New Head Coach Tim Plough ushers in a new era for UC Davis football
By MI’ZAUNI REESE — sports@theaggie.org
Last month, the UC Davis football team hosted their only spring game and prospect day, giving new staff, players and the Davis community a warm welcome to “Shredville” — a new program created by Head Coach Tim Plough. The event took place on March 9 and gave Plough a platform to showcase the new talent and skills that he has cultivated during the off-season. On CBS Sports Sunday, Plough discussed his goals for the program and what the future of UC Davis football would look like with new key staff members that will improve the program.
Shredville is an idea created around 2017 with Plough’s SoCal slang. Shred, meaning to destroy, annihilate and demolish the competition, resonated heavily with players and thus resulted in the name Shredville.
Special Teams Coordinator Eric Raisbeck from Penn State and Cornerbacks Coach Dumaurier Jordan from Midwestern State are some of the biggest names joining the coaching staff this upcoming fall. Plough was also able to retain multiple coaches who worked under past head coach Dan Hawkins. This includes renowned Defensive Coordinator Matt Coombs, who has been with the program for five years and counting.
Aside from the coaching staff, Plough also mentioned in his interview a few key players crucial in maintaining the integrity of the team. Fourth-year running back Lan Larrison, second-year Rex Connors and fifth-year Miles Hastings are just a few players Plough mentioned his gratuity for as they return for another or final season.
Just before the spring game and prospect day, UC Davis football had seven athletes named part of the Big Sky Fall All-Academic team, acknowledging their academic prosperity as athletes. Not only are the Aggies strong athletically, but they are also a very academically motivated team.
The spring game also proved to be an opportunity for the team to connect with the community. With aspirations to make this an annual event, Plough invited children and community members to join the players on the field, hoping to cultivate a stronger bond and support for the UC Davis football program.
Aside from the game, there were various activities and events, as well as prizes and t-shirts being given out to everyone, making for an entertaining and fun experience for the Davis community. The stadium was filled with fans, families and festivities, including food trucks, drinks and a DJ.
Shredville has also been incorporated into community programs. This summer, UC Davis will be hosting the Shredville Youth Camp, amongst other football training programs, to cultivate the next generation of Aggie athletes and increase community ties to the program. In more upcoming news, the program will also be hosting a Next Level Flag Football Season for grades K through six, further amplifying community involvement. Plough has made it clear that there will be a conscious effort to turn Davis into a football town.
Written by: Mi’Zauni Reese — sports@theaggie.org
