As a young athlete, Coach Huggins honed his skills on the gridiron at Boys and Girls High School, where he played football and discovered his leadership potential. His dedication and hard work led him to graduate in 2011, setting the stage for the remarkable journey ahead.
Upon graduating, Coach Huggins's commitment to academics and athletics took him to Long Island University. His freshman year saw him redshirting, a testament to his unwavering determination to excel. Seeking new challenges, he transferred to Virginia Union University in 2012. Over three years, Coach Huggins made his mark on the field, displaying his prowess on the defensive line and special teams. His leadership and dedication earned him a starting position, a testament to his growth and skill development.
Coach Huggins's passion for football extended beyond his playing days, leading him to invaluable experiences off the field. He embarked on a journey with the Washington Redskins, where he served as an undergrad assistant and assistant D Line coach during his final semester of college. In 2015, armed with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications, Coach Huggins took his talents to ESPN, where he served as a production assistant and writer. His unique perspective and insightful contributions led him to pen the article "Back in the day: 40 years ago, Morgan State and Grambling played in Tokyo," showcasing his ability to delve into the sport's rich history.
Coach Huggins's passion for writing led him to esteemed platforms such as HBCU Gameday, Redskinswire, and Pantherswire, where he continued contributing his expertise and analysis to football enthusiasts.
Transitioning to the coaching realm, Coach Huggins made a profound impact as he guided the next generation of athletes. From 2021 to 2022, he took on the Defensive Line and special teams coordinator role at Canarsie High School in NYC. His coaching prowess extended beyond the high school level, as he also served as a Defensive Line Skills trainer, shaping the skills of numerous Division 1 athletes. His eye for talent and potential made him a sought-after figure, contributing as a Talent Evaluator for DraftHBCUPlayers and a Scouting Assistant with the Shrine Bowl.
Furthermore, Coach Huggins's influence extended to recognizing excellence in the sport. As a voter for the Aeneas Williams Award, he played an integral role in honoring the best defensive backs in FCS/HBCU football.
Coach Gerald J. Huggins Jr.'s journey is a testament to his unyielding dedication, multifaceted expertise, and unwavering passion for football. His experiences, both on and off the field, have shaped him into a remarkable coach, mentor, and leader dedicated to guiding and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
