Head Coach Clint Conque Announces Staffing Changes for Lumberjack Football
3/5/2018 5:17:00 PM | Football
SFA football adds new quarterbacks, offensive line and tight ends coaches, while promoting Jeff Byrd to assistant head coach and moving Jeremy Hammock to oversee running backs
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Stephen F. Austin head football coach Clint Conque announced the hiring of three new football coaches in addition to a pair of program staffing changes Monday. Lumberjack football welcomes Kevin Barbay as SFA's new assistant coach for quarterbacks, Dan Clark, who will handle the offensive line, and Jeff Bowen to coach the tight end position. In addition, second-year defensive coordinator Jeff Byrd has been promoted to assistant head coach and fifth-year assistant coach Jeremy Hammock, who has handled the tight end corps and served as co-special teams coordinator, will make the switch to overseeing the Lumberjacks' running backs.
"I am very pleased to add Kevin, Dan and Jeff to our staff," coach Conque said about the new hires. "All three of these coaches are terrific additions. Each bring a variety of experiences and success and are experts at their respective positions. All are high energy and have proven pedigrees of success."
"Jeremy will slide over to running backs which will complete the reorganization of our offensive staff," added Conque. "Coach Hammock worked with this position in our previous stop and was instrumental in our offensive and team successes."
"I am excited to announce Jeff Byrd as my assistant head football coach," Conque remarked. "In addition to his duties as defensive coordinator, Jeff's experience can also pay additional dividends tour team. I have great deal of confidence in coach Byrd."
Barbay returns to east Texas in a homecoming of sorts as he is a southeast Texas native of Nederland, Texas. With prior coaching experience in the Southland Conference, Barbay comes to Nacogdoches from Southeastern Conference powerhouse the University of Florida, where he served as director of player development for the Gators for the past three years. Working directly with former Florida head coach Jim McElwain, Barbay was instrumental in the Gators' back-to-back SEC East titles in 2015 and 2016. Responsible for player evaluations, opponent film and daily practice schedules, Barbay helped Florida to a 2016 Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl appearance in 2016 and the 2017 Outback Bowl championship. Barbay helped develop 15 NFL Draft pick during his time with the Gators, including three first round picks, as Florida went 23-15 during his three seasons on staff.
Prior to his time in Gainesville, Florida, Barbay was a part of McElwain's staff at Colorado State when the Rams won the 2015 Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl after compiling a 10-3 record. As director of player personnel at Colorado State, Barbay worked daily with coach McElwain and played a key part in developing the Rams' practices and film studies while evaluating players.
In his positions at both Florida and Colorado State, Barbay played a key role in recruiting efforts, coordinating several aspects of the Gators and Rams' overall year-round recruiting process. He acted as a link between coaching and support staff to develop student-athletes on and off the field, including strength and conditioning coaches and academic coordinators. Additionally, Barbay served as a liaison between the universities and NFL scouts for pro-day events, camps, clinics and other football-related activities.
Before heading to Fort Collins, Colorado, Barbay spent two seasons at Southland foe Lamar (2012-14) as the Cardinals' wide receivers and special teams coach. In 2013, Barbay coached second-team All-Southland selection Reggie Begelton, who led the league with 82 receptions and finished third in the conference with 858 yards. Leading arguably the strongest receiving corps in the Southland, the Cardinals' wide receivers hauled in nearly 300 receiving yards per game while breaking over 20 team and individual records.
During his time in Beaumont, Barbay recruited heavily in southeast Texas and the Houston/Bay area. He signed running back Kade Harrington, who rushed for 880 yards and eight touchdowns and hauled in 48 receptions for 376 yards on his way to becoming the 2013 Southland Freshman of the Year.
Prior to Lamar, Barbay spent two years as the athletic director and head coach at Warren High School in Warren, Texas. At the collegiate level, Barbay held a graduate assistant position at Baylor from the fall of 2005 to the summer of 2007, before accepting his first full-time coaching job at Texas A&M-Commerce. While coaching the Lions, Barbay was in charge of the quarterbacks and wideouts and led two of his players to Lonestar Conference North Wide Receiver of the Year plaudits. After his time in Commerce, Barbay joined the North Texas staff as a tight ends coach for the 2009 season. While in Denton, Barbay was able to sign tight end Jamize Olawale, who is now in his sixth year with the NFL's Oakland Raiders.
