thompson high school football coaches

I grew up right down the road from Alabaster, Freeman said. There are now five coaches in Class 7A, Region 3 that pay their head football coach a combined salary of more than $100,000 per season. He began at Thompson in the fall of 2015. Alabama High School Football Head Coaches Mark Freeman Mark Freeman attended Bessemer Academy and graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. This year, despite losing star quarterback Tyler Johnstonto a knee injury in Week 5, Spanish Fort went 12-2 and reached the Class 6A state semifinals before losing to Saraland. Gardendale coach Chad Eads is another multi-decade coaching veteran who has seen all kinds of things that I didn't like and things I wish they wouldn't say. But he was impressed with Harsin when he and a few assistants visited recently. Thats huge. He has heard similarly from other Birmingham coaches. Following almost every activity whether its a win, a loss, or a practice you see Thompsons signature Outworkem All expression on social media. They advanced to the state semifinals in 2017 and the state championship game in 2018 before winning state titles in 2019 and 2020. Ive just been working like crazy since then. Valid CPR and First Aid, TB Test, Fingerprint Process, NFHS online coaching certificates; Heat Illness Prevention. A lot of D-I people like him, some D-IIs. There is no lack of challenge or ego in the region. To borrow some real estate phrasing its seems that the ultimate in "curb appeal" for a high school and its community is to have a high-profile head football coach that commands a top salary. Some names on that C.C. While Ganus went undrafted in 2016, he signed a free agent deal with the NFLs Minnesota Vikings in 2016. Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football. I said, Im going to go get it. Jesuit High School football is off to a good start this fall, with three wins in three games. Great Moments in Alabama High School Football History. Theyve got a great group of young players coming back.. No matter how bad the Vikings had been before his arrival. Twenty-four (Thompsons jersey number as a freshman before he switched to his current No. I think hed still be sitting there talking if I didnt have to get up and go work my kids out, Higgins said. The Tigers did not add anybody to their 2022 class on National Signing Day earlier this month. Here's an updated ranking of how Class 7A, Region 3's salary structure adds up: The salary data isn't everything. Its a region that includes Hoover, Hewitt-Trussville, Vestavia Hills, Oak Mountain, Gadsden City and Tuscaloosa County. He said Alabama assistant Sal Sunseri visited our school at least once per week when time was permitted., Another prominent coach in Alabama who spoke on condition of anonymity, when asked the biggest difference between Alabama and Auburn, had a simple response: Coach Saban has come by and spent up to an hour visiting with us. records may be incomplete. Forced to reckon with established powers, what has Harsin done to make recruiting inroads in his first 14 months? Thats really what made me as a football player, and getting back to my roots like that was really enticing to me facilities are great, but I think people make the place, and I think the people here make this a special place.. It seemed it would be a Herculean task. Even though none of Shades players had an offer from Auburn during the last recruiting cycle, Harsin was trying to make a visit before getting sidetracked. Then theres Mitchell, a five-star 2023 recruit whos No. Jeff Ables. Some believe its unreasonable to expect Harsin to contact every in-state school so quickly. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. He moved on to Gulf Shores in 2009. Auburns staffparticularly Etheridge and director of high school relations Brendt Bedsole, a former high school coachhas impressed high school coaches. KANNAPOLIS After walking into town 12 years ago and leaving his footprint at one of the most highly regarded programs in Cabarrus County, Mi, CONCORD They draw fans to the storied gym in droves, as if the Charlotte Hornets the original Kelly Tripucka-in-the-Charlotte-Coliseum Hor. Wyoming Cowboys 2023 football schedule released. He also coached softball, powerlifting, girls and boys basketball. Class 7A is the biggest classification in the AHSAA, which makes Freeman the architect of the biggest "turnaround". I knew he had a plane to get to, and I kept trying to hurry him out, Eads said. And when you put together a 60-1 record over the course of two years, it takes something special, something stronger than Xs and Os and talent. (Jeff Sentell/jsentell@al.com). Email Brandon Graves. Copyright All rights reserved. Those were the things that helped bring him solace as he was dealing with his frustration. Hey, it comes with the gig. It's a recurring theme: Seven of the 14 coaches who spoke with the Advertiser hadnot met Harsin. He knew then-Central upperclassmen Christian Cornish and Dajon Johnson well. Ill have to get some guys out there, Ganus said. If you told me, You cant do this. Then Im going to go in and do my best, Freeman said. