Family photo courtesy of Casey Thompson

When he enrolled at Hardin-Simmons University as a student-athlete, Casey Thompson knew that if he wanted to find early playing time, he needed to find a niche.

What he found was a role on the Cowboys special teams unit that fostered what has turned into a love of what could be considered the most important part of the game.

After becoming one of the most respected special teams coordinators in the state, Thompson was named the 11th head football coach and athletic director at Forsan on Tuesday.