Former Ohio State running back Pepe Pearson was a star running back for the Buckeyes in the mid-90s. Since retiring from his playing days, Pearson has stayed connected to the game he loves, teaching and coaching subsequent generations. After a two-year stint with Eddie George at Tennessee State, Pearson is moving on to a new challenge to lead the running backs at Tarleton State University in Texas.
Head coach, Todd Whitten seems very pleased with his new hire. He had glowing remarks about Pearson.
We’re very blessed to be able to hire Pepe, a highly, highly decorated player back in the mid-90s. He’s been highly recommended by every head coach he’s ever worked for, so I feel very fortunate to get him at this late day. I think he’s going to be really good for our backs. It’s always good when a guy has played the position at the highest level to continue coaching that. He’s just a really good hire for us and he’s an equally good person. I’m excited and looking forward to working with him. – Todd Whitten
We’ve hired Pepe Pearson to lead our running backs, a former star RB himself at Ohio State who has spent the last 22 seasons coaching backs at the collegiate level 🔥
Welcome @CoachPepPearson ‼️
Story: https://t.co/Js4eFYMlPQ pic.twitter.com/7qHkQScCWb
— Tarleton Football (@TarletonFB) June 23, 2023
During his time in Columbus, Pearson was a backup to George. But Ohio State didn’t miss a beat after Eddie left for the NFL. Pearson picked up the mantle and ran for nearly 1500 yards and 17 touchdowns and helped lead the Buckeyes to a 1997 Rose Bowl victory. After his days in Scarlet and Gray, Pearson spent time with the Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cleveland Browns.
The Texans are a Division I program that is part of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).
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