Barbay also spent time as a wide receivers coach at Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School in Beaumont for the 2003 and 2004 seasons, helping guide the Bulldogs to the state semifinals. He is a 2005 graduate of Lamar and holds a master of science degree in education-sport management (2007) from Baylor. Barbay was a three-year letter winning quarterback at Nederland High School and played at Grambling State before transferring to Lamar.
Clark arrives in Texas' oldest town after spending the last five seasons on the Illinois State coaching staff, including the last two as co-offensive coordinator. As an assistant coach for the Redbirds, Clark served as the run game coordinator and offensive line coach. During Clark's tenure at Illinois State, the Redbird's offensive line was a model of consistency. Aiding Illinois State to three FCS playoff appearances from 2014-16, Clark's offensive line setup the Redbird's run to the 2014 FCS title game in Frisco, Texas.
Illinois State's offensive line saw all five of its players start every game in 2015, as the Redbirds advanced to the FCS quarterfinals for the third time in four seasons. The group, anchored by All-Missouri Valley Football Conference First Team center Mark Spelman, led the way for First-Team All-American and two-time MVFC Offensive Player of the Year Marshaun Coprich, who led the MVFC in rushing yards (1,967), touchdowns (23), yards per game (151.3), all-purpose yards per game (166.4) and scoring (11.2).
Clark's offensive line also kept two-time MVFC First-Team quarterback Tre Roberson upright and gave him holes to run through. Over his two seasons at Illinois State, Roberson put his name in the record books and ranked No. 1 in school history in career yards per rush (6.14), passing efficiency (150.3) while ranking fifth in career passing yards (5,446) and touchdowns (48). Roberson also led all quarterbacks in Illinois State history with 22 rushing touchdowns and 1,806 yards rushing.
The Redbird offensive line was a key factor in Illinois State's historic success in 2014 and helped to set 15 single-season school records. Illinois State finished the season ranked in the top 10 nationally in rushing yards per game with 241.3 and ninth in scoring offense with 38.3 points per game. Anchored by seniors Jermaine Barton (All-MVFC First Team), Rocco Ammons (All-MVFC Second-Team) and Mike Liedtke (All-MVFC Honorable Mention), the line helped open holes for Coprich, who led the FCS with 2,274 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns. The group also helped protect MVFC Newcomer of the Year Roberson, who finished the year ranked in the top five nationally in five statistical categories and set numerous school single-season records as the Redbird's quarterback.
Clark mentored offensive guard Michael Liedtke of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and offensive tackle Jermaine Barton of the Buffalo Bills during his time with the Redbirds, while also working with the Josh Aladenoye, who went on to sign with Dallas Cowboys as a free agent.
Prior to his stay in Normal, Illinois, Clark served as the tight ends and special teams coach at Northern Iowa for three seasons (2010-12). He was a part of the coaching staff that led the Panthers to two MVFC championships and two FCS playoff appearances with a cumulative record of 22-14.
In 2010, Clark oversaw the play of Schuylar Oordt, who earned honorable mention All-MVFC honors after nabbing 24 receptions and three touchdowns. Following the 2010 season, Oordt took part in the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. In Clark's first year at Northern Iowa, two of his graduating tight ends signed free agent contracts in the NFL. Oordt inked a deal with the St. Louis Rams, while Ryan Mahaffey signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Ravens.
Before coaching at Northern Iowa, Clark served as an offensive graduate assistant coach at Big Ten stalwart the University of Iowa (2007-09). Clark assisted with the offensive line and tight ends, helping Iowa to three-consecutive bowl berths, including a victory over Georgia Tech in the 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl and the 2009 Outback Bowl title.
Clark joined the Iowa staff after serving as the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Iowa Central Community College for seven seasons (2000-06). During that time Clark helped Iowa Central compile a 56-20 overall record while advancing to a junior college bowl game in six of the seven seasons. Clark also served as an assistant coach at NCAA Division III Simpson College for four seasons (1996-99), after spending time on staff as a student assistant coach in 1995. While on the sidelines at Simpson College, Clark coached the quarterbacks for three seasons after guiding the linebacker corps for two seasons. During his time at Simpson College, the Storm reached the 1997 NCAA Division III semifinal game and posted a five-year combined record of 42-12.
