For the last several years now, the AFCA has selected 35 of the top coaches in the country to be honored as a part of their elite 35 Under 35 program.
The release shares that the program is "aimed at identifying and developing premier, future leaders in the football coaching profession. Selected participants are invited to attend the one-day institute that features a curriculum of interactive lectures focused on topics specifically tailored to emphasize leadership in the coaching profession, ethics, influential responsibilities, career progression, and family balance."
The following coaches have been selected as the 2020 members of the AFCA 35 Under 35 class. Please join us in congratulating:
- Tyler Almond - DC at Dixie State (D-II - UT)
- Zach Arnett - DC / LBs at San Diego State
- Michael Brainyak - HC at Widener (D-III - PA)
- Pete Bennett - WRs coach at South Alabama
- Dominique Bowman - Co-DC / DBs at Austin Peay (FCS - TN)
- David Braun - DC at North Dakotat State
- Matt Brock - STC / OLBs at Washington State
- Justin Burke - TEs / STC at South Florida
- Chris Calabrese - HC at ASA College (JC - NY)
- Dan Casey - HC at St. David's (Raleigh, NC)
- Rod Chance - CBs at Minnesota
- Chili Davis - Inside WRs / Assistant STC at New Mexico State
- Caid Faske - DEs at Stephen F. Austin (FCS - TX)
- Sean Fisher - RBs at UT-Martin (FCS)
- Weston Glaser - DC / LBs at Campbell (FCS - NC)
- Alex Golesh - TEs at Iowa State
- Paul Gonzales - Safeties at TCU
- Brady Grayvold - HC at Fort Atkinson HS (WI)
- Brian Hartline - WRs at Ohio State
- Chevis Jackson - DBs at Kansas
- Darren Jackson - DBs at Evangel (NAIA - MO)
- Jason LeBeau - HC at Western New England (D-III - MA)
- Darren Paige - WRs at Eastern Michigan
- Robert Picazo - QBs at Rice
- Bryn Renner - CBs at FIU
- Elijah Robinson - DL at Texas A&M
- Tyler Roehl - OC at North Dakota State
- Vic So'oto - DL at Virginia
- Chris Stutzriem - HC / QBs at Rocky Mountain College (NAIA - MT)
- Scott Symons - DC / Safeties at Liberty
- Clint Trickett - TEs at FAU
- Chip Vaughn - DBs at Air Force
- Ryan Wallace - TEs at Purdue
- Will Windham - Safeties / ILBs at Kent State
- Cody Worley - QBs at Kennesaw State (FCS - GA)
Those looking to apply were asked to submit a resume, five references and a 1,600 word write up or live instructional video on an offensive, defensive, special teams, or position specific topic back in the summer.
The 35 coaches listed will have the unique opportunity to take part in leadership training and listen to some outstanding speakers. Last year's lineup was headlined by James Franklin and David Cutcliffe giving advice, among a handful of others that were brought in.
Again, congrats to all the coaches selected for this honor.