Jackson Free Press

A former classmate of coach Otis Riddley recently posted to Instagram a comment Riddley left in her Provine High School yearbook at the end of their senior year: "Hard work never got anyone fired."

"That shook me a little bit because it showed me that I had a little perspective, even back then," Riddley, 30, says now.

Riddley's hard work has not gone unnoticed. The former football star became head coach of the Provine football program in February. Former head coach Willie Collins' 30-year tenure with the Rams is now history.

"There are some things that are already in place in the community that people expect to happen when it comes to Provine football," Riddley says of the former coaching staff, which also helped guide his career and life.

"I have big shoes to fill from a coaching standpoint, but also a character standpoint, because those are great men."

Riddley says the new era of Ram football's coaching techniques will extend off the gridiron. His plan is to ensure that all the students not only excel as players, but also as individuals in society. "We believe in developing the holistic male," he says.

Before any player put on a piece of equipment, Riddley led his team around the school's campus to pick up trash. He also takes active roles in ensuring players get educated and gives grooming tips. Players should look the part and make the grades.

Riddley grew up in the Presidential Hills area of north Jackson. The self-proclaimed mama's boy learned all about football from his mom. "My mother could sit there and watch a football game and break it down," he says.

"You know, she's a coach."

After graduating from Provine in 2002, Riddley attended Mississippi State. He was undersized for an offensive lineman, and he struggled with injuries that caused his football career to come to an abrupt end during his sophomore year. "We don't pick our destiny. We just choose the roads to get there," Riddley says. "I didn't sit down on my butt. I started trying to refocus my energy. How could I stay a part of the game even though I couldn't play?"

Returning to Jackson after graduating from Mississippi State with an educational psychology degree in 2007, Riddley started work as a process server, but wasn't happy.

While coaching a peewee football team known as the Jackson Rams, he got an offer to sign on as the offensive-line coach at Callaway High School in 2009.

With football season just beginning at Jackson Public Schools, Riddley and the Rams are gearing up for their schedule. Coming off a 2-9 record last season, the Rams hope to improve their number of wins for this year. Riddley plans to continue the hard work of leading the Provine High organization, one that was pivotal to his own personal growth.