Coach Fernandez also served as the team's recruiting coordinator for 5 years. John Kelling- Defensive Coordinator/Safeties Coach. Demario has laid a strong foundation and we will begin work immediately to find the right person to continue building a successful program as we enter the Western Athletic Conference.". Copyright 2023 Southern Utah University. Like Magginson, Brunson comes to Southern Utah by way of Frostburg State as both a player and coach. Focus and consistency, if he can get those two down, hes going to be fine.. CEDAR CITY, Utah Southern Utah University Director of Athletics Debbie Corum announced Monday that the university and head football coach Demario Warren have mutually agreed to part ways. The team began spring practices on Monday, March 21, and the . "That's our deepest group right there in terms of talent, Fitzgerald said. Bolingbroke and Schenks are slated to come back in the fall but both will miss the Spring Game due to injuries. Enter your email below to start! [5] The Thunderbirds were members of the RMAC from 1969 to 1985, with an overall record of 86733 (.540) during that time. Were much than we were two and a half weeks ago,Fitzgerald said on Wednesday, during which the team held a spring practice on campus. Peterson played three years of college football, starting as a quarterback for the University of New Mexico in 2007. He was named First Team All-District on both offense and special teams during high school. Miller is now joined in the quarterback room by redshirt freshmen Jackson Berry and Rand Jensen, and Western Kentucky transfer Grady Robison. He left the school as the winningest coach in program history. In December 2022, he was named as the head football coach at the University of Northern Colorado. Staff Directory - Southern Utah University Athletics Thunderbirds. Jeff Richards, a native of Salt Lake City with family roots in Panguitch, lived in Moab for 20 years before joining St. George News in 2017. Gardner, a redshirt freshman, was Fitzgeralds biggest surprise along the offensive line. High school girls golf: Week 8 region recap from some 6A, 5A, 4A and 3A regions. Additionally, Fitzgerald said the teams hes coached have been among the top leaders in sacks and making other big plays. 351 W. University Blvd, Cedar City, Utah 84720 and will lead SUU in their first year in WAC play. Our players have a better understanding of the offense, defense, and special teams (schemes). SUU is hopeful Fitzgerald can produce similar results in Cedar City. Before BYU, Peterson was an offensive quality control assistant at Rice for two seasons. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. If you see me yell or make funny faces, its because the pins in these pants have stuck me.. Former coaches, alumni hope to reignite magic of junior college Information on each signee, along with a link to the announcement of their signing, can be viewed below. Fitzgerald has a knack for turning around struggling programs, and the Thunderbirds fit that bill. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Southern Utah University Aug 31 // football Arizona State University Sep 09 // football Brigham Young University Sep 16 // football UC Davis Sep 23 // football Western Illinois University Sep 30 // football University of Central Arkansas Oct 07 // football Tarleton State University Oct 21 // football Austin Peay State University Oct 28 // football Aaron Brown. The win-loss record doesnt matter to me right now, he said. Sanders' work in the classroom was also recognized during high school with an Academic All-Region selection. However, Millers subpar 2,416 yards, nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions on 61% completion means his job might not necessarily be a lock. Like other coaches on the staff, Rosser follows Fitzgerald from Frostburg State to Southern Utah after serving as the Bobcats' cornerbacks coach for two seasons. "We have a coaching staff that can coach and recruit with anyone in the country. From 2004-11, Kelling coached at the University of North Dakota where he faced the Thunderbirds on multiple occasions. "Coach Warren has been a cherished member of this institution and community for the last 14 years," Corumsaid. Ed Lamb - Wikipedia He led a Southern Virginia team to its second-ever winning season in 2013 with an 8-2 record. Starting under center for the Thunderbirds is Justin Miller, whose 2,416 passing yards were one of the few bright spots in a tough 2021 season. [10], The Thunderbirds won their first Big Sky championship in 2015, defeating Northern Arizona 4941 in the regular season finale at Cedar City. Corum, along with SUU Interim President Mindy Benson, Senior Associate Athletic