Football Coaching Staff Announces Additions
12/14/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nichols spent the last three seasons at Appalachian State coaching a receiving corps that was one of the most prolific in school and Southern Conference history. Under Nichols guidance, Davon Fowlkes set school and conference records for receptions, receiving yards and all-purpose yards last season, while leading NCAA I-AA in all three categories.
Prior to his tenure at Appalachian State, Nichols was an assistant at Sacred Heart University (2001-02), coaching the first player to be drafted in Northeast Conference History, Devern Johnson, a sixth round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2002 NFL Draft.
Nichols also spent the 2001 season as a graduate assistant at East Carolina University, where he also was a four-year letter winner and the schools all-time leading receiver as a player from 1994-97, earning a bachelors degree in business education. While a student-athlete at East Carolina, Nichols played under Martin, who was the Pirates offensive coordinator. Nichols caught 152 passes in his career for 1,557 yards and played in back-to-back Liberty Bowls. He signed with the Hamilton Tiger Cats of the Canadian Football League and later played with the Carolina Cobras of the Arena Football League.
"Were thrilled to have someone of Jasons caliber join our staff," said Martin. "Having coached him at East Carolina and playing in this particular offensive system, I know he will have a great impact teaching our players."
After a standout four-year career at Kent State, Booker entered the coaching ranks as a graduate assistant last fall, working with the defensive backs and scout teams. He was a student assistant in 2003. He earned a bachelors degree in marketing from Kent State and is working towards his masters degree in sports management.
"Scott played here at Kent State and then spent a year coaching with us last fall and has knowledge and a great understanding of the program," Martin added. "He is very dedicated to KSU football and it is always great to be able to have an alumnus on our staff."
Filling the graduate assistant position formerly held by Booker is former Miami University standout Matt Edwards. Edwards joined the Kent State staff last year and coordinated the teams video department.
"Matt did a great job last year working with our video, added Martin. "Being a former player in the Mid-American Conference he has a unique experience to share with our players and will be an asset to our staff."
Nichols and Booker fill the spots vacated by former assistants Dan Kratzer and Lonnie Messick.
