Football Southern Conference

Fuqua joins Wofford coaching staff

Former Wofford All-America nose tackle Nathan Fuqua has joined the Terrier football coaching staff, assisting defensive coordinator Nate Woody with the inside linebackers.

Fuqua replaces Joe Lesesne on the Wofford coaching staff. After serving four years as the tight ends coach, Lesense is now the Terriers' director of football operations. Lesesne was Wofford's president for 28 years (1972-2000).

A native of Danville, Ky., Fuqua assisted the Terriers as an equipment manager last season. A four-time All-SoCon selection, he earned first-team All-America honors as a senior in the 2002 campaign. He was a Team Captain in 2001.

Fuqua totaled 218 stops in his career while ranking among Wofford's all-time leaders in tackles for a loss (50) and sacks (11).

"Nate is going to do a great job for us," Wofford coach Mike Ayers said. "He has gone through the system as a player and truly wants to be a football coach.

"He has been studying the game since he graduated. I think he can add a great deal to our staff. He's not that far removed from being a player, so he understands that aspect of it. That will help him as far as knowing how to handle guys and how far to push them.

"Nate is a guy with an excellent knowledge of football. He was a student of the game even when he was a player. We're looking forward to getting him out there and letting him coach. That's what he wants to do. Hopefully, we can help him reach his goal and dream."

In his new role as director of football operations, Lesense will assist Ayers with the budget, travel, scheduling and organization of the team's support staff. He will also advise Ayers on campus matters.

"Doc (Lesesne) is such a tremendous guy," Ayers said. "We still want him involved with the program, and we're fortunate that he's going to help us with our day-to-day operation, planning and helping me stay organized.

"He's been able to run a college for 28 years, so we feel he'll do a great job in this role as well."