Former Minden High and University of Arkansas-Monticello quarterback Hunter Leppert has been hired as an offensive assistant at Minden, where he will begin his coaching career under head coach Spencer Heard.
“I was excited when they called me about the job,” Leppert said. “I’ve always thought about being a coach. When I came out of school I thought I was tired of the game, but being away from it for a few months, I realized I wanted to get back into it. Where better to do that than Minden?”
Leppert, who is coaching receivers this season, will be well-known by many in the stands. He started two seasons for the Tide in 2010 and 2011, breaking six passing records and tossing 44 touchdowns in his time as starter.
Leppert’s eye should be valuable in the film room and on Friday nights. He said he and Heard, a former wide receiver at Louisiana Tech, have talked at length about the Tide offense and how Leppert can help.
“I feel I can share a bit of my knowledge from playing the game,” Leppert said. “I think I’ll learn a lot from coach Heard too. He’s an offensive guy.”
Being a former quarterback, Leppert should be able to aid in the progression of Antonio Rivette, the Tide’s third-year quarterback.
“Tony’s a really good kid,” Leppert said. “The few times I’ve been with him he seems really coachable; he wants to learn.
He’s always wanting to stay after practice to work on this throw or that, talk about reads. I just feel like getting in the film room with him I can offer him a lot.”
Leppert will coach in his first game when the Tide open their season Sept. 2, against Southwood in The Pit.