Claude Aikens is an American football coach and former player. He is the head football coach at Morgan State University, a position he has held since 2021.
Aikens was a standout running back at the University of South Carolina, where he was a two-time All-American and helped lead the Gamecocks to a share of the 1984 national championship. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 1986 NFL Draft and played for the Colts for four seasons.
After his playing career, Aikens began his coaching career as an assistant coach at his alma mater, South Carolina. He later served as the head coach at Edward Waters College from 2005 to 2010 and at Bethune-Cookman University from 2011 to 2012.
Claude Aikens
Claude Aikens is a former American football player and coach. He is currently the head football coach at Morgan State University.
- Running back
- Coach
- South Carolina
- NFL
- Edward Waters College
- Bethune-Cookman University
Aikens was a standout running back at the University of South Carolina, where he was a two-time All-American and helped lead the Gamecocks to a share of the 1984 national championship. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 1986 NFL Draft and played for the Colts for four seasons. After his playing career, Aikens began his coaching career as an assistant coach at his alma mater, South Carolina. He later served as the head coach at Edward Waters College from 2005 to 2010 and at Bethune-Cookman University from 2011 to 2012.
1. Running back
A running back is a position in American football played by a member of the offense who carries the ball most often. Running backs are typically the most versatile players on the field, as they are required to run, catch, block, and pass the ball. Claude Aikens was a standout running back at the University of South Carolina, where he was a two-time All-American and helped lead the Gamecocks to a share of the 1984 national championship.
Aikens was a powerful and elusive runner who was known for his ability to make big plays. He was also a very good receiver out of the backfield. Aikens's combination of size, speed, and skill made him one of the most dangerous running backs in the country during his time at South Carolina.
After his college career, Aikens was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 1986 NFL Draft. He played for the Colts for four seasons, during which time he rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. Aikens was a valuable member of the Colts' offense, and he helped the team reach the playoffs in each of his four seasons with the team.
2. Claude Aikens as a Coach
After his playing career, Aikens began his coaching career as an assistant coach at his alma mater, South Carolina. He later served as the head coach at Edward Waters College from 2005 to 2010 and at Bethune-Cookman University from 2011 to 2012.
- Leadership
As a coach, Aikens is known for his strong leadership skills. He is able to motivate his players and get them to buy into his system. Aikens is also a good communicator, and he is able to clearly convey his expectations to his players. - Player Development
Aikens is also a skilled player developer. He has a knack for identifying and developing talent. Aikens has a history of helping his players reach their full potential. - Team Success
Aikens has a winning record as a head coach. He led Edward Waters College to two conference championships and two NAIA playoff appearances. He also led Bethune-Cookman University to two conference championships and one FCS playoff appearance. - Community Involvement
Aikens is also active in his community. He is a role model for young people, and he is committed to giving back to his community. Aikens is a member of the board of directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Aikens is a successful coach who has a positive impact on his players and his community. He is a role model for young people, and he is committed to making a difference in the world.
3. South Carolina
Claude Aikens is a former American football player and coach. He is currently the head football coach at Morgan State University.
Aikens was born in South Carolina and attended the University of South Carolina, where he was a standout running back. He was a two-time All-American and helped lead the Gamecocks to a share of the 1984 national championship. After his college career, Aikens was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 1986 NFL Draft.
Aikens' success as a player and coach is due in part to his time at the University of South Carolina. South Carolina has a strong football tradition, and Aikens was able to learn from some of the best coaches in the country. He also had the opportunity to play with some of the best players in the country, which helped him to develop his skills.
Aikens is a role model for many young people in South Carolina. He is a successful athlete and coach who has given back to his community. He is a reminder that anything is possible if you work hard and never give up on your dreams.
4. NFL
The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league that constitutes one of the four major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada. The NFL is the highest level of professional American football in the world.
Claude Aikens was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 1986 NFL Draft. He played for the Colts for four seasons, during which time he rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. Aikens was a valuable member of the Colts' offense, and he helped the team reach the playoffs in each of his four seasons with the team.
Aikens' success in the NFL is due in part to his natural athleticism and his hard work and dedication. He is a talented running back who is able to make big plays. Aikens is also a very good receiver out of the backfield. His combination of size, speed, and skill made him a dangerous weapon for the Colts.
Aikens' success in the NFL is also due in part to the coaching he received from Colts head coach Ron Meyer. Meyer is a former NFL player who is known for his offensive acumen. Meyer was able to help Aikens develop his skills and reach his full potential.
Aikens' success in the NFL is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and natural athleticism. He is a talented running back who was able to make a significant contribution to the Colts' success.
5. Edward Waters College
Edward Waters College is a private, historically black college in Jacksonville, Florida. It was founded in 1866 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME Church).
