Albany State University Men's Football

Quinn Fordham Gray Sr. was named Head Coach of the Albany State University Golden Rams football program on December 19, 2022, bringing with him a wealth of experience as a former NFL quarterback and collegiate coach. In just two seasons, Gray has made an immediate impact, guiding Albany State to competitive success in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). In his first season (2023) at the helm, Gray led the Golden Rams to a 6-5 overall record and an appearance in the SIAC Championship Game, showcasing his ability to instill discipline, structure, and a winning mentality. In his second season (2024), the program continued to build under his leadership, finishing 6-4 overall with a 6-2 conference record, tying for second in the SIAC standings. Under his leadership, Albany State has captured back-to-back HBCU Classic sweeps, including multiple wins in the NYC HBCU Classic, Coastal City Classic, and the Fountain City Classic. The Golden Rams offense ranked No. 1 in the SIAC in scoring during the 2024 regular season, averaging 34.5 points per game. Coach Gray has coached 12 SIAC All-Conference players in two years, including: Back-to-back SIAC Freshmen of the Year: Frederick Gaines (2023) and Tiant Wyche (2024) 2024 SIAC Offensive Player of the Year: Quarterback Isaiah Knowles He has also raised the team GPA to 2.82 and graduated 23 football student-athletes, including four who earned their master’s degrees. His impact goes beyond the field. Gray mentored student-athlete Jack Pierrot, who was selected as an NFL Foundation Fellow, and guided student intern Ashanti Hart, who now serves as a graduate intern at the FBS level with Kennesaw State University. Gray began his coaching career in 2017 as the head football coach at Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, Florida, where he rebuilt the program and cultivated a culture of growth and accountability. In 2020, he transitioned to the collegiate level as the quarterbacks coach at Alcorn State University, further sharpening his offensive acumen and developing talent at the NCAA Division I level. Gray also served as a senior offensive analyst at the University of Memphis. Before entering the coaching ranks, Gray enjoyed a distinguished professional playing career as a quarterback, spanning the National Football League (NFL), NFL Europe, and the United Football League (UFL). Gray was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2002. After a successful stint with the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe in 2003, he returned to the Jaguars, where he played from 2005 to 2007. In 2008, he had brief off-season stints with both the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts before joining the Kansas City Chiefs for the regular season. Gray concluded his professional career in 2009 with the New York Sentinels of the UFL. A standout athlete from an early age, Gray grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and attended Dillard High School, where he was a multi-sport star, excelling as a quarterback in football, a pitcher in baseball, and a standout in basketball. He earned All-Region and All-District honors in football and carried that competitive edge to the next level. Gray played college football at Florida A&M University (FAMU), where he left an indelible mark on the program. He set multiple all-time records, including: Career Passing Yards – 7,378 Pass Attempts – 1,113 Pass Completions – 562 Touchdown Passes – 57 Single-Game Pass Attempts – 65 vs. North Carolina A&T (2001) In recognition of his record-setting collegiate career, Gray was inducted into both the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Hall of Fame and the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame in 2020. Gray holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from Florida A&M University (2006) and earned his Master of Science in Sports Commerce from the University of Memphis in 2023, underscoring his commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. A devoted husband and father, Gray is married to Shemeka Gray, and together they have six children: Quine, Destiny, David, Quinn Jr., Ashton, and Londyn.  

Nicholas Sewak joins Albany State as the Offensive Line Coach, bringing a robust background in both coaching and sports management. A proud alumnus of Georgia Southern University, Sewak graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor's in Sports Management in 2016, followed by a Master's in Higher Education Administration in 2017.  His coaching journey began at Georgia Southern University in 2017 as an Offensive Assistant with quarterbacks, marking the start of a progressive career in coaching. Sewak's coaching credentials include roles at the University of North Carolina Charlotte (2017-2019) as an Offensive Graduate Assistant, the University of Tennessee (2019-2021), and the University of Memphis (2021-2022), where he further honed his expertise in offensive strategies and recruitment. Most recently, Sewak served as an Offensive Analyst at Duke University (January 2022 – August 2023), contributing significantly to quarterbacks, tight ends, and recruitment strategies across multiple states. His diverse experience across prestigious programs, coupled with a solid foundation in sports management and higher education, underscores his commitment to excellence and development in collegiate football.  

Jack Pierrot is in his first year as a student assistant coach with the Albany State University football program, bringing passion and energy to the team as he begins his journey in football leadership. Jack was selected for the prestigious 2024 NFL Future Leaders in Football Fellowship Class, a program that identifies and nurtures future leaders in the sport. This honor underscores his potential to make a significant impact in the football world. Jack has big plans for his career, with aspirations to start his recruiting service and become one of the most respected head coaches at the NFL level. His drive, knowledge, and leadership skills are already making a mark at Albany State, and he is eager to continue his development on and off the field. A native of Orlando, Florida, Jack graduated from Apopka High School in 2020 and is pursuing a Business Management degree at Albany State.

