Russ Ehrenfeld is back at Tennessee State University for the fourth time, and his connection to the Tigers runs deep. The offensive line coach has spent 16 seasons with the program across multiple stints and has developed a reputation for producing NFL-caliber players, whether through the draft or free agency.

"I just love Tennessee State. I love what it stands for. I love the young people that come to school here," Ehrenfeld said. "The people that I have worked with here and the people I'm currently working with are great. I just have a great love and affection for TSU."

Ehrenfeld first arrived on campus in 1997 and was part of two Ohio Valley Conference championship teams. The 1999 squad achieved a national No. 1 ranking, cementing the Tigers' place in college football history. "The walls were built by a lot of great people, a lot of great football players, a lot of great athletes overall that have put this place on the map," he said, reflecting on TSU's legacy.

Known as "the NFL guy," Ehrenfeld has guided dozens of Tigers to professional careers. "Once you start coaching and you are around other coaches and they mentor you, or you buy into what they're emphasizing, you just become a student of the game," he said. "I've been very blessed to work with some great players who bought into what I was teaching. Then the light turned on, the switch turned on, and they just kept working hard."

Recruiting is a cornerstone of Ehrenfeld's approach. He blends old-school techniques — visiting a prospect's home or speaking with family — with modern strategies using social media and film. "I came up originally with Splice and Film, and then it went to VHS to Disks. That changed it. But there's a loyalty. Guys can be in the portal and play for you for one season, then get in the portal again. So that makes a difference," he said.

Ehrenfeld's professional experience in leagues like the XFL and UFL gives him a unique perspective. "We had guys from Stanford, James Madison, Mizzou, Oregon State, Georgia — all different backgrounds," he said. "Those guys buying into what I was teaching, and me meeting them halfway, is how we became successful."

His love for Nashville also runs deep. A New Jersey native who attended college in Chattanooga, Ehrenfeld appreciates the city's growth and culture. "There's some great pizza places here now that weren't here 25, 30 years ago. Monell's in Germantown is a spot I like, and the 51st Deli up on 51st Street," he said. "The music, Lower Broadway, it's all great. I've been fortunate; I have a nephew in the music industry at a very high level, and I've been able to see some great shows. I enjoy that."

As Ehrenfeld settles into his latest tenure at TSU, his focus remains on the offensive line and developing players ready for the next level. His career, which spans college and professional football, his dedication to Tennessee State, and his love for Nashville make him a cornerstone of the Tigers' program.