Missouri Promotes Former Alabama State Star

The University of Missouri football team promoted a former Alabama State star.

Kyle T. Mosley | Jun 8, 2023

Missouri Promotes Former Alabama State Star /

Al Pogue, a former star player for the Alabama State Hornets, has been promoted to assistant head coach for the University of Missouri football program. Last season Pogue serves as the cornerbacks' coach with the Tigers under head coach Elijah Drinkwitz. 2023 will be his 13th season in the collegiate ranks as a coach, following 13 seasons coaching at high schools in Alabama.

"Coach Pogue has that mix of veteran coaching experience in this league, coupled with tremendous energy and strong connection with our players," Drinkwitz said. "This role as assistant head coach will help assist me with our overall program vision and organization. I know he'll attack these responsibilities with true enthusiasm and passion for Mizzou football."

Last week, Missouri Athletics announced that former Southern University baseball coach Kerrick Jackson was hired as the SEC's first black head baseball coach. Pogue's announcement was the second major news concerning former HBCU stars at the institution.

Before joining Missouri, Pogue held defensive coaching positions at Troy (2014-2018, 2021), Auburn (2011-2013, 2020), and West Virginia (2019). He's responsible for producing six NFL draft picks and won a BCS National Championship as a member of Gus Malzahn's staff at Auburn.

Pogue was a safety and cornerback at Alabama State from 1993 to 1996. During this time with the Hornets, he achieved All-America and All-SWAC honors in the free safety position. He completed his bachelor's degree in special education at Alabama State University in 1998.

His wife Nikita also graduated from Alabama State. The couple has two children, Allison and Nasir.

Al Pogue's Coaching History

2022 - Missouri
2021 - Troy
2020 - Auburn
2019 - West Virginia - Outside Linebackers
2014-18 - Troy - Cornerbacks
2013 - Auburn - High School Relations
2012 - Auburn - Special Teams Quality Control
2011 - Auburn - Offensive Quality Control
2008-10 - Carver HS (Ala.) -Head Coach
2006-07 - St. Jude HS (Ala.) -Head Coach
2003-05 - Sidney Lanier HS (Ala.) -Defensive Coordinator
2002 - Calhoun HS (Ala.) -Head Coach
2001 - Lee HS (Ala.) -Linebackers
1998-00 - Lee HS (Ala.) -Defensive Backs

Published Jun 8, 2023

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: