When Nick Andrews arrived at Tennessee State this summer, it felt less like starting over and more like coming home.

That connection to head coach Reggie Barlow and offensive coordinator Shannon Harris stretches back to Andrews' playing days at Alabama State, where he developed into a two-time All-SWAC receiver. What he learned from them, he says, continues to shape how he coaches today.

"It's been a blessing for me, the opportunity I couldn't be more grateful for," Andrews said. "Coming in and joining this staff, I'm privileged to be here because I played for Coach Barlow, and Coach Harris was my receiver coach. So it feels like home, even though this is my first year with them."

"Playing for them was awesome, just the men that they are besides being coaches," he said. "I think I got a lot of the way that I coach from them. They instilled in me not only football knowledge, but also how to carry yourself on and off the field. That full-circle moment, once Coach Barlow called and offered this opportunity, there was no way I would pass it up just because of my loyalty to him and Coach Harris. I'm grateful for this opportunity."

That opportunity comes with a challenge: building up a young wide receiver room with no returning starters from last season.

"Not many people have to put up with freshmen coming in and having to be a big part of your offense or defense, special teams," Andrews said. "But that's just something we've got to prepare with and prepare for. That's what we've been doing since the summer."

He sees potential in the group not only because of their talent, but because of their eagerness to learn.

"Since I got here, it's been nonstop grinding," Andrews said. "The kids want to learn. They're very coachable, and you can actually learn a lot from these guys also. Being my first year at a college, I'm learning from them just as much as they're learning from me."

Andrews also notes how much the game has changed since his time as a player.

"Of course, with the transfer portal and everything that's going on now that wasn't going on when I played, I think these guys are buying in because the team is so new, the staff is so new, that they just want to be a family first," he said. "When I played, you came in as a freshman, you left as a senior, so it wasn't as much turnover. But I think that—not this week, I'm glad we're not playing this week—we still got a long way to go. We're not there yet, but they're buying in to everything that we're doing and teaching."

His role isn't limited to wide receivers. Andrews, who made his mark as a returner at Alabama State, has also been asked to help guide TSU's special teams unit.

"When I was reached out and asked to do some special teams, I was thrilled about that because I've done that my whole career also—not only as a returner but I've coached all special teams," Andrews said. "Whenever I'm needed on the field, I'm going to do it. Coach [Jerod] Kruse and I talk all the time, and I'm just honored because he's coming from a high level —the highest level — and there's a lot that I'm learning from him also moving forward."

Beyond football, Andrews has quickly felt the pride and tradition that surround Tennessee State.

"The HBCU pride that's in your university—just attending, you get that feel," Andrews said. "But being here, it's a different feel now that I'm a coach. I can understand the rich tradition not just from former players, but from the staff members I've come across. They love this university, and I'm a part of it now. I'm learning to love this university also."

For Andrews, the chance to coach at TSU alongside the same mentors who once guided him is more than a career move. It's a full-circle moment, built on loyalty, tradition and the chance to help shape the next generation of Tigers.