Alonzo Hampton has announced the hiring of Miguel Black as the new running backs coach and recruiting coordinator for the program.
Black, recognized as one of the top rising star recruiters in college football, joins UAPB after three successful seasons at Mississippi College, where he held positions involving running backs, special teams, and recruiting coordination.
With a strong eye for talent and a deep connection to the southern regions, Coach Black played a crucial role in Mississippi College's recruiting efforts, ensuring a steady influx of skilled players into the program.
His playing experience laid the foundation for his comprehensive understanding of defensive strategies and player dynamics. A product of Mississippi College, Coach Black stood out as a talented defensive back from 2015 to 2018.
Seamlessly transitioning from player to coach, Coach Black began his coaching career at Madison Ridgeland Academy, where he developed his skills while coaching defensive backs. His passion for mentoring young athletes led to further opportunities, including a role as a Graduate Assistant at his alma mater, Mississippi College.
In 2020-21, Coach Black expanded his coaching experience at Southwest Minnesota State, where he worked with both running backs and defensive backs. This diverse experience equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of both offensive and defensive strategies. While at Southwest Minnesota, he developed Jesse Sherwood into an All-Conference running back in the Northern Sun Conference.
Upon returning to Mississippi College, Black's multifaceted coaching approach significantly enhanced the team's on-field performance and contributed to talent acquisition and player development.
In 2022, Black's running back unit was ranked first in Division II for rushing offense, and he also had the top punter in the nation (Michael Shine) in Division II for yards per punt in 2023. Between 2022 and 2024, two student-athletes were named Freshman of the Year in the Gulf South Conference, and during his tenure at Mississippi College, six student-athletes received All-Conference honors.