A four-year member of the Simpson College football team as an undergraduate (1991-94), Clark started behind center for three years and was a two-year starter at third base for the Storm's baseball team. He received his bachelor's degree in physical education at Simpson College in 1995.
Clark is a member of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and the Iowa High School Football Association. His brother, Derrik, played football at Iowa State and his brother, Dallas, was an All-American tight end at Iowa before putting together an 11-year career in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baltimore Ravens.
Clark takes over the Lumberjacks' offensive line from Bill Best, who spent four seasons at SFA before taking an assistant position at Rice to oversee the Owls' tight ends earlier this year.
Bowen will be very familiar with SFA's opponents as the Lumberjacks' new tight ends coach after serving as Northwestern State's offensive line coach in 2017. After a one-year hiatus, Bowen returned to the Northwestern State coaching staff after spending the 2014 and 2015 seasons in Natchitoches, Louisiana, coaching tight ends and assisting with the offensive line.
During the 2017 season, Bowen helped the Demon offense improve in both total offense and scoring offense from their 2016 campaign. While increasing the offensive production last season Bowen aided Northwestern State to four Southland wins, a four-game improvement from the previous season, and an overall record of 4-7 after going 1-10 in 2016. Most recently while at Northwestern State, Bowen was responsible for recruiting in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Bowen spent the 2016 season at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Junior College in Miami, Oklahoma. While at Northeastern Oklahoma, Bowen saw four of his five sophomore offensive linemen sign with Football Bowl Subdivision teams. He tutored first-team all-conference linemen Larry Joubert and Sammy Bernard as well as honorable mention all-conference selections Davis Harker and Kris'Sean Edwards. Joubert signed with Oklahoma State, Bernard with New Mexico and Harker and Edwards earned scholarships at New Mexico State. Bowen's offensive line helped the Golden Norse average 40 points and 530 yards of total offense per game in 2016, increasing their scoring by a touchdown and upping their yardage by more than 130 yards per game.
A veteran of the Southland as a player at Texas State, Bowen spent the 2014 season assisting former Northwestern State assistant coach Ben Norton with the offensive line. In 2015, Bowen slid over and coached Northwestern State's tight ends. Bowen was an integral part of a staff that saw the Demons set a multitude of school single-season records on offense. He assisted in building an offensive line that helped Northwestern State accumulate a school-record 4,948 yards of total offense, while setting additional single-season school marks for first downs (274), first downs through the air (140), completions (262), completion percentage (67.2) and passing yardage (2,864).
Prior to his first stop in Natchitoches, Bowen served as a graduate assistant for the offensive line and tight ends at UTSA (2011-13). While in San Antonio, Bowen helped lead UTSA to an 8-4 overall record and a 3-3 mark in its first and only season in the Western Athletic Conference in 2012. The campaign was highlighted by historic wins against South Alabama, the program's first road and FBS victory, and New Mexico State, its first league win. The offense averaged 31.2 points and 390.2 yards per game as the offensive line paved the way for 1,911 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground, allowing just seven sacks in 368 passing attempts. Bowen worked directly with offensive guard Scott Inskeep, who earned second-team All-WAC accolades. During his time at UTSA, Bowen helped the Roadrunners to a 4-6 record in 2011 as the offense averaged 26.6 points and 364.5 yards per game and scored 31 touchdowns during their inaugural campaign.
Before heading to UTSA, Bowen was a graduate assistant offensive line coach at Texas State during the 2010 campaign and was responsible for both the centers and guards.
A native of North Richland Hills, Texas, Bowen was an offensive lineman at Texas State from 2006-08. As a senior, Bowen earned All-Southland First Team and honorable mention FCS All-American accolades and also collected the Bobcats' John O'Hara Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award. Additionally, he was a member of the Southland Commissioner's Honor Roll in both 2007 and 2008. Bowen began his collegiate football career at East Texas Baptist University where he was named team captain in 2005 before transferring to Texas State.
As a prep player, Bowen was a three-year letter winner at Birdville High School near Fort Worth. A two-year team captain, he earned first-team all-district honors as a senior and was an honorable mention selection as a junior.
Bowen earned a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in management from Texas State in 2008 and attained a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from UTSA in 2013.
