January 3, 2013

Craig headed home after all


AUBURN -- Gus Malzahn knew he wanted Dameyune Craig to coach the Tigers' quarterbacks.


He refused to take no for an answer.


The former Auburn quarterback, who spurned an offer to coach at his alma mater last month, has reversed course and will become the Tigers' receivers coach. Craig, 38, has been at Florida State since 2010, where he worked with his mentor, Jimbo Fisher.
The two men first met at Auburn where Fisher served as quarterbacks coach and, later, offensive coordinator.


Craig was plucked from a job South Alabama by Fisher, which created a sense loyalty that deeply affected the Mobile native's December decision.


Still, Craig's interest in Auburn remained strong. After Florida State's win over Northern Illinois in the Orange Bowl earlier this week, interest between Craig and Malzahn re-appeared.


Craig perhaps is known best for his recruiting acumen. He has served as the Seminoles' recruiting coordinator and played a central role in star-studded signing classes in both 2011 and 2012.


FSU's 2011 haul, ranked No. 2 by Rivals, included 15 players considered four- or five-star talents. The program's 2012 signing class was ranked No. 6 overall and included a trio of five-star recruits.


Craig signed with Auburn in 1993 out of Blount High and spent the 1994 and '95 seasons as Patrick Nix's understudy. He earned the starting job throughout the 1996 and 1997 seasons, which yielded an overall record of 18-7 with a pair of bowl wins.







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