Former Grambling State running back Dre Fusilier is entering his first season as running backs coach. GSU Sports Information/Courtesy photo
After one season with the Tigers as a running back graduate assistant, Dre Fusilier has been named Grambling’s new running back coach.
Fusilier, a native of New Iberia, La., is a former G-Man himself who played for the team from 2013 to 2017.
“What better way to officially start my coaching career by coaching at the institution that helped grow and mold me into the young man that I am today,” Fusilier said.
Fusilier replaces Coach Lee Fobbs, father of now head Coach Broderick Fobbs, from who he said he picked up valuable knowledge.
As a 2013 signee under the legendary head coach, Doug Williams, Fusilier was part of the dynamic duo of running backs including present day arena football player Jestin Kelly. This duo would eventually turn into a trio with the exceptional Martez Carter, who was a member of the Saints earlier this year.
This running back group terrorized the SWAC for three years until Fusilier tore his ACL in the first game of the 2016 season. Fusilier came back for his redshirt senior year in 2017 and was a vital leader on the teams run.
Having played under Broderick Fobbs for three years, Fusilier wants to have the same relationship with his players as his coach had with him. Fusilier wants to provide his players with the things that he wasn’t able to have as a running back.
“It may just be words of advice,” Fusilier said. “I just want to make every relationship tailor made to each player.”
Knowing each player on an individual level is important to Fusilier. He wants to ensure that he is providing each player the proper tools, care and preparation that they need.
“You have to know your players,” Fusilier said. “Every player doesn’t respond the same to each instruction. You have to know your team and know the best way to communicate and get the best results from each player.”
Keilon Elder, a redshirt freshman, is happy to be playing for Fusilier.
“Coach Fusilier is a really good coach,” Elder said. “I’m excited to be playing under him.”
Being engaged and focus on his players is a big deal for Fusilier, he says that he “wants his guys to know that he cares about them not only on the field but off the field as well.’’
Fusilier knows the unfortunate thing about football which is injuries that can alter your playing career, which is why he is big on education.
“Once you get it they can’t take it back,” Fusilier said.
He has a high focus on the term student athlete wanting his players to receive a degree.
Fusilier is excited to start his new position for the upcoming season and is ready to face the competition. The G-Men are also the No. 1 target through the conference because of their continued success.
“I feel as though our competitors are going to continue to up the intensity when they play us simply because we are Grambling and our history of success,” Fusilier said.