My QBs Mentor

Coach Striplin has been Trey's mentor since he was the water boy for the Wadley football team. He coached Trey from Pee-Wee and is still such an amazing "go-to guy" even now in college. Coach Strip will always be such a blessing to our lives and a sweet friend that we have so many fun memories with.... thankful that 2 of my favorite QBs got to hang out this week!!

In the locker room at New Brockton High School, the New Brockton football players thought they had lucked out because their coach, Jim Bob Striplin, had allowed them to play a PlayStation tournament July 30.

The only stipulation was one of the teams had to play as the University of South Alabama, and choose USA player Trey Fetner as the quarterback.

The game began, and Striplin started telling the team about how Fetner used to play for him and spoke of Fetner’s accomplishments so far.

While speaking, Striplin paused, and opened a door and in walked Fetner.

“Their eyes got really big,” Striplin said. “They couldn’t believe it.”

Striplin said he always tried to bring in a guest speaker for the team to wrap up the summer, and he was thankful to Fetner for coming.

“I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to get him down here,” he said. “This year he fortunately made time in his busy schedule to come down.”

To start things off, Fetner spoke to the Gamecocks about how to become a Division I quarterback, and how his faith helped him overcome obstacles in his life.

“I told them faith first then put yourself second,” Fetner said. “I told them to keep working hard and have determination.”

After the speech, Striplin had another surprise for the team   – he, Fetner and New Brockton quarterback Shay Hobbs were going to have a NCAA Quarterback Challenge.

The three current and former quarterbacks each had three drives to score a touchdown from the 40-yard line with standard 7-on-7 roles.

At the end of the three drives, Fetner and Hobbs were tied so the two quarterbacks went to sudden death from the 10-yard line.

On the first drive, both scored. Fetner didn’t score on his second drive, and the pressure was on for Hobbs. Hobbs was able to score and won the challenge.

“That felt really good,” Hobbs said. “Trey’s a Division I quarterback and Coach Striplin played quarterback at Auburn, and I beat them.”

Throughout the day, Hobbs said Fetner showed Hobbs how to improve in certain areas.

“Trey’s a really good guy,” he said. “He showed me a lot of fundamentals and tips. Overall, I think everyone did a really good job today.”

The day was special for Striplin, who was able to see a former player interact with and help his current players.

“I’m really proud of having a former player come down and see where he’s come over the years and see where he’s at now,” Striplin said. “It’s encouraging to see how much he’s willing to give back, not only to our high school but giving me some of the time back I gave him when he was younger.”

The day Fetner spent with his former coach and the players was rewarding, and he said he will be keeping up with how they do in the upcoming season.

“These kids are very talented,” he said. “Coach Striplin’s done an excellent job here. You can definitely tell these kids want to win and work. I was excited to get out here and work with them.”