Lawrence Jordan: Florence, AL - The University of North Alabama (UNA) is cleaning up the NCAA Division II Gulf South Conference. Who? Where? Why is this relevant? I know what you are thinking.
The better question would be, "When?" That date would be January 1, 2009, the day Terry Bowden signed with UNA to replace their head football coach Mark Hudspeth, who took a job as passing co-ordinator for Mississippi State.
Bowden immediately used his name recognition, family ties (brought brother Jeff on as WR's coach), and 111-53-2 coaching record to real in some Division I FBS transfers, many of whom are from the ACC.
Among the recognizable names who transfered to UNA: Harrison Beck (NCSU), Richie Rich (UNC), Kenton Thornton (UNC), and Preston Parker (FSU). Other FBS schools represented on the transfer list include: Miami, Texas, Pitt, WVU, Illinois, and Louisville.
Apparently 10 years away from coaching and past NCAA violations are forgivable when athletes are given a second chance at glory.
UNA finished 2008 with a 12-2 record, an appearance in the national semi-final, and a #3 National ranking in the Division II polls. They returned a stingy defense from 2008, but lacked experience and talent at many offensive positions.
Enter Terry Bowden and his stable of ACC experienced players and now the 2009 UNA Lions are again #3 in the polls with 4-0 record while averaging 46 points per game and holding their opponents to 14 points per game.
Bowden is quoted in UNA's season preview saying, "One of my main interests in coming to a program like UNA is to have the chance to play for a championship."
It appears UNA's 2009 team is off to a great start and have goods odds of acheiving that championship goal. Speaking of odds, who knows...maybe he's found the next Willie Parker?
What's without question, is the Lions can credit their "clean up" to Bowden and his diligent sweeping up of disgruntled Division I players, many of which were displaced by ACC coaching regime changeovers.
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