The strong play of Florida State QBs Christian Ponder and E.J. Manuel since 2009 has had a lot to do with the man who’s helped groom them. From experience, Seminoles QB coach Dameyune Craig knows a thing or two about throwing the football.
A native of Pritchard, AL, Craig was Auburn’s starting quarterback for the 1996 and 1997 seasons, which ended with victories in the Independence and Peach Bowls, respectively. As a senior, Craig set still-standing records for completions (216) and passing yards (3,277), in addition to leading the Tigers to a near-upset of Peyton Manning’s Tennessee team in the SEC Championship Game.
Following a five-year professional career spent in the NFL, NFL Europe, AFL and CFL, Craig turned to coaching. He started as an LSU graduate assistant in 2004 before serving as the Miami Dolphins’ special teams coach in ’05. Craig has been back in the college ranks since 2006, having been an assistant at Tuskegee and South Alabama before arriving in Tallahassee.
While Craig’s alma mater takes on Alabama in the Iron Bowl this Saturday, he’ll be on the Florida State sideline for another fierce rivalry game, against Florida. Dameyune Craig profile
