Former UW RB Willie Hurst joins Barton Football Academy as WA RB coach: By Scott Enyeart

Willie Hurst and Taylor Barton
Willie Hurst and Taylor Barton

The Barton Football Academy has announced the hiring of Willie Hurst as Head RB Coach for the state of Washington.

Hurst is a name that should be familiar to many on the West Coast. He had a stellar prep career at Compton (Calif.) Doninguez High School, and then went on to play collegiate for the University of Washington.

His career at Washington is littered with noteworthy accomplishments. He was a member of the Huskies squad that won the Rose Bowl following the 2000 season – a game in which Hurst scored late helping cement the UW victory. He also finished his career in the Top 10 of virtually every major statistical category among running backs, including rushing attempts and yards.

He also earned Holiday Bowl MVP honors and Team Offensive MVP honors in his senior season with the Dawgs.

Following his playing days at Washington, Hurst went on to spend several seasons in the Canadian Football League, where he played for the BC Lions.

Hurst joining the staff at the Barton Football Academy immediately becomes a great asset for players in the state of Washington, and it is a move BFA owner Taylor Barton couldn’t be more excited about.

“The addition of Willie Hurst as our head running back coach in Washington is a game-changer for us,” Barton told NEI. “He not only brings knowledge and credibility to the position, but a passion for football and is a great mentor for kids.”

Hurst was equally excited about the opportunity. “What Barton Football Academy is doing in the Northwest is incredibly unique,” Hurst says. “The quality and amount of coaching they are able to provide to athletes up here is something I can’t wait to be a part of. It was a no-brainer for me to come on board with Taylor and the staff.”