Atavus announced the creation of Atavus Technical Advisory Board to provide guidance and first-hand insights on the needs of football coaches, as the company continues to build out its Tackle Plan program.
Launched this summer, 2015, to improve the efficiency and safety of the tackle, Atavus Football provides a modern, impactful solution for coaches from collegiate, high school and junior football programs. The newly formed Atavus Technical Advisory Board is made up of leading minds at all levels of the game including Damon Huard, 12-year NFL veteran and two-time Super Bowl Champion; Chris Ash, co-defensive coordinator for Ohio State University Buckeyes; Jeff Choate, defensive line coach and special teams coordinator for the University of Washington Huskies; and Tom Ingles, a 38-year veteran of high school coaching, with three Washington State Football championships.
“With their innovative, forward looking approach to today's game, Damon, Chris, Jeff and Tom will be valuable resources as we build out Tackle Plans for programs across the country,” said Rex Norris, head of Football, Atavus. “The Football IQ of the Technical Advisory Board, combined with the tackle expertise of our Rugby coaches, ensures that we will work with coaches to create smart, instinctive players who are more effective and safer on the field.”
Working onsite and through remote assessment with Football coaches, Atavus develops Tackle Plans that are comprised of: An introduction to five core drill types, periodization of a Tackle Plan across off-season, pre-season and in-season, sequencing of and time allotments for the drill types within each defined period, and an analysis of teams' tackling programs over time
Atavus Football is currently consulting with a number of select university, high school and junior programs. Coaches interested in learning more can visit atavus.com/football and fill out an inquiry form to hear back from an Atavus coach with further information.
In addition to the Technical Advisory Board, Atavus also announced the addition of two additional members to its full Advisory Board, including Huard, who will serve on both bodies, and Senior Director of Global Football for Under Armour Antonio Zea. As members of the Atavus Advisory Board, Huard and Zea will provide leadership, industry knowledge and connections for the company as it grows both the Football program and its mission to grow the game of Rugby in America.
“Atavus is on the leading edge of a trend in Football that has coaches on every level seeking out a smart strategy to improve tackling and safety for their team,” said Huard. “I believe so much in what Rex and his team of coaches are doing that I wanted to be involved as much as possible.”
Huard is currently director of external relations for University of Washington Football, providing student-athletes with player development and professional growth opportunities, while maintaining community outreach programs. Zea led the development of the Brazuca, the official match ball for last year's FIFA World Cup while at Adidas.
