Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Men's Football

QUICK BIO Shawn Lutz was named the 16th head coach in SRU football history on Dec. 18, 2015 after spending 20 years as an assistant coach at The Rock. In the eight seasons SRU has played since he was named head coach, Lutz has guided the program to five PSAC West titles, six trips to the NCAA Division II Playoffs and an overall record of 82-21, the best in the PSAC over that stretch.   Lutz is a three-time PSAC West Coach of the Year and was named the 2019 Don Hansen Football Gazette Division II National Coach of the Year. Slippery Rock has made two trips to the national semifinals under Lutz’s guidance in 2019 and 2023.   CAREER AT A GLANCE • 82-21 as a head coach (.796 winning percentage) • Ranks 10th among active head coaches across all divisions of the NCAA, and third in Division II, in winning percentage (minimum 100 games coached) • Averaging 10.3 wins per season as head coach • Averaging 11.2. wins per season over the last six seasons (2018-24) • 2018, 2019 and 2023 PSAC West Coach of the Year • 2019 Don Hansen Gazette DII National Coach of the Year • PSAC West Champions in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 • NCAA Division II Playoff Appearances in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 • NCAA Quarterfinals in 2018, 2019, 2023, 2024 • NCAA Semifinals in 2019, 2024 • Harlon Hill Trophy Winner (Roland Rivers III) in 2019 • Three Campbell Trophy Finalists (Marcus Martin, Henry Litwin, Brayden Long) • Needed just 100 games at The Rock to reach 80 wins. Only one other head coach had more wins in their first 100 games at a PSAC school • Only two other coaches in PSAC history have a higher overall career winning percentage among those who have coached at least 100 games • 20 seasons as an assistant coach at SRU • Member of SRU coaching staff for 13 PSAC West titles and seven PSAC titles • Former tight end at West Virginia University   SEASON-BY-SEASON BREAKDOWN 2024 • SRU went 12-2 overall for its ninth 10-win season in program history • SRU made its sixth straight NCAA Playoff Appearance, the second-longest active streak in DII • Won Super Region 1 with playoff victories over New Haven, Kutztown and California to advance to the national semifinals before losing to eventual national champions Ferris State • Ranked third in the year-end AFCA Top 25 poll • The Rock was 5-1 in the PSAC West, earning a winning record in conference competition for a seventh consecutive season • Quarterback Brayden Long named a national finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy, finishing sixth in the voting, as well as being a Campbell Trophy finalist • Defensive End Todd Hill named PSAC West Defensive Player of the Year • SRU landed 12 athletes on the All-PSAC West Team including six first team honorees • Hill was named a national Upshaw Award finalist, finishing third in the voting • Hill, offensive tackle Joe Cooper and cornerback Josh Stokes were named AP All-Americans, extending SRU's streak with an AP All-American to nine straight seasons • A total of six different players earned at least one All-America recognition • Four SRU players were named to Academic All-America honors including Long who earned Academic All-America Team Member of the Year recognition 2023 • SRU went 12-2 overall for its eighth 10-win season in program history • SRU won its fifth straight PSAC West title with 7-0 PSAC West record • SRU made its fifth straight NCAA Playoff Appearance, the second-longest active streak in DII • SRU won two games in the NCAA Playoffs, first defeating East Stroudsburg at home in the opening round and then traveling to the No. 1 seed in Super Region One and defeating Tiffin in the second round. • SRU was one of only 12 teams to be ranked in every DII national poll of the 2023 season • SRU led the PSAC West with 13 All-PSAC honorees • Quarterback Brayden Long was named the PSAC West and Super Region One Offensive Player of the Year • WR Kyle Sheets, OL Yuriy Hryckowian and DB Josh Stokes were named AP All-Americans, extending SRU's streak with an AP All-American to eighth straight seasons • Hryckowian was named a national finalist for the Gene Upshaw Lineman of the Year Award and finished third in the voting • Long was named a national finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy and finished fifth in the voting • A total of seven different players earned at least one All-America recognition • Four SRU players were named to Academic All-America honors 2022 • SRU went 10-3 overall for its seventh 10-win season in program history • SRU won its fourth straight PSAC West title with 6-1 PSAC West record • SRU made its fourth straight NCAA Playoff Appearance, the third-longest active streak