Coach Hammock, who is in his fifth season as a member of SFA's coaching staff, will make the switch to coaching the Lumberjacks' running back group after Jake Brown departed earlier this year to go back to TCU. A mainstay on coach Conque's staff, Hammock will be entering his eighth season on the sideline with Conque. Hammock spent all three of his seasons at Central Arkansas as the Bears' running backs coach.
Second-year defensive coordinator Byrd gains the title of assistant coach after bringing immediate success to SFA's defensive unit in his first year. After ranking last in the league in both scoring and pass defense and 10th in total defense in 2016, Byrd guided the Lumberjacks' defensive unit to finish seventh in the Southland in all three categories in 2017. For the sixth-consecutive season as a defensive coordinator, Byrd's defense held opponents to fewer than 30 points per game. SFA ranked fifth in the league in red zone defense as opponents scored less than 80 percent of time when reaching the Lumberjacks' 20-yard line. In conference play, the 'Jacks held opponents to 24 points per game, which ranked fourth in the league, and allowed just 210 passing yards per game to finish fifth in the Southland in that category.
SFA went 4-1 against in-state FCS opponents in 2017, marking the first time since 1989 the 'Jacks have claimed four victories over FCS Texas opponents in the same season. It also marked the first time since 1995 SFA has recorded four wins over Lone Star State schools in a single season.
The 'Jacks return a total of 23 starters from last season, including 11 with starting experience on the offensive side of the ball, nine on defense and three specialists. A total of 47 letter winners return for SFA's 2018 campaign, including All-Southland Conference Second Team selections junior wide receiver Tamrick Pace (Brownsboro, Texas) and junior safety Alize Ward (San Diego, Calif.) and All-Southland honorable mention honorees senior defensive tackle Lamont Alexander (Nolanville, Texas) and junior offensive lineman Devonte Jones (Houston, Texas). The 'Jacks will also have 33 newcomers on its squad come this fall, including 14 who are already on campus and will participate in team activities this spring.
Spring practice for SFA gets underway Monday, March 26 and will feature 15 total dates, including two scrimmages held Saturday, April 7 and Saturday, April 14. The first scrimmage will take place at Nacogdoches High School while the second will be held inside Homer Bryce Stadium, both are scheduled for 2 p.m. The Lumberjacks' annual spring game is set for April 21 at 6 p.m. as each spring practice will start at 3:50 p.m. in Homer Bryce.
SFA opens up its 2018 fall campaign Saturday, Sept. 1 with a trip to SEC mainstay Mississippi State, before hosting NCAA Division II Tarleton State for its home opener Saturday, Sept. 8.
Stay tuned to SFAJacks.com, as well as SFA's social media platforms, for complete coverage of Lumberjack football throughout the offseason this spring.
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"I am very pleased to add Kevin, Dan and Jeff to our staff," coach Conque said about the new hires. "All three of these coaches are terrific additions. Each bring a variety of experiences and success and are experts at their respective positions. All are high energy and have proven pedigrees of success."
"Jeremy will slide over to running backs which will complete the reorganization of our offensive staff," added Conque. "Coach Hammock worked with this position in our previous stop and was instrumental in our offensive and team successes."
"I am excited to announce Jeff Byrd as my assistant head football coach," Conque remarked. "In addition to his duties as defensive coordinator, Jeff's experience can also pay additional dividends tour team. I have great deal of confidence in coach Byrd."
Barbay returns to east Texas in a homecoming of sorts as he is a southeast Texas native of Nederland, Texas. With prior coaching experience in the Southland Conference, Barbay comes to Nacogdoches from Southeastern Conference powerhouse the University of Florida, where he served as director of player development for the Gators for the past three years. Working directly with former Florida head coach Jim McElwain, Barbay was instrumental in the Gators' back-to-back SEC East titles in 2015 and 2016. Responsible for player evaluations, opponent film and daily practice schedules, Barbay helped Florida to a 2016 Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl appearance in 2016 and the 2017 Outback Bowl championship. Barbay helped develop 15 NFL Draft pick during his time with the Gators, including three first round picks, as Florida went 23-15 during his three seasons on staff.
Prior to his time in Gainesville, Florida, Barbay was a part of McElwain's staff at Colorado State when the Rams won the 2015 Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl after compiling a 10-3 record. As director of player personnel at Colorado State, Barbay worked daily with coach McElwain and played a key part in developing the Rams' practices and film studies while evaluating players.
