Braves football announce three new hires

From Alcorn:

LORMAN, Miss. – Alcorn State Head Football coach recently announced three new additions to the staff entering the 2023 season. Derek Welch (Co-Defensive Coordinator/Safeties), Derrien Covington (Defensive Line) and Dwayne Taylor Jr. (Cornerbacks).

“I’m excited to add these gentlemen to an already stacked staff here on the reservation,” said Coach McNair. “These coaches bring a wealth of knowledge to our program, and we look forward to putting a good product on the field in the coming weeks. We have high expectations for this season, so we want everyone to stay tuned!”

Derek Welch – Co-Defensive Coordinator/Safeties
Welch enters his first season as Co-Defensive Coordinator and Safeties Coach for Braves Football.

Before coming to the reservation, Welch spent a season at Northeastern State in Oklahoma as the special team’s coordinator/secondary coach. Prior to Northeastern Coach Welch was the Defensive Coordinator at Mississippi Valley State for five seasons. During his tenure, Coach Welch had 12 different student-athletes to make the all-conference teams including MVSU’s single season sack leader, Ronnie Thomas.

Derrien Covington – Defensive Line
Covington joins the Braves after spending the previous three seasons as the defensive line coach and strength and conditioning graduate assistant at Delta State. While at Delta State, Covington was able to mentor all-conference defensive tackle Timaje Porter. Prior to Delta State, Covington served as the defensive coordinator at his alma mater, Pearl River Central High School.

Dwayne Taylor Jr – Cornerbacks
Taylor returns to the reservation after spending the past two seasons at Norfolk State. While at Norfolk State, Taylor had four athletes to finish with All-MEAC honors in Brandon Savage (’21 first team), Justin Toler (’21 second team), R.J. Coles (’22 second team) and Joseph White (’22 third team). In 2021, Taylor’s group was tied for first in the MEAC with 14 interceptions. Taylor played safety at Alcorn State University, where he was a two-year starter at safety and special teams captain. He earned honorable mention All-SWAC honors in 2007 and posted six career interceptions. Taylor earned his bachelor’s degree in recreation from Alcorn State in 2008.