Michael Vick’s initial coaching staff at Norfolk State is finally coming together, as he adds former Virginia Tech teammate Andre Kendrick as running backs coach. Norfolk State revealed the change on Wednesday via a brief press release from Alex Lehmbeck, Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Communication.
Kendrick was a crucial player of Virginia Tech’s 1999 national championship squad, forming a potent rushing attack with Vick and fellow teammate Shyrone Stith. During that season, Kendrick topped the Big East conference in yards per carry and surpassed 500 rushing yards in each of his final two seasons at Hokie.
Kendrick has spent his entire career mentoring young athletes. He developed Central Virginia Elite, an elite youth football program, and also served as a high school football coaching consultant. Kendrick has also worked directly with Vick as the director of the MV7 Experience, a youth football effort spearheaded by the former NFL quarterback.
Kendrick joins Norfolk State’s veteran staff, which Vick is constantly adding to with top personnel. Rob Whitcomb has been named offensive coordinator, and Tory Woodbury, a Super Bowl champion and HBCU icon, has recently joined as special teams coordinator. The acquisition of Kendrick offers Vick another coach with Virginia ties, following former University of Virginia standout Elton Brown, who was a standout offensive lineman for the Cavaliers during his playing career.
Norfolk State is aiming high under Vick’s guidance, and the signing of Kendrick is another step toward establishing the Spartans as MEAC championship candidates. Vick has also been steady in filling up his squad in his first season, adding former Kennesaw State quarterback James Woods III, former USF quarterback Israel Carter, and former UTSA defensive tackle Nick Booker-Brown.
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