East Texas A&M University Athletics

Desmund Farris came to A&M-Commerce in 2013 as the team’s offensive line coach. Farris’ five upfront have been a major key to the development of the Lion offense. 

During the 2017 National Championship season, the Lions continued to sport one of the top offensive lines in the country. Under Farris' continued instruction, Jared Machorro continued to receive national acclaim, being named a First Team All-American by the AFCA, D2CCA and D2Football.com, as well as Second Team All-American by the Associated Press. Machorro was also named First Team All-Super Region 4, LSC Offensive Lineman of the Year and First Team All-Lone Star Conference. Jon Aguilar was named Second Team All-LSC at center while Poet Thomas was named Second Team All-LSC at guard.
 
The line was instrumental in keeping Luis Perez upright. Perez went on to win the Harlon Hill trophy and led the nation with 4,999 passing yards. The team had the third best completion percentage in the country and was the second-best passing offense in the country. Teams averaged less than two sacks per game against the Lions while the line aided one of the top offenses in the country, averaging better than 6.4 yards per play. The team was second in the LSC in fewest tackles for loss allowed.

During the 2016 season, the Lions' offensive line continued its stellar play under Farris' instruction. The line led the conference and was second in the nation in fewest sacks allowed, giving up just five sacks on the year. The Lions also led the conference in fewest tackles for loss allowed. Keeping the quarterback upright led to the Lions ranking in the top 20 in the nation in passing yards, passing touchdowns and passer efficiency.

Under Farris, Jared Machorro became a highly decorated offensive lineman after the 2016 season. He was named Second Team All-American on three different lists, a Third Team All-American and an All-American Honorable Mention. Machorro was also named to two different First Team All-Region lists and was a First Team All-LSC selection. Christian Rodriguez was a Second-Team All-Conference selection as well as a National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete. Jason Osei was also Second Team All-LSC while John Aguilar, Malik Ellis and Poet Thomas all garnered All-Conference Honorable Mentions.

Farris saw left tackle Elwood Clement earn All-LSC honors following the 2014 season.  His squad kept quarterback Tyrik Rollison, the NCAA’s 3rd best passer in yards per game, upright.  His front also allowed the Lions to rush for 1,930 yards – the most since 2006.
 
Farris comes to Commerce from East Central where he spent one season as a running backs coach for the Tigers, helping ECU garner All-Great American Conference honors at the running back position.
 
Farris played two seasons at East Central, serving as a two-year starter on the offensive line. He was a two-time all-conference honoree, earning Lone Star Conference recognition as a junior and Great American Conference honors as a senior, including All-Super Region recognition.
 
Prior to his time at ECU, Farris spent two seasons at Mt. SAC College in California, starting 28 games and was a part of the 2009 national junior college national championship team.