Former Georgia Tech standout strong safety Thomas Balkcom enters his second year as a defensive graduate assistant coach at UCF. Balkcom was a two-year starter at strong safety for the Yellow jackets during his career (1987-90).
A three-year letterman at Tech, Balkcom was part of the only undefeated football squad in college football in 1990, a team that finished 11-0-1 and won the National Championship with a victory over Nebraska at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Balkcom was the defensive MVP of that contest.
After finishing his career at Tech, Balkcom signed a free agent contract with the Miami Dolphins.
Balkcom has coached on both the high school and collegiate levels (Div.I-AA, Div.II), including full-time stints at Morris Brown from 1999-2000 and at Morehouse from 2001-2003. Balkcom coached the linebackers during his tenure at Morehouse and helped guide John Grant into a two-time National Black College Defensive Player of the Year as well as a two-time Division II All-America selection.
During Balkcom[apos]s career at Tech, George O[apos]Leary served as the defensive coordinator. Balkcom is the third former player coached by O[apos]Leary on the current UCF staff - joining quarterbacks coach George Godsey and tight ends coach Brent Key.
Balkcom returned to Georgia Tech in 1993 and completed his degree requirements earning his B.S. in management. Balkcom earned a MBA from American Intercontinental in 2000. Balkcom is married to Ellena and they have a daughter, Jordan. Balkcom also has a son named Thomas Jr.
As of 7/17/06