Erik Highsmith was named Central State University's offensive coordinator in the Spring of 2021. In addition to serving as CSU's offensive coordinator, Highsmith also serves as the programs associate head coach and quarterbacks coach.
Highsmith comes to Central State with five years of coaching experience as well as a successful playing career spanning from high school, collegiately and professionally.
Highsmith previously served as the offensive coordinator at Virginia University-Lynchburg. An integral part of the coaching staff at VUL, Highsmith developed an offensive attack that set a variety of school records, including over 500 yards of offense against Morgan State University. Highsmith developed one All-American during his time at VUL. He also coached VUL's kick return unit, which led all levels of college football with 6 touchdown returns in 2018.
Prior to his arrival at VUL, Highsmith was the co-offensive coordinator at Overhills High School in Spring Lake, North Carolina. While serving on the coaching staff, Highsmith helped Overhills to its best overall record in school history and the school's first high school playoff appearance in over a decade. Highsmith's high powered offense totaled over 6000 yards of total offense while competing in North Carolina's 4A Mid-South Athletic Conference.
Highsmith has also served as an assistant coach in the annual Div. II National Bowl in Daytona Beach, Florida - an annual post-season college football all-star game consisting of top players from Non-FBS schools.Â
Originally from Vanceboro, North Carolina, Highsmith attended West Craven High School, where he earn All-State honors as a receiver while leading the Eagles to the 2008 3A state championship game. Highsmith led the state in receiving yards as a senior while solidifying himself among the elite players in North Carolina.
The 6'3 receiver accepted a scholarship offer to play at the University of North Carolina. A four year starter at UNC, Highsmith caught 166 passes - fourth most in school history while racking up 2,047 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. After graduating from UNC in 2013 with a degree in sport management, Highsmith signed as an undrafted free agent with the Minnesota Vikings.
Coach Highsmith currently resides in the XXXXX area with his wife Jazmine.
Follow Coach Highsmith on Twitter - @_coachhighsmith.
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