* 2012 AFCA FCS Assistant Coach of the Year
If anybody ever fit the description “life-long Colonel,” it’s John Revere. He played for the Colonels from 1972-75 before returning to his alma mater as a member of the coaching staff 19 years ago.
“John Revere, by far, has recruited more people in our two-deep to this program than any other coach,” head coach Dean Hood said. “He is a knowledgeable person that can and has coached several different positions on the field.”
This will be the 11th consecutive year that Revere will be in charge of the running backs, the focal point of the EKU offense. Senior Dy’Shawn Mobley was named OVC Offensive Player of the Year and a finalist for the Walter Payton Award (top player in FCS) one year ago. Mobley reached 100 yards rushing eight times as a junior and finished with 1,491 rushing yards.
Sophomore Kentayvus Hopkins will be in the mix for carries as well.
Besides his coaching duties, Revere serves as the football team’s liaison for housing and its community service director.
Revere was honored by the American Football Coaches Associaton (AFCA) in 2012 as the FCS Assistant Coach of the Year. The Assistant Coach of the Year award was first presented in 1997 and was created to honor assistant coaches who excel in community service, commitment to the student-athlete, on-field coaching success and AFCA professional organization involvement.
Prior to returning to Eastern, Revere was an assistant coach at LaGrange (Ga.) High School from 1982 to 1996. There he coached six players that went on to NFL careers including Walt Harris (San Francisco 49ers), Tyrone Poole (Oakland Raiders), Quientin McCord (Atlanta Falcons), John Johnson (San Francisco 49ers), Tony Stargell (New York Jets) and Marty Carter (Detroit Lions).
Revere has also had a hand in developing several professional players while coaching at Eastern Kentucky. Alex Bannister, a wide receiver with the Super Bowl XL participant Seattle Seahawks, learned under Revere. Dialleo Burks, who also played for Revere at LaGrange High School, went on to play for the Dallas Desperados in the Arena League, while Corey Crume went on to play for the Saskatchewan Rough Riders in the Canadian Football League.
On the recruiting front, Revere’s tireless work along with his countless high school contacts have helped land numerous successful student-athletes at Eastern. Among Revere’s standout recruits are Antwaun Molden, a third round pick of the Houston Texans in the 2008 draft, Sean Dumford, a 2008 free agent signee with the Baltimore Ravens, and Jeremy Caldwell, a 2012 free agent signee with the St. Louis Rams. Some of his other former recruits include Larry Turner, a seventh round selection of the St. Louis Rams in the 2004 draft, Terry Ennis, who inked a contract with the British Columbia Lions of the CFL and former Colonel linebacker Justen Rivers, the 2004 OVC Defensive Player of the Year.
Revere was a standout during his collegiate playing career, starting at flanker for four seasons under legendary EKU head coach Roy Kidd. During those four years, he hauled in 95 passes for 1,501 yards and 13 scores. He also rushed 53 times for 419 yards and two touchdowns. A dangerous punt and kick-off return man, Revere tallied 459 career yards on 65 punt returns while racking up 1,212 yards and a touchdown on 59 kick-off returns.
Revere was honored as a first team All-OVC selection during his junior season after earning second team all-league accolades during his sophomore campaign. A preseason first team All-OVC pick as a senior, he served as co-captain of the 1975 squad that posted an 8-2-1 record. Revere also played baseball while a student at EKU.
After receiving his bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from Eastern Kentucky in 1976, Revere went on to earn his master’s degree from Troy State in 1992.
Revere is married to the former Brenda Daniel of Dayton, Ohio, and the couple has three children – J.R. (37), Courtney (32) and Ben (27). He also has a daughter, Janeece (39). Revere’s son, Ben is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Coaching Experience
Madison (Ky.) High School (Assistant Coach, 1977-78)
Cook County (Ga.) High School (Assistant Coach, 1978-82)
LaGrange (Ga.) High School (Assistant Coach, 1982-96)
Eastern Kentucky (WRs/RBs Coach, 1997-present)
