Central State University Men's Football

Tony Carter Head Football Coach – Central State University Tony Carter was officially introduced as the head football coach at Central State University on March 20, 2025, ushering in a new era for the Marauders football program. A highly respected figure in the football world, Carter brings a wealth of experience from both the professional and collegiate levels, combining an accomplished playing career with a rising trajectory as a coach and mentor. A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Carter was a standout multi-sport athlete at Mandarin High School, earning third-team all-state honors and national recognition as one of the top cornerback recruits in the country. He went on to star at Florida State University, where he became a four-year starter at cornerback. Carter earned Freshman All-American honors, multiple All-ACC selections, and helped anchor the Seminoles' secondary with his playmaking ability and football IQ. Following his college career, Carter spent seven seasons in the National Football League (NFL), suiting up for the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts, and New Orleans Saints. He appeared in key moments throughout his career, including multiple defensive touchdowns and impact plays during high-stakes contests. Carter began his coaching journey in the NFL, serving as a defensive assistant with the Detroit Lions in 2020. He continued to develop his coaching résumé with roles at Jacksonville University, Southern Illinois, and Southeastern University, before being named the defensive coordinator of the Orlando Guardians of the XFL in 2022. His work in both the NFL and XFL showcased his ability to develop talent and design effective defensive schemes. In each of his coaching stops, Carter has earned a reputation for his ability to connect with players, develop high-performing defensive units, and lead with integrity and intensity. His experiences across multiple levels of football have equipped him with a comprehensive perspective on program building and athlete development. Now leading the Marauders, Coach Carter is poised to elevate Central State's football program with a clear vision rooted in discipline, preparation, and competitiveness. The university is proud to have a leader of his caliber guiding the next generation of student-athletes.

Nathan Cousin currently serves as the Nickels and Special Teams Coach for the Central State University Marauder Football Program. Bringing over a decade of coaching experience and a deep commitment to student-athlete development on and off the field, Cousin enters his fifth season with the Marauders, having served in multiple key defensive roles that have significantly shaped the program’s growth and discipline. Cousin joined the Central State staff in Fall 2021 as Defensive Pass Game Coordinator and Safeties Coach. That season, he helped develop free safety Keandre Powell into one of the premier defensive backs in the SIAC. Powell led all safeties in tackles and forced fumbles and tied for second in interceptions. Cousin was elevated to Interim Defensive Coordinator and Special Teams Coordinator for the final four games of the 2021 season. In 2023, Cousin transitioned to Linebackers Coach, where he mentored one of the nation’s top linebacker duos—Jalil Lenore and Dom Davis II. Lenore, a two-time First Team All-SIAC selection and HBCU All-American, finished his career with 291 tackles, 18.5 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 10 passes defended, 7 blocked kicks, and a defensive touchdown over 30 games. Davis posted 79 tackles, 21 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and a defensive touchdown in just seven games before an injury cut his 2023 season short. In 2024, Cousin moved to coach the Nickelbacks, where he developed Devin Buskin Jr. into one of the SIAC’s top defenders. Buskin tallied 106 total tackles, 9.5 TFLs, 4 interceptions, 9 passes defended, 2 sacks, a forced fumble, a blocked kick, and a defensive touchdown. Coach Cousin also worked with standout Kicker/Punter Jose Chaires, a two-time All-SIAC punter and three-time SIAC Special Teams Player of the Week. Previous Coaching Experience: Whittier College (SCIAC - DIII) – Running Backs & Special Teams Assistant (2019) T.C. Howe High School (1A) – Associate Head Coach & Defensive Coordinator (2017–2018) Indianapolis Enforcers (MPIF) – Defensive & Special Teams Coordinator (2017) Indiana Assassins (MSFA) – Defensive & Special Teams Coordinator (2015–2017) Arsenal Technical High School (5A) – Defensive Backs Coach & JV Head Coach (2015–2016) Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory (3A) – Freshman Defensive Backs Coach (2014) Naptown Scorpions (MSFL) – Co-Defensive Coordinator & Special Teams Coordinator (2013) Northview Middle School – Defensive Backs Coach (2012) Central State University – Undergraduate Assistant (Defensive Quality Control / DBs / Special Teams) (2011) Playing Career & Education: Cousin played Free Safety and Nickelback for Central State University from 2008–2010 after transferring from Alabama A&M. He was a three-time letterman and CSU Team Award recipient. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing in 2012 and had an undrafted free agent tryout with the Indianapolis Colts the same year. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., initiated through the "Infamous" Delta Xi Chapter in Spring 2011.

