MONROE, La. --- Former four-year ULM letterwinner Marty Humphrey filled the final spot on head coach Charlie Weatherbie's football staff Friday morning when he was announced as the new wide receivers.
Humphrey's hire is pending approval by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors.
“Marty came in here as a walk-on wide receiver and told us from the beginning that he wanted to play as long as he could and then start coaching,” Weatherbie said. “He learned everything he could about wide receiver and all the different positions while he was here and kept expanding his knowledge knowing that one day he was going to coach. On offense our system hasn't changed a whole lot and with him knowing it so well, it was a natural fit. He is going to be a great addition to our staff.”
After a four-year career with the Warhawks, the Shreveport, La., native had joined the coaching ranks as a graduate assistant during the spring. He assumes the role vacated when John Wozniak accepted the special teams coordinator position at Memphis.
“I am looking forward to using the experiences I have gained from learning from guys like coach Leahy and [former ULM wide receiver] coach Wells to develop my own style,” Humphrey said. “I know that I am going to need to work harder and longer than I ever have before and I am happy to do it. It is something that I have been looking forward to and I am glad that I get that opportunity at my alma mater.”
Humphrey joined the Warhawks as a walk-on from Southwood High School and redshirted during the 2004 campaign. His work ethic and knowledge helped him earn a scholarship after his freshman campaign.
Debuting on the field with the Warhawks for the 2005 campaign, Humphrey finished his ULM career with 45 receptions and more than 600 yards. He had the best game of his career in arguably the biggest win in program history.
In ULM's 21-14 win at Alabama, Humphrey caught three passes for 70 yards and pulled in the game-winning touchdown. For his efforts against the Crimson Tide, he was named Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week.
A 2009 graduate of ULM with a degree in kinesiology, he had begun work towards a master's degree in exercise science before the promotion.
“There were a lot of great candidates out there, but to get a ULM guy who knows what we are doing and knows our players is so valuable,” Weatherbie said. “This is a great fit not only for Marty, but also for our program.”
ULM players report to campus on Aug. 5 and begin practice for the 2009 season on Aug. 6. Season tickets for ULM's five home games at Malone Stadium and away game tickets are available by calling the ULM ticket office at 318-342-3ULM. The Warhawks open the season on Sept. 5 at Texas.