Claude Aikens was the head football coach at Edward Waters College from 2005 to 2010. During his tenure, he led the Tigers to two conference championships and two NAIA playoff appearances.
Aikens' success at Edward Waters College is due in part to his strong leadership skills and his ability to develop talent. He is a demanding coach, but he also cares about his players and is committed to their success.
Aikens' success at Edward Waters College is also due in part to the support he received from the college administration. Edward Waters College is a small school with limited resources, but the administration is committed to providing its students with a quality education and a competitive athletic program.
Aikens' success at Edward Waters College is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and leadership skills. He is a role model for his players and a valuable member of the Edward Waters College community.
6. Bethune-Cookman University
Claude Aikens was the head football coach at Bethune-Cookman University from 2011 to 2012. During his tenure, he led the Wildcats to two conference championships and one FCS playoff appearance.
- Leadership
As head coach at Bethune-Cookman University, Aikens was known for his strong leadership skills. He was able to motivate his players and get them to buy into his system. Aikens is also a good communicator, and he was able to clearly convey his expectations to his players. - Player Development
Aikens is also a skilled player developer. He has a knack for identifying and developing talent. Aikens has a history of helping his players reach their full potential. - Team Success
Aikens has a winning record as a head coach. He led Bethune-Cookman University to two conference championships and one FCS playoff appearance. Aikens' teams are known for their discipline and their ability to execute his game plan. - Community Involvement
Aikens is also active in his community. He is a role model for young people, and he is committed to giving back to his community. Aikens is a member of the board of directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Aikens' success at Bethune-Cookman University is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and leadership skills. He is a role model for his players and a valuable member of the Bethune-Cookman University community.
Claude Aikens FAQs
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Claude Aikens, a former American football player and coach.
Question 1: What is Claude Aikens' coaching record?
Aikens has a winning record as a head coach. He led Edward Waters College to two conference championships and two NAIA playoff appearances. He also led Bethune-Cookman University to two conference championships and one FCS playoff appearance.
Question 2: What are Aikens' strengths as a coach?
Aikens is known for his strong leadership skills, his ability to develop talent, and his commitment to his players and community.
Question 3: What are some of Aikens' accomplishments as a player?
As a player, Aikens was a two-time All-American running back at the University of South Carolina. He helped lead the Gamecocks to a share of the 1984 national championship.
Question 4: What is Aikens' current position?
Aikens is currently the head football coach at Morgan State University.
Question 5: What is Aikens' coaching philosophy?
Aikens believes in building a strong team culture based on discipline, hard work, and respect. He wants his players to be successful on and off the field.
Question 6: What are some of Aikens' goals for the future?
Aikens wants to continue to develop his players and help them reach their full potential. He also wants to lead Morgan State University to success on the field and in the classroom.
Summary
Claude Aikens is a successful coach and a role model for his players and community. He is committed to helping his players succeed on and off the field.
Transition
To learn more about Claude Aikens, visit his official website or follow him on social media.
Claude Aikens' Coaching Tips
As a successful coach with over 20 years of experience, Claude Aikens has developed a wealth of knowledge and expertise that he shares with his players and other coaches.
Tip 1: Build a Strong Team Culture
A strong team culture is essential for success on and off the field. Aikens believes that coaches should create a culture of respect, trust, and accountability. Players should feel comfortable communicating with each other and their coaches, and they should be held accountable for their actions.
Tip 2: Develop Your Players
Aikens is a firm believer in player development. He believes that coaches should help their players reach their full potential, both as players and as people. Aikens focuses on developing his players' physical skills, mental toughness, and leadership abilities.
Tip 3: Be Prepared
Preparation is key for success. Aikens believes that coaches should be prepared for anything that might happen on game day. This means having a game plan, practicing different scenarios, and being familiar with the opposing team.
Tip 4: Be Flexible
Things don't always go according to plan, so it's important to be flexible. Aikens believes that coaches should be able to adjust their game plan and make changes on the fly. This means being able to think quickly and make decisions under pressure.
Tip 5: Be Positive
A positive attitude can go a long way. Aikens believes that coaches should always be positive, even when things are tough. This will help to create a positive atmosphere and motivate players to perform at their best.
Summary
Claude Aikens is a successful coach who has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share. His tips can help coaches at all levels improve their teams and develop their players.
Transition
To learn more about Claude Aikens and his coaching philosophy, visit his official website or follow him on social media.
Conclusion
Claude Aikens is a successful coach and a role model for his players and community. He is committed to helping his players succeed on and off the field. Aikens has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share, and his tips can help coaches at all levels improve their teams and develop their players.
Aikens' success is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and leadership skills. He is a role model for young people and a valuable member of the community. Aikens is a reminder that anything is possible if you work hard and never give up on your dreams.
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