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Mr. Michael Collins
Defensive Coordinator/Linebacker's
Last Updated 4/6/09
Entering into his fourth year as defensive coordinator and linebacker coach is Michael Collins. 
Collins' defense tallied record numbers for the Patriots with 968 tackles, 28.5 sacks, 53 pass break-ups, 10 fumble recoveries, a record 26 interceptions and 5 TD's for a total of 36 defensive turnovers. This defensive effort Collins directed helped to earn the Patriots a second Mid-South Conference East Championship and back-to-back NAIA play-off appearances.
In 2008,
Collins had success as well with ten players making first team and honorable mention all-conference honors. Even more astounding was the naming of Collins' junior linebacker Travis Thurmond as the Mid-South Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Over the course of the season, Collins' defense was top notch in the Mid-South Conference. Finishing 1st in Rushing defense and Pass Defense Efficiency and 2nd in Total Defense and Opponents 3rd Down Conversions, the Patiots defense wrecked havoc on many opposing offenses over the season.
Collins joined the Patriot coaching staff after a successful three-year stint at Pascagoula High School in Pascagoula, Mississippi where he served as the defensive coordinator garnering a Division Championship in 2003.
Prior to Pascagoula, Collins served as an assistant coach at Clarksdale High in Clarksdale, Mississippi where, in two years, he helped achieve a 24-3 record and a state championship title. Collins also gained his expertise while earning his undergraduate degree at Northeast Mississippi Community College and later Delta State University where he learned the game as a student assistant coach. Collins was graduated from Delta State University in 2001 with a degree in Physical Education.
“Cumberlands offers a great Baptist, Christian atmosphere from the moment you step on the campus," stated Collins. "I know this atmosphere is a great place for me and my family. I am so thankful for the support and dedication that I have from my family. They too, love the Patriots. In fact, my father, my wife, and my children, have not missed a single game in our three years at Cumberlands."
Collins is a native of Clinton, Mississippi. He and his wife, Pamela, along with their family, Kirby, who is a cheerleader student-athlete at UC, Spencer and Sloan, look forward to yet another exciting Patriot football season.
Email me: Michael.Collins@ucumberlands.edu
Call me: 606-539-4453
My recruiting areas are:
The following counties in
Eastern Georgia: Bullock, Burke, Candler, Columbia, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Franklin, Glascock, Habersham, Hart, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lincoln, Madison, McDuffie, Oglethorpe, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Stephens, Taliaferro, Warren, Washington, and Wilkes.
The following counties in Eastern Kentucky: Bell, Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Clay, Elliott, Floyd, Greenup, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawerence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lewis, Martin, McCreary, Morgan, Owlsey, Perry, Pike, Rowan, Whitley, and Wolfe.
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Mr. Edgar Weiser
Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line/Special Teams Coordinator
Last Updated 6/28/09
Edgar Weiser is entering his fouth year as an assistant coach at the Cumberlands where his x's and o's have helped earn the Patriots back to back Mid-South Conference Eastern Division Championships and NAIA Playoff appearances. Under his offensive leaderhip, Cumberlands earned their highest NAIA ranking in school history at 6th in 2008 while also earning the program's 1st NAIA Playoff victory.
Weiser has had much success at Cumberlands thus far. This past season, 2008, Weiser led an offense that was 2nd in the nation in rush offense at 270 ypg, 14th in the nation in scoring offense at 34.8 ppg, and 3rd in the nation in
3rd down conversions at 50.3. His special team unit, featuring standout freshman Maurice Berrhill, was 7th in the nation in punt return average at 13.2 and 15th in the nation in kick off return average at 24.2.
Weiser's offensive line was powerful and majestic in '08 earning honors both on and off the field of play. Two offensive lineman, Ronnie Bowling and Madison McCalmon earned Academic All American honors; Josh Frosch and Justing Norman were named All-Conference lineman; Frosch, Alex Roepe, McCalmon, and Bowling were named Academic All-Conference recipents, and Bowling was honored with the NAIA Champions of Character Award.
