ORANGEBURG, SC--During Bulldog Spring Football we had a chance to sit down with Running Back coach Rashard Alston.  Alston is in his first season on the SC State football coaching staff. He comes to Bulldog Country from Bluefield State University where he served as the Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks coach for the 2023 season. In his previous role as Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks coach at Bluefield State University, Alston led the Big Blue Offense to remarkable improvements in 2023. Under his guidance, total offense increased by an impressive 850 yards, and total touchdowns saw a significant boost of 10. The passing game flourished, with an increase of over 700 yards and 10 more passing touchdowns. Prior to Bluefield State University, he served as an Offensive Graduate Assistant at Hastings College. Before starting his coaching career, Alston played running back for a season before converting to linebacker at Newberry College from 2013 to 2017. In his time at Newberry, the Wolves made 3 playoff appearances including an undefeated conference schedule and a conference championship in 2016. To see Alston's complete bio, visit www.scsuathletics.com
 
Q: What made you decide to coach for South Carolina State?
A: It was like a homecoming for me.  I grew up coming to SC State games with my parents who are alums.
 
Q: What would you say was one of the biggest challenges transitioning from a player to a coach?
A:  One of the biggest challenges has been not being able to suit up anymore.
 
Q: What would you tell your younger self as a player that you would as a coach?
A: Don't be discouraged; you will have a great career because of what you are going through now.
 
Q. What was the best advice given to you as a coach?
A: The best advice I was given is "Bloom where your feet are planted."
 
What is the biggest challenge you face today as a coach?
A: Turning it off and not taking it home with me.
 
Q: What is a misconception about coaches' society always claim?
A: That we aren't smart and all we care about is our sport.
 
Q: When I am not coaching, I am doing? 
A: Working out, fishing, or enjoying family time
 
Q: If I wasn't coaching football, I would coach what sport?  
A: Basketball
 
Q: A hidden talent I have no one knows about is?
A: Cooking
 
Q: The person I admire the most in life?
A: My father
 
Q: My favorite quote in life? 
A: "Life is a mystery; if you take away the mystery and everything was certain you wouldn't need faith."
 
Q: If I can spend time with one person dead or alive it would be?
A: Michael Vick
 
Hot Seat

• Favorite Food: Wings and Mac-n-Cheese
• Favorite Cereal or Snack: Cinnamon Toast Crunch
• Favorite Song and Artist: Gucci Mane - Candy Lady
• Favorite Hobby: Fishing or cooking
• Favorite Sport besides football:  Basketball
• Something About Myself No One Else Knows: I'm color blind.
• One word that describes yourself: Driven.

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