Pat Clark Associate Head Coach / Co-Defensive Coordinator Central State University Football Central State University proudly welcomes Coach Pat Clark to Head Coach Tony Carter’s staff as the Associate Head Coach, Co-Defensive Coordinator for the Marauders football program. A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Clark enters his first season at CSU bringing with him a wealth of experience at both the collegiate and high school levels. Prior to joining the Marauders, Clark served as the Cornerbacks Coach and Assistant Special Teams Coach at Bucknell University, where he was responsible for the kickoff return unit. Under his guidance, the unit ranked among the top in the Patriot League, highlighted by returner Coleman Bennett earning All-Conference honors. Clark also played a significant role in the development of standout defensive back Ethan Robinson, who earned First Team All-Conference recognition before transferring to the University of Minnesota. Before Bucknell, Clark was the Cornerbacks Coach and Special Teams Coordinator at Catawba College. During the 2022 season, his special teams unit ranked among the best in NCAA Division II. His efforts helped punter Clayton Crile and return specialist Kyjuan Pryor earn First Team All-Conference accolades. He also mentored freshman cornerback Zy Brown, who garnered All-Conference recognition after recording three interceptions, 42 tackles, and one fumble recovery. In 2023, Coach Clark was selected for the prestigious Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship with the New York Jets. During his time with the Jets, he worked under former safeties coach Marquand Manuel and contributed to special teams operations. Clark began his collegiate coaching career at Webber International University, coaching cornerbacks and free safeties. There, he helped free safety Trent Peacock earn All-Conference honors. Before transitioning to the college ranks, Clark served as Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Sandalwood High School in Jacksonville for seven years. Under his leadership, Sandalwood’s defense consistently ranked at or near the top of the Gateway Conference. During his tenure, over 40 of his student-athletes received college football scholarships, including current Arizona Cardinals cornerback Chris Jones. A former student-athlete himself, Clark was a four-year letterman at Georgia Tech, where he began his career as a wide receiver before transitioning to defensive back and kickoff returner in his final two seasons. Following college, he competed in the Arena Football League, playing both wide receiver and defensive back with teams in Spokane, WA; Youngstown, OH; and Tampa Bay from 2010 to 2011. Coach Clark holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Georgia Tech and a Master’s degree in Physical Education from the University of South Florida. He is the proud father of twins, Grayson and Cadence Clark.

James Lee – General Manager / Recruiting Coordinator / Running Backs Coach Central State University Football James Lee serves as the General Manager, Recruiting Coordinator, and Running Backs Coach for the Central State University football program. A dynamic leader and proven talent developer and known as an excellent recruiter.  Lee brings over a decade of coaching, program-building, and player development experience to the Marauders. Before arriving at Central State, Lee spent the 2023 and 2024 season at Old Dominion University, where he worked with the running backs and moved into the Assistant Head Coach position. Prior to that, he built a strong coaching resume at KIPP Columbus, serving seven years in various roles, including Offensive Coordinator, Defensive Coordinator, Assistant Head Coach, and ultimately, Head Coach. As head coach from 2021–2022, Lee led KIPP Columbus to historic success. In 2021, he guided the program to its first-ever appearance in the OHSAA State Tournament, earning a school-record seven wins (7–5) and its first playoff victory. That year, 12 players earned All-District honors and three received All-Ohio recognition. Lee was named both All-Ohio Coach of the Year and All-Central District Coach of the Year. In 2022, Lee continued his program’s upward trajectory as 10 players received All-District honors, and 85% of the roster earned a GPA of 2.5 or higher. His focus on academic and athletic excellence resulted in seven players earning full Division I scholarships, 13 receiving college offers, and five being recognized as national prospects. Lee's coaching career began in youth football, where he spent five years (2012–2016) with USA Football’s Columbus Raiders as Team Vice President. He also served on the board of the Columbus USA Youth Football League, holding both President and Vice President positions. A native of Ohio, Lee is a 2009 graduate of Ohio Dominican University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management with a Business minor. He was a standout member of the Panthers football team from 2005–2009 and completed an internship with the ODU athletic department from 2008–2010.

