Elizabeth City State University Men's Football

Nicholas Sanders enters his second season as Head Golf Coach at Elizabeth City State University, continuing to bring passion, competitive drive, and a deep appreciation for the game to the Viking golf program. Introduced to golf at an early age, Sanders developed respect for its challenges and strategy. Though his path once led him away from the sport, he rediscovered his love for the game and has since embraced its mental and physical demands—fueling his coaching philosophy today. In his first season at the helm, Sanders guided the Vikings to significant progress, with the team improving by over 10 strokes per round during the 2024–25 season. Under his leadership, ECSU placed eighth overall at the CIAA Golf Championship, showcasing steady growth and the competitive spirit he has instilled in his players. Sanders is known for building a culture centered on discipline, focus, and sportsmanship. His leadership emphasizes not only player development but also the life lessons golf teaches—perseverance, patience, and strategic thinking. Away from the course, Sanders enjoys spending time with his family while continuing to share his love for the game that has shaped both his competitive outlook and coaching journey.

Hilliard enters his twelfth season on the Viking coaching staff, his fifth as the Defensive Coordinator. Hilliard previously coached the Mighty Vikings' defensive line and over his tenure has established a reputation for producing some of CIAA's best defensive lineman including 2012 AFCA All-American Brad Davis and 2010 Daktronics All-American Malcolm Jenkins. Under Coach Hilliard, Davis was a two-time All CAA performer while Jenkins, the 2010 CIAA Defensive Player of the Year, was one of eight national finalists for the Gene Upshaw Award. Hilliard was a 4-year letterman for the Vikings where he was the leading tackler for the 5th ranked defense in Division II for the 2002 season. Additionally, Hilliard received All-CIAA honorable mention in 2001 and was a two-time Thomas A. Caldwell recipient for excellence in football (2001-2002). He also received the Pepsi-Cola Most Outstanding in Football Award in 2003. Since 2004, Hilliard has been an intricate part of the "Blue Swarm" defense. In 2006 the "Blue Swarm" defense shut out four opponents and held six opponents to seven points or less. They were also ranked 5th in scoring defense, 2nd in turnovers gained, 5th in interceptions, and 4th in fumbles recovered nationally. In 2007 the defense gave up only 234 ypg, ranking 4th nationally in total defense. In 2011 as defensive coordinator, Hilliard defensive unit finished 14th in the nation in total defense. In 2012, the Vikings were the 2012 Pioneer Bowl Champions, defeating a nationally ranked Tuskegee squad 28-13. Hilliard has also been a part of four CIAA championship games (2006, 2008, 2011, 2012) and has accomplished the distinguished feat of having numerous All-CIAA and All-American players including Greg Moore and Maceo Thomas. Hilliard is a life learner who is always looking to increase his knowledge and exposure. In May 2010, Hilliard was among 25 participants across the country selected to participate in the NCAA Men's Football Coaches Academy. This program initiated by the NCAA, was developed to prepare minority coaches acquire head coaching positions. In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Hilliard is active within the Elizabeth City community and is involved in several community service programs including the ECSU Passing Camp, "Little Viking" Day Football Camp and the Viking Football mentoring program. Hilliard is also a member of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), CIAA Football Coaches Association, FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Black Coaches & Administrators (BCA) and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. A 2004 ECSU graduate, Coach Hilliard holds a B.A. degree in History. In 2007 Coach Hilliard earned a M.S. degree in Sport Management from the United States Sports Academy.