in DII • SRU went 530 miles on the road and defeated No. 3 seed Assumption in the opening round of the NCAA Playoffs • SRU was one of only 12 teams to be ranked in every DII national poll of the 2022 season • SRU led the PSAC West with 14 All-PSAC honorees • Defensive end D.J. Adediwura was named the Super Region One Defensive Player of the Year • Adediwura was named a first team AP All-American, extending SRU's streak with an AP All-American to seven straight seasons • Adediwura was named a national finalist for the Gene Upshaw Lineman of the Year Award • QB Noah Grover was named to Academic All-America honors, becoming the first SRU QB to earn the award 2021 • SRU went 9-3 for a 12th straight winning season • SRU won third straight PSAC West title with 6-1 PSAC West record • SRU made third straight NCAA Playoff appearance (No. 6 seed) • SRU finished the year ranked No. 21 in final Division II rankings • SRU had 10 All-PSAC honorees • SRU had five players earn All-America honors • Henry Litwin named Harlon Hill Trophy finalist • Henry Litwin named only DII Campbell Trophy finalist • Henry Litwin named Academic All-America of the Year • Chad Kuhn named Gene Upshaw Award finalist 2020 • SRU did not play in 2020 due to COVID-19 2019 • SRU went 13-1 for the best record in program history • SRU won second straight PSAC West title with 7-0 record • SRU won outright PSAC title and earned No. 1 seed in playoffs • SRU finished regular season with a perfect 11-0 record • SRU advanced to and hosted the NCAA Division II Semifinals • SRU finished the year ranked No. 6 in final Division II rankings • Roland Rivers III named Harlon Hill Trophy winner as DII Player of the Year, becoming the first SRU player to ever win the award • Roland Rivers III named Maxwell Club Brian Westbrook Award winner • Chris Larsen named Gene Upshaw Award finalists • Henry Litwin shattered single-season receiving records • Roland Rivers III shattered single-season passing records • SRU had 14 players named to All-PSAC honors • SRU had five players named All-Americans • Lutz was named PSAC West Coach of the Year • Lutz was named DII National Coach of the Year by Don Hansen Football Gazette 2018 • SRU went 11-3 for the 10th straight winning season • SRU won the PSAC West with a perfect 7-0 record • SRU qualified for NCAA Playoffs as No. 7 seed • SRU reached national quarterfinals after winning two road playoff games, including knocking off undefeated No. 2 seed LIU Post on the road • SRU finished the year ranked No. 12 in final DII rankings • SRU had 10 players named to All-PSAC honors • SRU had five players named to All-America honors • Wes Hills broke single-season rushing record • Wes Hills signed by Detroit Lions and played in 2019 NFL season • Lutz was named PSAC West Coach of the Year 2017 • SRU went 8-3 for its ninth straight winning season • SRU ranked fifth in nation in passing offense (335.4 ypg) and 11th in scoring (40.2 ppg) • SRU had 10 players named to All-PSAC honors • SRU had three All-Americans • SRU had three players reach at least an NFL minicamp, including Marcus Martin, Ian Park and Marcus Johnson • Marcus Martin set all-time NCAA sack record for all divisions • Marcus Martin named PSAC Defensive Player of the Year for third straight year • Marcus Martin named Gene Upshaw DII Lineman of the Year winner • Marcus Martin named only DII finalist for Campbell Trophy 2016 • Lutz’ first season as head coach • SRU went 7-4 in a season plagued by injuries to key players • SRU posted its eighth straight winning season • SRU ranked sixth in the nation in rush defense (82.5 ypg) and ninth in interceptions (21) • SRU had eight players earn All-PSAC honors • Marcus Martin named PSAC Defensive Player of the Year • One player (Martin) named All-America THE ROCK IN THE CLASSROOM • Slippery Rock has had three national finalists for the William Campbell Trophy (academic Heisman) under Lutz with Marcus Martin in 2017, Henry Litwin in 2021 and Brayden Long in 2024 • No other school in the PSAC has ever had a Campbell Trophy finalist • SRU is one of only eight schools in DII with multiple Campbell finalists • Litwin became the first SRU athlete in any sport and the first football player from any PSAC school to be named the CoSIDA Academic All-America of the Year award winner in 2021 • SRU has had 17 CSC (formerly CoSIDA) Academic All-Americans and 31 Academic All-District honorees during Lutz’ head coaching tenure • Long was named the 2024 CSC Division II Football Academic All-America Team Member of the Year • SRU has had six PSAC Fall Top 10 honorees during Lutz’ head coaching tenure CAREER PATH •  Lutz began his coaching career as graduate assistant at SRU in 1996 •  Worked with tight ends and offensive linemen in early career •  Spent 