There’s lots of news coming out of Knoxville but none bigger than the continued coaching search on the hill. Much of today’s speculation centers around Richmond head coach Dave Clawson who reportedly was in town Monday visiting with Coach Fulmer. Clawson is in his fourth year with the Spiders and has developed the reputation of a program builder.
Last season, Richmond finished 11-3, making it to the NCAA semifinals before losing to eventual champion Appalachian State. That team averaged 34.9 points per game and compiled 5,689 yards of total offense: 3298 rushing and 2391 passing.
Previously, Clawson spent five years resurrecting a Fordham team that went 0-11 in his first season into a perennial contender. His high powered offenses demolished school records during his tenure. In the process he was named Patriot League Coach of the Year twice. In 2002, he won the Schutt Sports/American Football Monthly I-AA National Coach of the Year.
A few more tidbits:
- Clawson turned his quarterback into an All-Conference selection in nine of the past thirteen seasons.
- Has been named a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award in 2002, 2005, and again in 2007
- Coached Brian Finneran to the Walter Payton award.
- Under Clawson’s tutlage, Brian Westbrook became the first player to gain 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in a single season.
- Interviewed for the head coaching job at BC in 2006.
- Recently named Regional Coach of the Year by AFCA.
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][update]: CSTV is now reporting that Clawson could be named Tennessee’s new offensive coordinator as early as today.
I mentioned Stan Drayton in my coaching search update on Sunday and the rumors of him joining the Tennessee staff continue to circulate. Rivals has reported that Drayton told a potential high school prospect that he was no longer recruiting for Florida. Is it a coincidence that Drayton and Dave Clawson worked together at Villanova? Check this forum thread for all the latest buzz.
Jerod Mayo:
The KNS reported Monday night that junior linebacker Jerod Mayo has declared himself eligible for the upcoming NFL draft. No word yet on tailback Arian Foster who was recently projected as a second round pick.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]