Three-time FCS All-American joins football coaching staff as running backs coach

Carson-Newman head football coach Ken Sparks has hired three-time FCS all-American and Furman alum KD Anderson to coach the Eagles’ running backs.

Anderson was a four-year letterman and three-year starter for the Purple Paladins where he was a finalist for the 2012 Buck Buchanan Award.

Anderson said the nature of the Eagle football program made it attractive.

“I’ve always heard about C-N and its great winning tradition and even better coaching staff,” Anderson said. “It felt like home when I came here. I knew this was the place that I needed to be.”

He signed with the New Orleans Saints on a free agent contract out of college before making his way to Mossy Creek.

For Anderson, the prospect of working with Sparks is invigorating.

“He’s the man, the myth and the legend,” Anderson said. “I hope he’ll take me under his wings.”

Carson-Newman returns a solid stable of running backs that includes All-SAC selection Brandon Baker, Tyron Douglas and Andy Hibbet.

“The guys we have here will make my transition here easier,” Anderson said. “We had our first day of full pads and their talent and willingness to work together as a ground has me excited to be here. Can’t wait to see what they’re capable of on Saturday’s.”

Sparks said the contest of KD’s character made him the right person for the job.

“When you talk to him for a while you find he has great depth and has a strong values system. He has a background that helps him relate to the kids that we’re working with today. That and the fact that he’s lined up and been there and done that makes us excited to have him.”