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. Once that first game came and everything was so quick and easy, I was just (snaps fingers), Yeah, I can do this.. Freeman, an Alabama graduate, attended Bessemer Academy and has maintained a home in the McCalla area. It was a chance, but we knew it would be risky because we were in a great job in a great place. If were being honest, its going to be hard to get multiple kids against Georgia or Alabama, Johnson said. People were telling me, You need to transfer. ", Before Wade Waldrop became Hoovers coach recently, he coached five-star cornerback Jahlil Hurley at Florence. Funny how hard work works. The first-year coach Roderick Thompson of Anderson High School has had quite a journey to be a first-year head coach in high school. Coach Freeman and Thompson football have had a lot of positive impact. Hoover once had an infamous television show, Two-A-Days, document its football program and has won 13 state championships. Im just trying to go MY way. I think he wanted to have what he had at Boise, at Auburn, Higgins said. Higgins was struck by a new coach trying to learn and improve while maintaining his recruiting principles. The only problem was that a number of coaches at prominent football schools have not met him. Now Thompson is dunking with ease in games and soaring above the crowd for rebounds. Youre going to be writing about him.. One region athletic director told AL.com earlier this year that he feared an "arms race" might be upon us. Hes a five-star rated prospect and the No. Mar 2, 2023 Updated 27 min ago. The Tigers' first 2023 commit is also from Auburn High: four-star offensive lineman Bradyn Joiner. And while some schools showed interest in him taking his talents there, the recruiting slowed down, no matter how much he was thrashing his competition on a team that was one of the best around. His record at Thompson in nine seasons is 83-18 and 21-2 in the playoffs. That means his teams have played for a title in eight of the 16 seasons he's been a head coach. ALABASTER, Ala. In one sense, this is hardly the kind of town that comes to mind when you think of nationally relevant high school football programs. Visit our website for info. In 2011, he became the head football coach at Spanish Fort High School. The Advertiser spoke to 14 Alabama high school coaches about how Auburn has recruited their programs. We have chosen to publish this Jeff Sentell covers prep sports for AL.com and the Birmingham News. Thomson's stats have been entered for the 56-38 win @ South Atlanta on 11/25/2022 6:00 PM. The 2019 season began a streak of three consecutive state football championships for Thompson High School. And thats OK. Be your own program and stop missing out on really good Alabama kids because Alabama didn't offer them.. The run included a 31-game win streak, eventually snapped by Daphne late in the 2014 season. Its a hotly contested game that draws huge crowds, benefitting both programs. No JV for you, rookie. All those clichs about the best player on the team being the hardest worker on the team, yada, yada, yada? Near Birmingham, Gardendales Kelby Collins is No. Coach John Roderique started his head coaching career for Webb City High School in 1997, taking over from Kurt Thompson, who accepted the head coach position at Coffeyville . All rights reserved (About Us). 17 nationally, and his teammates are often wowed by his skills. Alabaster City Schools Superintendent Wayne Vickers said Freeman's first day on the job will be Jan. 5, 2015. 1 recruit in the nation, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He flirted with a college coaching job offer before Thompson entered the picture. You could have one bad game, and you kind of, like, judge yourself, and you ask yourself, Is this really what I want to do?, It would bring my confidence down. On 12/2, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against Appling County (Baxley, GA) by a score of 20-14. Knowledge of sport. I kind of fell out of love with the game, Thompson admits as he sits in Central Cabarrus empty auxiliary gym earlier this year. He won 15 of his 17 playoff games with the Toros. Im not choosing sides on Alabama-Auburn, Rigby says, but the most important recruiting trait to him is when a college coach visits even in those years when the high school doesnt have top-rated players. He backed off that pledge seven months later and decommitted. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. If you look at where Jaiden is ranked in his class, in the top 30 or so in North Carolina, normally the top 50 or 60 kids end up with a Division I offer, Baker explained. Freeman resigned from his position after four very successful years at Spanish Fort and the Alabaster board quickly moved to approve that personnel action with no discussion. Floyd was approved to receive $120,000 per year in annual compensation. 