10 seasons as defensive line coach at SRU •  Took over as defensive coordinator at SRU in 2006 •  Served as defensive coordinator until being named head coach in 2015 •  As an assistant, coached nine defensive linemen to All-America honors •  Coached a defense that routinely ranked in the top 15 in Division II in multiple categories •  Also served as recruiting coordinator early in career COACHING TIMELINE • 1996-97: Slippery Rock (graduate assistant – offensive linemen) •  1998: Slippery Rock (assistant coach - tight ends/tackles) •  1999-09: Slippery Rock (assistant coach – defensive line) •  2006-12: Slippery Rock (defensive coordinator / defensive line) •  2012-15: Slippery Rock (associate head coach / defensive coordinator) •  2015-Present: Slippery Rock (head coach) PLAYING CAREER •  Lettered three years in football at West Virginia University •  Played tight end on two Bowl teams •  Member of Big East title team that played in the Sugar Bowl and finished the season ranked No. 6 in Division I PERSONAL • Native of Massillon, Ohio •  Earned undergraduate degree in secondary education/social studies from WVU in 1996 •  Earned master’s degree in sport management from Slippery Rock in 2003 •  Family includes wife, April, and their six combined children: Logan, Gavin, Easton, Gianna, Jason and Ryan •  Oldest son Logan played tight end at Duquesne University. •  Middle son Gavin is currently a defensive back on the SRU football team. HEAD COACHING RECORD Year W L Win % NOTES 2016 7 4 .636 2017 8 3 .727 2018 11 3 .786 PSAC West Champions, NCAA Quarterfinals 2019 13 1 .929 PSAC West Champions, PSAC Champions, NCAA Semifinals 2020 Season canceled due to COVID-19 2021 9 3 .750 PSAC West Champions, NCAA 1st Round 2022 10 3 .769 PSAC West co-Champions, NCAA 2nd Round 2023 12 2 .857 PSAC West Champions, NCAA 3rd Round 2024 12 2 .857 NCAA Semifinals 2025 6 4 .600 - Career 88 25 .779 -  

Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Chris Conrad will begin his 14th season at Slippery Rock University in 2025. Conrad will once again serve as The Rock’s offensive line coach and associate head coach. In addition to his on-field coaching duties, Conrad also serves as The Rock’s recruiting coordinator.   CAREER AT A GLANCE • Slippery Rock has had 21 different offensive linemen earn All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference honors since Conrad came to The Rock in 2012. • Conrad has overseen the development of eight All-Americans in Chris Larsen, Ryan Podgorski, Steve Gaviglia, Ian Park, Cory Tucker, Jake Tecak, Yuriy Hryckowian and Joe Cooper. Park and Tucker both went on to play professionally while Cooper was one of just 10 players from NCAA Division II schools to be named on the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl watchlist. • Park signed a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Eagles prior to the start of the 2018 season following the conclusion of his Rock career and currently plays professionally in Japan. Tucker starred for SRU from 2011-15. As a senior, Tucker was named an All-American as well as a finalist for the Gene Upshaw Division II Offensive Lineman of the Year Award. Once his collegiate career came to an end, Tucker spent the NFL preseason in training camp with the Cleveland Browns in 2016 and eventually signed a professional contract with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. • SRU has had an offensive lineman named as one of the national finalists for the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year award in four different seasons since Conrad joined the staff with Cory Tucker (2014, 2015), Chris Larsen (2019) and Yuriy Hryckowian (2023). • Under Conrad’s guidance, The Rock’s 2024 offensive line ranked 18th in the nation in sacks allowed at just 0.93 per game. • The Rock’s offensive line paved the way for an offense that ranked ninth in Division II in total first downs, 24th in passing offense and 25th in third down conversion percentage on the way to SRU posting a 12-2 record, winning Super Region One and advancing to the national semifinals in 2024.      