In 2007, Weiser coordinated an offense that finished 4th in the nation in rushing and a special teams group which featured Moses Cochran who led the nation in kick off returns for touchdowns with three. Under his tutelage his players have earned many honors as well. In 2007, he coached the offensive line that saw Thomas Leinenbach as All-American; Frosch, Leinenbach, and Shelby Goldey as All-Conference players; and Frosch and Bowling as Academic All-Americans. Leinenbach was a finalist for an award given from the NAIA called the "All That's Right in Sport" Award. In 2006, his offensive line senior, John Patton, was named Second Team All-Conference.
Weiser came to the University of the Cumberlands after spending two years as a high school assistant coach in Texas. As the offensive line coach at Hendrickson High School ( Pflugerville, TX) he helped lead Hendrickson to their first playoff appearance in school history (2005). Weiser was also instrumental in guiding an offensive line unit that opened up holes for three different running backs that gained 500 yards or more.
Weiser spent the 2003 season as the tight ends coach at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) where he coached first team all Ohio Valley Conference and 2 nd team All-American tight end Ray Goodson. In 2002, Weiser served as the tight ends coach at the University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO). While at UNO his tight ends helped the Mavericks lead the North Central Conference in rushing. They averaged an impressive 208 yards per game. In 2001 Weiser was a graduate assistant wide receiver coach at Southern Arkansas University and in 2000 he coached defensive and tight ends at his alma mater Las Cruces High School in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Las Cruces High won the 2000 New Mexico Class 5A state championship.
Weiser, originally from Las Cruces, NM, attended college and played football at Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) in Portales, NM. While playing at ENMU he started two years at tight end and one year at defensive end. In 1999 ENMU won the Lone Star Conference South Division championship.
In 2000 Weiser received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education with a minor in History from ENMU and in 2003 he earned his Masters degree in Education from Southern Arkansas University.
Email me: Edgar.Weiser@ucumberlands.edu
Call me: 606-539-4150
My recruiting areas are: Alabama
The following counties in North Georgia: Baker, Calhoun, Carroll, Catoosa, Chatooga, Chattahoochee, Clay, Clayton, Coweta, Dade, Decatur, Early, Fayette, Floyd, Fulton, Haralson, Harris, Heard, Henry, Marion, Meriwether, Miller, Muscogee, Polk, Quitman, Randolph, Seminole, Spalding, Stewart, Talbot, Terrell, Troup, Walker, and Webster.
The following counties in Central Tennessee: Bledsoe, Bradley, Clay, Cumberland, Dekalb, Grundy, Hamilton, Jackson, Macon, Madison, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Montgomery, Overton, Polk, Putnam, Rhea, Sequatchie, Smith, Trousdale, Vanburen, Warren, and White.
The following counties in Central Kentucky: Adair, Allen, Barren, Boyle, Breckinridge, Butler, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Edmonson, Garrard, Grayson, Green, Hancock, Hardin, Hart, Larue, Lincoln, Logan, Marion, Meade, Mercer, Metcalfe, Monroe, Ohio, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Simpson, Taylor, Waren, Washington, and Wayne.
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Mr. Jamie Smiddy
Running Back Coach
Updated 2/6/09
Jamie Smiddy is beginning his seventh year as a member of the University of the Cumberlands football staff. He is the team’s running backs coach and works with the kickoff and punt returners.
He has coached seven All-Mid South Conference running backs and two NAIA All-Americans while at the University of the Cumberlands. Prior to UC Smiddy had a successful three year stint at his alma mater, The University of Findlay(Findlay, OH) where he coached Div.II All-American running back Robert Campbell.

During his collegiate days at the University of Findlay, Smiddy was named the MVP of the NAIA National Championship game in 1997 as a running back. His senior year he was voted team captain by his peers. In 1998 he earned Second Team All-GLIAC honors as a running back and was also voted as the team’s offensive MVP his junior and senior year.
