Smithfield High School has announced a new head football coach for the 2012 season.

Richard Clark Harrell Jr. will take over the position in the fall.

Harrell comes to Smithfield from Franklinton High School in North Carolina. He coached at Gates County High School from 1994 to 2006 and at Kempsville High School from 2007 to 2008.

He has earned numerous awards during his coaching career and has served as the defensive coordinator for the NCHSAA East/West All Star Team.

“Coach Harrell brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the Packer program,” Smithfield High School Principal Rebecca Mercer said in a press release. “He will be instrumental in moving the team in the new direction we envision for our football team.”

Harrell attended East Carolina University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in recreation administration and his master’s in health and physical education.