GHSF Daily asked Georgia head coaches to answer these four questions. We'll report from a different head coach each day.
Jody Grooms, Wayne County
1. Who is/was the most influential person in your coaching career? "Ed Emory. Coach Emory took a chance on me and hired me out of college to coach his secondary at Anson High School in Wadesboro, N.C. He would say, 'You might give out trying to motivate, inspire and coach a kid, but don't you ever give up trying to motivate, inspire or coach a kid.' Coach Emory believed in kids. He taught me to look beyond the flaws and 'focus on the gem.'"
2. Who is the best Georgia player you ever faced? "Donquell 'Gator' Green from Burke County High School. The kid was absolutely amazing. He was a human highlight film. He and his team have made us better coaches and have helped us improve our program."
3. What is the best team you ever faced as a coach? "Charlotte Independence was the best team that I have ever coached against. Chris Leak, Mohamed Massaquoi and Mario Raley were just a few of the reasons. Charlotte Independence won over 100 football games in a row and just seemed to be ahead of the curve when it came to coaching, strength training and the ability to attract top-flight athletes to a metro area school. They had such a great program for such a long time."
4. If you were Gary Phillips, the new head of the GHSA, what would be the first rule that you would try to change? "I would love to see a panel of GHSA officials, coaches and athletic directors assemble shortly after each season to discuss items of concern. All of the major stakeholders in the equation need an opportunity to address concerns and look for ways to improve this wonderful game that we have."
Produced by Georgia High School Football Daily, a free e-mail newsletter. To join the mailing list, click here.
About the Author
