Darren Drago Named Defensive Line Coach
1/18/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Jan. 18, 2006
NACOGDOCHES - Darren Drago has been named the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks' new defensive line coach, announced SFA head coach Robert McFarland Wednesday afternoon. Drago replaces Robert Walker, who left SFA in December to take a head coaching position at East Central High School, a Class 5A school in San Antonio.
"We are very excited to be adding coach Drago to our staff," said McFarland. "He brings with him a great reputation of building strong relationships with his players. He is a great coach, who has demonstrated his abilities as one of the top recruiters, in not only the Southland Conference, but in this region as well."
Drago comes to SFA after five successful seasons at Northwestern State where he helped guide the Demons to three NCAA Division I-AA playoff appearances (2001, 2002 and 2004) as well as the 2004 Southland Conference title. During his time in Natchitoches, La., the Demons finished second (2004) and ninth (2003) in the nation in total defense while setting three NCAA Division I-AA records.
The Demons proved to be one of the best run-stopping teams in the nation in 2004, finishing the season ranked third in the country allowing only 94 rush yards per game. In 2003, the Demons led the conference and ranked among the nation's top teams in rush defense (15th), pass defense (33rd) and total defense (ninth).
Under Drago's tutelage, the Northwestern State defensive line tied a single-season school record with 43 sacks in 2002. The Demons once again led the league and finished the season ranked 15th nationally in total defense (276.6 ypg), while holding opponents to a league-best 99.4 rushing yards per game.
Prior to joining the Northwestern State coaching staff, Drago spent one season as an assistant coach at Redemptorist (Baton Rouge, La.) High School.
-SFA-
