Almond adds Needs, Rogers as GAs for fall
JEFFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - Carson-Newman head football coach Tyler Almond has announced the hiring of two graduate assistant coaches.
JEFFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - Carson-Newman head football coach Tyler Almond has announced the hiring of two graduate assistant coaches.
Former Carson-Newman offensive lineman Tyler Needs joins the staff as an offensive graduate assistant, while former ECU defensive back Omar Rogers joins the Eagles as a defensive graduate assistant.
Needs was a three-year reserve offensive lineman for the Carson-Newman football program before injuries cut his career short.
"Tyler has done a great job for us as a student assistant the past couple of years," Almond said. "He is very deserving of this promotion. He's a hard worker and knows Carson-Newman inside and out."
In high school, he was first team All-Conference at Morristown West. Represented East Tennessee at the East Tennessee vs Knox County All-Star Game. Helped lead the Trojans to an appearance in the 2021 state playoffs. The Son of Melissa Needs and Carson-Newman Eagle Club Director David Needs. His father spent nearly two decades on the football coaching staff.
Rogers played five years of college football between Elon (three years) and East Carolina (two years), playing in 41 career games and making 32 starts.
"Omar was an excellent player and student for us when I was at East Carolina," Almond said. "As soon as this position opened up, he was the first call I made. I'm very excited to see him develop as a coach. He has a bright future ahead of him."
Rogers recorded 257 tackles (134 solo) and booked at least one stop in 37 of 41 games (multiple 34 times). He registered 10 or more tackles in a game nine times. The Burlington, N.J.-native was credited with eight interceptions for 195 yards with eight additional pass breakups. He helped ECU to a 26-21 win over NC State in the 2024 Go Bowling Military Bowl and earned All-AAC Third Team accolades in 2024.