Glenn Davis enters his first season with the Golden Rams and brings over two decades of coaching experience and a decorated playing career to the Albany State University football coaching staff. A defensive specialist known for his attention to detail, elite player development, and recruiting acumen, Davis joins the Golden Rams following a successful stint at Wayne State University and an extensive track record across NCAA Division I, Division II, and high school programs. Before joining Albany State, Davis served as the linebackers coach at Wayne State during the 2023-2024 season. During his tenure, he mentored standout players such as Carl Ware, who ranked in the top three in multiple defensive categories in the GLIAC and earned Second Team Academic All-American honors from College Sports Communicators (CSC). Davis also coached All-Conference selections Matt Bushman and Drake Reid, with Reid being named the 2023 Defensive MVP. Davis served as the Defensive Pass Game Coordinator and Cornerbacks Coach at Robert Morris University from 2019 to 2022 before transitioning to Wayne State. He played a crucial role in one of the most significant turnarounds in the university's history, helping the team improve from a 2-9 record in 2018 to a 7-5 finish in 2019. This included a 6-1 conference record and a second-place finish in the NEC. That same year, the defense ranked among the best in the nation in several categories: 10th in passing efficiency defense, 16th in passing yards allowed, and 38th in total defense. Davis coached multiple All-Conference defensive backs, including Mason Gray and Heavon Price, and produced three players who ranked in the top five in the NEC for pass breakups. Davis also made an impactful stop at Savannah State University (2017–2018), where his cornerback unit helped the defense finish 3rd nationally in passing yards allowed and 1st in the MEAC. He coached return specialists to national rankings and All-MEAC honors, while the secondary consistently contributed turnovers and pass breakups. His previous coaching experience includes roles at several institutions: - **Northern Michigan University (2016)** – Secondary Coach - **IMG Academy (2015)** – Running Backs Coach for a nationally ranked, undefeated team - **Youngstown State University (2012–2014)** – Cornerbacks Coach - **University of South Florida (2010–2011)** – Graduate Assistant, Defensive Quality Control Additionally, he has worked at Stillman College, Union Christian Prep, and multiple high schools in Alabama, Florida, and Ohio. His experience encompasses positions as Defensive Coordinator, Special Teams Assistant, and Secondary Coach. At nearly every stop, Davis has developed All-Conference players and elevated defensive units across key statistical categories. His recruiting ties are strong throughout Florida, Ohio, and the Midwest, and he’s helped programs secure high-caliber talent year after year. Before coaching, Davis enjoyed a successful professional playing career as a defensive back. He played in the CFL with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2002) and in the Arena Football League (AFL) with the Orlando Predators (2003) and Carolina Cobras (2004). In 2005, he played for the Wilkes-Barre Pioneers in AF2, and in 2006, he transitioned into coaching as the Defensive Coordinator for the Birmingham Steeldogs, where his unit ranked in the top 10 in several defensive categories. A native of Saint Petersburg, Florida, Coach Davis is a proud alumnus of the University of South Florida, where he was a four-year starter at cornerback and a member of USF’s inaugural football team. He started 42 of 44 games, recorded the first interception in program history, and was named to the 1998 Sporting News Preseason All-America Team. He graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.  

Albany State University is proud to welcome Damon Frenchers as the new Defensive Line Coach, bringing a wealth of experience and a track record of success at both the collegiate and professional levels.   Before joining the Golden Rams on March 10, 2025, Frenchers spent the 2023-2025 seasons at Fort Valley State University, where he played a key role in shaping a formidable defensive front. Prior to that, he served as Defensive Coordinator for the Norseman from 2022-2023. Frenchers also had a highly successful stint at Alcorn State, where his defensive line dominated the FCS rankings. Under his leadership, Alcorn led the nation in sacks and tackles for loss, ranked third in rushing defense, eighth in total defense, and finished top-10 in red zone defense. During his tenure at Alcorn, Frenchers developed standout defensive linemen Terry Whittington and Sterling Shippy, who earned All-Conference First-Team honors. Whittington also secured a place on the prestigious HBCU All-America First Team. His coaching was instrumental in Alcorn’s 2018 SWAC Championship, SWAC East Division title, and Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl appearance. Frenchers has dedicated over 30 years to coaching elite defensive talent, with coaching stops at Lyons College, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and North Carolina A&T before joining Alcorn. At NC A&T, he helped guide the Aggies to a Black College National Championship in 2015 after winning the Celebration Bowl and MEAC title, developing multiple All-Conference defensive linemen. His extensive coaching background includes roles at South Carolina State, North Carolina Central, Delaware State, Norfolk State, St. Paul’s College, and Lane College. In addition to his football coaching responsibilities at St. Paul’s and Lane, Frenchers also served as head baseball coach at both institutions. A seasoned leader with a strong presence at both the collegiate and professional levels, Frenchers has worked with various NFL camps over the years and has coached at Division I FBS programs such as Florida, North Carolina, and Duke. Frenchers began his coaching career as a volunteer undergraduate assistant at the University of Missouri in 1987, working closely with defensive coaches in film breakdown and practice execution. He holds a B.S. degree from the University of the State of New York, Regents College.  

