Alabama names Jeremy Pruitt assistant coach

Here is the official release from the University:
TUSCALOOSA – Alabama head coach Nick Saban announced the hiring of assistant football coach Jeremy Pruitt on Friday. Pruitt, a former defensive back with the Crimson Tide, will serve as a member of the full-time coaching staff and work with the defense.

“Jeremy will be a great addition to our staff as an assistant coach on defense,” said head coach Nick Saban. “He has an excellent knowledge of the game and he will be an outstanding recruiter because of the relationships he has built through the years in this state and throughout the southeast. He did a very good job in his previous role and proved to be a valuable member of our support staff in terms of his dedication, work ethic, as well as his ability to work well with his peers. We are very excited to have him as a member of the full-time coaching staff.”

Pruitt joined the Alabama staff as Director of Player Development in 2007 after a successful stint as an assistant coach at Hoover (Ala.) High School. At Hoover, he served for three seasons as defensive backs coach with the final two as the defensive coordinator. He tutored a defense that helped the Bucs reach the Class 6A State Championship in 2004, 2005 and 2006, winning titles in 2004 and 2005. Pruitt served as an assistant coach under his father, Dale Pruitt, at Fort Payne High School from 2001-03.

“I would like to thank Coach Saban and Coach Smart for this great opportunity,” said Pruitt. “Growing up, I always dreamed of someday playing at Alabama and then hopefully coaching at Alabama so this is really special. There isn’t a better place anywhere to learn on the defensive side of the ball as an assistant coach and I am excited to get started.”

Pruitt began his coaching career as a student assistant coach at Alabama during the 1997 season, where he worked under defensive backs coach Curley Hallman. After one year on the UA staff, Pruitt joined his father’s staff at Plainview High School as defensive backs coach and defensive coordinator in 1998 and 2000. He spent one season as defensive backs coach at the University of West Alabama, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1999.

During his collegiate career, Pruitt played at both Middle Tennessee and Alabama. He began his career at Middle Tennessee under legendary coach Boots Donnelly, where he was a two-year starter at safety and cornerback for the Blue Raiders.

After his sophomore season, Pruitt transferred to Alabama where he played two seasons under Gene Stallings. As a junior, Pruitt played in nine games and recorded seven tackles. As a senior, Pruitt played in seven games as a backup defensive back and was a member of Alabama’s 1996 SEC Western Division Championship team that beat Michigan 17-13 in the Outback Bowl in Tampa.

A two-time all-state defensive back, Pruitt helped Plainview High School to a 48-8 record during his four-year career. He earned All-State honors in both 1991 and 1992.