Who's driving this bus?

Before we get into details about the team, I need to introduce you to the cast of characters that will be leading this squad into battle: Let's start from the top.

Jim Nichols is our fearless leader. A master of organization, motivation, and a texting crazy man. This man knows only one speed...WIDE OPEN! If you think I'm kidding, come by the office at 2am and you'll find him here doing everything from drawing up plays to vacuuming the complex. Nobody puts in more time than this guy. I challenge anyone who thinks they can lay down a text message faster then Jim. On a serious side, I never seen someone care more about the well being of his players then Jim.

Eric Howell is our Defensive Coordinator/Strength and Conditioning guru. If it has to do with a weight or a defense, this man knows it. A jack of all trades, Eric can have a discussion on financial planning and the state of the nations economy to spitting out every fact on 80's music trivia that you can throw at him...who said All-American linebackers can't be smart? This man wakes up every morning at 4am to throw up some weight, delivers his kids to school, then puts a full day at work. Whatever you do, don't think you can cross him up at Xbox...cause it aint happening.

Dean Briggs is our elder statesman. Dean-O, is our resident color commentator on life. Along with being the linebackers coach, he is a great guy to just sit and talk with. Life experience??? This man has got it. I would have to start another blog just to list the stuff this guy has been a part of. Don't let his 5'8 frame throw you off. He has the heart of a 7 footer. A great and kind hearted man that has a little touch of the crazys...I mean that in a good way. His players give him a ton of respect and give him even more when he rolls up to practice on his Harley.

Gregg Baker is one of our newest additions to the staff. He jumped the "ditch" from ACA to Faulkner over Christmas break. Jim Nichols felt that he needed a bodyguard so he chose Gregg. A big nasty from Georgia Tech, Gregg will be whipping our running game into shape. Don't let his bald head scare you. There is a huge brain in that big knot, and nobody knows our offense like Gregg. Hey, if he can teach me our offense in a week, then our lineman actually have a great chance this season.

Chad Franklin, former Faulkner baseball player turned D-line coach. You throw in Assistant Strength Coach top it off with graduate classes and you have a busy man. Last season he drove the equipment truck to every away game...okay, maybe not drive, but he did sleep in the truck while Blake drove. He is never short on laughs and never short on hard work. As you can tell by his picture, he is never short on a photo op. This guy has a great heart and loves doing what he does. He has got no problem with throwing an elbow on you everytime you pass him in the office...sometimes it hurts...a little.