Newspapers / Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.) / Dec. 19, 1991, edition 2 / Page 2
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Black College Sports Review ALUMNI IS Gene Atkins could have been a great college running back. But as a pro, he might not have made the grade. rUI lUIlaivIyi nuwilld Cllilll^ tions as a collegian at Florida A&M, end ing up at free safety instead of fullback. In retrospect, it was a change for the bet ter. In five NFL seasons, Atkins has firm kisnea nimsetras a solid per former. This year, he's one of the prime timers for the playoff-contending New Orleans Saints. Atkins, who retun starts at free safety, is clearly happy that he made the switch in college. He is ? 1 tfnai Where You Come From Has A Lot Tb Do With Where You're Going. Carl Ware Deputy President, Northeast Europe/Africa Grou[). Coca Cola International and Senior Vice President. The Coca Cola Company Carl Ware should know. He's been going places a long time. His career "really started at (Mark College!' he says. 'Those years were crucial to my education, self confidence and my focus on achievement." That focus has certainly paid off. Today, Mr. Ware is Deputy President of the Northeast Europe/Africa Group responsible for interna tional operations in this region. In addition, he continues to be Senior Vice President of The Coca Cola Company Carl's duties don't stop t here. He was. among other things, the 1990 Chairman of the United W.iy Campaign of Metropolitan Atlanta, and continues to serve as Chairman of the Board of Clark Atlanta University. Mr. Ware's long list of accomplishments leads Coca Cola to say one thing... Thank You, Clark Atlanta University C1991 "Coca-Cola' and the dynamic nbbon device are regmmed trademarks dt The Coca-Cola Company quick to point out that Rudy Hubbard and Ken Riley are the major factors in him making a successful transition from offense to defense. Hubbard, who was the Rattlers head coach when Atkins played collegiately, decided that the former full back would contribute more as a defen sive back. Riley, the current A&M coach, schooled Atkins on the rudiments of play in the secondary. At that time, Bttey coached the Rattlers' DBs. HI had two great coaches at FAMU," Atkins said. "Rudy Hubbard and Ken Riley both did a good job with me. Coach Photo courtesy of New Orleans Saints Aside from his duties as the Saints' free safety, Atkins also doubles as a klckoff return specialist. Hubbard gave me a lot of confidence. He said this would be a good switch for me. Coach Riley (former Cincinnati Bengals cornerback) was an All-Pro for many years. He knows more about playing in the secondary than anybody. He showed me how to prevent teams from beating you with the big play. He also taught me how to play the ball. It basically took me two years to learn the position. After that, it was smooth sailing." As a college senior, Atkins peaked, finishing the year as an All-American and All-MEAC selection. In 1987, he was the Saints' seventh round pick in the NFL Draft. During his first two seasons, he showed flashes of brilliance. It didn't take long for Atkins, 6-1, 200, to get his feet wet in the NFL. As a Please see page 15
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