Ashley Anders
7/20/2009 4:11:00 AM | General
Ashley Anders enters his third year as defensive coordinator at Georgia Southern. He also serves as linebackers coach, joining the Eagles upon the hiring of Chris Hatcher as head coach.
During the 2008 season, Anders coached two All-Americans in Chris Covington (linebacker) and Dakota Walker (defensive end). Covington, who began the season in the secondary, moved to Anders' linebacker unit in week five and would go on and rank among the Southern Conference leaders in tackles for loss (second SoCon, tied 40th nationally) and sacks (third SoCon, tied 39th nationally). Walker not only led the SoCon in sacks but finished tied for 12th nationally.
When Covington was named SoCon 'Defensive Player of the Year' by the Sports Media Association, he became the third player in Eagle history to accomplish the feat, and first since 2001. Both he and Walker earned First Team All-SoCon honors.
The Eagle defense, playing as many as nine true-freshmen on a consistent basis, saved their best performance for last in a 17-10 win at 14th-ranked Furman to close out the season with a winning record. The 10 points allowed were the fewest by an opponent since October 2005.
The defense saw a league-best four rookies named to the inaugural SoCon All-Freshman Team. As a defensive unit, the Eagles ranked 22nd nationally averaging 7.0 tackles for a loss and 26th recording 2.4 sacks per game.
Not only did his defensive unit rank among the SoCon leaders, the kickoff coverage team set the standard. Led by Patrick Bolen, the Eagles led the SoCon in net kickoff yards forcing opponents to start on their own 25 yard line.
During the 2007 season the Eagles' defense ranked 14th nationally in turnover margin, a +1.09 per game average. That impressive average is tied into the team's 56th ranking in passes intercepted, 17th in fumbles recovered and 37th in turnovers gained. Overall, the defensive unit recorded 65 tackles for a loss, 19 sacks, 11 interceptions and 56 pass break-ups.
Three members of the defense earned All-Southern Conference honors – Larry Beard, Damon Suggs and Chris Covington. In his first year on defense, Covington earned Honorable Mention All-America honors.
Prior to Georgia Southern, Anders spent five years working on Chris Hatcher's staff at Valdosta State. During his final four years he served as defensive coordinator and was in charge of the kickoff teams. He was also part of the 2004 title squad and 2002 runner-up with the Blazers.
At a place known for its offensive production, Anders' defensive unit was equally as impressive. In 2006 the Blazers defense allowed just 15.7 points per game, 25th best in Division II. Valdosta ranked 35th nationally in total defense (allowing 270 yards per game) while totaling 24 takeaways in 10 games. That unit recorded 69 tackles for a loss, 22 sacks, 13 interceptions and 38 pass break-ups.
During his tenure as defensive coordinator, the Blazers qualified for the NCAA playoffs three times and posted a 40-8 record. Since joining the program, Valdosta finished no worse than third place in the always tough Gulf South Conference, including a title in 2002 and 2004 along with two runner-up finishes.
When Valdosta State played for the 2004 National Championship, Anders and his defensive staff went up against one of the most explosive offenses in NCAA history. Pittsburg State had set NCAA records - for all divisions – in scoring offense (57.6 ppg) and total offense (616 yards per game). Anders' defensive scheme held the Pittsburg State offense to less than half of the total scoring average, just 24 points en route to the title. That 2004 defense also led the nation in turnover margin, registering 34 takeaways and a plus-20 margin.
While at VSU, Anders' linebackers earned six All-Gulf South Conference honors, including all three during the 2002 campaign. Three of his defensive players (Spencer Fortson, Tim Thompson and Sherard Reynolds) earned All-America status and Thompson eventually signed with the Tennessee Titans.
Anders spent two years at Holmes Community College prior to arriving at Valdosta, coaching the linebackers, secondary and special teams. While at HCC he coached All-America Deral Slay who went on to play at South Carolina.
He spent a year and a half at Auburn as a graduate assistant coach (1999-2000), coaching the defensive backs and special teams during the 1999 season.
In 1996 he started his coaching career at Star City (Arkansas) High School. During his time he served three years as head basketball coach and assistant football; and one year as assistant baseball, assistant strength and conditioning then also one year as head strength coach. During his last season at Star City he served as the football program's defensive coordinator. In his year as the assistant strength coach his weightlifting team won a state title.
A native of Hampton, Arkansas, he was a three-sport athlete (football, basketball and baseball) earning all-district and all-conference honors as a defensive back in football and pitcher in baseball. He played baseball at Arkansas-Monticello, an eventual rival of Valdosta State in the Gulf South Conference after they moved from NAIA to Division II. Anders helped his baseball team qualify for the NAIA Regionals.
He received his bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education from Arkansas-Monticello in 1996 then a master's in Sports Administration from Auburn in 2000.
Anders and his wife Sheri have three children: Mary Alex, Cade and Camden.
EXPERIENCE: 3rd YEAR ON GSU STAFF
