Sports

Masters resigns as defensive coordinator, Smith takes over

Joshua Mabry, Campus Carrier sports editor

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Nate Masters is moving to the University of West Georgia to serve as their defensive coordinator after serving as the defensive coordinator for Berry since 2014. Photos courtesy of Sports Information

Head Football Coach Tony Kunczewski said that Zack Smith, who has served as the defensive line coach for the team since 2015, has been promoted to defensive coordinator for the Berry football team following Nate Masters’ resignation from this role to accept the defensive coordinator position at another college.

Masters has accepted the defensive coordinator role for the University of West Georgia football team, which competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II. 

A press release from the Berry department of athletics on Feb. 14 said that Masters was hired in 2012 by Kunczewski. He became the defensive coordinator in 2014. 

The team had many accomplishments under Masters’ time as defensive coordinator. 

“Since the 2015 season, the Berry defense has led the SAA in rushing yards allowed per game, including 2016 when the team was ranked No. 3 in NCAA Division III with 66.6 rushing yards allowed per contest,” the press release said. 

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Zack Smith coaches during a recent football game. Smith has taken over as defensive coordinator for the team. Photos courtesy of Sports Information

In addition to defensive line coach, Smith also became the special teams coordinator in the 2018 season. He has had many achievements at Berry. 

“Smith’s defensive line was among the top fronts in NCAA Division III, ranking No. 3 in the nation in rushing yards allowed per game (66.6) Berry also led the SAA with 32 sacks and 12 fumble recoveries,” the press release said. 

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