Head Football Coach | De Smet Jesuit HS | St. Louis MO | St. Louis Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame | AirRaidCertified

St Louis, MO
We can’t play football today. So @JBSFootball teamed up with @RitterPrep and the Urban League for a β€œClean Sweep” on North Grand. @JBSchool @JBSAthletics #workingtogether #letthemplay
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What a day!!!! I am feeling BRAND NEW. I am overwhelmed with the positivity and love from my new Spartan Family. Also, thanks to the many many friends I’ve made at JBS and elsewhere for the well wishes. Time to get to work!!! #AMDG
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Earlier today I was named Class 6 Football Coach of the Year. This is an incredible award and truly and indicator that I work with one of the best coaching staffs in the state. What we do, we do together. #AMDG
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Chicago Rivals camp. Give this kid another star! @Rivals @millerjrjr
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100 years ago my grandfather, Roscoe Coleman, was a student at Howard University @HowardU. He established the tradition of excellence in education that has been the standard of my family for a century. Today my son @jhmerritt3 continues that tradition at Howard! #HU22 #legacy
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Today we lost a tough game to @CBCFootball the game was well played and hard fought, and in the end they made a few more plays than we did. Congrats CBC! THANK YOU @DeSmetFB class of β€˜24. You have created a culture and set a standard for us to follow for years to come. #AMDG
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I used to spend my time trying to make these guys get to class on time. Now I watch them on TV!!! @EzekielElliott @foyelicious #bombersnonstop
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Today is one year since I signed a contract to become the Head Football Coach at De Smet Jesuit. Let’s look at that year by the numbers.
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Recently I was awarded MCC Coach of the Year. In reality the award belongs to these guys! If you are a High School AD looking for a new HC or a College Coach (any level) looking for an Asst Coach or GA, the man you want is probably pictured below. These guys are the truth! #AMDG
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Last week was my first home game as @DeSmetFB coach. We decided that from now on our MCC home opener will be a food drive for @STLFoodbank. We got the win, and we donated 1500 pounds of food. Football is a platform to make a difference in our community!#menforothers #AMDG
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Dear STL Coaches. When I was a young coach a few older coaches pulled me aside and taught me to be a professional. After some of the behavior I’ve observed recently I think it is time to pass on some of those tips to the next generation. PRO TIPS for whenever you scout a game:
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HOT TAKE: High School coaches don’t do much for the 15-30 offer guys. Those guys get what they are gonna get pretty much no matter what. Where a good HS coach actually makes a difference in recruiting is the 1-4 offer guys.
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For just a moment: stop worrying about if we are playing football this fall; or what offers you have and don’t; or about voting this person or that person in or out of office; or who is wearing a mask and who isn’t... and pray for the people in Lebanon.
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When I came to De Smet Jesuit I vowed to use one game per year to create a food drive and feed the hungry. Year One - 1500 pounds of food Year Two - 3000 pounds of food Year Three - 4500 pounds of food #menforothers
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I couldn’t ask for a better group of men to work with every day. @DeSmetFB #MenForOthers #AMDG
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Special Thanks to the D-Block student section for showing up and blowing up last night at CBC!!! Your support makes all the difference in the world. @DeSmetJesuitHS #AMDG
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Nothing like seeing my guy engaging and giving back to the community. @CalebMerritt6 @wyo_football #AMDG
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Replying to @reneknottsports
From someone who lives downtown. Crime overall, not that worried. Gunfire and Gun Violence is at an unacceptable level. Our city is beautiful and its people are magnificent. But we have too much access to too many guns and not enough love and responsibility for others.
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Signing Day!!!!
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Tonight was John Burroughs Graduation. Ella Merritt was selected by the faculty to give the commencement speech. She was powerful, eloquent, and inspiring. What a way to end my 12 year run as a parent at Burroughs.
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Eight years ago an 10 year old boy and I started a journey together. So fitting that it will conclude in this same room. I can’t take much credit. He had the dream, drive and dedication. All I did was believe in him and support him. #rideforthebrand
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College Football Coaches. While you are in STL be sure to stop by John Burroughs. I heard recently that we are β€œnot a football school???” With 9 state titles, players on rosters in Big 12 Big 10 ACC and 2 in the NFL... and the best academics in MO!!!
