Talent
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Transplant
Charles Huff
Photo by Austin O ' Connor .
SAMANTHA CART
In celebration of those who have adopted our Mountain Mama as their own , “ Talent Transplant ” recognizes Mountaineers who were born elsewhere but relocated here , embraced our beloved state and now help us work toward a brighter future .
“ We believe in our family that a place is what you make it .”
Charles Huff grew up on a small farm in Denton , MD . Since then , he has lived in a variety of places — including Hampton , VA ; Starkville , MS ; State College , PA ; and Tuscaloosa , AL — as he pursued his passion for playing and coaching football .
In January , that passion brought him to Huntington , WV , when he was named the 30th head football coach at Marshall University — a move he believes was divinely planned for him .
“ I had zero reservations about moving my family here ,” he says . “ I believe when you take a job , you have to look at the whole picture , not just part of it . For me , a university with such great tradition and history was an unbelievable opportunity . One of the things that drew me here was the close-knit community and the love and passion for the university . In my opinion , it rivals some major colleges .”
Huff had visited the Mountain State once before while serving as associate head coach and running backs coach for the University of Alabama . He traveled with Alabama head coach and West Virginia native Nick Saban last year to visit a recruit .
Photo by University of Alabama Athletics .
“ While we were traveling , Saban gave me the rundown on the state ,” he recalls . “ When this job came up later , he said , ‘ I think it is a great opportunity . I want to make sure you understand , though , to be careful . Huntington is one of those places where you go and fall in love . Then one day you look up , and it ’ s 15 years later and you are still there . It is one of those places that grabs you and wraps you up .’”
Huff ’ s diverse background has laid a strong foundation for his new role as head coach . He was a walk-on at Hampton University who earned a full scholarship and has since garnered 17 years of coaching experience in various roles at both the NFL and collegiate levels .
His resume includes coaching positions at the University of Alabama , Mississippi State University , Penn State University , Western Michigan University , Vanderbilt University , Hampton University , University of Maryland and Tennessee State University , as well as assistant running backs coach for the Buffalo Bills .
“ I fully understand the maturation process ,” he says . “ I have been everybody in that locker room — a walk-on , a scholarship player , a backup , a starter and a coach . I think it helps me relate to the players . My college coach was very driven about turning young boys into men and teaching lessons that are not only useful in football but things you need to know in life . I still use a lot of those tools and learning lessons today .”
Huff believes his experience allows him to see all sides of the game , as well as the different personalities of each group of players .
“ From an Xs and Os standpoint , I have great knowledge because I have
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