Adrian Jones enters his second season as the Head Coach of the Elizabeth City State Vikings. In his first season at the helm, Jones led Elizabeth City State to measurable progress, guiding the Vikings to a 4-6 overall record and a 4-3 mark in CIAA play. The conference finish marked the program’s best since 2013, while the overall record represented its highest win total since 2017. After a challenging 0-4 start against non-conference and nationally ranked competition, Jones’ squad responded with resilience, winning four of its final six games, including a dominant 70-30 Homecoming victory over Bluefield State and a thrilling one-point road win at Bowie State. ECSU showed significant offensive growth throughout the season, highlighted by multiple 35+ point performances and a season-high 70 points, while developing a core of underclassmen who emerged as key contributors. With a balanced roster of veteran leadership and rising talent, Jones has established a strong foundation and clear upward trajectory for the program entering year two. Jones joined Elizabeth City State after nine seasons (2016-2024) at the helm for the Shaw Bears posting a 35-45 overall record.  During his tenure with the Bears, Jones coached 49 All-CIAA selections, 14 CIAA All-Rookie Team, CIAA Defensive Player of the Year (Devon Hunt) and CIAA Defensive Rookie of the Year (Hunt).  Jones added three players to the Don Hansen All-Super Region II team (Kevonta Jones, Keanu Gonzalez, Sydney Gibbs). The Bears notched a 5-2 record against St. Augustine’s in the annual Raleigh Classic during Jones’ tenure. Prior to his tenure with the Bears, Jones returned to his alma mater, N.C. Central, for his second stint as a running backs coach and camp coordinator for the 2014 and 2015 seasons.  During those seasons, the Eagles collected two MEAC Championships. In the seven years (2007-2013) prior, Jones led his high school alma mater, Southern High School, to seven straight playoff appearances.  Jones and the Spartans would collect three consecutive PAC-6 championships and PAC-6 Coach of the Year honors (2007-09).  During the 2013 season, the Jones led Spartans won the NCHSAA 3AA State Championship after securing the Big 8 Conference title and Big 8 Coach of the Year honors. During the Summer of 2006, Jones served as the defensive coordinator with the AFL 2 South Georgia Wildcats, leading the defensive unit to the No. 1 ranked redzone defense in the league. Jones started his coaching career with his first stint at N.C. Central from 2003-06 as an assistant coach working with defensive backs and outside linebackers.  The Eagles, then part of the Division II and the CIAA, won two CIAA Championships (2005, 2006) and the 2006 Black College National Championship. Before joining the coaching climb, Jones played Arena Football with the Greensboro Prowlers, Augusta Stallions, and Carolina Cobras over a four-year career. Jones, native of Durham, N.C., played collegiately at N.C. Central as a defensive back earning First Team All-CIAA and Second Team All-Region honors during his junior and senior campaigns.  Jones remains among the Eagles’ career leaders in passes defended (41) and interceptions (10). During the 1997 season, Jones recorded a punt return of 80-yards for a touchdown against Fayetteville State, at the time, the return was a school record.  In 1996, Jones was named NCAA DII Player of the Week after tying a school record three interceptions in a single game.  The defensive back earned Division II All-American and Streets & Smith All-American honors. Jones graduated from N.C. Central in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy.  Jones would later receive his master’s degree in School Administration. He is married to Dr. Kamala Uzzell Jones, and has a daughter, Jayla.

Toryeon Hester enters his second season on staff for the Elizabeth City State Football program.  Hester serves as Assistant Head Coach as well as the Offensive Coordinator. In his first season as Offensive Coordinator, Hester led a dramatic transformation of Elizabeth City State’s offense, turning the Vikings into one of the most improved units in the CIAA. ECSU more than doubled its scoring output, increasing from 12.9 points per game in 2024 to 29.6 in 2025 (+16.7), while adding over 110 yards per game in total offense (338.1). Hester’s offense showed significant gains in both balance and efficiency, with rushing production improving to 141.8 yards per game and 17 touchdowns, while the passing game jumped to 196.3 yards per game with a major increase in yards per attempt (7.35). The Vikings also made major strides in execution, improving third-down conversions to 40.7% and red zone efficiency to 64.7%, resulting in 43 total touchdowns—more than double the previous season. A key factor in the offensive surge was pass protection, as ECSU reduced sacks allowed from 41 to just 19. With improved efficiency, explosiveness, and consistency, Hester established a strong offensive foundation heading into year two Hester joins the staff after serving as the Offensive Coordinator under Coach Adrian Jones for the past four seasons (2021-25) at Shaw.  Hester spent the previous five years (2016-21) as the Pass Game Coordinator at Shaw. While at Shaw, Hester helped lead the Bears to a winning season in 2024 increasing the offensive production by over 10 points per game and 1000 yards over total offense.  Hester coached Ah’shaan Belcher to become the all-time touchdown receptions leader at Shaw. During the 2023 season, Hester’s offense guided Sidney Gibbs, Ah’shaan Belcher, and Queonte Hilliard to All-CIAA Second Team honors.  Gibbs would also break Shaw’s all-time rushing record that season amassing over 3300 yards rushing. In 2022, Hester helped Sidney Gibbs to a Second Team All-CIAA selection including several CIAA Weekly honors.  Hester’s rushing attack ranked fourth in the CIAA with over 1600 yards rushing.  Andre Brandon Jr. rushed for a school-record 313 yards against Livingstone that season.  Gibbs and Brandon ranked in the top-five in the CIAA in rushing average. Hester would take over the reigns as the offensive coordinator for the 2021 season as the Bears posted another winning season going 6-4 overall and 5-2 in the CIAA.  The offense tallied 324.2 yards of total offense with the lion’s share coming on the ground averaging 190.2 rushing yards per game.  The offensive line led by Tyrese Bobbitt (First Team All-CIAA) and Antavious Zachery (Second Team All-CIAA) helped Sidney Gibbs to a near 1000-yard rushing season and First Team All-CIAA selection. During the 2019 season, Hester, in his last season as the Pass Game Coordinator, helped guide the Bears to 216.4 yards of offense through the air with Kevonta Moses (TE) hauling in 510 yards receiving and nine touchdowns on his way to a Don Hansen Super Region Second Team selection and a Second Team All-CIAA nod. In the offseason, Hester helped coach the USA 18u National Team in the International Bowl, helping the USA defeat Canada. In 2018, Hester helped guide Kevonta Moses to a First Team All-CIAA selection, as well as, wide receivers: Daniel Bender and Marquis Gorham to CIAA Honorable Mention honors as the trio combined for 1508 yards receiving and 16 touchdowns. During the 2017 season, wide receiver Trevante Long, under the guidance of Hester, became the program’s all-time leader in receptions (144). Before arriving at Shaw, Hester spent five seasons as a wide receivers coach, passing game and special teams coordinator at Southern Durham High School under Head Coach Adrian Jones, where he helped lead the Spartans to three Big Eight Conference Championships, the 2015 Class 3AA State Runner-Up Trophy, the 2015 and 2013 Class 3AA East Regional Championship, and the 2013 Class 3AA NCHSAA State Championship. As a football player, Hester played professionally in the Arena/Indoor Football League with four different teams from 2005-10 including the South Georgia Wildcats (2005-2007), the Ohio Valley Greyhounds, the Summit County Rumble (2007-2008) and the Fayetteville Guard (2008-2010). The Durham, N.C. native was a three-year letterman wide receiver at North Carolina Central (2003-2006) where he was third on the team in receptions and yards during his career. He was a member of the 2005 CIAA Championship team under former head coach Rod Broadway. Hester received his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education with a concentration in Fitness and Wellness from N.C. Central in 2006 and obtained his master’s in Early Childhood Education from Shaw in 2022. Hester has been selected twice for the NCAA/NFL Coaching Academy in 2019 and 2022.  He is a member of AFCA and USA National Football.

