Former Morehead State (Ky.) standout Wes McDermott is in his second season as the linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator at UVa-Wise.
In addition to overseeing the recruiting efforts of the football program, the coach personally recruits the Richmond, Va. area. Last offseason, McDermott oversaw the recruitment of over 40 student-athletes.
A year ago, McDermott was part of a defensive coaching staff that produced All-American linebacker Zachary Blair and All-MEC defensive back Ed Kargbo. The unit ranked second in the conference against the run at 100.1 rushing yards allowed per game while being third in the MEC in getting off on the field on third down as opponents converted just 32.8 percent of third down opportunities in 2016.
A three-time all-conference honoree, McDermott was named the Pioneer Football League’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2009. That same season he earned AP Third-Team All-America acclaim.
He finished his collegiate career with 316 tackles, including 48 stops for loss. He finished his career 19th in FCS history in TFLs and 24th in TFLs per game.
McDermott spent time with three Indoor Football League Teams – the La Crosse (Wis.) Spartans, Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Titans and Allen (Texas) Wranglers.
Prior to coming to UVa-Wise, he has served as defensive backs coach at his alma mater for three seasons. In his final season, the Eagles ranked third in turnover margin at +13 among all FCS schools while ranking sixth nationally in interceptions with 18.
During his three-year stint at Morehead State, the defense produced 14 all-conference selections as well as All-American Justin Grier.
In 2011 and 2012, the coach worked individually with high school athletes at Personal Trainers World in Cincinnati. He earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Morhead State in 2010.
