SENATOBIA – Jonathan Webster, who played defensive back for Northwest during the 2003-04 seasons, has been hired to coach the Ranger secondary under first-year head football coach Jack Wright.

A native of Batesville, Webster is a product of the Mississippi junior college system and comes to Northwest after spending two seasons at Northeast Mississippi CC (2011-12) and three seasons at Southwest Mississippi CC (2008-10) as defensive backs coach.

"Having an opportunity to come back where it all began for me gives me a sense of not only pride but a desire to help Northwest get back to the Northwest that I remember," Webster said. "It's an honor and a privilege to work for what I consider the greatest community college not only in Mississippi but the nation." 

While a player at Northwest, Webster helped lead the Ranger defense to national rankings.

As a freshman, the Rangers ranked fourth nationally in rushing defense (71.6 ypg), 14th in total defense (237.2 ypg) and 27th overall in passing defense (165.6 ypg). The following year, Northwest was ranked in the Top 10 in the country in total defense (212.0 ypg) and was second in pass defense (91.9 ypg).

He finished his Ranger career with 108 tackles (63 solo), 24 breakups and a pair of interceptions. Northwest allowed just 15.2 ppg his freshman year and 15.1 ppg as a sophomore. Webster and the Rangers also averaged four sacks a contest during his sophomore season and he was named the team's defensive MVP.

Webster went on to play two seasons for Steve Mullins and the Wonder Boys of Arkansas Tech in 2006-07 and posted 126 tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, two interceptions and five pass breakups. He played in 20 career games as Tech went 12-8 overall and 8-8 in Gulf South Conference play. 

Webster not only stood out on the field for the Wonder Boys but the Mississippi native also focused his concentration in the classroom. He was twice named to the ESPN The Magazine/College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-District VI team — just the 27th Wonder Boy to garner the honor.

Webster graduated from Arkansas Tech in 2008 with a bachelor's in sociology and later received his master's from Southern Mississippi in psychology in 2012.