COACHING TIMELINE 2012-Present: Slippery Rock (offensive line/recruiting coordinator) 2009-11: Carnegie Mellon (offensive tackles and tight ends) 2001-08: Shaler Area High School (offensive and defensive lines, 04-08 T&F throwing coach)   CAREER PATH • Conrad’s run game coordination, a duty he oversaw from 2014-19, took off in 2014 when Shamar Greene ran for 1,482 yards and the offensive line helped pave the way for a 214.5 yard per game average on the ground. In 2013 The Rock’s offensive line helped lead SRU to the third best total offensive output in the PSAC with 5,529 yards. • Those numbers only got better in 2015 when Greene won the PSAC rushing title and finished fourth in the nation in total rushing yards with 1,545. The Rock shattered multiple single-season team rushing records in 2015, including yards (3,608) and touchdowns (46). • In 2016, The Rock’s offensive line blocked for an offense that ranked fifth in the PSAC in scoring, fifth in total yardage, fourth in passing offense and second in first downs per game. Greene also became the program's all-time leading rusher, despite having his season cut short due to injury, finishing with 4,275 yards. • In 2017, Slippery Rock’s offensive line set the tone for a unit that ranked 11th in the nation in both scoring and third down conversion percentage. Slippery Rock possessed arguably the most potent offense in the PSAC as it ranked first in the 16-team conference in scoring, passing offense, first downs and third down conversion percentage while coming in second in total offense. • The 2019 season saw The Rock lead the PSAC in passing touchdowns, rushing touchdowns and first downs while ranking second in total offense, second in rushing yards per game, third in third down conversion percentage and third in points per game thanks in no small part to excellent offensive line play. • Conrad joined The Rock’s staff after serving three seasons as offensive tackles and tight ends coach at Carnegie Mellon University. Prior to that, he served eight seasons as offensive and defensive line coach at Shaler Area High School. He also served five seasons as the throwing coach for the Titans’ track and field teams.   PLAYING CAREER • A native of Brea, California, Conrad attended Fresno State University, where he was a four-year letter winner as an offensive lineman. He earned first-team All-Western Athletic Conference (WAC) honors in his senior season. • Conrad was the 66th overall pick of the 1998 NFL Draft, selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round. He played 17 games (four starts) in two seasons with the Black and Gold before a neck injury early in 2000 ended his NFL career.   PERSONAL • Conrad and his wife, Stephanie, have two children, Michael and Joelle, and reside in Wexford.

Former women's professional football player and NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship recipient Lisa Horton joined the SRU football staff in 2023 as an offensive assistant. Horton added the title of tight ends coach entering the 2024 season and will again have the same position responsibilities in 2025.   CAREER AT A GLANCE • SRU marks her first collegiate football coaching role after putting together a storied career in Women’s Professional Football with the Pittsburgh Passion. • Slippery Rock has compiled a record of 24-4 in Horton’s two seasons on head coach Shawn Lutz’s staff. • A year ago, Slippery Rock’s tight ends caught 46 passes for 382 yards and five touchdowns. Kam Kruzelyak was an honorable mention All-America honoree in addition to garnering All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division accolades.      COACHING TIMELINE • 2024-Present: Slippery Rock (offensive assistant/tight ends) • 2023: Slippery Rock (offensive assistant) • 2022 (Summer): Cleveland Browns (assistant running backs) • 2018-Present: Pittsburgh Passion (co-head coach/offensive coordinator)   CAREER PATH • In 2022, Horton was awarded the NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the Cleveland Browns and worked with the NFL staff in Cleveland as an assistant running backs coach that summer.   • Represented the U.S. Women’s Tackle National Team as an assistant coach in the 2022 IFAF World Championships in Finland.   • After finishing her playing career, Horton stepped into a coaching role with the Pittsburgh Passion, where she still serves as co-head coach and offensive coordinator.   ATHLETIC CAREER • Horton began playing professionally for the Passion in 2003 and would go on to serve as the team’s starting quarterback for most of 15 years, eventually retiring in 2018 after passing for more than 18,000 yards and throwing 256 touchdown passes.   • Was a 14-time all-star selection and was named the league MVP four times while leading the Passion to three national championships. After her career, Horton was enshrined in the Women's Pro Football Hall of Fame and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh. • A two-sport athlete collegiately. Was Baldwin Wallace’s leading setter as a freshman and sophomore (2,360 assists / 81 aces) on the volleyball team before transferring to Cleveland State where she appeared in 100 games over junior and senior seasons for the Vikings’ softball team PERSONAL • Native of Middleburg Heights, Ohio. • Earned a bachelor's degree from Cleveland State University and her master’s degree in exercise science and wellness promotion from The Rock in 2003.  

