A look at the coaches at the National Development Games in Canton

By Neil Freeman | Posted 7/3/2014

USA Football is hosting National Development Games in four locations this month, starting with the event this week in Canton, Ohio. More than 200 top sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders from across the nation are practicing at Walsh University in preparation for Saturday’s games at Fawcett Stadium, next door to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Players were drafted onto four teams, which will practice and play together throughout the event. Coaches include current college coaches, former NFL players and top high school coaches, bringing a wealth of knowledge and insight into the game.

Here’s a look at the coaching staffs for each team and a closer look at one per squad:

USA Blue

Jason Sparks, Portsmouth (Ohio) High School, head coach/quarterbacks

Jordan Koehler, Anna Maria College (Mass.), receivers

Butler Benton, Notre Dame, running backs

Tim Thornton, Peoria (Ill.) High School, offensive line

Antwon Murchison, Pinecrest (N.C.) High School, defensive line

Chad Hammond, Portsmouth (Ohio) High School, linebackers

Edwyn Edwards, Holy Cross, defensive backs

Butler Benton played running back for the University of Cincinnati from 2004-08, rushing for 1,736 yards and 11 touchdowns during a career that included being named Freshman All-Conference. He is a player development coach at Notre Dame.

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USA White

Mike Ridings, University of Indianapolis, head coach/quarterbacks

Blaise Holzer, Ohio Dominican, receivers

Kenny Johnson, Millikin (Ill.) College, running backs

Ben Ehret, Northern State (S.D.), offensive line

Jonathan Smith, Lindsey Wilson University (Ky.), defensive line

Kyle Weigleb, New Albany (Ind.) High School, linebackers

Charles Love, University of Indianapolis, defensive backs

Mike Ridings is the tight ends and running backs coach for the University of Indianapolis, an NCAA Division II program. Previously, he worked for the University of Kentucky as the assistant director of recruiting. Ridings started his coaching career on the Indiana University staff (2006-08), helping the Hoosiers snap a 14-year bowl game drought.  

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USA Red

Clarence Martin, Robert Lee (Texas) High School, head coach/quarterbacks

Terill Anderson, Robert Lee (Texas) High School, receivers

Joseph Sebestyen, Robert Lee (Texas) High School, offensive line

Tommy Polley, Baltimore St. Francis High School, defensive line

Chadwick Louisville, Robert Lee High School, linebackers

Kevin Brown, Kansas City Piper Middle School and USA Football Master Trainer, defensive backs

Tommy Polley attended Florida State University, where he was selected first-team All-ACC twice and finished his college career with 289 tackles (170 solo). As a defensive captain, he helped the Seminoles to the 2001 national championship game, then was drafted in the second round by the St. Louis Rams. Polley had a six-year NFL career, including seasons with the Rams, Baltimore Ravens, and New Orleans Saints.

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USA Silver

Fabien Bownes, NFL alumni, head coach/receivers

Corey Valentine, Brooklyn Boys and Girls High School, quarterbacks

Ryan Struthers, UMass-Dartmouth, running backs

Nick Marmo, New Castle (Pa.) High School, offensive line

Rob Sturgis, Anna Maria College (Mass.), defensive line

Logan Williams, Shepherd University (D.C.), linebackers

Michael Middleton, Cincinnati Princeton High School, defensive backs

Fabien Bownes spent eight seasons (1995-2002) as a wide receiver in the NFL with the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks. He is also a two-time Olympic Trials qualifier in the 100 meter dash. 

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