Jamari Staples is searching for a new home.

Birmingham, Ala. won't do anymore. Not after UAB announced last Tuesday that it was shutting down its football program.

Staples, a sophomore wide receiver this season for the Blazers, will intensify his search this weekend by taking an official visit to Auburn.

Staples, 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, learned Sunday evening of Auburn's invitation to visit. And he didn't learn the news from just anyone.

"I got a call from Coach (Rhett) Lashlee," Staples said. "We talked for a while and then he asked me if I would like to come down this weekend for a visit."

Staples didn't hesitate to reply.

"I told him, 'Of course I would'," Staples said.

It was an encouraging moment for Staples. Uplifting. Just a few days before, he had to consider that his college football career might be over.

"Just getting invited to visit Auburn, it was an overwhelming feeling," Staples said. "It was God giving me another opportunity to pursue my dreams. And I promise that I will make the best of it if I get the chance."

He did at UAB.

As a true freshman in 2013, Staples had 31 receptions for 458 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 14.8 yards per catch. In 2014, Staples was limited because of an injury, but still finished his sophomore season averaging 21.1 yards per catch.

He's a big-play receiver, a deep threat. And he believes he could continue to be one at Auburn. He just hopes he gets the chance.

"I definitely think I can be a big-play receiver at Auburn. No doubt," Staples said. "I think I can play with anyone. I don't want to sound conceited because I'm not. But you have to believe in yourself to be successful, and I believe in myself."

Staples' visit this weekend to Auburn won't be his first time on the Plains. He grew up in Clay County, a 70-minute drive from the Tigers' campus, and was a frequent visitor.

This weekend, however, will be different.

"I've been there a lot, but this trip won't be the same," Staples said. "This visit is all business to me. This is my future.

"I really want to get a feel for the campus, just how the atmosphere is, the people, the coaches and the facilities. I just want to really get a good feel for everything Auburn.

"Maybe I can call it my home one day."

Staples hopes so, but first things first. Auburn has yet to offer him, although that could change this weekend during his visit. If it were to change - if Auburn were to offer him an opportunity to be a Tiger - his search for a new home would end.

"It wouldn't take long at all for me to accept it," Staples said. "I would take it right then and there."

Staples also has received calls from coaches at Louisville, Florida, Oklahoma, Purdue and "just about every school in Conference USA". All have offered him either an official visit or a scholarship or both. He plans to take an official visit next weekend to Florida, and one to Louisville soon after.

Staples has three years to play two at his new home. He would not have to sit out a year after transferring.