0:36. Tell us who the coach is Ways you can help Make an impact on this team, and help keep MaxPreps up-to-date. He wanted to change the narrative.. No passion missing; it burns like hot fish grease in Thompson, and his coach loves the way he is. At Eufaula, Rigby says Alabama assistant Charles Kelly is good at staying in touch. Auburns top signee in the 2022 class was Williamson linebacker Robert Woodyard, a flipped commitment from Alabama. During the 90-minute office conversation with Higgins, Harsin discussed how hes trying to learn more about Southern culture and the kids here. Job Summary. Join to view profile Thompson Valley High School. With one of the states largest high school athletic programs at the Class 7A level, Hester said it would be beneficial for the school in many ways. Thompson and Bullock were among a group that participated in a workout with the team. He coached for almost 40 years in the high school and collegiate ranks. Ty Branyon. One night, after the Vikings played in the holiday tournament at Mount Pleasant, I was walking to my car to head off and write my story. But that foundation is there. Burnet Jerod Rye stepped down after two seasons and a 10-11 record at the District. I think Auburn's going to be OK," Pouncey said. Jaiden soared, proving himself in the AAU ranks, as well as with his C.C. According to the 247Sports Composite, the last time 11 top-200 recruits called Alabama home was 2008. Thatd be like a tear-jerker moment. Id say Im athletic, Alexander said. 3) is the one you need to watch! I always said why is Thompson never getting over the hill?. In a way, I was kind of alarmed. We had the opportunity to bring him in here, and he was interested in getting into athletics administration working closely with coach Pitts, Hester said. Theyre not showing up for meetings on time. And (Auburns coaches) really dont have any tolerance for that in the program. PORTSMOUTH Aquidneck Island native and Portsmouth resident Keith MacDonald vividly remembers how he got his first football coaching job. Ganus arrived on campus to meet with the Blue Devils in a private team meeting at 11:30 a.m. Thompson High School in Birmingham is one of the perennial prep football powers in Alabama. Global race is on to improve EV range in the cold, Moscow reportedly threatened new parents in Ukraine: Register your newborns as Russian or else, The impact of climate change will be felt worse in these three U.S. cities, Scientists reveal hidden corridor in Great Pyramid of Giza. I got outta there as fast as my Nissan with the lawn mower engine could go. All are seniors and key contributors on this Vikings squad making its bid for the schools first state championship since 2000. High school coaches who have been visited by Harsin in the last year have appreciated his honesty and his straightforward approach. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. But this transfer portal has really hurt a kid like Jaiden because the decision for these college coaches is, Do I take a high school kid, or do I wait and see if I can find somebody in the portal that may have played at a little bit lower level but the kid is averaging seven points and four rebounds and has a year of experience under him? This whole portal thing, I think, has hurt the true high school kid.. Career. (Hurley recently committed to Alabama.). And Faulkner, direct as they come, wanted answers. He is now at Westwood; former defensive coordinator Roderick Thompson has been named the interim head coach. Join us in the forums to submit corrections and new information. Always appreciate that when (coaches) don't just slip in the back door and see a kid and get out. That tough style of play, a hard-nosed defensive mindset, has an aligning charm with the city of Alabaster. Anderson set the state's all-time record for career victories earlier this season. When I heard that, I said, Yeah, Ive got to do something about this, he said. Now, theyre recruiting the freakish athlete. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). He even referenced the model set by former Cox Mill star Wendell Moore Jr., who led the Chargers to back-to-back state titles before going on to shine at Duke and become the first Cabarrus County-bred athlete to be chosen in the NBA Draft. Hoover also puts out quality Division I players. Former star Marlon Humphrey was an All-American at Alabama and is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. Central Cabarrus coach Jim Baker poses for a photo with his four seniors: Gavin Bullock (30) Micah Murray (33) Adriel Miller (14) Elijah Ford (22) and Jaiden Thompson (3). Out of all of the public high school football coaches, Joseph is the highest-paid. "I know I am saying blessed a lot, but what a day. Head coach Lee Gibson makes a little less than half of what Floyd and Freeman do even when all of his teacher salary and supplement stipends are added up. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Well, its not good for the program at Tuscaloosa County. I would be real timid the next game and not be aggressive and show what I could actually do.. Cornel Thompson, who led West Orange-Stark to four state championship games and won two of them, told . Across the street, Swim teacher's life saved by couple's good timing, Woman dies in Friday night Tuscaloosa County crash, Golf cart-based taxi service Bama Ride in hot water with city. Our offense will be spread, tempo. Its very much a blue-collar, working-class community. Even still, Thompson didnt seem like a place to win big. Two of those four, edge rusher Jeremiah Alexander and cornerback Trequon Fegans, are verbally committed to Alabama in the class of 2022. Tommy Thompson was 6-1 (185 cm) tall. 2023 www.montgomeryadvertiser.com. Niblett