The coaching staff for Appalachian State University’s football team is different from what it was this time last year.
Two more changes have occurred, as Dwayne Ledford and Frank Ponce have been named co-offensive coordinators for the 2013-14 season.
Fans should be used to seeing Ledford on the sidelines of games, as he was in his second year as offensive line coach at ASU.
“It’s a great honor and a great privilege,” Ledford said. “App has had a history of great offenses. I’m very happy about it and fortunate as well. I’m very eager and ready for spring ball to get here.”
Ponce, however, is new to fans, but is familiar with head coach Scott Satterfield.
“First and foremost, I had the opportunity to work at Florida International University with Satterfield,” Ponce said. “We met at a convention and talked to him there. I was definitely interested and wanted to come and see the facilities. I came up and they are phenomenal and the people here are great.”
During his six seasons as offensive coordinator at FIU, Ponce coached three-time All-American T.Y. Hilton. Hilton was a third-round NFL Draft pick in 2012 and caught 50 passes for 861 yards and seven touchdowns in his rookie season for the Indianapolis Colts, according to NFL.com.
Ledford and Ponce said that ASU’s coaching staff is in full recruiting mode as National Signing Day approaches Wednesday, Feb. 6.
“After signing day, we’ll go back in and look at every play from last season,” Ledford said. “We’ll look on the positives and the negatives and we’ll look to see when you can get an advantage.”
Coming from Florida, Ponce said he wasn’t used to the kind Boone winters.
“This is the second time I’ve seen snow, and the first time was when I was in Boone three weeks ago,” Ponce said. “I actually got up and went to do a little workout at a gym in Boone and finally, for the first time, got to see snowflakes fall on me, and it’s a nice experience.”
Story: ANDREW CLAUSEN, Sports Editor
Photo Courtesy: Dave Mayo