Thomas Heyward alum Liles earns promotion on USC football staff

Thomas Heyward Academy graduate Robbie Liles has been promoted to director of player personnel for the University of South Carolina football program, it was announced Friday.

Liles has been part of the South Carolina football staff for the past 15 years. He was promoted to director of recruiting operations in the spring of 2013 after spending the previous seven years as director of high school relations.

Prior to that, he served as the recruiting graduate assistant.

In his most recent role, Liles directed the on-campus recruiting efforts, managing the day-to-day operations in the recruiting office. He also served as the high school relations director for the football staff. Additional responsibilities included coordinating official and unofficial visits, assisting with football camps and clinics, and assisting with team and bowl travel.

"It was evident in the short time that I've been here that Robbie is a valuable part of our staff," South Carolina head football coach Will Muschamp said in a release. "He has an outstanding work ethic, is intelligent, has a great understanding of the university, and is well-liked by the high school coaches. It only makes sense to expand his role with the football program."

Liles earned a bachelor's degree in sport and entertainment management in 2001 from South Carolina. He later earned a master's degree in hotel, restaurant and tourism management from USC in 2004.

Liles came to South Carolina after spending five years coaching high school football, including three seasons at Columbia's Hammond School.

He began his coaching career at his alma mater, Thomas Heyward Academy in Ridgeland.

While at Thomas Heyward, Liles earned three letters in football and baseball. He was named all-conference his senior year in football and MVP of his team.

This story was originally published December 19, 2015 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Thomas Heyward alum Liles earns promotion on USC football staff."