NCAA Coach Profile: Week 2

Next up on the coach carousel is Antwan Love:

Undersized, small, too little were all words used to describe Antwan Love’s 5’7” stature on the football field.  Nasty, explosive, skilled were the words describing Antwan’s play on the field.  Although usually the shortest player on the field, Antwan was always match up against defensive lineman and linebackers twice his size. “Leverage that was his biggest advantage” stated former NFL star and rival Roosevelt Colvin.  Colvin also stated, “I hated going up against Arlington [Knights], not only were they our rivals but I had to line up against that damn pit bull Love every play and he was relentless!”  After earning multiple All-City awards, Antwan decided to attend Indiana State University.  Antwan became one of Coach Raetz for his toughness and willingness to go to battle against men twice his size.  Although winning was not always a part his collegiate career, Antwan did garner Academic All American 3 times and more importantly realized that his passion for the gridiron extended beyond the hash marks.

After a short stint in the CFL, Antwan was offered a position as the Offensive Line coach for the Rhode Island Rams.  From 2000 to 2003, the Rams battered opponents on the ground and were consistently in the Top 5 for rushing.  In 2004, Love decided to try his hand in the NFL after being offered a scout position with the San Francisco 49ers.  With Love’s help the Niners were able to turn their third round pick into Frank Gore who has been their feature back since 2006.  With the Niners, Love helped shape the team, but wanted more authority and knew that his opportunity to shine would come back in the college ranks.

In 2009, Love finally got his shot to run the show with the UAB Blazers as the Offensive Coordinator.  Knowing the run game like few others, Antwan forced the Blazers into a battering ram of a team averaging 6.0 yards per carry.  Love has helmed the offense for the past three years, but is now looking for the ultimate challenge. 

"It has always been my dream to become a head coach on any level and to think that I'm even being considered is humbling."