Ouachita Baptist University Athletics

Education: Ouachita Baptist University (2008)
Seasons Coached: 1

Julius "Julio" Pruitt is in his first season as the running backs coach at Ouachita Baptist University. Pruitt makes his way back to Arkadelphia to put on the Purple and White once again after spending time in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins. Before becoming the running backs coach, he served as the tight ends/ fullbacks for the 2021 season. 

Pruitt was a three-sport athlete at Newport High School and was All-State in both football and basketball, while also winning the high point award at every track meet his senior year. 

Pruitt racked up several accolades during his playing career here at Ouachita, where he played from 2005-2008. He was a two-time All-Gulf South Conference selection (07 & 08). In 2008, Pruitt was selected to the All-Super Region Team, and was an All-American selection for Don Hansen's and D2Football.com's All-American Teams. Pruitt was also awarded the Ouachita Baptist Player of the Year award by the Little Rock Touchdown Club in 2008. 

In 2009, Pruitt signed with the Miami Dolphins, where he played primarily on special teams during his tenure from 2009 until 2013. 

Pruitt is married to his wife Marylen, and together they have four children, Leilani (9), Kalei (8), Iden (6) and Nova (4). 

He is the son of Willie and Laura Pruitt of Diaz, Ark and has five siblings, Danyell, MAzie, David, Jenny and Koren.

Coach Pruitt sees his name in the Ouachita Football record several times: 
#1 Single Season Receiving Yards - 1,116 (2008) - The program's first and only 1,000 yard receiver
#1 Single Season TD Receptions - 11 (2008)
#2 Career Receiving Yards - 2,406
#2 Career Receptions - 171
#2 Career TD Receptions - 24
#2 Single Season Receptions - 77 (2008)
#6 Single Season TD Receptions - 7 (2007)