WILBERFORCE — As the Central State Marauders gear up for the 2024 season, they are under the helm of new leadership and poised for a thrilling campaign. Athletic Director Kevicia Brown, now in her second year, is determined to lead the Marauders to victory against both conference and non-conference rivals, all while embodying the mantra: For God, For Central, and For State!
Head Football Coach Kevin Porter returns for his third season, and he’s bolstered his staff with two key new hires. Rodrick Tolen, who joins as the Defensive Backs Coach, Special Teams Coordinator, and Director of Player Development, brings his experience from South Carolina and South Georgia. Jamar Harp, the new Running Backs/Tight Ends Coach and Academic Coordinator, comes from Pittsburgh, PA, with strong recruiting ties in Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. Antony Armstrong has been elevated to Offensive Coordinator, stepping into his first season in this role with high hopes for the Marauders’ offensive strategies.
On the offensive side, the Marauders maintain continuity with quarterbacks Kendall Boney and Brandon Kyle and exciting incoming Texas Southern transfer Tison HIll look to lead the charge. The backfield will be anchored by Zay Price, Jimmy Dunford, Tavarus Leach, and Jaden Bossie, known for their dynamic blend of speed and power. The Tight End room, now featuring veteran Kyler Thompson alongside freshmen Stevan Hogan and Nigel Robison, aims to be a key asset in both the running and passing game. The wide receiver group is spearheaded by senior Brandon Brock, who excels not only as a receiver but also in the return game, providing a significant field position advantage. Sophomore TJ Gregory also contributes significantly, hailing from Gem City.
The offensive line, under Jacob Dopsovic, is a standout unit in the SIAC. With tackles Sam Young III and Chris “T Man” Grant leading the charge, they bring a formidable presence to the line. Dijon Green, James Drain, Harrison Mensah-Daku, and Jaylen Striggles complete this tough, hard-nosed unit, embodying the “Run Today, Pass Tomorrow” philosophy.
On defense, the Marauders are fortified by three potential All-Americans. Defensive line standout Mike White is a cornerstone of the defense, having led the team last season with 8 sacks and 5 forced fumbles. Linebackers Jalil Lenore and Domonique Davis, both top candidates for All-American honors, will be pivotal. Lenore, with 76 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 1 interception last season, and Davis, with 73 tackles, 43 solo tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 1 touchdown, bring stellar defensive prowess to the field.
In the secondary, DJ Buskin, Dylan Purry, and newcomer TJ Tucker will form a formidable trio. Purry, a junior, looks to build on his previous season’s performance, while Buskin, a true sophomore, is expected to double his rookie season’s production. Tucker, a transfer from Virginia State, adds a strong presence to the defensive backfield.
Special teams will be anchored by kicker/punter Jose Chaires and long snapper Kenny Carrasquillo, a multi-sport athlete also competing in track. Carrasquillo’s precision in long snapping has supported Chaires’ impressive stats, including a 35-yard average per punt and a 56% field goal percentage with a long of 44 yards.
The Marauders’ quest for success begins on Thursday, August 29, at 6 pm, as they travel to Morehead, Kentucky, to face Morehead State University. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+ or follow updates at maraudersports.com.
Thorpe named new Director of Strength and Conditioning
Central State University Athletic Department and Director of Athletics Kevicia Brown announced the hiring of Keon Thorpe as the new Director of Strength and Conditioning. Thorpe comes to Central State from Alabama State University.
During his tenure at Alabama State, Thorpe has been instrumental in developing the football, track and field, cross country, and tennis programs. During this time, Thorpe has won two indoor and two outdoor conference championships with track and field and three championships with the men’s and women’s tennis program at ASU. Thorpe is an instrumental part of the Sports Performance Department and the speed development for all sports.
After spending time at Central Michigan University as an intern under the Director of Strength and Conditioning Coach Joel Welsh, he had the opportunity to assist their men’s wrestling, women’s volleyball, football, and sports science programs.
Before spending time at Central Michigan, Thorpe spent some time at Valparaiso University as an intern under Associate Director Sports Performance Coach Alex Curtis. While he was at Valparaiso, he assisted with football, tennis, and sports science programs.
Before Valparaiso, Thorpe was the Head Football Strength and Conditioning Coach at Huguenot High School for two seasons. He made an immediate impact in his first season, knowing that the football program had never experienced a strength and conditioning program at the highest level of training.
He spent two years at Proehlific Park as the performance coach under Director Rodney Beasley, working with all sports, and one season as the assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Carolina Cobras (National Arena League) under Head Strength Coach Blaze Thompson where he was part of the 2018 Carolina Cobras Championship team.
Interning at High Point University is where Thorpe first started his strength and conditioning career, working with all Olympic Sports under Head Strength Coach Andrew Crossley.
Thorpe earned his Bachelor of Science in exercise science & sport studies at Greensboro College. Thorpe also earned his Master’s of applied exercise Science with a concentration in strength and conditioning. Thorpe is CSCCa-SCCC certified through the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association. Currently, Thorpe is working on his PhD student in the Health and Human Performance program at Concordia University Chicago.
