Notre Dame Standout Herring Helps Panthers Recruit

MELBOURNE, FLA.—Former Notre Dame safety and Florida Institute of Technology MBA student Ray Herring II has joined the fledgling football program at Florida Tech. Herring is working as a graduate assistant and recruiting coordinator for John Thomas, director of football operations.

A Melbourne native, Herring played his high school football under Thomas at Holy Trinity Academy before being recruited to play for the Fighting Irish. Herring said he is happy to return home and join his former coach to build the Panther football program.

“We are building East Central Florida’s hometown team, and I’m proud to be a part of that,” Herring said. “There’s a great deal of work to do, but it’s very fulfilling to be there at the beginning of something special.”

Thomas called it ”great timing” that Herring, who graduated from Notre Dame last year with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and computer applications, was available to join the Panther front office as a graduate assistant.

“Ray is a hardworking young man and a great example to prospective student-athletes,” Thomas said. “His energy and enthusiasm are exactly what Florida Tech needs as we begin to recruit for our program.”

For the Fighting Irish, Herring was recruited as a strong safety/free safety and was a four-time varsity letter winner. He played in 50 career games, all under Coach Charlie Weis, contributing to the team earning appearances in both the Fiesta and Sugar Bowls.

“I learned so much at Notre Dame—teamwork, communication skills, perseverance,” Herring said. “I’m putting all of those skills to work now for Florida Tech.”

For more information as the program grows, visit www.floridatechsports.com.