It's their job: Jacob Ward

Name: Jacob Ward

Job: Graduate assistant with the Eastern New Mexico University football team and currently coaching inside receivers.

Background: Ward played college football and was an assistant at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Ward was a receiver and tight end in college before becoming an assistant. ENMU head football coach Mark Ribaudo brought him to Portales in 2007.

A typical day on the job (during the season): Graduate assistants take classes as well as teach classes. The coaching staff reviews video of the previous days’ practices before holding individual position meetings throughout the morning. Ward teaches a golf class before lunch. More position meetings take place after lunch, followed by a review of the opponent’s video. The afternoon practice takes place until about 5 p.m. Ward is also the Greyhounds video coordinator, responsible for putting all practices onto video.

Why did you chose this job? My dad is a football coach and so that was a big influence. I’ve been around it all my life. (Football) is something I feel like is my calling and I really enjoy coaching and teaching in general.

— Compiled by PNT staff writer Mickey Winfield