Bull Speed Ahead Podcast: Football Strength Coach A.J. Artis (Episode 50)
Michael Kelly discusses offseason conditioning and strength gains with Director Football Strength & Conditioning A.J. Artis, recorded Feb. 21, 2021.
A.J. Artis, Director of Football Strength & Conditioning
A.J. Artis joined the Bulls' staff as Director of Football Strength and Conditioning in March of 2021 following three seasons working with the Tennessee football program.
A former wide receiver/tight end at Campbell University (2011-14), Artis came to USF after serving as Director of Football Sports Performance at Tennessee since June of 2020.
Artis joined the Tennessee staff under head coach Jeremy Pruitt in January 2018 and served as assistant director of football sports performance under then director Craig Fitzgerald for two seasons before being promoted to Fitzgerald's position following his departure to the NFL's New York Giants. He served for one season as director during the 2020 campaign.
Prior to his arrival in Knoxville, Artis spent two seasons at Duke (2016-18) working as assistant director of strength and conditioning. Prior to Duke, Artis had stints at Appalachian State (2015-16) and Campbell (2014-15).
Artis was a three-year football letterman at Campbell from 2012-14, playing wide receiver as an underclassmen before transitioning to tight end his last two seasons. He was a three-time academic honor roll member and graduated with a degree in exercise science in 2015. He later earned a master's degree in exercise science from Appalachian State in 2017.
A native of Eden, North Carolina, Artis is married to the former D Janelle Brown of Edmond, Oklahoma.
TOPICS OF DISCUSSION INCLUDE:
Nearing his one-year anniversary at USF, Artis breaks down his staff and their responsibilities with the football program.
Artis welcomed a daughter, now nine months old, since his arrival in Tampa.
Artis discusses his strength and conditioning philosophy
The former football player with a master's degree in exercise science is a strong believer in a total body workout, involving pulls, squats and presses that challenge the upper and lower body.
Many mentors helped bring Artis to his current position.
Artis credits Joe Kim, a long time NFL strength coach and consultant, and his book with starting his interest in strength training.
Artis discusses USF Athletics overall strength and conditioning program and use of facilities.
Artis talks about the interaction of student-athletes across Bulls sports as they cross paths during strength training.
Artis discusses the Indoor Performance Facilities impact on strength and conditioning.
Artis breaks down the impact of weather, which will be mitigated by the IPF.
Artis explains the "GRIT" scores the Bulls are using in training each day.
The new daily scores have been implemented to increase competition and accountability and maximize potential.
Artis explains "MAT" drills and the Bulls offseason conditioning goals.
The strength and conditioning staff breaks drills into quarters and keeps an eye on details that help build a culture and trust among teammates.
Spring Ball!
The Bulls begin spring practice on March 1 with the Spring Game set for April 9 at Raymond James Stadium.
