October 26, 2009

Dallas Jackson
Rivals High Senior Analyst

Dallas Jackson is the high school sports expert for RivalsHigh.com. Send him a question or comment at DallasJ@Yahoo-Inc.com and follow him at twitter.com/rivalshigh.

Inside the program or outside? That appears to be the biggest question during the search for a new head football coach at Valdosta (Georgia) High - the winningest high school program in the country.

While a person familiar with the situation said the search should be over by the holidays - "whoever they choose will probably be done by December," the person told RivalsHigh on Monday - the familiarity of the candidates with the program appears to be a big issue.

"There are a lot of people who want to see an old Wildcat, but there is certainly a group that wants to get a big name outsider," he said.

The person, who requested anonymity because he is not authorized to discuss the process, said some candidates have emerged.

Those favoring a stay within the program support the return of Jerry Don Baker, who helped the school win a national title as a player and an assistant coach.

Those who want a fresh voice may be ready to welcome Eric Zeier, a legendary Georgia high school football quarterback who went on to star at the University of Georgia and played in the NFL.

A third candidate would be even further removed - Mesa (Arizona) Dobson coach Alex Jacobson - has had his name rumored with the search.

The job became open when current coach Rick Tomberlin was told he would not be retained earlier this season. Tomberlin, who is finishing out the year, is the third failed coach this decade, leaving the proud program in a bit of disarray.

For that reason, some are pushing Baker, a defensive end on the 1968 state championship team and the 1969 national title winning teams. Baker returned to his alma mater in 1974 and coached until 2004, winning eight state titles and two national championships.

Zeier does not have any coaching experience but was a very successful high school and college player who also spent six seasons in the NFL. He is currently the color analyst for the University of Georgia away games.

Jacobson has some relationship with the Valdosta program as he twice coached against the Wildcats while at Sandy (Utah) Jordan. His Beetdiggers teams split the series winning in 2006, 21-13, and losing the following year, 23-21.

One prominent name not figuring to be involved in the search is Moultrie (Georgia) Colquitt County coach Rush Propst.

Despite a successful career at both Hoover (Alabama) High and now Colquitt County, Propst does not appear to be in the hunt this time around.

"Coach Propst took his name out of the hat the last time we did this," the person said. "I think he is very happy in Moultrie and with the job he has done there he may be looking at a college job next."

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