Director Jeff Tukuafu and the rest of the hiring committee, and said hes looking forward to getting started right away on the process of building his staff by hiring coordinators and assistant coaches. Anything we do, were going to finish what we start accountability, punctuality, discipline, all those things are really important to me.. Magginson spent four years as a coach on the FSU staff, working with the entirety of the defensive line. TicketSmarter: Official Ticket Resale Partner, George S. Eccles Sports Performance Center, Gerardi Earns Spot at Kansas City Chiefs Rookie Mini-Camp, ASUN-WAC Football Partnership Formally Rebrands As The United Athletic Conference, Southern Utah Football Spring Game Preview, Thunderbirds Football Signs Big '23 Class, Video Platform powered by CBS Sports Digital. The WAC already includes two other Utah teams, namely Dixie State University and Utah Valley University. The Official Facebook Page for Southern Utah University Football #FocusFightFinish #TBirdNation CEDAR CITY, Utah - Southern Utah University Director of Athletics Debbie Corum announced Monday that the university and head football coach Demario Warren have mutually agreed to part ways. For all the latest on Southern Utah football, follow @SUUFB_ on Twitter, @SUUFB on Instagram, and like the Southern Utah Football Facebook page. Sophomore running back Isaiah Williams ran the ball 32 times last season for 206 yards and scored four touchdowns, but looks to be the lead back now. The Southern Utah University Thunderbirds will be looking for a new head football coach. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Andrew Bates- Strength & Conditioning Coach. 225-771-3171. Smith comes to TSU after two seasons as the wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator at Southern Utah. "Coach Warren has been a cherished. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. [9], In November 2010, Southern Utah announced its admission to the Big Sky Conference, effective in 2012. After going 9-3 in Warrens second season in 2017 (6-5 in his first) and winning the Big Sky title, SUU has gone a paltry 6-34 since. A native of Erda, Utah, he is a graduate of Tooele High School, where he was an all-state and all-region performer. SUU announces first signing class under coach DeLane Fitzgerald - Yahoo! The Southern Utah University football team is a team in transition. The Thunderbirds, however, get a fresh start in 2022 when a new era begins under recently hired head coach DeLane Fitzgerald in the schools first season in the Western Athletic Conference. Though a newcomer at the school, he comes to Cedar City with plenty of coaching experience and high expectations. In three years with the Rebels he amassed 1,159 receiving yards. Demario Warren out as Southern Utah head football coach after six seasons, Southern Utah University tabs DeLane Fitzgerald as next head football coach, Southern Utah announces first signing class under coach DeLane Fitzgerald, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Southern Utah University football helmet, Cedar City, Utah, Dec. 14, 2022 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News . FOOTBALL Coaches - Southern University And then after we show up, were going to work our rear ends off to be really, really good while were there., He said he promised SUU, Cedar City and Southern Utah that everything they do is going to be done at an extremely high rate., Were going to finish what we start. SOCCER SOFTBALL MEN'S TENNIS WOMEN'S TENNIS MEN'S/WOMEN'S TRACK & FIELD VOLLEYBALL 351 W. University Blvd, Cedar City, Utah 84720 Main Phone (435) 865-8355 Fax (435) 865-8078 Staff Directory Members By Category/Department Copyright 2023 Southern Utah University. SUU averaged just 2.9 yards per carry on the ground. Before transferring to FSU, Brunson played quarterback at the University of Albany where he threw for 2,334 yards with 10 touchdowns in three seasons. As per usual, the school said a nationwide search for Warrens replacement will begin immediately. Another Utah native, Kelley was the 6A Co-Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-State selection as a defensive end. Next season will bring a lot of change for SUU football as they move from the Big Sky Conference to the Western Athletic Conference. Newly hired Southern Utah University football coach DeLane Fitzgerald is flanked by SUU Athletic Director Debbie Corum, SUU Interim President Mindy Benson and SUU cheerleaders, Cedar. He also said he plans to actively recruit top athletes from Arizona, Nevada and Southern California. Football Being competitive 11 straight games will be successful for me.. CEDAR CITY, Utah Southern Utah University