Brent Dearmon’s first coaching staff as the UNA football head coach begins with a home-state feel. Dearmon’s first three assistant coach hires are former Auburn linebacker Deshaun Davis, former UAB linebacker Thomas Johnston and former South Alabama quarterback Jake Bentley. Dearmon also added Samie Parker to his coaching staff.
Davis will serve as the Lions’ linebacker coach, Johnston will coach the defensive line, Bentley is the program’s quarterback coach and Parker will be in charge of the receivers.
Davis, a Mobile native, is a former All-SEC linebacker at Auburn and played in the NFL. He began his coaching career at Thompson High and was a graduate assistant coach at UCF last season.
"DeShaun Davis was my favorite player that I ever coached in school," said Dearmon, who coached Davis at Vigor High. "Then when I got the opportunity to move on to Auburn, I stood on the table for him to be an Auburn Tiger. He was an All-SEC linebacker, but he is also an All-American person. I am pleased to be able to coach alongside such a great player and human being. DeShaun has a very bright future in this business."
Johnston comes to UNA after spending last season as the strength and conditioning coach and working with the linebackers at Thompson High. He played three years on UAB’s football team, beginning in 2017 when he earned Freshman All-Conference USA honors, and one year on the UAB baseball team.
"Thomas has been a star in this state as a high school player, college player and high school coach," said Dearmon. "Thomas has won championships as a player and coach in this state. He is a winner."
Johnston is AHSAA leader in career tackles with 675 during his playing days at Spanish Fort High.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email steve.irvine@1819news.com.
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