In 2000, he graduated from the University of Findlay with a degree in Health and Physical Education.
Smiddy is a native of Defiance, Ohio where he attended Defiance Senior High School. In 2002 he was inducted into the athletic hall of fame at Defiance Senior High School.
Continuing to coach at Cumberlands was an easy decision according to Smiddy who believes, “Cumberlands is a great place for student athletes to attend and achieve success. The University has a tremendous learning environment and an outstanding academic resource center for our students to obtain greatness in the classroom and graduate with a well respected college degree. Our entire athletic department is very solid overall and has shown success and we will continue to be successful and compete at the highest level."
Email me: Jamie.Smiddy@ucumberlands.edu
Call me: 606-539-4454
My recruiting areas are: Ohio
The following countied in South Georgia: Atkinson, Baldwin, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bibb, Bleckley, Brooks, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crawford, Crisp, Dodge, Dooly, Dougherty, Echols, Grady, Houston, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jones, Lamar, Lanier, Laurens, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Mitchell, Monroe, Montgomery, Peach, Pike, Pulaski, Schley, Sumter, Taylor Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Tiggs, Upson, Wheeler, Wilcox, Wilkinson, and Worth.
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Mr. Russ Shearer
Defensive Back's Coach/Video Coordinator
Updated 5/6/09
Coach Russ Shearer will be on the Cumberlands sidelines for his fourth season where he will assist with the defensive scheme coaching the secondary.
During the 2008 season Shearer coached a secondary that led the Mid-South Conference in Pass Defense Efficiency and a unit that broke a school record for interceptions (26) in a season and broke the record for interceptions returned for touchdowns. The secondary helped direct a defense which led the NAIA with 26 interceptions and tied an NAIA single game record with 3 interceptions returns for touchdowns against Mississippi College. Along with those accomplishments all three position starters Shearer coached received all-conference selection, Shovon Patton, Vic Smith and Brian "Butch" Abshire who was named an All American as well.
"I have been blessed with an abundance of talented players in my first three years," stated Shearer. "This unit has grown over the years and are ready to be the leaders of the defense with two senior starters returning and a strong group of young, athletic players. I came to this University to be a part of a championship program and this year our sights are set on a National Championship."
Prior to coaching at the Cumberlands, Shearer was the Defensive Coordinator for the Evansville Blue Cats, a professional arena football team based in Evansville, Indiana. Prior to that, Coach Shearer gained a season of experience as a running back’s coach at Fort Scott Community College in Fort Scott, KS and two years as an offensive skill coach at Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher, Arizona.
On May 31, 2008 Coach Shearer married Jessica Anderson Shearer, web developer for University of the Cumberlands. "I thank God for His many blessings and for bringing Jessica into my life."
A native of Irvine, Kentucky, Shearer was graduated from Estill County High School and was an All-State Honorable Mention Defensive Back in 1996. He earned an athletic scholarship to Patriot gridiron foe Georgetown College, later he transferred to another Cumberlands opponent in Campbellsville University where he lettered in golf.
Email me: Russ.Shearer@ucumberlands.edu
Call me: 606-539-4148
My recruiting areas are: Indiana & Junior Colleges
The following Northern Kentucky counties: Bath, Boone, Bracken, Bullitt, Campbell, Carroll, Estill, Fleming, Gallatin, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson, Kenton, Mason, Menifee, Montgomery, Nelson, Oldham, Pendleton, Powell, Robertson, Spencer, and Trimble.
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Mr. Jordan Brown
Punters/Kickers/Wide Receivers
Updated 5/6/09
Jordan Brown is entering his third year on the coaching staff this season as a graduate assistant. In this capacity, he will be coaching the wide receivers, kickers, and punters for the Patriots.
