In the FCS Huddle: Coker up to challenge of building at UTSA

Jul 13, 2011 - 1:59 PM Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - It's been five years since Larry Coker last coached at the collegiate level.

But, the 2001 BCS Championship-winning coach with Miami (Fla.) has been busy, building a program at the University of Texas San Antonio.

"It's been very fast. We were just joking about that how just the other day it used to be at 600, 500 days on the countdown clock and now it's under two months," Coker said.

Officially introduced as the first head coach in program history on March 6, 2009, Coker has already taken steps in the right direction to make sure the program can't only complete, but also win some games this season.

It was one of the main reasons Coker got the job, instead of fellow finalists Paul Randolph and Mel Tjeersdma.

"We are so very fortunate that it just so happens that we found a very solid person, coach and citizen that has a pedigree that's pretty special. This was a call for someone that has the maturity, experience and the values to build something from scratch," UTSA Athletic Director Lynn Hickey said at the press conference introducing Coker.

"The reason he's here is because of the kind of person he is and the level of coaching expertise he has."

Each of Coker's first two recruiting classes had nine all-state selections and the former national coach of the year has compiled a coaching staff that has more than 125 years of collegiate coaching experience.

That combination will finally be unveiled Sept. 3 when the Roadrunners host Northeastern State in the Alamodome.

"It's been buzzing in the area," projected starting quarterback Eric Soza said. "We're fired up for the season to start and bring college football to a major market in San Antonio."

Like many of his teammates, Soza - a transfer from Texas State - chose to become a Roadrunner because of the high-profile coach driving the program.

"I really didn't anticipate that, for us coaches that's past history and we don't relive it much," Coker said. "But, many of the people who've come here have talked about my pedigree and now I've got to prove to those people I was worth their trust."

One thing is for sure, there won't be a championship this year for Coker like his first season at Miami, as the Roadrunners are competing for one season on the FCS level as an independent and are ineligible for the national playoffs. They'll make the jump to the FBS next season and join the Western Athletic Conference.

Even though there isn't a championship to play for, the Roadrunners are still a young, motivated team looking to prove they belong in college football.

"We're going to be a young team, probably the youngest in the NCAA this year, but other teams aren't going to care about that," Soza said. "We'll be playing against teams with fifth-year seniors and we need to step up and play."

Besides practice, the only collegiate experience for the Roadrunners' roster is 7-on-7 games against local Division II teams and the spring game last April - a 7-0 victory by the offense.

While Soza is expected to lead the offense - like he did in the spring game, connecting with wide receiver Jake Wanamaker for a 24-yard touchdown - the defense should have standouts in defensive back Jeremy Hall and defensive end William Ritter, who combined for 16 tackles and an interception in the spring game.

Despite the Roadrunners' age and inexperience, Coker was adamant about pointing out there are still high expectations entering the inaugural season.

"We are going to coach these guys the same way we would someone at Ohio State or Miami," Coker said. "Are they as good yet? No, but we're going to coach them to be the best of their abilities and compete for wins."