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Just saw a tweet that the new DBO is George Drake. I assume it is the same George Drake that played for UAB for one season.

(04-10-2012 01:19 PM)Memphis Blazer Wrote:  Just saw a tweet that the new DBO is George Drake. I assume it is the same George Drake that played for UAB for one season.

I like that Haase seems to be hiring extremely smart overachievers. Obviously, I don't know any of them. But George Drake graduated from Vanderbilt and was always complimented for his work ethic. As long as he is not eligible to take threes in any game on our schedule, I love this hire.

I guess the relationship is that Drake played here, is from here, plus played for Stallings, who coached with Haase on Williams's staff. Seems like a really good fit.

I'm thinking he's around 24-25. Seems a little young for a DBO or am I wrong? He is in fact an intelligent well-rounded player and individual. I had the pleasure of meeting him a couple times during his time at UAB.

(04-10-2012 01:41 PM)BlazerGold09 Wrote:  I'm thinking he's around 24-25. Seems a little young for a DBO or am I wrong? He is in fact an intelligent well-rounded player and individual. I had the pleasure of meeting him a couple times during his time at UAB.

Isn't that entry-level, basically? I don't know...too many titles...but I thought that's what TJ was when he was here.

I heard that Arkansas had a director of football operations that was around 24 or so.
I would guess keeping up with Arkansas football would be more involved than keeping up with UAB basketball.

(04-10-2012 01:42 PM)freeblazer Wrote:  

(04-10-2012 01:41 PM)BlazerGold09 Wrote:  I'm thinking he's around 24-25. Seems a little young for a DBO or am I wrong? He is in fact an intelligent well-rounded player and individual. I had the pleasure of meeting him a couple times during his time at UAB.

Isn't that entry-level, basically? I don't know...too many titles...but I thought that's what TJ was when he was here.

TJ started out as video coordinator here.

(04-10-2012 01:41 PM)BlazerGold09 Wrote:  I'm thinking he's around 24-25. Seems a little young for a DBO or am I wrong? He is in fact an intelligent well-rounded player and individual. I had the pleasure of meeting him a couple times during his time at UAB.

The new DFO is only 27 or 28, if I recall.

Let's just assume he's qualified. Love that he is a former Blazer. He apparently works for a bball training camp in Homewood.

(04-10-2012 01:43 PM)the_blazerman Wrote:  I heard that Arkansas had a director of football operations that was around 24 or so.
I would guess keeping up with Arkansas football would be more involved than keeping up with UAB basketball.

The Arkansas gig is "student-athlete development coordinator"

I guess she was working her way up to that (or is it working her way down to that?)

TJ started out as video coord for 1 year before becoming DBO and then FT assistant. It is generally a entry level position for someone going into coaching. Duties usually include making travel arrangements overseeing training and some coaching in practices.

I like the hire. And he's not too young for the position. I would suspect he is older than 25 since it has been 2 or 3 years since he played here, and he was a fifth year senior when he played.

And can we have a thread on the board that isn't about Petrino and his love life.

(04-10-2012 02:01 PM)Memphis Blazer Wrote:  And can we have a thread on the board that isn't about Petrino and his love life.

Like the hire as well.

Didn't we get the DBO from Virginia Tech? And isn't he an older guy? I assume this will also be an opportunity to learn from someone who has held that position at a high level.

(04-10-2012 03:24 PM)Suede27 Wrote:  Didn't we get the DBO from Virginia Tech? And isn't he an older guy? I assume this will also be an opportunity to learn from someone who has held that position at a high level.

I believe he took an AC position.

(04-10-2012 03:31 PM)BlazerGold09 Wrote:  

(04-10-2012 03:24 PM)Suede27 Wrote:  Didn't we get the DBO from Virginia Tech? And isn't he an older guy? I assume this will also be an opportunity to learn from someone who has held that position at a high level.

I believe he took an AC position.

I know, I'm just saying that Drake will have a mentor, of sorts.

(04-10-2012 02:01 PM)Memphis Blazer Wrote:  And can we have a thread on the board that isn't about Petrino and his love life.

But it's so much more interesting than their own!

Drake is also from Calera, so this is a homecoming for him. Assuming he does a good job, I would think he'll stick around for a while.