Dr. George M. Small: A Life of Sports, Leadership, and Service
For Dr. George Michael Small, returning to Hoke County brought a lifetime of experiences back to the community where his journey began. From competing as a high school athlete to playing professional football, leading college programs, and mentoring young people, Small has built his life around preparation, opportunity, and service.
Now, as he pursues a seat on the Hoke County School Board, his purpose extends beyond the football field. He wants to help students recognize their potential, prepare for their futures, and understand that their hometown can be the starting point for extraordinary possibilities.
The following profile is based on biographical information and interview notes provided to We Are Hoke.
Hoke County Roots and an Early Love of Sports
Born in 1956 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Small was raised in Hoke County in his mother’s home, where his connection to the community took shape. Athletics became an important part of his upbringing, providing opportunities to compete, develop discipline, and discover his abilities.
During high school, he participated in football, wrestling, baseball, and track. He earned All-Conference honors in both football and wrestling and advanced to state competition in wrestling, establishing a foundation that would carry him into college athletics.
Competing across four sports required adaptability and commitment, qualities that would become defining features of his football career.
Becoming the “Utility Man” at North Carolina A&T
A football scholarship to North Carolina A&T State University opened the next chapter of Small’s life. During his college career, he earned All-American and All-Conference recognition, along with Best Lineman honors.
His versatility distinguished him. Small played linebacker, tight end, offensive guard, and running back, earning the nickname “Utility Man” because of his ability to contribute at multiple positions.
That willingness to prepare for different responsibilities became a theme throughout his life. Whether learning a new position, joining a coaching staff, or returning home to serve students, Small consistently sought ways to make a meaningful contribution.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in recreational administration and later continued his education through graduate study, ultimately earning a doctorate in sports administration. His academic interests also include sports marketing, a field he particularly enjoys.
Professional Football and a Childhood Dream
After college, Small received a free-agent contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers and spent a year on injured reserve. His professional football journey subsequently included time with the New York Giants, where he played nose tackle, followed by three years in the Canadian Football League.
He later signed with the Denver Broncos before an opportunity with the Green Bay Packers brought him closer to a dream he had held since he was two years old.
Playing for Green Bay had long been a personal ambition, making that chapter especially meaningful. Unfortunately, knee injuries eventually ended his playing career, requiring him to consider how he would continue his involvement in the sport he loved.
Coaching provided that opportunity, allowing him to apply his experience while helping other athletes develop their own abilities.
Building a Career in College Coaching
Small began his coaching career working with the defensive line at Langston University while pursuing a master’s degree in counseling at Oklahoma State University.
His subsequent coaching journey took him to Savannah State, where he was part of a conference championship team, and then to the University of Tulsa. He later served as defensive coordinator at Florida A&M and Grambling before receiving his first head coaching opportunity at Kentucky State University.
At Kentucky State, Small helped turn the football program around, taking on the broader responsibilities of leading a team and establishing expectations for its future.
His career continued with coaching positions at Youngstown State and Hampton University before an opportunity arose to return to his college alma mater.
Returning to North Carolina A&T as Head Coach
When North Carolina A&T offered Small its head coaching position, he returned to the university where he had developed as both a student and an athlete.
Leading the Aggies brought his experience full circle. During his tenure, the program won a conference championship and advanced to the playoffs. His accomplishments included Coach of the Year recognition and a Pigskin Award from Washington, D.C.
He later returned to Florida A&M, where his work also earned assistant coach of the year recognition.
Across these stops, Small accumulated experience in teaching, leadership, counseling, and program development—skills that would help shape the next stage of his service.
Answering the Call to Come Home
After years of working in college football, Small received a call encouraging him to return to Hoke County and help young people in his home community.
He prayed about the decision and ultimately viewed the opportunity as a calling. Returning home offered a chance to share what he had learned and help students see that their goals were possible with preparation, guidance, and determination.
At the time of the interview, Small said he had been back in Hoke County for eight years. During that period, his coaching work earned Coach of the Year recognition, but his broader purpose centered on helping students reach the next level in their lives.
For some, that next step might involve athletics. For others, it could mean college, career preparation, or discovering a direction they had not previously considered.
His return connected his professional experience with a deeply personal commitment to the community that helped raise him.
Expanding His Focus to Academic Opportunity
Small has since stepped down as head coach and is running for the Hoke County School Board, describing the decision as an opportunity to serve students more broadly.
His focus now includes helping young people succeed academically as well as athletically. After years of working with student-athletes, he wants to extend his involvement to opportunities that reach across the school community.
That decision reflects his belief that preparation matters at every stage of life. He continues to seek the position in which he can have the greatest impact while supporting the next generation of Hoke County students.
Family, Recognition, and Continued Service
Family remains an important part of Small’s story. He is married to Lyra Small, and they have three children. His siblings are Robert Madison, Valerie Small, and Richard Small.
His athletic and coaching accomplishments have earned him induction into the Hoke County Hall of Fame and the North Carolina A&T Hall of Fame. He has also recently been nominated for Hall of Fame recognition at Kentucky State University.
These honors reflect chapters of a career that has taken him across professional football and college athletics, yet his attention remains on what he can contribute next.
For Dr. George Michael Small, coming home means putting that experience to work where his own story began. Through coaching, education, and community involvement, he hopes to help Hoke County’s young people prepare for opportunities of their own.
About The Author
