By Sandra C. Roa, University Communications and Marketing
As a quarterback for the USF Bulls football team, Gerry Bohanon, Jr., is enthusiastic about academics and playing for USF. His goals are to complete his studies, play in the NFL and later switch his position from on the field to the sidelines as coach.
“Growing up, some of the most impactful men in my life were coaches,” Bohanon said. “I remember as a kid my coaches helped me with all aspects of life. For me, being a coach is my way of giving back.”
Bohanon’s admiration for coaches stems from his childhood. He began playing football in the fourth grade and learned to rely on his coach as a mentor and on his teammates for support. Bohanon’s father also played football and helped instill in his son his love for the game. His mother, a grade-school teacher, made sure Bohanon’s physical and mental abilities on the field matched his academic excellence off the field. Now, Bohanon takes pride on always maintaining at least a 3.3 GPA.
“Just to be a really good scholar is just as important as being a really good athlete,” Bohanon said. “The courses I take apply to life.”