Roy Scott II currently serves as the Assistant Coach and Defensive Line Coach at Elizabeth City State University, where he brings a strong background in player development, recruiting, and defensive strategy to the Vikings football program. Prior to joining ECSU, Scott spent April 2024 through March 2026 at Louisburg College (NJCAA), where he coached Tight Ends/Fullbacks and Defensive Line. During his tenure, he played a key role in recruiting, special teams coordination, and player evaluation. His impact was significant, helping develop two NJCAA All-Americans and contributing to a historic season in which the team set a program record with 72 sacks. That same team finished as NJCAA National Championship Runner-Up, while also producing two NJCAA Special Teams Player of the Week honorees. Before Louisburg College, Scott coached at Greensboro College (NCAA Division III), where he served as the Defensive Line coach during the 2021–2022 seasons after coaching Outside Linebackers in 2020. His time there further established his reputation for developing disciplined, high-performing defensive units. A former student-athlete, Scott earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Tabor College, where he was a two-year starting offensive lineman and served as a team captain. His playing experience and academic background provide a strong foundation for his coaching philosophy, emphasizing leadership, accountability, and the holistic development of student-athletes.

Elijah Sessoms enters his second season as an assistant coach for the ECSU Football program working with the Wide Receivers. In his first season as Wide Receivers Coach, Sessoms played a key role in the transformation of Elizabeth City State’s passing attack, helping the Vikings increase production by over 74 yards per game (196.3) and nearly double passing touchdowns (19). Under his guidance, the receiver unit developed into a balanced and reliable group, with four players recording 20+ receptions and seven different receivers contributing 170+ yards on the season. Sessoms’ group combined consistency with big-play ability, averaging 12.5 yards per catch while producing multiple explosive threats, including Ka’Trez Bracey (417 yards) and Terrance Holland (33 receptions). The unit also demonstrated improved depth and red zone impact, with six different receivers catching touchdown passes, highlighted by Joe Griffin’s team-leading five scores. With increased production, distribution, and explosiveness in the passing game, Sessoms established a deep and versatile receiving corps that will be a key piece of the offense moving forward Sessoms comes to the Vikings after a season at Shaw coaching the Wide Receivers.  Sessoms helped produce three receivers in the top-15 in the CIAA in receiving yards.  Sessoms helped Ah’Shaan Belcher to multiple CIAA Receiver of the Week honors and a 2025 HBCU Legacy Bowl selection. Prior to his collegiate coaching career, Sessoms returned for his second stint in 2023 at Southern Durham HS as an Associate Head Coach and Pass Game Coordinator where the team averaged 33.4 points per game and 239.6 passing yards per game. Sessoms would spend the 2022 season as the Head Coach at JF Webb HS in Oxford, N.C.  He would lead the program to three All-Conference selections. Before heading to JF Webb HS, Sessoms started his coaching career at his alma mater Southern Durham HS for his first stint serving as the Wide Receivers coach for five seasons.  During that time, Southern Durham receivers racked up over 1600 yards and 15 touchdowns per season. Sessoms would also be selected as a coach for the Carolina Bowl All-Star game in 2020, 2022, and 2023. The Durham, N.C. native played his collegiate career at Fayetteville State before finishing his career at Winston-Salem State.  Sessoms received a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Fayetteville State in 2011.

