is to "perfect my craft" leading into training camp, which begins on July 25. Green Bay will play Indianapolis in the preseason opener on Aug. 7, the Hall of Fame game.

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Backman said he, like most every NFL rookie, was originally star struck when he walked into the same locker room as NFL stars like quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but put it behind him early. He was picked just months after UAB's football program was shut down by president Ray Watts.

Last Friday, Backman was there as UAB celebrated its $4.2 million sponsorship and naming rights agreement with Legacy Community Federal Credit Union. Legacy and UAB agreed on a 20-year deal for naming rights to the covered pavilion connected to the UAB football operations building, which will break ground in August.

"It was a learning curve," Backman said. "It was definitely a dream, too. Going from your football program being cut out to being on an NFL team in a matter of months is an interesting experience, to say the least.

"You're now up there with professional players and learning how to conduct yourself and putting in the game effort you did plus more on a day-to-day basis."

Green Bay added Jared Cook in the offseason and he'll likely battle Richard Rodgers for the starting spot, but Backman could again be the Packers' third tight end. He played in seven games last fall, but didn't catch a pass. He did catch seven passes for 64 yards and a touchdown in four preseason games.

"Right now, I'm just focusing on perfecting the little stuff," Backman said. "The details are what get you there and the details are what keep you there. I'm not stressing playing time or position or touchdowns, any of that. I'm trying to do whatever I can to continue to keep my spot and continue to keep our team moving forward. We've got a good shot going to the Super Bowl and I want to make sure I'm a part of that.

"No spot is guaranteed no matter how much the contract is or the money is, the spot can be taken. It's very competitive on a day-to-day basis."

Backman, who prepped at Whitefield Academy near Atlanta, was thrilled to see the progress that UAB football has made since it was restored in June 2015.

"Just looking at (the facility renderings) right now, it's crazy," Backman said. "You get the chills. When I see that, I see a lot of people on the screen. It's just one field."