In his positions at both Florida and Colorado State, Barbay played a key role in recruiting efforts, coordinating several aspects of the Gators and Rams' overall year-round recruiting process. He acted as a link between coaching and support staff to develop student-athletes on and off the field, including strength and conditioning coaches and academic coordinators. Additionally, Barbay served as a liaison between the universities and NFL scouts for pro-day events, camps, clinics and other football-related activities.
Before heading to Fort Collins, Colorado, Barbay spent two seasons at Southland foe Lamar (2012-14) as the Cardinals' wide receivers and special teams coach. In 2013, Barbay coached second-team All-Southland selection Reggie Begelton, who led the league with 82 receptions and finished third in the conference with 858 yards. Leading arguably the strongest receiving corps in the Southland, the Cardinals' wide receivers hauled in nearly 300 receiving yards per game while breaking over 20 team and individual records.
During his time in Beaumont, Barbay recruited heavily in southeast Texas and the Houston/Bay area. He signed running back Kade Harrington, who rushed for 880 yards and eight touchdowns and hauled in 48 receptions for 376 yards on his way to becoming the 2013 Southland Freshman of the Year.
Prior to Lamar, Barbay spent two years as the athletic director and head coach at Warren High School in Warren, Texas. At the collegiate level, Barbay held a graduate assistant position at Baylor from the fall of 2005 to the summer of 2007, before accepting his first full-time coaching job at Texas A&M-Commerce. While coaching the Lions, Barbay was in charge of the quarterbacks and wideouts and led two of his players to Lonestar Conference North Wide Receiver of the Year plaudits. After his time in Commerce, Barbay joined the North Texas staff as a tight ends coach for the 2009 season. While in Denton, Barbay was able to sign tight end Jamize Olawale, who is now in his sixth year with the NFL's Oakland Raiders.
Barbay also spent time as a wide receivers coach at Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School in Beaumont for the 2003 and 2004 seasons, helping guide the Bulldogs to the state semifinals. He is a 2005 graduate of Lamar and holds a master of science degree in education-sport management (2007) from Baylor. Barbay was a three-year letter winning quarterback at Nederland High School and played at Grambling State before transferring to Lamar.
Clark arrives in Texas' oldest town after spending the last five seasons on the Illinois State coaching staff, including the last two as co-offensive coordinator. As an assistant coach for the Redbirds, Clark served as the run game coordinator and offensive line coach. During Clark's tenure at Illinois State, the Redbird's offensive line was a model of consistency. Aiding Illinois State to three FCS playoff appearances from 2014-16, Clark's offensive line setup the Redbird's run to the 2014 FCS title game in Frisco, Texas.
Illinois State's offensive line saw all five of its players start every game in 2015, as the Redbirds advanced to the FCS quarterfinals for the third time in four seasons. The group, anchored by All-Missouri Valley Football Conference First Team center Mark Spelman, led the way for First-Team All-American and two-time MVFC Offensive Player of the Year Marshaun Coprich, who led the MVFC in rushing yards (1,967), touchdowns (23), yards per game (151.3), all-purpose yards per game (166.4) and scoring (11.2).
Clark's offensive line also kept two-time MVFC First-Team quarterback Tre Roberson upright and gave him holes to run through. Over his two seasons at Illinois State, Roberson put his name in the record books and ranked No. 1 in school history in career yards per rush (6.14), passing efficiency (150.3) while ranking fifth in career passing yards (5,446) and touchdowns (48). Roberson also led all quarterbacks in Illinois State history with 22 rushing touchdowns and 1,806 yards rushing.
The Redbird offensive line was a key factor in Illinois State's historic success in 2014 and helped to set 15 single-season school records. Illinois State finished the season ranked in the top 10 nationally in rushing yards per game with 241.3 and ninth in scoring offense with 38.3 points per game. Anchored by seniors Jermaine Barton (All-MVFC First Team), Rocco Ammons (All-MVFC Second-Team) and Mike Liedtke (All-MVFC Honorable Mention), the line helped open holes for Coprich, who led the FCS with 2,274 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns. The group also helped protect MVFC Newcomer of the Year Roberson, who finished the year ranked in the top five nationally in five statistical categories and set numerous school single-season records as the Redbird's quarterback.
Clark mentored offensive guard Michael Liedtke of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and offensive tackle Jermaine Barton of the Buffalo Bills during his time with the Redbirds, while also working with the Josh Aladenoye, who went on to sign with Dallas Cowboys as a free agent.
