“Hit, run, and have fun,” is the motto G-Men’s newly appointed running back coach George Ragsdale plans on implementing in the Tiger football program as he returns to the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference).
Prior to coming to Grambling, Ragsdale served as running back coach at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff.
Ragsdale’s coaching experience goes beyond the SWAC, he has coached at many Historical Black College Universities including North Carolina A&T, Norfolk State, and Morris Brown.
At NC A&T as a player, he was a four-year letter winner. Ragsdale still tops NC A&T’s all-time rushing list and he helped the school reach its first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championship in 1975.
He also played professionally in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Redskins, and in the USFL with the Oklahoma Outlaws.
Being someone who is experienced on all levels of football, he says that his family manages to keep him grounded. After a year of unemployment, Coach Ragsdale received a phone call from former teammate, Doug Williams offering a job position. Ragsdale is looking to bring encouragement and challenges to this championship team.
“I am thankful and blessed to be here,” said Ragsdale.
He believes he has a good group this year. “I like my group, they listen.” He guides his team by encouraging them. “If you do well, I’ll be the first to tell you ‘Good Job!'”
Ragsdale brings challenges by telling them to challenge themselves. “Challenge yourself to be great!” He tells them. However, he says, “You’re not going to all of a sudden be good.” He advises his players to work on their weaknesses before their strengths.
Coach Ragsdale refers practice as a classroom, meaning these players can learn on the field just as well as in a classroom.
Anticipating all games this season, he wants the team to work hard during the week and just have fun on Saturday. With that being said Coach George Ragsdale is, as we all are, looking forward to a great season.