Anthony Kelly, a native Mississippian, has served as an assistant coach with the Golden Rams since 1990 and will be entering his 28th season as an assistant coach for the Golden Rams. He currently serves as the Rams' tight ends coach and is the director of alumni relations.  Kelly earned an athletic scholarship in football to attend Albany State College in 1984. In 1984, he was part of the first SIAC Football Championship team at ASC.  During his college career, he received numerous awards and recognitions for academic excellence, including the SIAC Student-Athlete Award and was named a research assistant for the Minority Biomedical Research Program in the Department of Natural Science at Albany State. Kelly earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry with a minor degree in Mathematics from Albany State College in 1990 and a Master’s degree in Science Education/Biology from Albany State University in Fall 2002. In 2013, Kelly was inducted into the Albany State University’s Sports Hall of Fame. Active in numerous professional, civic, and social organizations, Kelly is a member of the Prince Hall Masons and the Prince Hall Shriners.  He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Mount Zion Baptist Church of Albany, Ga. Kelly is the father of a daughter, Ranetta and the grandfather of Derrinijah, both of Meridian, Mississippi. He is the son of Ms. Paulette Carson and the late James Odell Carson of Meridian, Mississippi.

Christopher Cash is the Defensive Coordinator for the Albany State University Golden Rams.   Prior to coming to Albany State, Coach Cash coached safeties at Alcorn State University (2018-2021). Alcorn State won back-to-back SWAC Championships with a pair of appearances in the Celebration Bowl and competed in Black National Championships two years in a row. In 2019, Alcorn’s secondary led the nation in interceptions with a total of 21. Alcorn was also ranked #1 in the FSC in turnovers gained (36). In the SWAC Championship, Alcorn forced six turnovers including three interceptions. Cash coached Juwan Taylor who was named the SWAC Championship Defensive MVP, and Qwynnterrio Cole who was an HBCU All-America First-Team selection. In 2013-2014, Cash was hired as safeties coach at Florida A&M University where Rattlers, they lead the nation in passing defense. He went back to his high school alma mater, where he was the defensive coordinator for two years at for Franklin High School (2011-2012).   Cash played at Franklin High School. Attended Palomar College in San Marcos, Ca. He went on to have an outstanding career at PC, where he had three interceptions as a freshman and was offered a scholarship to USC, which he accepted.  He also made Junior College All-American while at Palomar College. Cash graduated from USC in 2002 after playing for head coaches Paul Hackett and Pete Carroll. He earned Pac-10 All-Conference honors. At USC, he earned the reputation of being a solid corner. He grabbed four interceptions over the two years at USC, starting 17 games. He earned All-Pac-10 second team honors in 2001, even with missing the final three games of his collegiate career with an injury.    Chris Cash was a football coach in the National Football League (NFL) from 2015 to 2016, finishing his career as the assistant secondary coach-cornerbacks of the Seattle Seahawks.  Cash went on to play in the NFL from 2002-06 at cornerback. He was drafted in the sixth round (175th overall) by the Detroit Lions in the 2002 NFL Draft. Cash started in 12 games and wrapped-up 100 tackles with an interception his rookie season. After three seasons with the Lions, he played for the Atlanta Falcons in 2005 and 2006.   Cash is a native of Stockton, California. He received is B.S. Degree from University of Southern California (USC). Cash has two sons, Caleb Cash and Darius Cash.      

Matt Brown serves as the Co-Defensive Coordinator and Linebacker Coach for the Golden Rams. Brown most recently worked as the nickel's coach in 2022 after serving as a graduate assistant and student assistant since 2018 at his alma mater, Alcorn State University. Brown became the graduate assistant coach for linebackers in 2019 and was responsible for the growth and development of linebackers, putting together scouting reports and game-day defensive signal-calling. Under his tutelage, the team was ranked number one in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in takeaways per game and interceptions. Brown coached FCS All-American and All-SWAC awardee Solomon Muhammad.  In addition, Brown coached the Jefferson County Middle School defense, serving as the defensive coordinator. The Tigers were ranked number one in total points per game (2) and were named the 2019 Southwest Mississippi Conference Middle School Champions. As a student assistant in 2018, Brown assisted the defensive line coach, checked on class attendance, inputted and broke down film, and scouted opponents. He aided in developing the 2018 All-HBCU and All-SWAC team member Terry Whittington and AFCA All-American and All-SWAC honoree Sterling Shippy. During his time with the defensive line, the Braves were number one in the FCS and SWAC in sacks (52), sacks per game (4.0), and tackles for a loss (9.5). They were also number one in the SWAC in total defense, rushing defense per game (91.5), and interceptions (14). Other career highlights include coaching the 2018 and 2019 Celebration Bowl and SWAC Championship teams.   A  native of Fayette, Mississippi, Brown earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and a Master's in Sports Administration from Alcorn State University. He is a proud  2016 graduate of Jefferson County High School.