Prior to his stay in Normal, Illinois, Clark served as the tight ends and special teams coach at Northern Iowa for three seasons (2010-12). He was a part of the coaching staff that led the Panthers to two MVFC championships and two FCS playoff appearances with a cumulative record of 22-14.
In 2010, Clark oversaw the play of Schuylar Oordt, who earned honorable mention All-MVFC honors after nabbing 24 receptions and three touchdowns. Following the 2010 season, Oordt took part in the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. In Clark's first year at Northern Iowa, two of his graduating tight ends signed free agent contracts in the NFL. Oordt inked a deal with the St. Louis Rams, while Ryan Mahaffey signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Ravens.
Before coaching at Northern Iowa, Clark served as an offensive graduate assistant coach at Big Ten stalwart the University of Iowa (2007-09). Clark assisted with the offensive line and tight ends, helping Iowa to three-consecutive bowl berths, including a victory over Georgia Tech in the 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl and the 2009 Outback Bowl title.
Clark joined the Iowa staff after serving as the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Iowa Central Community College for seven seasons (2000-06). During that time Clark helped Iowa Central compile a 56-20 overall record while advancing to a junior college bowl game in six of the seven seasons. Clark also served as an assistant coach at NCAA Division III Simpson College for four seasons (1996-99), after spending time on staff as a student assistant coach in 1995. While on the sidelines at Simpson College, Clark coached the quarterbacks for three seasons after guiding the linebacker corps for two seasons. During his time at Simpson College, the Storm reached the 1997 NCAA Division III semifinal game and posted a five-year combined record of 42-12.
A four-year member of the Simpson College football team as an undergraduate (1991-94), Clark started behind center for three years and was a two-year starter at third base for the Storm's baseball team. He received his bachelor's degree in physical education at Simpson College in 1995.
Clark is a member of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and the Iowa High School Football Association. His brother, Derrik, played football at Iowa State and his brother, Dallas, was an All-American tight end at Iowa before putting together an 11-year career in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baltimore Ravens.
Clark takes over the Lumberjacks' offensive line from Bill Best, who spent four seasons at SFA before taking an assistant position at Rice to oversee the Owls' tight ends earlier this year.
Bowen will be very familiar with SFA's opponents as the Lumberjacks' new tight ends coach after serving as Northwestern State's offensive line coach in 2017. After a one-year hiatus, Bowen returned to the Northwestern State coaching staff after spending the 2014 and 2015 seasons in Natchitoches, Louisiana, coaching tight ends and assisting with the offensive line.
During the 2017 season, Bowen helped the Demon offense improve in both total offense and scoring offense from their 2016 campaign. While increasing the offensive production last season Bowen aided Northwestern State to four Southland wins, a four-game improvement from the previous season, and an overall record of 4-7 after going 1-10 in 2016. Most recently while at Northwestern State, Bowen was responsible for recruiting in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Bowen spent the 2016 season at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Junior College in Miami, Oklahoma. While at Northeastern Oklahoma, Bowen saw four of his five sophomore offensive linemen sign with Football Bowl Subdivision teams. He tutored first-team all-conference linemen Larry Joubert and Sammy Bernard as well as honorable mention all-conference selections Davis Harker and Kris'Sean Edwards. Joubert signed with Oklahoma State, Bernard with New Mexico and Harker and Edwards earned scholarships at New Mexico State. Bowen's offensive line helped the Golden Norse average 40 points and 530 yards of total offense per game in 2016, increasing their scoring by a touchdown and upping their yardage by more than 130 yards per game.
A veteran of the Southland as a player at Texas State, Bowen spent the 2014 season assisting former Northwestern State assistant coach Ben Norton with the offensive line. In 2015, Bowen slid over and coached Northwestern State's tight ends. Bowen was an integral part of a staff that saw the Demons set a multitude of school single-season records on offense. He assisted in building an offensive line that helped Northwestern State accumulate a school-record 4,948 yards of total offense, while setting additional single-season school marks for first downs (274), first downs through the air (140), completions (262), completion percentage (67.2) and passing yardage (2,864).
