RD Video

[DarterBlue2]

The link below provides a pretty good insight into how Apopka's program is run:

 

[BrowardHandicapper]

The link below provides a pretty good insight into how Apopka's program is run:

 

Very few public school football programs are run as well as Apopka.  When I watched that entire video, I was under the impression that I was watching the Head Coach of a successful large private (Christian based).  Is RD a full time teacher at the school as well?

[DarterBlue2]

Very few public school football programs are run as well as Apopka.  When I watched that entire video, I was under the impression that I was watching the Head Coach of a successful large private (Christian based).  Is RD a full time teacher at the school as well?

Coach Darlington has taught PE and, I believe Social Studies, during his time at Apopka. It's kind of funny, he graduated with a business degree from Stetson University, but decided his first love was football. Coached at Lakeland (Assistant) and Eustis (brief stint as head coach), and I believe up in the Panhandle (don't remember the school), before coming to Apopka. Did three seasons at Valdosta 2003-2005 before returning to Apopka in 2006. 

 

One of the reasons Apopka does not have many transfers (either in or out), is due to the way the program is run. In many respects it is not fun as you can't coast regardless of talent. However, if you buy into what is done, I believe in the long run you are better off for it as it prepares you for life and adversity beyond high school. 

[BrowardHandicapper]

Coach Darlington has taught PE and, I believe Social Studies, during his time at Apopka. It's kind of funny, he graduated with a business degree from Stetson University, but decided his first love was football. Coached at Lakeland (Assistant) and Eustis (brief stint as head coach), and I believe up in the Panhandle (don't remember the school), before coming to Apopka. Did three seasons at Valdosta 2003-2005 before returning to Apopka in 2006. 

 

One of the reasons Apopka does not have many transfers (either in or out), is due to the way the program is run. In many respects it is not fun as you can't coast regardless of talent. However, if you buy into what is done, I believe in the long run you are better off for it as it prepares you for life and adversity beyond high school. 

You can definitely hear the passion.  He believes if the kids buy into his system as student athletes it becomes success on the football field, and ultimately gives the kids confidence and prepares them for life beyond football.  Great video!

[tampa1]

where is this clinic at?

[DarterBlue2]

where is this clinic at?

That was in Orlando. I believe it was run by Lo Wood.

 

As an aside, during the off season, as time permits, Rick participates as a lecturer in the Glazier clinics which are held in many different locations throughout the USA. In them, he talks about many aspects of the Apopka program including both offensive and defensive formations, in addition to the less tangible aspects of how he runs his program. 

[tampa1]

he wasn't at the Glazers last year and I am starting to think nike coy is better