That was nearly 35 years ago, when one of the smallest players on the field became one of the most feared defensive linemen in the Southwest Conference. The two-time All-American nose guard was relentless with his play on the field -- and his pranks, off it.
“I seemed to always be known more for things that I did off the field than on the field,” he said with a chuckle. “I laugh about a lot of it now, but I think my life off the field was probably more exciting than what I did on the field.”
Cherico, now 58, walked away from that playing field after his senior season at Arkansas in 1987. But he didn’t stray far, as he has now spent the past 33 years on the sideline. He has been the defensive line coach at Bentonville for the past 18 years, helping lead the Tigers to 10 state championship games during his tenure, and Friday will attempt to win his fifth title when Bentonville faces Little Rock Bryant in the Class 7A championship game.
“I have been blessed to have a lot of success during my career, but I have also been surrounded by a lot of great coaches and great kids, who are willing to work... Click here to read full article
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