Karl Ballard Position: Assistant Coach

Coaching Accomplishments • Quickly earned the reputation as a diligent, intelligent, and dedicated assistant football coach. • In just three seasons, rose to the position of assistant head coach at South Dakota State University. • Formerly played and coached at Colorado State University. • Participated in the 2000 Liberty Bowl as a member of CSU's coaching staff. • In 2003, South Dakota State ranked 19th in the nation in scoring defense.

Playing Accomplishments • Helped Colorado State to a pair of conference titles in 1994 and 1995. • First team all-conference linebacker and was named the team's most valuable player in 1995. • Named the winner of the Admiral's Award, presented by Holiday Bowl officials to an individual for contributions above and beyond the normal duties toward the success of the football program. • Played in the Arena Football League and NFL-Europe before returning to CSU as a graduate assistant.

Prominent Players Coached • Worked with Colorado State's defensive unit as a graduate assistant and tutored first-team all-conference and Mountain West Conference defensive player of the year Rick Crowell. • Crowell led the team in interceptions in 2000, and the following season, linebacker Drew Wood tied for team honors in that category.

Coaching Experience • 2005- Colorado State University; Defensive Line Coach • 2004 South Dakota State University; Asst. Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator • 2003-04 South Dakota State University; Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers • 2001-02 South Dakota State University; Special Teams Coordinator/Linebackers • 2000-01 Colorado State University; Graduate Assistant Coach