Coach Henry is entering his 3rd Season coaching and entering his 2nd at Slippery Rock being the Running Backs Coach. Coach Henry helped The Rock win another PSAC West Championship in the 2023 Season, which included a Division 2 National Playoff Appearance, marking the programs 5th straight appearance. Coach had a stable of RBs, including a 1st Team All PSAC Running Back in Khalid Dorsey who led the way for a unit that ran for over 2200 yards and 35 Touchdowns. This included two RBs over 1,000 All purpose yards and All 3 RBs rushing over 500 yards and 10+ TDs. The unit was ranked 1st in the PSAC in Rushing Yards Per Game at 185, which also ranked 31st in the Nation.  Coach Henry also played Collegiate Football at Muhlenberg and The College of New Jersey where he played LB and graduated in 2022. 

Corey Dinger will begin his second season as a graduate assistant on head coach Shawn Lutz’s staff in 2025. Dinger will once again work with the linebackers.   Prior to becoming a graduate assistant for Slippery Rock, Dinger worked for the program as intern during his undergraduate career at The Rock.  

Former Slippery Rock University football player Steve “Moose” Saylor returned to the sidelines at The Rock in 2010 in the role of director of football operations. He is set to return to that role for a 15th straight year in 2025. Saylor works with the coaching and equipment staffs and assists in the daily operation of the football office, including but not limited to budgeting, travel arrangements, equipment purchases and scheduling. In addition to his role with the football program, Saylor also serves the University as manager of academic and student affairs resources.   Saylor owns a pair of degrees from Slippery Rock, first graduating with his undergraduate degree in sport management in 2005 and then completing his master's degree in education in 2023.  

Domenick Razzano returns for his 12th season as a member of the Slippery Rock University football team’s coaching staff, and his ninth year as The Rock’s defensive coordinator in 2024.   CAREER AT A GLANCE • In his eight seasons as defensive coordinator at SRU, 44 of his players have earned All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division accolades including past All-Americans Todd Hill (2024), Munchie Johnson (2024), Josh Stokes (2023, 2024), Eddie Faulkner IV (2023), D.J. Adediwura (2022), Jeff Marx (2022) Chad Kuhn (2019, 2021), Brad Zaffram (2018, 2019), Marcus Martin (2014-17), Teven Williams (2015) and Joe Phillips (2015). • With Razzano on staff, Slippery Rock has compiled an overall record of 103-26 with two Super Region One titles, three PSAC championships and eight appearances in the NCAA playoffs. • A season ago, The Rock’s defense ranked fourth in the nation in fumble recoveries, 22nd in turnovers gained, 30th in red zone defense, 31st in passing yards allowed and 35th in points allowed per game as SRU went 12-2 and advanced to the national semifinals. • In 2023, SRU's defense ranked 16th in the nation in passing defense (158..9 ypg), eighth in passes intercepted (18) and 12th in turnovers gained (27). • In 2022, Slippery Rock’s defense ranked ninth in the nation in interceptions (17), 13th in points allowed per game (16.2), 21st in rushing yards allowed (91.6) and 22nd in yards per game allowed (286.2). • Prior to being the named defensive coordinator entering the 2016 season, Razzano served as the linebackers coach in 2014 and was the co-defensive coordinator in 2015, focusing on the secondary. He also served as the special teams coordinator in 2015.   COACHING TIMELINE 2017-Present: Slippery Rock (defensive coordinator) 2014-16: Slippery Rock (linebackers) 2011: Findlay (defensive backs/special teams coordinator) 2010: Saint Vincent (defensive backs/special teams/assistant strength and conditioning coach)   CAREER PATH • In 2019, Slippery Rock’s defense ranked eighth in the nation in turnovers, ninth in fumbles recovered, 13th in interceptions, 26th in tackles for loss, 32nd in rushing defense and 38th in sacks as SRU finished the season with a 13-1 record that included Super Region I, PSAC and PSAC West championships, an appearance in the national semifinals and a ranking of sixth in the final American Football Coaches Association Division II Top 25 poll. • In 2018, the Razzano-led Rock defense played a huge role in SRU going 11-3 and advancing to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament as The Rock led the PSAC, and ranked fifth nationally, in interceptions with 19 all the while finishing second in the league in rushing yards allowed per game (104.6), third in sacks (35), fourth in points allowed per game (21.2) and fifth in third down conversion percentage defense (.349).  • The Rock’s defense underwent a youth movement in 2017 as underclassmen made a total of 68 starts. Even with the influx of inexperienced players into key positions, Slippery Rock’s defense still ranked 21st in the nation in tackles for loss per game (8.0) and fifth in the PSAC in total sacks (27). • Razzano helped coach Martin to one of the most historic seasons by a defensive lineman in Division II history in 2017 as the senior end was named the PSAC West Defensive Player of the Year for a third consecutive season, the Conference Commissioner's Association Defensive Player of the Year as well as the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year in addition to being the first Division II player to ever be named one of the five finalists for the Ted Hendricks Award as the best defensive end in all of college football. • In 2016, Razzano’s defense ranked sixth in the nation in rushing yards allowed per game (82.5), ninth in interceptions (21) and 27th in sacks (32). Across the 16-team PSAC, Slippery Rock led the league in rush yards allowed per game while also ranking third in interceptions, fourth in total yards allowed per game (360.3), fifth in sacks, fifth in first downs allowed per game (19.2) and seventh in points allowed per game despite being on the field for an average of 30.46 minutes per game. • Razzano coached the linebackers on the 2014 defense that ranked eighth in the nation against the run, allowing opponents just 2.8 yards per carry. The Rock defense also ranked 22nd in the nation on third down and racked up a total of 31 sacks. • The 2015 defense improved on those numbers by ranking second in the country against the run, setting a program record by allowing just 2.2 yards per carry and 71.7 yards per game. The Rock defense also led the country in takeaways with 47, including 23 fumble recoveries and 24 interceptions. SRU led the PSAC with 48 sacks and posted 132 tackles for loss. • Prior to joining the Slippery Rock coaching staff, Razzano had coaching stints at Saint Vincent College and the University of Findlay.   PLAYING CAREER • Razzano is a 2009 graduate of Slippery Rock. He played collegiately for The Rock from 2005-08, appearing in 26 games and finishing his career with 54 tackles, three tackles for a loss and one forced fumble.   PERSONAL • Razzano and his wife, Erica, reside in Pittsburgh with their three sons Domenick Jr., Alessio and Santino.  

2025 will mark Joe Marella’s fifth season with The Rock. Marella, who joined the SRU football staff in the summer of 2021, will serve as SRU’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for a second consecutive year after a stellar 2024 campaign.   CAREER AT A GLANCE • Served as wide receivers coach and pass game coordinator before being promoted to offensive coordinator after the 2023 season. • Marella has played an integral role in The Rock’s success - a 43-10 overall record with four playoff appearances - since joining head coach Shawn Lutz’s staff. • In his inaugural season as The Rock’s offensive coordinator in 2024, SRU averaged 27.8 points per game – the third highest average in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference – As SRU went 12-2 overall, won Super Region One and advanced to the national semifinals. • On the national level, Marella’s offense ranked ninth in Division II in first downs (289), 18th in completion percentage (.648), 18th in sacks allowed per game (0.93), 22nd in fourth down conversion percentage (.600), 24th in passing offense (247.9), 25th in third down conversion percentage (.443) and 27th in time of possession per game (31:51). • The Rock’s offensive unit was responsible for six All-PSAC West honorees in 2024 including quarterback Brayden Long, who was a Harlon Hill Trophy finalist, as well as two other All-Americans in tight end Kam Kruzelyak and offensive tackle Joe Cooper. • Five Slippery Rock wide receivers earned All-PSAC West honors under Marella in Henry Litwin, Jermaine Wynn Jr., Cinque Sweeting, Cohen Russell and Kyle Sheets with Litwin (2021) and Sheets (2023) going on to be named consensus All-Americans. • SRU was the only Division II team in the country to have two receivers over 1,100 yards in 2023 with Kyle Sheets and Cohen Russell both ranking in the top eight in Division II in receiving yards. • As pass game coordinator in 2022, The Rock ranked 24th in the nation, and third in the PSAC, in passing offense at 259.3 yards per game in addition to being 15th in Division II in completion percentage (.630) and 26th in team passing efficiency.   