Friday, February 8, 2008

UNT football hires Buckels as cornerbacks coach

By Pegasus News wire

University of North Texas head football coach Todd Dodge announced Thursday the hiring of Carlton Buckels as the Mean Green’s new cornerbacks coach.

Buckels spent the last three seasons as the defensive backs coach at New Mexico State University. In his three years at New Mexico State, Buckels helped guide several Aggie defensive backs to stellar seasons. Free safety Matt Griebel was ninth in the nation in tackles per game with 12.5 during Buckels’ first season with New Mexico State in 2005. Buckels oversaw the development of 2006 second team All-WAC selection Courtney Bryan. In 2006, Bryan tallied four interceptions and ranked 10th in the NCAA in passes defended with 14.

“We are thrilled to be hiring a coach with the wealth of experience and the understanding of the position that Coach Buckels brings,” Dodge said. “His playing experience combined with his understanding of coaching made him the obvious choice to lead our cornerbacks. We are excited to introduce him to the team and we look forward to having him here for spring practice.”

Prior to New Mexico State, Buckels worked in the same capacity at Southeastern Louisiana and Delta State University. Before he arrived at Southeastern, the Lions ranked 90th in pass defense in Division I Football Championship Subdivision. After Buckels’ tutelage in 2004, Southeastern finished the season ranked 52nd in the nation, allowing 226 passing yards per game.

Buckels got his start in collegiate coaching at his alma mater, Louisiana State University. The former LSU star served as graduate assistant under both Nick Saban and Gerry DiNardo working with both the defensive secondary and special teams.

Following a prestigious high school career at Amite High School in Louisiana, Buckles went on to play cornerback for LSU from 1989-92. As a junior for the Tigers, Buckles was named team captain and special teams MVP.

Source: UNT

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