Jabbar Juluke Excels at Shaping Men, Not Just Football Players
Legendary chef Anthony Bourdain once remarked, “there is no place like New Orleans. Don’t even try to compare it to anywhere else.” For Florida Gators running backs coach Jabbar Juluke and everyone from the 504, the city not only gave them life but also instilled a deep sense of purpose.
Beyond Bourbon Street and the Superdome, New Orleans stands as a symbol of resilience, toughness, and a unique awareness that defines those born and living there. Barry Guy, one of Juluke’s former players, offered insights on his former coach that paint a clear picture of Coach Juluke as a person. The first two paragraph titles are direct quotes from Guy, followed by explanations.
“The guy was about business. A winning mentality.”
Juluke coached Guy while he was the head coach at Edna Karr High School, located in the Algiers section of the city. At Karr, Juluke’s team competed fiercely on the field and faced challenges off it. Juluke’s hard-charging style earned his players’ respect and endorsement. This approach translates to Florida, where Juluke’s focus and thorough coaching style make the Gators formidable on the ground, providing the offensive foundation Billy Napier seeks. Juluke and Napier’s connection dates back to their days at the University of Louisiana.
In addition to being an excellent running backs coach, Juluke is a key recruiter. Navigating the competitive Gulf Coast talent pool requires both skill and knowledge. Juluke led Edna Karr to a state championship with a 14-0 campaign in 2012.
“He wanted us to be men first, scholars second, and athletes third.”
Guy describes Juluke as a mentor and teacher above all. Despite New Orleans’ cultural richness, it can be a tough city. For young players, the influence of the streets was just another challenge Juluke helped them overcome. Not all Gators will leave Gainesville as NFL players, but many will use their degrees to start their post-football lives. Juluke’s emphasis on personal development ensures that his players are prepared for life beyond the field.
Pushing Through
Juluke pushed his players to their physical and mental limits to show them they were capable of much more. According to Guy, Juluke aimed “to let you see that you were capable of so much more if you got out of your own head.” College football takes a toll both physically and mentally, and players often let negative thoughts undermine their achievements. Juluke helps players overcome these mental barriers. At Florida, he brings out the best in his running backs, encouraging them to fight for extra yards, run with purpose and aggression, and carry themselves with a resilient mindset.
