One of Atmore’s newest coaches comes to the school with a decorated football past that includes playing for legendary coach Bobby Bowden.

ECHS assistant football coach Jayson Shadburn played football for Florida State University from 1989-91 as a backup quarterback for the Seminoles.

Not only did Shadburn play for Bowden, he played with the likes of NFL stars Derrick Brooks and Warrick Dunn not to mention Heisman Trophy Winner and former New York Knick Charlie Ward.

Shadburn said his time with the Seminoles began as a manager and not a player.

Shadburn said he walked on to the Seminoles football team after speaking with Bowden.

“I played football for Marianna High School and went to FSU as a manager,” Shadburn said. “After my first year, I spoke to coach Bowden and tried out for the team as a walk on. I played for the better part of two years and got to go the Fiesta Bowl and Blockbuster Bowl.”

Now Shadburn hopes to use his experience playing for Bowden and FSU with his coaching job at Escambia County High School.

Shadburn, who coaches quarterbacks for the Blue Devils, said he plans to use the things he learned from Bowden and his former offensive coordinator Mark Richt with his players.

“Being coached by coach Bowden and coach Richt just helps teaching in itself,” Shadburn said. “Things I learned from them are really helpful with coaching our quarterbacks. I teach them the techniques, fundamentals, footwork and other things that were taught to me in college.”

Aside from teaching the Blue Devils what he learned in football, Shadburn also wants to help them become better people.

Shadburn said one thing he learned from his legendary coach was how to be a good Christian.

“Coach Bowden always has a good Christian attitude,” Shadburn said. “He has a great deameanor and knew how to get on us. We wouldn’t ever want that again, and would do what we could to do bette for him. Those traits are something that I want to use on our kids. I want them to learn how to play with good character, and I want to teach them in a way they’ll respect me for it.”