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A Selma native was recently hired as an assistant coach at App State.

Rod West was hired to coach cornerbacks for the Mountaineers. He spent the last three years at Richmond.

“I’m excited and extremely humbled to join the Appalachian State football family,” West said.  “I understand the rich football tradition of App State. The App State brand is synonymous with winning. I appreciate the opportunity Coach Clark has provided for me and my family, and I look forward to getting to work.”

App State head coach Shawn Clark said West will be a great addition to the Mountaineers’ coaching staff.

“Rod has great experience as a coach and recruiter that will help us build upon our championship defense,” Clark said. ” He is a family man and a respected mentor who is a perfect fit for the App State culture.”

West coached at Chattanooga from 2015-16, serving as the cornerbacks/dimes coach and recruiting coordinator.

West began his coaching career in 2009 at Kentucky Christian, working with defensive backs. He also had stints as a graduate assistant for Delta State (2010), defensive backs coach at Morehouse College (spring 2011), defensive backs coach at Texas A&M-Commerce (2011-12) and defensive backs and special teams coach at Morehead State (2013-14).

West was a four-year letterman from 2005-08 and a two-year starting defensive back at Alabama State. He was a member of the Dean’s List his final three years and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in English in 2009.

West and his wife, Marcie, have two children: Maya and Major.

Marcie West is a former  three-time All-America volleyball player at the University of Florida and played in four NCAA Tournaments from 2004-07.