COACHING TIMELINE 2018: UCF (strength and conditioning) 2019: Cincinnati (strength and conditioning) 2019: Benedictine (assistant coach) 2019-2020: Ohio Dominican (graduate assistant, tight ends/running backs/special teams) 2021: Slippery Rock (wide receivers) 2022: Slippery Rock (pass game coordinator/wide receivers) 2023: Slippery Rock (special coordinator/wide receivers) 2024-Present: Slippery Rock (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks)   CAREER PATH • After working with UCF and the University of Cincinnati football programs in strength and conditioning roles to start career, Marella officially moved into coaching in 2019 at his alma mater, Benedictine University, before taking a position at Ohio Dominican. • While at Ohio Dominican, Marella worked with the Panthers’ tight ends and running backs in addition to ODU’s special teams. • Marella helped to lead Ohio Dominican to a 7-3 record in 2019. ODU running back EJ Colson, tight end Blake Skuratowicz and punter Logen Neidhardt each earned all-conference honors with Neidhardt being named the G-MAC Special Teams Player of the Year.   ATHLETIC CAREER • Competed collegiately at Benedictine University (2014-17). • Played both quarterback and tight end at Benedictine. • A team captain for the Eagles.   PERSONAL • Native of Des Plaines, Illinois. • Marella received a bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies and graduated magna cum laude from Benedictine in 2018. • Went on to earn master’s degree in Sport Management from Ohio Dominican University in 2020.  

Jalen Jackson joined the Slippery Rock football staff in the spring of 2025 as a wide receivers coach.   CAREER AT A GLANCE • Jackson came to The Rock after serving as a graduate assistant coach at Division II Delta State University, where he worked with the wide receivers.   COACHING TIMELINE • 2025-Present: Slippery Rock (wide receivers) • 2024: Delta State (GA / wide receivers)   CAREER PATH • In his role at Delta State, Jackson was involved in recruiting high school and transfer students, assisting with wide receiver individual drills and meetings, working with film, opponent scouting, coordinating camps and coaching the scout team defensive backs and linebackers. • Coached one all-conference selection and a Reese's Senior Bowl Watch List athlete at Delta State. • Helped guide Delta State to a 6-4 record in 2024.   ATHLETIC CAREER • Began career at Kennesaw State for two seasons (2018 / 2019) before transferring to Fort Scott Community College in 2020 and Division I Louisiana-Monroe for final three collegiate seasons (2021-23).   PERSONAL • Earned master's degree in sport and human performance from Delta State with a 4.0 GPA in 2024. • Received bachelor's degree from the University of Louisiana-Monroe in 2022. • Native of Powder Springs, Georgia.  

Ron Butschle joined the Slippery Rock football staff in the spring of 2025 to serve as running backs coach.   CAREER AT A GLANCE • Butschle comes to The Rock with more than 30 years of coaching experience at the high school level, where he spent time coaching at both Sto-Rox High School and Seneca Valley High School in western Pennsylvania. • Butschle won 101 games combined as a high school head coach and led his teams to 10 WPIAL playoff appearances, including three appearances in the WPIAL championship game. • Throughout his tenure, Butschle coached five different players that would go on to play in the NFL, including Slippery Rock offensive lineman Brandon Fusco, who was the last SRU football player to be drafted.   COACHING TIMELINE • 2025-Present: Slippery Rock (running backs) • 2017-24: Seneca Valley High School (head coach) • 2015-16: Seneca Valley High School (offensive coordinator) • 2010-11: Sto-Rox (head coach) • 2004-08: Seneca Valley High School (head coach) • 2000-03: Sto-Rox (head coach) • 1997-00: Sto-Rox (assistant coach) • 1995-97: Canon-McMillan (assistant coach) • 1989-94: Sto-Rox (assistant coach)   ATHLETIC CAREER • Butschle lettered twice in baseball at Duquesne University.   PERSONAL • A 1987 graduate of Duquesne University. • Added a master's equivalency Pennsylvania teacher certification from Duquesne in 1988 and earned principal certification from Indiana University (Pa.) in 2010. • Married to Trisha Butschle. • Children Ryan 37, Jenn 33, Mathilda 23, Gabriella 18, Nate 18.