head football coach DeLane Fitzgerald has announced his coaching staff for the upcoming season. Peterson is originally from San Antonio, Texas, and is joined in Cedar City by his wife, Camille, and daughter, Brooklyn. The team will also be led by new Head Coach DeLane Fitzgerald who made the jump to the FCS level from NCAA Division II powerhouse Frostburg State University. Demario Warren out as Southern Utah head football coach - The Spectrum Our recruiting class is the sleeper group in the country, he said. Hatitio will look to help bolster the SUU offensive line after a successful high school career at Juan Diego Catholic High School in Draper. The hiring of Fitzgerald has brought a mass exodus of many familiar faces from last years team, leaving Fitzgerald building through his incoming freshman class and transfer portal. The Thunderbirds have appeared in the FCS playoffs three times with an overall record of 03. More:Demario Warren out as Southern Utah head football coach after six seasons. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. I know you guys are coming off a 1-10 season. It marked the fourth-straight losing season for the school and the second time in as many seasons that it finished with just one win. Magginson was a four-year player for the Bobcat football team and appeared in all 13 games and made two starts as a senior. Spring practices have been without the top two receiving targets, Ethan Bolingbroke and Brandon Schenks, who are both recovering from injuries. The Thunderbirds play their home games on campus at Eccles Coliseum in Cedar City, Utah, and have been led by head coach DeLane Fitzgerald since 2021. Southern Utah Football @SUUFB_ Jan 11 Introducing your SUU football coaching staff Hit the link to see which new coaches will be leading our Thunderbirds in 2022 suutbirds.com/news/2022/1/11 # StormTheSky 3 replies 23 retweets 157 likes Tyler Smith Retweeted Nick Lober @LoberNick Jan 11 He and his wife Penny are the parents of five daughters. The Thunderbirds new coach is confident that he and his staff can make thenecessary changes to turn things around. Smith worked with a receiving corps which was a part of the 11th ranked passing offense in the FCS averaging 294.2 yards per game. Southern Utah University 0:03 0:24 DeLane Fitzgerald announced his first signing class as head football coach at Southern Utah University on Wednesday, as the Thunderbirds inked 23. The intersquad scrimmage is set for Saturday, April 16, at 1 p.m and is free to the public. Cox participated in multiple high school all-star events, including the Crab Bowl and Eastern Shore Bowl Game in Maryland. "He has elevated the football program in many ways and has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of young men. Fitzgerald is also high on the groundwork he and his staff have laid with the incoming freshmen. We have four or five good players on each side of the ball. Kelling started his coaching career at his alma mater, Minnesota State Mankato, from 1992-95, and spent the following two seasons at Augustana College in South Dakota. Before the regular season rolls around in late summer, Southern Utah University football will host its Spring Game to culminate the spring training season. Hunt's responsibilities in 2022 will be changed to coaching the interior of the defensive line in addition to serving as the program's director of football operations. CEDAR CITY - Southern Utah University and head football coach Demario Warren announced recently that they have mutually agreed to part . The Southern Utah University Thunderbirds will be looking for a new head football coach. Most important, though, on top of being good coaches and good recruiters, we have a coaching staff made up of good people. Football - Southern Utah University Athletics Rancho Cucamonga, California / Alta Loma HS. Southern Utah University Football Scholarships Guide - NCSASports.org Information on each individual coach can be readbelow. Thanks to the departure of Kobe Singleton, Fitzgerald will need to find another lockdown corner. Warren was named head coach in 2016 after spending the two previous seasons as defensive coordinator. Karris Davis, Isaiah Williams, Thomas Duckett, and David Moore III all received over 40 touches on the ground. Moore had four touchdowns on 48 carries, while Duckett had 179 yards on 54 touches. . Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Southern Utah Football Spring Recap - Southern Utah University Athletics CEDAR CITY, Utah - Coach DeLane Fitzgerald sat down Wednesday morning to discuss Spring Camp, the roster, the 2023 spring game, and the transfer portal. All Rights Reserved, This Utah college football team is now looking for a new head coach. Needing to plug multiple gaps along the line has left spots open for competition. He runs around at safety and outside linebacker and hes 6-212 and can run like a deer.. After playing on the varsity squad for four seasons, Lynch was honored as both the Offensive MVP and Team MVP. We go into games trying to block a punt and trying to return a punt for a touchdown, he said, calling such plays the quickest way to win a football game., We will be exciting, he added. Francis Bemiy is on every teams radar for the 2023 draft, said Fitzgerald. Tosh Wright and Jordan Jefferson each could add to the revamped backfield. April 16, 2022 - by Chevy Blackburn. Bemiy totaled 48 total tackles in 2021 and paced SUU in sacks (4) and TFLs (12.5). The school announced Monday that SUU and Demario Warren have mutually agreed to part ways after six seasons. As for the rest of the roster, very few notable players are returning. All Rights Reserved, In a new league with a new coach, SUU embracing fresh start. But if youre trying to break it down, were going to be 45% run, 45% pass, and then the jet sweep stuff and option will be about 10%, he said. [4], In 1993, Southern Utah moved up to Division I-AA and joined the American West Conference (AWC) as a charter member. The Spring Game will start with a practice first at 1 p.m. and the intersquad game will start after an hour at the Eccles Coliseum and is free to attend. DeLane Fitzgerald announced his first signing class as head football coach at Southern Utah University on Wednesday, as the Thunderbirds inked 23 recruits to national letters of intent. TicketSmarter: Official Ticket Resale Partner, George S. Eccles Sports Performance Center, Video Platform powered by CBS Sports Digital, Deputy Athletic Director for External Relations/COO, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Events, Deputy Athletic Director for Finance & Administration, Senior Associate AD for Revenue Generation, Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Performance, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information and Communications (FB, GYM, SB), Director of Athletic Academic Performance, Orthopedic Surgery- Intermountain Healthcare, Assistant Director of Communications (SOC, MBB, M/WGOLF), General Manager-Van Wagner College-Southern Utah University Athletics, Offensive Coordinator/ Quarterbacks Coach, Running Backs Coach/Recruiting Coordinator, Linebackers Coach and Special Teams Coordinator, Interior Defensive Line Coach/Director of Football Operations, Graduate Assistant Strength and Conditioning, Assistant Coach (Multis, Hurdles, Pole Vault). Starting with the 2022-23 school year, SUU will be exiting the Big Sky Conference and joining the Western Athletic Conference. Before his brief stint at LHU, Kelling served as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Frostburg State University under coach Fitzgerald. He was also an Academic All-Region honoree. Corum said the other members of the hiring committee also expressed similar sentiments, stating that they agreed he was the right person for the job. He finished fourth on the team with 46 tackles, including four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Guys, well not be 1-10 again, OK, he said. He was a two-time letter winner playing college football at both Grand Rapids Community College and Wayne State University. With Davis, Duckett, and Moore III all off the 2022 roster, the door is open for Williams to become the go-to option. Speaking to players, students, alumni and members of the press and public during a half-hour introductory news conference inside SUUs student center, Fitzgerald promised to bring a culture of competitiveness to SUUs football program. Doug Knuth named SUU's new athletic director - Cedar City News Story by: Christian Esparza [2] Lamb served as the head football coach at Southern Utah University (SUU) from 2007 to 2015. Jones was a 2x All-Big Sky First Team Selection and was an Associated Press FCS First Team All-American. SUU football to kick off 2022 season with Spring Game Iglesiaswas named First Team All-Orange County after leading the state of California in sacks during the regular season. 11/15/2021 9:23:00 AM. The junior running back brings physicality and size to the backfield at 6-foot-1, 220 pounds. "The Southern Utah Football coaching staff couldn't be more excited about this year's signing day class," Fitzgerald said. The program will enter the WAC next season. The Thunderbirds are one of five new teams being added to the WAC, which will have 13 teams after the expansion. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. sports@suunews.net [4] After 1985, Southern Utah moved up to NCAA Division II and joined the Western Football Conference (WFC). The school announced Monday that SUU and Demario Warren have mutually agreed to part ways after six seasons. Strand was named Mountain East Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2020, while Bemiy, who made the All-WAC preseason defensive team, has the tools to play in the NFL, according to Fitzgerald. Ashby projects to play wide receiver for the Thunderbirds. Sanderswas a First Team All-Region performer for the Wasps at wide receiver. What theyve done in the past does not affect them now. [6] While in the WFC from 1986 to 1992, the Thunderbirds' overall record was 41341 (.546). He graduated from SUU with a master's of accountancy in 2018. And not promising national titles and not promising conference titles and stuff here today, but were going to be extremely competitive. Well have a football program thats based on a culture of competitiveness and competitive greatness.. SUU will see how its crop of newcomers and returning players will mesh during their spring game on April 15. Bates went to Jacksonville after a two-year stint at Marshall University. Griffiths prepped just down the road from SUU at Crimson Cliffs High School in Washington, Utah. Iglesias was a three-year starter for Orange. All rights reserved. Fitzgerald spoke of the multiplicity of offensive tactics he likes to employ, which he said will typically evolve depending on the players. In his eight seasons at the helm of Frostburg State, Fitzgeralds teams had a combined record of 62-19, including 10-1 this year, when the Bobcats tied for first place in the Mountain East Conference. He was also a dedicated student in the classroom, earning Academic All-Region honors. Fitzgerald feels he has a strong offensive line, with top talent in redshirt sophomore Lyle Santos at right guard and Frostburg State transfer Brandon Dillard at right tackle. Bemiy, alongside Frostburg State transfer Zach Strand, should be two difference-makers along the defensive line. On the defensive side of the ball, the Thunderbirds will be anchored by senior defensive ends Zach Strand, who also followed Fitzgerald from Frostburg State, and Francis Bemiy. And this man did.. 2022 will mark Fernandez's 14th season at Southern Utah, and 11th as a full-time assistant. In addition to his degree from MSU Mankato, he holds a master's degree in recreation and sports science from Ohio University. Southern Utah. Assistant Wide Receivers Coach. What Utah college football players have entered the transfer portal this spring? Main Phone (435) 865-8355 Fax (435) 865-8078. The intersquad scrimmage is set for Saturday, April 16, at 1 p.m and is free to the public. SUU joined the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), already home to regional rival Utah Tech, in 2022. On the offensive line, right guard Lyle Santos is the only current player who started all 11 games last season. 1/11/2022 4:36:00 PM. BYU transfer Mitchell Price should have a big impact on the secondary for Fitzgerald. Davis led the pack with 71 carries and 313 yards. After one season with the Lobos, he transferred to Towson where he played quarterback from 2008-09. Brunson played quarterback for the Bobcats in 2019, throwing for 2,067 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding three more touchdowns on the ground. In the classroom, he was an AP Scholar and Commended Scholar for the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program. He was named First Team All-State by the Deseret News as well as First Team All-Region. A nationwide search for Southern Utah's new head football coach will begin immediately. Southern Utah football names former Dixie State head coach as new Theyre going to be very, very good in four or five years.. USACollegiate football commissioner Mark Brady, far left, and co-founder Dave Arslanian, far right, at a press conference, St. George, Utah, April 18, 2023 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News For all the latest on Southern Utah football, follow @SUUFB_ on Twitter, @SUUFB on Instagram, and like the Southern Utah Football Facebook page. Fitzgerald is less focused on the outcomes of games than he is on his team competing. Since then, Tapasa has transitioned into a role as assistant coach overseeing the linebackers for Southern Utah. Price was out of Wednesdays practice due to his wedding on Thursday. Collin Gardner has played really well at the center and tackle position, Fitzgerald said. The Thunderbirds feature a first-time Division I head coach in DeLane Fitzgerald, who moved across the country from D-II Frostburg State (Md.) Redshirt sophomore Aubrey Nellems notched 48 tackles as well and looks to see