Ryan Gould joins the Elizabeth City State University Vikings football program as an Assistant Football Coach, specializing in the defensive line. Gould brings a proven track record of developing high-performing student-athletes, emphasizing technique, fundamentals, and leadership both on and off the field. Known for his hands-on coaching style, he focuses on building aggressive, disciplined defensive units capable of excelling in both pass rush and run defense. Prior to joining ECSU, Gould served at Virginia Union University, where he coached defensive ends and helped lead the team to CIAA championships in 2023 and 2024, as well as multiple NCAA Division II playoff appearances, including a 2024 Elite 8 berth. During his tenure, his defensive line produced numerous All-CIAA selections and contributed to the nation’s top-ranked rush defense in 2023. In addition to his collegiate coaching experience, Gould has coached high school programs at RJ Reynolds High School and Mallard Creek High School, where he worked with offensive and defensive line units and helped develop several scholarship athletes. This experience gives him a comprehensive understanding of line play, game planning, and player development across both sides of the ball. A 2019 graduate of Hampton University with a B.S. in Sports Management, Gould is committed to fostering a culture of accountability, academic success, and teamwork. He brings energy, expertise, and a passion for mentoring student-athletes to the ECSU football program, where he will continue to develop elite defensive talent and strengthen the Vikings’ defensive front.

Andre George enters the 2025–2026 season as the Defensive Coordinator at Elizabeth City State University. With a proven track record of building strong defenses and developing talented players, Andre brings extensive coaching experience across college and high school levels. In his first season as Defensive Coordinator, George led a clear turnaround for the Elizabeth City State defense, improving both production and overall efficiency across the board. The Vikings reduced scoring defense by 4.5 points per game (33.1 to 28.6) while cutting total yards allowed by over 30 yards per game. George’s unit made its biggest strides up front, significantly improving against the run by allowing nearly 28 fewer rushing yards per game and lowering yards per carry from 5.1 to 4.5. The defense also became more disruptive, increasing sacks (14.0 to 20.5), tackles for loss (+17), and quarterback hurries (+9), while generating more takeaways, including nine interceptions. With improved pressure, better run defense, and increased playmaking ability, George established a more aggressive and productive defensive identity, helping lay the foundation for continued growth moving into year two.  Prior to ECSU, Andre served at Shaw University through the 2024 season, where he held multiple roles including Running Backs Coach, Recruiting Coordinator, and Special Teams Coordinator. This marked his second tenure at Shaw; he previously served as Defensive Coordinator from 2016 to 2018, laying the foundation for impactful defenses that earned numerous All-CIAA honors. Throughout his coaching career, Andre has demonstrated a passion for player development and recruiting excellence. At Shaw, he played a pivotal role in recruiting over 90 student-athletes, dozens of whom earned scholarships. His coaching acumen helped produce standout performances, including guiding star running back Sidney Gibbs to become Shaw's all-time leading rusher with 3,326 yards and mentoring All-Conference back Trevon Tensley, who finished third in the league in rushing yards in 2024. Andre’s coaching journey began at North Carolina Central University (2010–2014), where he coached defensive backs and served as assistant special teams coordinator, developing future professional players such as Ryan Smith and Mike Jones Jr. His early coaching experience includes high school roles at Southern Durham High School and Durham Riverside High School, where he cultivated young talent and leadership skills. An accomplished former player, Andre was a first-team All-CIAA defensive back, CIAA Champion, and two-time team captain at North Carolina Central University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Health Education and a Master’s in Public Administration from NCCU. Hailing from Columbia, Maryland, Andre is married to Dr. Krystal George, and they are proud parents of Haleigh, Haiden, and Harper.