Taylor named offensive assistant football coach

New Orleans native Dwayne Taylor has been named an offensive assistant coach with the Bulldog football program.

Taylor, who will serve as running backs and slot backs coach for the Bulldogs, comes to Holmes Community College from Texas Wesleyan University where he served for two seasons as wide receiver coach and recruiting coordinator. Prior to going to Texas Wesleyan he worked at Trinity International University as defensive backs coach, recruiting coordinator and special teams coordinator.

He has experience on the high school level as well serving as head coach at Delta Charter School in Ferriday, La. He also served as defensive coordinator at Wilkinson County High School in Mississippi and associate head coach and offensive coordinator at St. Helena High School in Louisiana.

"The biggest decision in me coming to Holmes was to be able to work for a coach that cares for you like family," Taylor said. "From our first conversation Coach (Raymond) Gross gave off the vibe that family and football are equal. Also the fact that we are a program that will compete for the playoffs every year.

"I really just want to thank Coach Gross, Coach Wood, as well as Dr. Haffey for believing in me," he said. "It's going to be a pleasure working for such an awesome school and great staff. They saw something in me and I won't let them down. I'm very appreciative for them bringing me on."

Coach Gross said Taylor is a great addition for the Bulldog coaching staff.

"In the grand scheme of things we wanted the best fit for our program that means energy wise, being young enough to relate to the guys and his coaching abilities," Gross said. "Having experience on both sides of the ball for me was a key in the decision.

"I had a couple of high school coaches calling on his behalf," he said. "After talking to him and seeing where his head was he fit the program best for me at this moment."

Gross said his experience on both sides of the ball and coaching on all levels is an added plus. "When you are talking about getting the right coach in the right position, he has varied experiences. It'll be good to have a coach who coaches the running backs and have a coach in the box that has a defensive background who can get the information to me and Coach Summers on the sidelines a lot faster."

Taylor will also work with special teams.

"My strength as a coach is my ability to build relationships with kids from all backgrounds" Taylor said. "I've been blessed to coach kids from all demographics, and I'm excited to start building relationships with the guys in the running back room as well as the whole team.

"It's always awesome to see the lights shining bright on a Thursday night and when the ball kicks off you literally have no idea who is going to come out on top," he said of the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference. "This is the most competitive college football league in the country. There is really never a clear cut favorite. Any night can be your night, and I'm excited to finally get a chance to coach in the greatest conference in America."

Taylor is a graduate of Alcorn State University earning a bachelor's degree in recreation. He played safety for the Braves and was a four-year letterman being named special team captain his senior year. He attended McDonogh 35 HS during his prep years and was a two-time All-District selection and All-State selection in his senior year. He also lettered in baseball and track and was a member of the National Honor Society maintaining a 3.4 GPA.