Jordan contributed greatly to the football program at the Cumberlands in his three years as a punter. In his senior year (2006), he broke the school record for the longest punt with a 71 yard ball, and contributed to help the Patriots beat a #5 nationally ranked team. In the 2006 season, Brown was named to the Mid-South Conference Second Team Defense for his outstanding contributions. He was also named to the All-Conference Academic Team his senior year. In the spring of 2007, Brown graduated from the Cumberlands with a double major in Biology and Pyschology. He is currently enrolled in the Cumberlands Professional Counseling program and has aspirations of working with Adolescent and Family Counseling.
Brown feels that the Patriots have turned the corner and that the road to the Mid-South Conference goes through Williamsburg. For years, weve been really, really good, just not great," said Brown. "Now the dynamic has shifted and were the team everyone is chasing. Its a great feeling to be on top of the MSC, but we know that we still have much work to do to be considered one of the elite programs in the NAIA. Certainly, back-to-back championships are nice, but now we want to take it to the next level and win it all.
For Jordan, the University of the Cumberlands has a very special place in his heart.My dad went to school here, my uncle and former pastor both graduated from here, and now Im blessed to be have been graduated from and now coaching at this wonderful institution," stated Brown. "You can see Gods work in all aspects of this University: the new buildings, new programs, new faculty, and especially our success on and off the field are a testament to our dedication to seeking God s Will first and foremost in everything we do here.
When he isnt coaching the Patriots, Brown finds time to share his faith with those on campus. He is actively involved in LifeGroups, a Biblical studies program at Cumberlands, as well as BCM Ignite, FCA, and several Youth-centered programs at his home church. During the summer, Brown volunteers as a mentor in Pineville, KY, with the First Tee Program at Wasioto Winds.
Brown reigns from London, KY where he was graduated from North Laurel High School.
Email me: cbrown5236@ucumberlands.edu
Call me: 606-539-4149
My recruiting areas are:
The following counties in
Western Tennessee: Bedford, Benton, Cannon, Carroll, Cheatham, Chester, Coffee, Crockett, Davidson, Decature, Dickson, Dyer, Fayette, Franklin, Gibson, Giles, Hardemana, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lake, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Maury, McNairy, Moore, Obion, Perry, Robertson, Rutherford, Shelby, Stewart, Sumner, Tipton, Wayne, Weakley, Williamson, and Wilson.
The following counties in Western Kentucky: Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Hipkins, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, Todd, Trigg, Union, and Webster.
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Mr. Matt Rhymer
Defensive Line/Academic Coordinator
Last Updated 7/7/09
Matt Rhymer will be entering his third year with the Patriot staff. The first two years were very special where the Patriots won back-to-back Mid-South Conference Championships. The 2008 season began with a transition, moving from coaching the outside linebackers where he coached all conference player Desmond Cruver, and veteran Chris Honeycutt in 07 to coaching a defensive line where only seven players traveled, six being freshman. This group was led by All American, All Conference Player, Alex Wright, who is a junior. The young group was an awesome group to coach as Rhymer believes he was blessed with talented and kids with great character. The group combined for 170 total tackles, 32 being for a loss, and 17 sacks. Freshman, Corey Maddox, was also named to the Mid South All Conference Team and lead the team with 7 sacks.
Matt has been a part of the Patriot family since the fall of 2003 when he began his four-year playing career at the linebacker position. During those four years, he was a member of the winningest class in school history and ranked among the nations best each year. He was a four-year letterman and a three-year starter for the powerful Patriot defense.
"It's a blessing to be where I am and doing what I am doing, said Rhymer. "I find myself everyday in an opportunity to influence young men to make decisions that could impact the rest of their lives in a positive way. I am also surrounded by leaders in this staff and University. I thank God everyday for allowing me to do what I do and hope that He is honored and glorified in every step I take as a coach."
"It's an awesome opportunity to be at a place where I know God has placed me to grow spiritually and strengthen my relationship with Jesus Christ," continued Rhymer. Incorporating coach’s bible studies, player bible studies, family groups, and life groups programs are Matt's continuing endeavors to allow everyone to grow spiritually in a positive way. Additionally, Rhymer is active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and other campus ministries, as well as being involved and serving in the local churches.
