April 24, 2012

Luke Matheson
RedWolfReport.com

Word of the A-State Ambush is spreading like wildfire as Red Wolf coaches make their way across the state this week visiting every football-playing school, and high school coaches are saying great things about Gus Malzahn and Casey Woods recruiting plan.

"I think this is a really good move," said Pulaski Academy head coach Kevin Kelley. "They are winning some high school coaches over, and are out there forming relationships in schools who may not have any recruits this year. They have assembled a really good staff, and now they are developing relationships across the state."

"I imagine this is pretty hard on the coaches who are on the road," Kelley added. "But when you get in this line of work, you know that this is the kind of thing you are getting into. These coaches are working hard, and it is going to pay dividends for them."

Coach David Gunn made a stop at Pulaski Academy on Monday, and Kelley said it went well.

"I just love Coach Gunn," said Kelley. "He is a great guy and easy to talk to, and we have some guys who are capable of going to ASU over the next few years."

North Little Rock head coach Brad Bolding shared similar thoughts.

"I think what Coach Malzahn is doing is a great thing, and is the right thing to do," said Bolding. "Malzahn is from here, and he gets it. He understands that he has to recruit the state of Arkansas if he wants to beat out the University of Arkansas for any recruits, and he may do that in some areas. I think it is an outstanding approach, and honestly, I wish a few more schools would do it."

Bolding also spoke about the visit his school received from Coach Gunn.

"Coach Gunn came by today," said Bolding. "We had a track meet at Pine Bluff on Monday, so he came by today so he could see a few guys work out. He has always recruited North Little Rock, and he and I have a good relationship. He is just a super, great guy."

Coach J.B. Grimes has been making his way through south Arkansas, and visited Rison on Monday. Coach Clay Totty gave his thoughts as well.

"I think this is a big thing for those kids in the smaller schools," said Totty. "There is a lot of talent that gets passed up and over-looked. We've had a couple of guys here in my time as coach, and Arkansas State has had a lot of success with our kids. We sent Shermar Bracey and Tyrell Johnson up, and now Marquis Walker and Quanterio Heath will be going up there. I think this is going to really help Arkansas State get a foothold in a lot of places in the state."

Shiloh Christian head coach Josh Floyd is yet another coach who loves the idea.

"It is just a great idea," said Floyd. "They are going into schools that may not produce talent each year, but there will be a lot of positives with doing this and forming relationships. I think they are going to find a lot of great talent, and some that is over-looked because they may be in smaller schools."

Floyd played quarterback for Malzahn at Shiloh Christian in the late 1990's, and said that he is not surprised that Malzahn has had the success he is having as a division one head coach.

"Nothing that he has done is really surprising," said Floyd. "He is a driven person, and pays so much attention to detail. That is what it takes to be successful, and I am not surprised by what he has been able to accomplish. I look for him to keep progressing and keep winning."

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