Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Stockstill names former player Gilstrap as cornerbacks coach
3/31/2019 3:00:00 PM | Football
MURFREESBORO – Middle Tennessee head football coach Rick Stockstill announced today the hiring of former Blue Raider standout Kenneth Gilstrap as the programs new cornerbacks coach. Gilstrap played for Stockstill and also served two years as a graduate assistant for the Blue Raiders.
Gilstrap returns home after a brief stint as the defensive coordinator at Arkansas-Monticello where he arrived after just a few days as the cornerbacks coach for th UT-Martin Skyhawks.
"I am excited to bring Kenneth back to the program," said Stockstill. "I have always loved his energy, commitment, passion and dedication to the game. He will be a great fit and I am thrilled to bring back a former player."
Prior to that, Gilstrap spent the 2018 season at Florida A&M and the 2017 campaign at Arkansas-Monticello. At Arkansas-Monticello he coached two All-Conference defensive backs in Christian Jefferson and Jeremy Jackson.
The Ellenwood, GA, native was a four-year letterwinner and 30-game starter during his playing days for the Blue Raiders from 2009 until 2013. He played on three bowl teams, was voted to the SBC All-Freshman team, and was a part of wins over Maryland, Georgia Tech and Memphis. Gilstrap also competed on the track team where he was a two-time Sun Belt Conference champion in the 55 meters.
After college, he participated in camp with the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL and the Calgary Stampede of the CFL.
His coaching experience began as the cornerbacks coach for Blackman High School in 2014 where he coached All-American Juan Jennings and helped team to a No. 2 state ranking. He made his way back to Middle Tennessee for the 2015 and 2016 seasons as a graduate assistant where he worked with the cornerbacks.
Gilstrap completed his bachelor's degree from Middle Tennessee in liberal studies in 2013 with an emphasis in physical education, health, and coaching. Gilstrap earned his master's degree from MTSU in administration and supervision, with a specialization in higher education in 2016.
Gilstrap returns home after a brief stint as the defensive coordinator at Arkansas-Monticello where he arrived after just a few days as the cornerbacks coach for th UT-Martin Skyhawks.
"I am excited to bring Kenneth back to the program," said Stockstill. "I have always loved his energy, commitment, passion and dedication to the game. He will be a great fit and I am thrilled to bring back a former player."
Prior to that, Gilstrap spent the 2018 season at Florida A&M and the 2017 campaign at Arkansas-Monticello. At Arkansas-Monticello he coached two All-Conference defensive backs in Christian Jefferson and Jeremy Jackson.
The Ellenwood, GA, native was a four-year letterwinner and 30-game starter during his playing days for the Blue Raiders from 2009 until 2013. He played on three bowl teams, was voted to the SBC All-Freshman team, and was a part of wins over Maryland, Georgia Tech and Memphis. Gilstrap also competed on the track team where he was a two-time Sun Belt Conference champion in the 55 meters.
After college, he participated in camp with the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL and the Calgary Stampede of the CFL.
His coaching experience began as the cornerbacks coach for Blackman High School in 2014 where he coached All-American Juan Jennings and helped team to a No. 2 state ranking. He made his way back to Middle Tennessee for the 2015 and 2016 seasons as a graduate assistant where he worked with the cornerbacks.
Gilstrap completed his bachelor's degree from Middle Tennessee in liberal studies in 2013 with an emphasis in physical education, health, and coaching. Gilstrap earned his master's degree from MTSU in administration and supervision, with a specialization in higher education in 2016.
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