"I'm so thankful to be part of the football program," said Rhymer. "I must thank Coach John Bland for having confidence in me and having me as part of his staff. There were many blessings and memories in the 08 season and 2009 has started well and recruiting is going great. It’s going to be exciting to see what the 2009 year has in store for the Patriots both on and off the field."
Matt hails from Harlan, KY and was graduated from Harlan High School. He is also a 2007 University of the Cumberlands graduate with a degree in Public Health. Matt is married to the former Jessica Lowrie of Williamsburg, KY.
Email me: Matt.Rhymer@ucumberlands.edu
Call me: 606-539-4147
My recruiting areas are: Virginia & North & South Carolina
The following counties in Central Kentucky: Anderson, Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Harrison, Henry, Jessamine, Madison, Nicholas, Owen, Scott, Shelby, and Woodford.
The following counties in Georgia: Barrow, Bartow, Butts, Carroll, Cherokee, Clarke, Cobb, Coweta, Dekalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Herd, Harris, Newton, Oconee, Paulding, Rockdale, Spalding, and Troup.
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Mr. Robert Chester
Outside Linebackers
Updated 5/6/09
Robert Chester will be entering his second season as outside linebackers coach for the University of Cumberlands Football Team. He is 2008 graduate of the University of the Cumberlands, where he obtained a bachelors of science degree in social work.
Chester was a defensive lineman for the Patriots during the 2004-2007 seasons, as he played for both Chuck King and John Bland. At his nose guard position, he was apart of a Patriot defensive squad that was among the national leaders in team defense. Most notably helping the Patriots capture the Mid-South Conference East Title in 2007. Chester also made a presence as a competitor for the Patriot Men's Track & Field Team.
It was an easy decision for Chester to stay on as a coach for the Patriots. "The University of the Cumberlands is a place where you can get a high quality education," says Chester. "The best thing about being a coach is having the chance to help young men become successful not only in sports but in our communities. The greatest thing you can teach your player is a to be a respectful adult and a law abiding citizen. I believe that the University of the Cumbrlands has high quality athletes that excel in the class room as well as on the playing fields." notes Chester.
Robert Chester came to the Cumberlands from South Dade High School in Homestead, Florida.
Email me: rchester9920@ucumberlands.edu
Call me: 606-539-4149
My recruiting areas are: Southeast Florida
The following counties in Georgia: Appling, Bacon, Bryan, Camden, Charlton, Chatham, Evans, Glynn, Liberty, Long, Pierce, Tattnall, Ware, and Wayne.
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Mr. Brad Lawson
Tight Ends
Last Updated 5/20/09
Brad Lawson enters his first season as the tight ends coach for the University of Cumberlands football team. He will be graduated from the University of the Cumberlands in May 2010 with a degree in secondary education/history.
Lawson was a linebacker for the Patriot squad from 2005-2008. As a linebacker, he was a part of a Patriot defensive squad that was among the national leaders in team defense. Most notably, Lawson helped the Patriots capture the Mid-South Conference East Titles in 2007 and 2008. He was also awarded with the Unsung Hero Award from the Patriots.
Lawson felt it was an easy decision to stay on as a coach for the Patriots. “The University of the Cumberlands is a great school,” said Lawson. “It has allowed me to not only continue my football career, but to further my education and grow as an individual as well.”
Lawson is excited about joining the coaching ranks. “The best thing about being a coach is being able to learn from the rest of the coaching staff,” he said. “They can definitely teach you a thing or two.” Lawson is convinced that the Patriots have one of the best athletic programs in the nation. “As a player I noticed the hard work and dedication of the members of the teams and that’s why we brought home two conference titles the past two years,” notes Lawson.
Brad Lawson came to the Cumberlands from Corbin High School in Corbin, KY.
Email me: blawson6840@ucumberlands.edu
Call me: 606-539-4149
My recruiting areas are:
The following counties in Northeast Kentucky: Daviess, Henderson, McLean, and Muhlenburg,
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