“We will strive to organize the best men Tunstall has to offer,” said David Potts, who has recently been announced as Tunstall’s new football coach.

Now that his role is official, he feels “relieved and elated.”

“The decision-making process took a long time, but we never stopped working in the meantime,” he said.

Potts has taught science classes at Tunstall for the past 13 years, but has been in the education system for 20 years. He has served as JV Head Coach for eight years, along with being the Varsity Defense Coordinator for five.

Potts graduated from NC State with a Bachelors of Science in Zoology and Science Education, along with a minor in Coaching.

He intends to “make the most” of this opportunity to live the dream he’s always had of leading his own program.

His hope is to “attract the best people and players” to Tunstall’s football program.  “This is a hard-working community and I want our program to reflect that,” he said. 

“He shows a lot of passion for all of us. He wants to see each individual succeed,” said sophomore and varsity football player Matt Fulcher. He also states that Coach Potts focuses on honing each player, “not just the starters.”

When it comes to working with Potts, junior and varsity football player Jamal Martin says, “It’s a thrill. He tells jokes, but he knows when to get down to business.”

“He’s a good person and really good coach and great mentor,” Martin said.

He plans on leading the team into a strong season as his goal for the future of the team is to “field a tough, competitive team year after year that the school and community can rally behind.”

While she knows that “it’s going to mean a lot more late night Friday nights,” Mrs. Emily Potts is extremely excited for her husband as he heads into this new position.