How Rokaine “Coach Ro” Simon Transformed Houston’s Youth Football Scene with FAST Houston 7v7
Rokaine “Coach Ro” Simon is more than a football coach, he’s a visionary whose unwavering dedication has helped shape the athletic journeys of players across Southeast Texas, from high school fields to the NFL. Through his creation of FAST Houston 7v7, Coach Ro has harnessed a powerful formula of exposure, mentorship, and skill development to empower young athletes striving to reach the next level.
From Humble Roots to Athletic Architect
A native of Beaumont, Texas, Simon’s journey began with a dream: to elevate his community’s football prospects through elite training and visibility. He started by meticulously studying game footage and tracking performance data, refining his ability to spot potential in young athletes. In 2016, driven by a passion for coaching and mentoring, he founded FAST Houston 7v7, a platform dedicated to honing recruits into Division I-calibre athletes.
Turning Talent into Triumph
Coach Ro’s reputation soared after his first major success: transforming PJ Locke, a sophomore at Central High School, into an NFL-calibre safety. Locke’s breakthrough served as proof that Simon’s methods grounded in relentless drills on sand pits and hills, truly worked. Beyond Locke, Simon has developed an impressive roster of athletes, including Bryce Anderson (Texas A&M), Chandler Rivers (Duke), and Jaylon Guilbeau (Texas), all rising through SHAFT Houston’s 7v7 program.
Coaching Philosophy Rooted in Exposure
Simon understands that raw talent isn’t enough, visibility matters. In contrast to earlier eras when standout athletes needed extraordinary physical gifts to get noticed, today’s digital age enables coaches to spotlight recruits through social media and recruitment platforms. FAST Houston leverages game film, online scouting, and competitive showcase events to position players in front of college recruiters and scouts.
Beyond the Field: Mentorship & Mindset
Coach Ro doesn’t just train bodies, he cultivates minds. His ethos centers on discipline, consistency, and self-belief. He knows firsthand the struggle of coming from a small town like Beaumont, where recruiting opportunities are scarce. Now, he champions equitable access, teaching athletes not just how to run routes but how to navigate recruiting processes, build confidence, and seize opportunities.
Community Catalyst & Leader
Coach Ro’s influence extends well beyond individual players. FAST Houston has become a community hub: a place where local athletes unite for high-level training, learn from each other, and grow through teamwork. His model is scalable, any young athlete, regardless of origin, gets the chance to shine.
The Winning Formula
Simon’s method combines precision training, smart exposure, and emotional support:
- Targeted Workouts: Athletes train in environments that simulate game-day pressure, both mentally and physically.
- Data-Driven Evaluation: Film analysis and performance stats inform personalized improvement plans.
- Visibility Builds Opportunity: Film and 7v7 showcases connect players with recruitment networks.
- Holistic Development: Coach Ro teaches resilience, mindset, and off-field professionalism.
Proven Results, Lasting Legacy
The real measure of Coach Ro’s impact isn’t just NFL signings, it’s the shuttering of barriers. His early success with PJ Locke demonstrated that athletes from modest backgrounds could compete with the nation’s best. Since then, dozens of recruits have gained Division I exposure, earned scholarships, and continued on to professional aspirations.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Today, Rokaine Simon stands as a beacon for what local sports training can achieve. He’s a testament to the power of vision: transforming personal passion into a platform for empowerment. FAST Houston’s athletes emerge not just as better players, but as better leaders, scholars, and citizens.
What’s Next for Coach Ro?
• Growing FAST Houston: Expanding training camps, forging partnerships with colleges, and integrating advanced analytics.
• Digital Horizons: Amplifying reach through social media, live-streamed sessions, and online coaching.
• Academic Emphasis: Educating athletes about study habits, NCAA compliance, and college readiness.