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Thanksgiving Morning. Our hearts are filled with gratitude and our spirits filled with energy. Special Thank You to @HutBridge for being our thanksgiving day speaker!!! @DeSmetJesuitHS #AMDG
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In the last two days I watched two bowl games (Potato & Armed Forces). All four teams had IMPACT players from STL. College Coaches take note. STL is a talent hotbed!!! And not just at the FBS. We have the SWAC Offensive POY, the D2 Rush Yds leader, and many more! #recruitSTL
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When I first got to JBS @GusFrerotte was my locker buddy. When he left, I kept his tag on my locker for sentimental reasons. When I moved my locker to @DeSmetFB this week I just couldn’t leave him behind. Welcome to Spartan Country Gus!!!
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DJ Miller @millerjrjr is already MAKING IMPACT at Iowa State @CycloneFB !!! In 5 games as a true freshman he has 8 Total Tackles, 1 fumble recovery and forced a fumble yesterday against West Virginia. (jersey #24) #bombersnonstop @JBSAthletics
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2022’s. You have to get on college campuses and to college camps this summer!!! You will never get the job if you don’t think it’s important to show up for the interview.
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.@EzekielElliott becomes the 8th player in NFL history to rush for 4,000 yards in his first 40 career games. (via Elias Sports Bureau)
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21 years ago tonight, on a snowy New Years Eve in StL, I married the prettiest girl in town. I knew that she was the love of my life, but I had no idea how great a life with her would be, and what a great mother she would become. Happy Anniversary Tamala @HighlyMerritted!!!
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College Football Coaches: When you don’t choose our kids, you want us to manage our emotions and refocus that athlete positively. All while maintaining our relationship with you for the next kid down the line. Please remember to reciprocate when our kid doesn’t choose you.
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Thank you Coach Mahoney for delivering a message about GRATITUDE to our guys on Thanksgiving Day. And for presenting the "Mahoney Cup" to this year's ALL-MCC Athletes.
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How it started.... How it's going. I can't wait to take one of these in Laradise! @CalebMerritt6 @CoachCBohl @WyoFBRecruiting
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Apple showed me this photo today as it was exactly a year ago that I took it. So let’s use it as a reminder… even though I now coach @DeSmetFB if you ever played for me anywhere, anytime in any sport. You can still count on me if you find yourself in need. Same dude; same πŸ“ž.
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High School Coaches and Trainers who love taking credit when a kid gets an offer, let’s show that same energy and have accountability for the kids that don’t get offers!!! The reality is that the ATHLETE got themselves the offer. Stop trying to make your name on a kids back.
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When you see @DeSmetFB in the Baby Blue jerseys then something special is going to happen. Two weeks ago we donated over 3000 pounds of canned goods to St. Patrick Center. Today we will donate even more. #AMDG #GreatIgnatianChallenge #MenForOthers
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Replying to @tfenton314
COVID year bonus eligibility added to that as well.
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League game last night. Big win for the Spartans. Up at 3am. 862 miles and in my seat in Laramie in time to see my guy for pre game warmups. #BlessedAndGrateful
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St Louis Football Coaches: I will be @GlazierClinics all weekend. If you believe that I am recruiting an athlete from your roster. Please find me and let’s have a conversation. I believe this is one of the biggest issues in our coaching community and I would like to resolve it.
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GRADUATION DAY!!!! I am so proud of my guys 2024. @DeSmetFB #AMDG
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Seeing this kid living out his dreams is one of the great joys in life.
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One of my favorite things about working @DeSmetJesuitHS .... these dudes!!!!
πŸ†πŸ†πŸ†
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College Coaches. Recruiting season is coming shortly. If you made promises to my athletes and their families that you did not keep, or you did any of my kids dirty since recruiting them, do not expect a warm reception. Your character matters to me even when it’s β€œbusiness.”
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Get with an AD that is a match to your level of competitiveness. If he wants it more, you will always feel pressured. If he wants it less, you will always feel disappointed. When it’s a match you will be working together toward a common goal.