Santonio Holmes Wide Receivers Coach Central State University Football Central State University is excited to welcome Santonio Holmes to Head Coach Tony Carter’s staff as the Wide Receivers Coach for the Marauders football program. A former Super Bowl MVP and first-round NFL Draft pick, Holmes brings elite-level playing experience and a deep understanding of the wide receiver position to the Marauders. A native of Belle Glade, Florida, Holmes is widely recognized for his decorated career as a professional athlete. After a standout prep career at Glades Central High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track—helping his teams capture multiple state championships and went on to play college football at The Ohio State University. At Ohio State, Holmes redshirted during the Buckeyes' 2002 National Championship season and went on to become one of the most prolific receivers in school history. He finished his collegiate career with 140 receptions for 2,295 yards and 25 touchdowns, ranking among the program’s all-time leaders in multiple categories. Holmes entered the NFL as a first-round selection (25th overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2006 NFL Draft. During his time with the Steelers, Holmes quickly established himself as a dynamic playmaker, culminating in a historic performance in Super Bowl XLIII, where he caught the game-winning touchdown and was named Super Bowl MVP. In 2009, he posted his best statistical season with 79 receptions for 1,248 yards. Following his time in Pittsburgh, Holmes was traded to the New York Jets, where he continued to deliver in clutch moments, including multiple game-winning touchdowns during the 2010 season and a key playoff run that led to the AFC Championship Game. He later played for the Chicago Bears, wrapping up a nine-year NFL career highlighted by elite speed, precise route-running, and a flair for the dramatic. Now transitioning into coaching, Holmes brings NFL-caliber insight, experience, and mentorship to Central State’s wide receiver corps. His understanding of offensive schemes, attention to detail, and firsthand knowledge of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of football position him as a valuable asset to the Marauders' coaching staff. Holmes is committed to developing student-athletes both on and off the field, drawing from his journey as a scholar-athlete, national champion, and professional to inspire the next generation of players.

Mike McCray – Linebackers Coach Central State University Marauders Football Mike McCray joins the Central State University football program as the Linebackers Coach under Head Coach Tony Carter, bringing a wealth of high-level experience and a deep Ohio football pedigree. A proud native of Trotwood, Ohio, McCray returns home to contribute to the growth and success of the Marauders, both on and off the field. McCray most recently served as the Outside Linebackers Coach at the University of Massachusetts from 2022–2023. During his first season, he played a pivotal role in helping the Minutemen defense jump from 130th to 55th nationally in total defense. In 2023, UMass earned three wins against the 44th-toughest schedule in the nation, including impressive road victories at New Mexico State and Army. It marked the first time since 2018 that the program recorded at least three wins in a season, and the first time since 2015 it notched multiple road wins. Under McCray’s guidance, three defensive players earned spots on the Phil Steele 2023 Postseason All-Independent Conference Team. Before his time at UMass, McCray spent the 2021 season at Notre Dame as a graduate assistant working with the cornerbacks. He began his coaching career at his alma mater, the University of Michigan, where he served in multiple roles from 2018–2020, including intern, graduate assistant, and defensive analyst working with linebackers and safeties. He also contributed to recruiting during the 2016 season while still a student-athlete. As a player, McCray was a standout linebacker for the Michigan Wolverines from 2014–2017. He appeared in 28 games and made 26 starts, earning All-Big Ten honorable mention honors in both 2016 and 2017. Known for his leadership and physical play, McCray was a key piece of some of Michigan’s top-ranked defensive units. With Power Five coaching experience and deep Ohio roots, McCray brings a unique combination of elite-level insight and hometown pride to Central State as he helps develop the next generation of Marauders.