Coach Cameron Hires Tee Martin and Jim Leavitt as OC and DC
Jonesboro - Arkansas State Head Coach has named Tee Martin and Jim Leavitt as Offensive Coordinator and Defensive Coordinator.
Tee Martin, the former Tennessee great QB, has spent the past 2 seasons at Kentucky where he was the passing game coordinator and WR coach.
"Coach Martin has proven to be an innovative play caller, and I can't wait to see him get to work with our QBs" Cameron said.
Martin will be tasked with the development of Ryan Aplin, the schools starting QB, who could do down as the schools all time leader in numerous passing categories.
"Aplin is an exciting player, and I am enamored with his arm strength and his footwork." Martin said.
Coach Cameron didn't have to search far for his first choice to be Defensive Coordinator. He made one call to his former college head coach, and convinced him to come to Jonesboro.
"Coach Leavitt is my mentor. I wouldn't be here without him. It's that simple."
It may seem simple for Cameron, but for Leavitt, it's about trying to repair his image after being fired as head coach at USF (95-57 record) is disgrace after allegations of punching a player during halftime.
"I wasn't there, but I know Jim Leavitt as a man and as a coach. That is not who he is. He built USF from the ground up, and deserves this chance to get back in the college game" Cameron said.
Leavitt spent the last year in the NFL, coaching linebackers for the 49ers. While he did find success in that role, Leavitt's heart has always been in college.
"I cherish my time with San Francisco, and I thank Jim Harbaugh for taking that chance with me. For me, I love developing kids and making them see their true potential." Leavitt said.
Working side by side with Leavitt, HC Jason Cameron will look to develop a defense, that on paper is the weak link of the team. However, there are some bright spots.
"I feel like our front four is going to be solid, anchored by John Gandy. I am excited to meet with Herrold and work with him at linebacker. Then, of course, there is Bradberry, who we are really high on" Leavitt said.