Prior to his first stop in Natchitoches, Bowen served as a graduate assistant for the offensive line and tight ends at UTSA (2011-13). While in San Antonio, Bowen helped lead UTSA to an 8-4 overall record and a 3-3 mark in its first and only season in the Western Athletic Conference in 2012. The campaign was highlighted by historic wins against South Alabama, the program's first road and FBS victory, and New Mexico State, its first league win. The offense averaged 31.2 points and 390.2 yards per game as the offensive line paved the way for 1,911 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground, allowing just seven sacks in 368 passing attempts. Bowen worked directly with offensive guard Scott Inskeep, who earned second-team All-WAC accolades. During his time at UTSA, Bowen helped the Roadrunners to a 4-6 record in 2011 as the offense averaged 26.6 points and 364.5 yards per game and scored 31 touchdowns during their inaugural campaign.
Before heading to UTSA, Bowen was a graduate assistant offensive line coach at Texas State during the 2010 campaign and was responsible for both the centers and guards.
A native of North Richland Hills, Texas, Bowen was an offensive lineman at Texas State from 2006-08. As a senior, Bowen earned All-Southland First Team and honorable mention FCS All-American accolades and also collected the Bobcats' John O'Hara Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award. Additionally, he was a member of the Southland Commissioner's Honor Roll in both 2007 and 2008. Bowen began his collegiate football career at East Texas Baptist University where he was named team captain in 2005 before transferring to Texas State.
As a prep player, Bowen was a three-year letter winner at Birdville High School near Fort Worth. A two-year team captain, he earned first-team all-district honors as a senior and was an honorable mention selection as a junior.
Bowen earned a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in management from Texas State in 2008 and attained a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from UTSA in 2013.
Coach Hammock, who is in his fifth season as a member of SFA's coaching staff, will make the switch to coaching the Lumberjacks' running back group after Jake Brown departed earlier this year to go back to TCU. A mainstay on coach Conque's staff, Hammock will be entering his eighth season on the sideline with Conque. Hammock spent all three of his seasons at Central Arkansas as the Bears' running backs coach.
Second-year defensive coordinator Byrd gains the title of assistant coach after bringing immediate success to SFA's defensive unit in his first year. After ranking last in the league in both scoring and pass defense and 10th in total defense in 2016, Byrd guided the Lumberjacks' defensive unit to finish seventh in the Southland in all three categories in 2017. For the sixth-consecutive season as a defensive coordinator, Byrd's defense held opponents to fewer than 30 points per game. SFA ranked fifth in the league in red zone defense as opponents scored less than 80 percent of time when reaching the Lumberjacks' 20-yard line. In conference play, the 'Jacks held opponents to 24 points per game, which ranked fourth in the league, and allowed just 210 passing yards per game to finish fifth in the Southland in that category.
SFA went 4-1 against in-state FCS opponents in 2017, marking the first time since 1989 the 'Jacks have claimed four victories over FCS Texas opponents in the same season. It also marked the first time since 1995 SFA has recorded four wins over Lone Star State schools in a single season.
The 'Jacks return a total of 23 starters from last season, including 11 with starting experience on the offensive side of the ball, nine on defense and three specialists. A total of 47 letter winners return for SFA's 2018 campaign, including All-Southland Conference Second Team selections junior wide receiver Tamrick Pace (Brownsboro, Texas) and junior safety Alize Ward (San Diego, Calif.) and All-Southland honorable mention honorees senior defensive tackle Lamont Alexander (Nolanville, Texas) and junior offensive lineman Devonte Jones (Houston, Texas). The 'Jacks will also have 33 newcomers on its squad come this fall, including 14 who are already on campus and will participate in team activities this spring.
Spring practice for SFA gets underway Monday, March 26 and will feature 15 total dates, including two scrimmages held Saturday, April 7 and Saturday, April 14. The first scrimmage will take place at Nacogdoches High School while the second will be held inside Homer Bryce Stadium, both are scheduled for 2 p.m. The Lumberjacks' annual spring game is set for April 21 at 6 p.m. as each spring practice will start at 3:50 p.m. in Homer Bryce.
SFA opens up its 2018 fall campaign Saturday, Sept. 1 with a trip to SEC mainstay Mississippi State, before hosting NCAA Division II Tarleton State for its home opener Saturday, Sept. 8.
Stay tuned to SFAJacks.com, as well as SFA's social media platforms, for complete coverage of Lumberjack football throughout the offseason this spring.
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