has led Hoover to three straight state titles in the AHSAA's largest classification. Thompson was beside himself. Harsin's message on the recruiting trail has been firm:Auburn wants a specific type of player who is ready to love football and meet his demanding standards. When we are able to win and we want to win, then we are going to win.". The Warriors finished 12-1 in 2017, losing in the semifinals of the Class 7A State Football Playoffs. Theyve already landed two blue-chip recruits from Thompson in the 2022 class, and they have eyes on two more in 2023. At 6-foot-3, 259 pounds, Woods brings quickness and power to the position that Alabama could definitely use. Position: Coach - JV Football - Davis Senior High School, July-November 2023, $3,366.00/season. I played a lot, but there were politics and a lot of cliques going around the program, so it kind of broke my spirit a little bit. After that, everything just clicked. Man died Wednesday. 2022 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA Class 2A. Proudly Managed & Hosted by Adam Black Media And the whole country has been here, pretty much., Gardner, whos entering his second year at Carver, said he and Harsin talked about their common experiences in new jobs. Thompson dominated the Alabama high school football scene throughout 2020, posting a 13-0 record with an average margin of victory of 29 points per game. School board meetings don't go quite like this in Alabaster. But by last fall, basketball was anything but that for Thompson. His teams were also state championship runner-ups in 2001 and 2005. Coaches are paid a stipend at the end of the season for their work. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 74 overall in the 2023 class. information in hopes our visitors will participate in assisting He was later released and eventually joined the Thompson coaching staff, coaching linebackers. Thompson High School coach Mark Freeman said the 6-foot-2 Fegans almost tricks a quarterback into throwing the ball by purposefully making him think a receiver is open. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Now, hell join ACS and Thompson High School in an athletic administrative role alongside athletic director Vincent Pitts and others in the department, while also continuing his role as a special education teacher. }; Thompson High School Head Football Coach Mark Freeman is the face of the Thompson Warriors, the 3-time defending Class 7A State Champions. There arent many words for that, Thompson says. Mostly, though, Thompson nurses his gift in rigorous practice sessions, has fun with his teammates, shows up on game night, and fills up a box score as the Vikings put opponents out of their misery. He went 13-9 during two seasons at Gulf Shores and led the Dolphins to the second round of the playoffs in 2009. Since then, Ive made it a point to keep up with Thompson. His uncle and role model, former Central Cabarrus football standout Michael Ricks, had a lot to do with that, coaching Thompson on his Concord Comets team and putting him through drills like dribbling with a tennis ball to improve his ball-handling. When Ed Rigby coached junior college football in Mississippi, a colleague told him an essential truth about recruiting that has stuck with him through his three decades in the industry: In the years that you have players, you are everybodys best friend. It was 1987 when he took the reins of the Thompson Middle School team in Newport. How much did Tommy Thompson weigh when playing? Thompson took another step forward in 2018, advancing to the Class 7A State Championship Game. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Jaiden Thompson takes flight last week against Shelby Crest. One said Harsin's continued absence is "just insane to me." I would see everybody get these offers, and sometimes people base their lives on one game. I believe all the state schools beside (Alabama) and Tuskegee University can do a better job with in-state recruiting. Everybodys thinking about the recruiting process, Thompson said. How do you go from that 6-4 year and what ways can I get our kids over that hump. Central Cabarrus coach Jim Baker poses for a photo with his four seniors: Gavin Bullock (30) Micah Murray (33) Adriel Miller (14) Elijah Ford (22) and Jaiden Thompson (3). The Warriors (13-1) captured a third straight 7A championship while making a fourth straight Super 7 appearance. He and AU defensive backs coach Zac Etheridge are close friends. Johnson calls former Auburn assistant Travis Williams probably the best freaking recruiter Ive ever been around.. "We are going to make Friday night special," Freeman said. Shade, a former Alabama player, enjoyed his conversations with Harsin and thought Harsin was a good Auburn ambassador. His softball teams made Final 4 appearances from 2003-05, and his powerlifting teams were 3 time State Champs. Im a finesse cornerback even though I can hit, Fegans said. "I've been around a lot of coaches, and he may be one of the most competitive guys I've talked to as far aswhat he expects," Keith Etheredge said. You couldnt really see it, unless you had Phyllis Anns keen eyes. He has his second chance, but his recruiting remains an urgent issue.

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