Hunt Co., TX - Schools - Demetrius Rector *********************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: "Sarah Swindell" Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************** Demetrius Rector Rector Joins Staff at Leonard After Collegiate Career By David Claybourn Herald Banner Sports Editor LEONARD -- When the Leonard Tigers want to know what it's like to play running back or defensive back in college they only have to ask new assistant coach Demetrius Rector. Rector, an all-Lone Star Conference defensive back and running back at Texas A&M University-Commerce during the past three seasons, has joined the Leonard coaching staff as an assistant under new head coach Gerald James. However, the former Celeste Blue Devil is also keeping his options open as far as professional football goes. "I still keep myself in shape because I never know when I'm getting a call," he said. Rector had hoped to land with an NFL team this year after rushing for 1,167 yards and eight touchdowns with the 7-4 A&M-Commerce Lions in 2001. Rector was also an all-conference safety for the Lions in 2000 and 1999 after playing one season at Southwest Baptist in Missouri. Rector, who was not drafted, said he attended a Chicago Bears' mini-camp in May but the Bears "had a lot of running backs" so he had to look elsewhere for a chance to play professional football. He also recently attended a tryout camp in Lewisville for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. Rector said he clocked a 4.4 time in the 40-yard dash at that camp. "I did well so that goes in the computer," he said. "I talked to my agent. I'm on peoples' short list if anybody gets hurt." In the meantime Rector, who graduated in May from A&M-Commerce with a degree in kiniseology and health, decided to get into coaching. After all, he has to take care of a family. He and wife Sharon, who grew up in Greenville and Wolfe City, have two children, including daughter Sierra, 4, and a son Jalen, 1. James, who is returning to his alma mater to coach following a successful stint at Colorado City, found out about Rector from Eddie Brister, another former Leonard Tiger who's the head football coach at A&M-Commerce. "He couldn't have given him a better recommendation," James said. James said Rector is a "strong asset" for the Tigers' coaching staff. The first-year coach is working with running backs on offense and safeties on defense. "He can be a great model for some of our kids," James said. "He's a hard-working individual. That's got to rub off." Rector said he's loving coaching. "I know a lot of football," he said. "It's being able to relate to the kids and get your point across what you want to do. "Sometimes it's frustrating," he said. "I'm not the best athlete and I'm not the worst. I want them to be like me." Ah, but there was only one Demetrius Rector at Celeste, though his younger brothers Jamaica and Andre' were also standout football players for the Blue Devils. Demetrius' considerable skills as a running back, linebacker and defensive back helped the Blue Devils reach the state semifinals in 1997. Celeste and Leonard used to be bitter rivals back in the 1960s though the rivalry has cooled. "I played them once in junior high," Rector said of the Leonard Tigers. "I don't call it a rival. I feel like I'm at home." The only thing that would take him away from his new home would be a call from a NFL team needing his services. (August 18, 2002, The Greenville Herald Banner)