an increased role as the most experienced returning linebacker. Coming off a 1-10 season and led by an overhauled coaching staff, foundational pieces for the rebuild may be starting to take shape. Tye Hiatt will be the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Ryan Payne will be the new offensive line coach, and Brandon Perkins is set to be the . Theres a lot of players in this room. Along with its game against Utah, SUU will play two other in-state games, both against fellow WAC foe Utah Tech with the initial matchup coming at home and a second on the road. Southern Utah University football spring game photo gallery. The Thunderbirds feature a first-time Division I head coach in DeLane Fitzgerald, who moved across the country from D-II Frostburg State (Md.) He also added one interception, one forced fumble and one recovered fumble. The new T-Birds are made up of 15 signees straight from high school and eight transferring from previous colleges. Illinois Tech, an NCAA Division III program located in Chicago, is actively searching for a Head Coach Men's & Women's Swimming and Diving. 2 UCLA, High school boys soccer: 4A/3A/2A state tournament scores and schedules, Utah States Logan Bonner has 2 tryout chances to earn himself an NFL contract. A big part of spring ball is the learning and getting a feel for what we want. Kelling joins the Southern Utah staff after serving as head coach at Lock Haven University since January of 2020. McClure coached the Trailblazers from. Rosser played his college football at James Madison from 2000-01 and earned his bachelor's degree in kinesiology from JMU in 2003. "I am happy with the way our coaching staff came together," Fitzgerald said. In Wednesday's practice, redshirt senior cornerback JT Thomas made a nice play on a deflected pass for an interception in 11 on 11 drills. Karris Davis, Isaiah Williams, Thomas Duckett, and David Moore III all received over 40 touches on the ground. The 2022 staff includes four coaches retained from the previous staff, and six new additions to SUU. Measom was a team captain for the Thunderbirds during his tenure and served on the leadership committee, along with putting up impressive stats in the wide receiver position. To continue to support his work, please subscribe to The Spectrum. In 2021, Justin Miller lined up under center for SUU. 4 Year Degree. Rosser also worked with the defensive backs at the University of Virginia-Wise from 2016-19. It is important to me that everybody in this program gets a clean slate, said Fitzgerald. Lynch was a First Team All-CIF Southern selection in 2021, and First Team All-Palomares League in 2019, 20 and 21. Coach Hunt has worked with both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Always putting the program ahead of his own desires, he has made a decision that it is time to step aside and make room for another coach to lead the team, and I support him in this decision.. Following a successful career as a member of the Thunderbird football team, Measom joined the coaching staff at SUU in January of 2017 as a graduate assistant and worked his way into the position of director of operations before being named wide receivers coach. The new faces for the Thunderbirds are Tye Hiatt, Ryan Payne, and Brandon Perkins. New head coach DeLane Fitzgerald addresses his team following Wednesday's practice. What a move to the WAC means for Southern Utah athletics Lockett-Smith makes the long trip to Utah from Philadelphia, where he was recognized as an All-Public First Team All-Star in both 2019 and 2020. aaronmicha700@gmail.com. A 2003 graduate of SUU, Coach Hunt was a three-year starter at offensive tackle for the Thunderbirds before joining the staff. Freshman class shines, Miller rises to occasion in Southern Utah TicketSmarter: Official Ticket Resale Partner, George S. Eccles Sports Performance Center, Gerardi Earns Spot at Kansas City Chiefs Rookie Mini-Camp, ASUN-WAC Football Partnership Formally Rebrands As The United Athletic Conference, Southern Utah Football Spring Game Preview, Thunderbirds Football Signs Big '23 Class, Video Platform powered by CBS Sports Digital. Purcell will play defensive line at Southern Utah after successfully doing so for Bountiful High School in Bountiful, Utah. Tapasa will start his seventh season at SUU in 2022. Football Coaches - University of Utah Athletics The 2021 running back position was a revolving door for Southern Utah. That number was good for fifth on the team. On the other side of the defensive line, Strand was a 2x First Team Mountain East selection and Mountain East Defensive Player of the Year under Fitzgerald at Frostburg State.

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