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CONTRIBUTED BY ETSU ATHLETICS

JOHNSON CITY – East Tennessee State Football Head Coach Randy Sanders has announced the hiring of Anthony Shakir to the coaching staff on Thursday afternoon. Shakir will be taking over the responsibilities of the defensive line, working under defensive coordinator Billy Taylor.

“I am pleased to announce the addition of Coach Shakir to our program,” stated Coach Sanders. “He did an excellent job at his previous stop in Boone with Appalachian State, having worked with the defense over the last three seasons.

“I am confident that he will fit right into Coach Taylor’s system and will add positive energy to an already established defense.”

ABOUT SHAKIR

Anthony Shakir arrives at Johnson City after having spent three seasons as a quality control coach with the defense at Appalachian State. In his three seasons (2018-20) with the Mountaineers, the defense led the league in scoring defense and total defense on two occasions, finishing second in each category just once.

The Mountaineers never allowed more than 20.0 points per game in three seasons while Shakir was on staff. Shakir watched Appalachian State compile a 33-6 overall record, earning two Sun Belt Championships and winning three bowl games along the way.

“First off, I would like to express appreciation to Scott Carter, Randy Sander, and Billy Taylor for giving me the opportunity to serve ETSU Football and its student-athletes,” commented Coach Shakir.

“I am ecstatic to work with this staff because of the proven ability to win championships and doing so with class and integrity. As the defensive line coach, I am looking forward to having the ability to impact the lives of young men on a daily basis and help mold them both on and off the field.

“My family and I are excited to see what ETSU and Johnson City have to offer. GO BUCS!”

Shakir played four years at the outside linebacker position for Brevard College, earning the title of defensive captain as a senior in 2013. Following graduation with a degree in Psychology, Shakir assisted with the linebackers and special teams units at Brevard until the spring of 2015.

Shakir then advanced to coach linebackers and special teams at the high school level for Shiloh High School in Snellville, Ga.

Shakir jumped back into the college realm when he took on coaching the linebackers position at the University of Rochester in 2017 in Rochester, N.Y., before returning south of the Mason Dixon Line in 2018.