Head Football Coaches: If you could go back in time and tell yourself one piece of advice before you started your first head coaching job, what would it be?
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Congrats DJ!! @millerjrjr @IowaStateFB @JBSAthletics #bombersnonstop
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Until next time….
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BREAKING NEWS: I have resigned my post as Head Girls Basketball Coach at JBS and now I will actively lead the charge to find a replacement. The program is STOCKED with tip-top basketball talent and we want a coach to match!!! Apply: bit.ly/3adMMc0 or DM me for info
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Santa brought me some new gear!!! From places that my athletes have gone to play from the last few seasons. I still need a Wash U and a Chicago... but I am otherwise set up very nicely.
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Best student section in town!!! BY FAR. Thanks for the endless support guys!!! #DBlock
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Things I've learned for football from coaching other sports: 1. Possessions are the most important factor in a game (basketball) 2. Technique, strength and toughness can overpower athleticism (wrestling) 3. Try to PEAK your team during the postseason (track)
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Spent most of the last 72 hours planning my classes for the fall. In-Person /Virtual /Hybrid /Online??? As a football coach I am accustomed to carrying multiple plans into the game. I don't know for sure what plan we will use... but we will DOMINATE in the classroom FOR SURE!!!
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Gratitude: I spent the last two days learning football from our @DeSmetFB coaching staff. The commitment to growth was overwhelming; the expertise in the room was humbling. I am lucky to lead this group. @DeSmetJesuitHS #AMDG
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Two things occurred in the last two days that make me very proud. 1. Spartans travelled to Rock Bridge. Faced down a very strong opponent and earned a final four berth. 2. Spartans completed a six week food drive that brought in 35000 lbs of food. #AMDG trib.al/AJ4MYpv
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How it started…. How it’s going… @jhmerritt3 @HowardU @HU_COAS #HU22
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Enjoyed my time in Wyoming.
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Big thanks to @JackieJKersee62 for stopping by to recognize Madison Fuller on signing day!!! WOW!!! #bombersnonstop
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After a tough game last night on Senior Night, woke up early and flew to Denver and now driving to Laramie to see my guy @CalebMerritt6 but I know I’d better get my game stats done on this drive so I don’t get called out by @GSV_STL and the other internet guys!!!! #coachlife
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In 1998 I coached Terrence Curry in a state semifinal football game for Kirkwood. Today I had the pleasure to nominate him for Class 3 Coach of the Year!!! @trinity_titans @wadefamily15 @mike_havener @Principal_Irvin @JBSAthletics #thisgameisspecial
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Signing Day!!!!
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The 2021 campaign ended for us earlier than we wanted. And we also lost a few more games than we would have liked. That doesn’t change the fact that we learned to win at LIFE. I am so grateful to our seniors, coaches, players and parents for 2021. @JBSFootball @JBSAthletics
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I would like to give a final salute to my JBS Football Seniors 2019 as they graduate from @JBSchool. Some of them will play college football, some will not. I love them all!!! As a group they have been the definition of student-athletes. #undefeatedintheclassroom #bombersnonstop
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Five things to do in 2024 if you want to be awesome: 1. listen more than you speak 2. mend a broken relationship 3. put your phone down and go outside 4. help someone who needs it, expect nothing in return 5. pray
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When I was a kid all my Dad ever wanted was a Silver Jeep Cherokee. Much later he was able to get his β€œdream ride” only to pass away within 18 mos. He left me the car and I ride with his memory daily. I always hoped that I would be able to put 200K miles on his ride! #keeprollin
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DJ Miller @millerjrjr wins the Junior National Elite Award!!!! A well deserved award to an incredible player and leader. @JBSAthletics @IowaStateFB @MOFBCA @STLhssports @GSV_STL #bombersnonstop
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Lessons for Life: 1. Love your neighbor 2. Love your enemy 3. Forgive 4. Serve others 5. Have FAITH!!! #AMDG
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On graduation day @JBSchool I give a final salute to my 2020 Football Seniors. Some will play college football, some will not. I LOVE THEM ALL!!! They are scholars, they are gentleman, and they are leaders. @JBSAthletics #undefeatedintheclassroom #bombersnonstop
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Spent this morning at the Elite Football Combine. I love to watch kids compete!!! I am blessed to be able to do this for a living. #AMDG
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Foye tried to run that all the way back to John Burroughs!!!
Mahomes gets picked off at the goal line 😱 (via @NFL)
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College Coaches. Many of you have gotten to spring football and realized that your longsnapper is NOT up to par. DM me! @andrewmacstl is a high rated @KohlsKicking snapper. Uncommitted β€˜24 with a very strong GPA.
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🚨 College Football Coaches: The De Smet Football summer prospect guide was just sent to your email. Dozens of quality football players to compete at every level. If you did not receive it, DM or text me and I will get it to you. Transcripts available upon request. #AMDG
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On Graduation Day I salute our JBS Football seniors. Some will play college football, others will not. They are all so special to me!!! They graduate with an avg GPA of 3.93...I couldn’t be prouder!!! @jbschool @jbsathletics #undefeatedintheclassroom #bombersnonstop
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Mylin Johnson!!! @jbsathletics @jbschool @jbsfootball #bombersnonstop
Mylin Johnson β€˜96 was a dual sport standout for @KenyonFootball and @KenyonBball. A two time All-NCAC selection in football, he holds the single season record for interceptions in a season (7) and ranks second in career interceptions (13). #BlackHistoryMonth #GoLords
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Welcome to Halftime! My new podcast about football and life. Preview is below. Click for full episode. piped.video/wFyJglLVhVE?si=IfeZ…
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Six weeks into this COVID return process and we are still here. Phase 1. Phase 2. Masks. Gloves. Hand Sanatizer. Thermometers. Disinfectant. Social Distancing. Small Groups. Contact Tracing. We will do whatever it takes. @JBSFootball @JBSAthletics #LEO
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Saturday afternoons in Laramie are top tier.
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Believing the hype is a quick road to complacency and mediocracy. Thank you @MaxPreps for recognizing us… Spartans: back to work!
The best high school football team from all 50 states entering the 2024 season. πŸ”₯🏈 Full story ⬇️ maxpreps.com/news/wpIjoCNIck…
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Just about ready @JBSAthletics @JBSchool
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Great Job @SteepDiesel
Congratulations to @LSUfootball corners coach @SteepDiesel on being named to the 2024 AFCA 35 Under 35 Class 🏈
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Thank you Seniors!
Beautiful night to celebrate our @DeSmetFB #Seniors #ThankYou for 4 great years and good luck at the next level Thank You parents for all the sacrifices and commitment you’ve made for these young men #AMDG @DeSmet_ADBarker @JHMerrittJr @STLhssports
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Let’s Go!!!!!!
β€œOh the places you’ll go…” My family and I are excited to join the @DeSmetJesuitHS and @DeSmetFB community as a religion teacher and asst fb coach with my friend @JHMerrittJr. I look forward to helping with faith formation in the program and doing my part to mold leaders.
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A football team should achieve on the field, in the classroom and in the community. We are working to live up to the standard.
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Couldn’t be prouder of this kid.
No. 19: Merritt's mind, talent make him a two-way threat for John Burroughs stltoday.com/sports/high-sch…
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Winning on the field is special... winning in the classroom is special... doing them both is ELITE!
This year @MSHSAAOrg started honoring the top teams in the state by academics. "DISTINGUISHED" is the highest attainable level. #AMDG
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Replying to @The_Coach_A
13 personnel 4 bunch on 1 yard line
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Since 2016, no running back has gained more yards after contact than Ezekiel Elliott
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College Football Coaches!!! Spring Practices are starting soon @DeSmetFB mark your calendars, make your plans!!! We have players at all positions and for all levels of football. #AMDG
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FOOTBALL has introduced me to so many incredible people. Given so many opportunities. Taken me to places I never even imagined, and provided for my family in abundance over the years. I am forever grateful to the GAME. And I will always treat it with the utmost respect. #grateful
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I really enjoyed speaking today at the @DeSmetFB Coaches Clinic. Great atmosphere, great fellowship, great program. #AMDG
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I’m posted up in the YucatΓ‘n for a few days. Reading, solitude, reflection. Occasional tweeting.
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