In the year 2005, Tyrone Prothro, a two time All-SEC football performer at the University of Alabama, was credited twice as the selection of ESPNs Pontiac Game Changing Performer. Fast forward nearly thirteen years later, and he is still a game changing performer. Not as the player who would run by defensive backs at will, or the guy who wouldn’t have been downed in two-hand touch when he was returning kicks in Bryant-Denny Stadium, but now as an experienced mentor, and new Wide Receivers coach for the Jasper Vikings.

Tyrone, a 2003 graduate of Cleburne County High School in Heflin was an honorable mention all-state player as a sophomore and a 1st team all-state selection in both his junior and senior years in high school. A Rival’s three star athlete out of high school, Tyrone chose to play his college ball in Tuscaloosa. In college, Prothro was a three year starter for the Crimson Tide, where he garnered multiple college football national and SEC Player of the Week honors.

Of all of his headturning and mesmerizing plays while at the Capstone, he is most remembered for his “Catch”, that took place in a game against Southern Mississippi. This is a play that he eventually won an ESPY award in the Play of the Year category. He has also been immortalized for this play in Daniel Moore’s famous painting The Catch. You can see highlights and info on Tyrone here.

After his playing days were cut short due to injury, Tyrone earned an HES degree from The University of Alabama in 2008 and began a coaching career where he hosted several youth camps, most notably with current Clemson Defensive Line Coach, Todd Bates in the Pro-Bates Camp. While continuing to host several camps throughout the state, Tyrone also continued his coaching career with the Birmingham Wildfire, and as a Mini Camp Intern with the Jacksonville Jaguars. After some time in the corporate world, Tyrone coached most recently last season at Spanish Fort High School, and is currently working towards a Master’s Degree in Education.

Jasper Head Football Coach Bryan Moore reacts to Tyrone joining the Viking staff saying, “Tyrone Prothro is first and foremost a great man and secondly a great coach. Obviously, his story stretches beyond sports and is an inspiration to many. We are certain that his character and integrity will be an incredible asset to the Jasper Football Program and community. We are so excited that he will join our Viking family!”

We at Jasper High School and the City of Jasper are extremely excited to welcome Coach Prothro, his wife Sidnie, and their 4 year old son London to join the Viking family. Tyrone will be a part of the Viking coaching staff present at the Jasper Viking Youth football clinic on Saturday, June 30th, so bring your youngsters out to meet Tyrone and learn football from Coach Moore and his staff. You can see more information about the camp here.