James Jennings

Everywhere we coach we instill a simple phrase, “I love you, Say it back”.  We begin by investing time and energy into our players, getting to know and understand them and telling them that we love them.  It usually takes some time, but eventually they learn that we mean what we say, we truly care about them.  Eventually, what they hear and see becomes what they believe and trust in.  It's common to hear one of our coaches yell across the room, "Say it back," and hear a kid respond, "I love you coach!"   You know you've established a great culture when you hear the players exchanging the mantra, or even better when the fans are greeting each other the same way. 

Military Service

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United States Navy "90-94"

E-4 Petty Officer 3rd Class

CTT - Cryptologic Tech

Stationed at Ft. Meade MD assigned to the National Security Agency (NSA)

Non-Soviet Satellite Communications

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Work Experience

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Children's Homes of Cleveland County

House parent at a home for at-risk youth

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Redemption Outreach Church

Lead Pastor for 12 years

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Communities in Schools of Cleveland County (Shelby, NC)

Site Coordinator, Kings Mountain & Crest Middle Schools

collaborating with parents, educators, community-based organizations, and district leaders to help our students overcome obstacles and succeed in school and life

supervised after school program that focused on STEAM activities.  The program began with an average attendance of 12 and grew to over 120 students with a waiting list.

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Covington County Schools

Paraprofessional for special education

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Opp City Schools

Alternative School Instructor

ELA teacher, primarily 11th & 12th grade literature

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Floyd County Schools

Physical Education Instructor, Weight Training Coach

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Personal Information

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Married to Nicole Bradley for 34 years

Nicole is a Concept Designer for Shaw industries currently working towards her degree in Architectural Design

Four children, four grandchildren

Both boys were selected All-State during their high school careers, Cole Jennings was a 2x All-State selection

Both boys played college football

Cole started TE/Plug at Miles College (HBCU)

Gray started QB as a freshman at Millsaps throwing for 1765 yds 13td before transferring to Shorter

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Football Experience

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Head Coach, Pepperell Middle School

7-0 Record, Outscored opponents 251-49

Championship game: Held 5-1 opponent to 0 first downs, No completions, Total Yards surrendered -85

Recruited and trained 13 Community Coaching volunteers

Connected with Berry College and Shorter University to provide game day experiences for our players

Established a highly successful off-season workout/conditioning program 

Established the First ever Booster Club for a middle school in Floyd County

Obtained 501-C3 status

Raised 20K dollars

Sponsored end of summer players retreat​

Paid for new uniforms

Purchased much needed equipment including helmets and shoulder pads

Provided team meals for football players and cheerleaders (first time ever)

Planned, organized, and covered the cost of the end of the year banquet

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Assistant Coach, Opp High School

Earned a playoff berth every year on staff

Spent several weeks in the top 10 reaching a high as #3

Regularly finished the season in the top 15 3A

Coached LB/Corner positions on defense 

Coached WR/QB positions on offense

defense has held opponents to 15.1 PPG.

2021’s was a top-10 3A defense holding opposing offenses to 12.3 PPG.

The last two season’s defenses created 42 turnovers (26 INTs, 18

         fumbles), averaging right at 2 turnovers per game while recording 56
         sacks (2.5 per game), as well as 175 tackles for loss (8 per game).

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Head JV Coach/Assistant Coach, Florala High School (1A)

Coached WR's on Varsity

5-1 JV record, only loss coming against a 5A school

Varsity averaged 30.4 pts per game

BA Interdisciplinary Studies minor Education