Truman State University Men's Football

Kellen Nesbitt is entering his third season as head coach of the Truman State Bulldogs. In his second season as head coach (2025), Nesbitt led Truman to its first NCAA Division II Playoff berth since 1994, finishing with an 8-4 overall record and a 7-1 mark in the GLVC. For his efforts, Nesbitt was named the 2025 GLVC Coach of the Year, becoming just the second Truman head coach to receive the honor, joining his father, Gregg Nesbitt. The 2025 Season Under Nesbitt's leadership, the 2025 Bulldogs established themselves as one of the most complete teams in the GLVC, ranking among the conference elite on both sides of the ball. The team finished 2nd in the GLVC in scoring offense (36.7 ppg), 3rd in scoring defense (22.5 ppg allowed), and 1st in rushing offense (2,261 yards; 205 yards per game). Offensive Excellence Offensive Coordinator Austin Zoda's unit totaled 4,907 yards of total offense (408.9 yards per game) while dominating on the ground with 2,261 rushing yards at 5.71 yards per carry (1st GLVC/13th nationally). The offensive line, coached by Clay Marshall, allowed just 16 sacks all season (1 per 24 attempts, 2nd GLVC/40th nationally) and ranked among the fewest sack totals in the GLVC. The offense converted 47.1% of third downs (2nd GLVC/17th nationally). Quarterback Dylan Hair, working with Wide Receivers Coach/Recruiting Coordinator Jamar Johnson, orchestrated the attack with 267 yards per game of total offense (4th GLVC), completing 61.47% of his passes for 2,476 yards, 25 touchdowns, and a 147.85 passer rating while adding 745 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns. Running back Denim Cook, coached by John Dabney, won the GLVC Rushing Championship with 905 yards and 11 touchdowns. Wide receiver Nathan Ryan led the passing attack with 8 receiving touchdowns (4th GLVC), while tight end Gerard Grewe caught a team-high 44 passes for 573 yards and 6 touchdowns. Thomas Pulliam led the GLVC with 342 kick return yards. Defensive Dominance Defensive Coordinator Jeramey Dockery's unit ranked 3rd in the GLVC in scoring defense at 22.5 points per game, limiting opponents to 368.7 yards per game and 254.75 passing yards per game. The defense recorded 8 interceptions, 60 pass breakups, and 23 sacks while creating crucial turnovers throughout the season. Linebacker Jack Weltha led the defense with 94 total tackles and earned rare dual All-GLVC recognition for his versatility. The secondary, coached by Dominic Stoneking, featured standout performances from Connor Baxley (82 tackles, 1 interception, 6 pass breakups) and Jaxin Patterson (75 tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, 2 interceptions including one touchdown). Dominic Grand led the GLVC with 18 passes defended, while Joe Schaefer added a 65-yard interception return for a touchdown. Thomas Spaulding anchored the defensive line with multiple sacks and a team-high in tackles for loss. All-GLVC Honors The 2025 Bulldogs earned 15 All-GLVC selections, including seven First Team honorees, six Second Team selections, and two Honorable Mentions: First Team All-GLVC: OL Greg Krupa OL Wyatt Bonnett RB Denim Cook (GLVC Rushing Champion) LB Jack Weltha DB Jaxin Patterson DB Connor Baxley Return Specialist Thomas Pulliam (led GLVC with 342 kick return yards) Second Team All-GLVC: QB Dylan Hair WR Nathan Ryan TE/O-UT Gerard Grewe (dual recognition) DL Thomas Spaulding Defensive Utility Jack Weltha (dual recognition) Honorable Mention All-GLVC: DL Tyler Shanks DB Dominic Grand (1st in GLVC in passes defended) Wide receiver Nathan Ryan also earned the GLVC James R. Spalding Sportsmanship Award, honoring his leadership, integrity, and contributions on and off the field. The 2024 Season In his first season after being named interim head coach in February 2024, Nesbitt guided the Bulldogs to an 8-4 record, winning eight of their last nine games, including a 29-10 victory in the America's Crossroads Bowl in December. The 2024 campaign marked the fifth-straight season with eight or more wins by the Bulldog program—the longest such streak in school history. The 2024 Bulldogs ranked first or second in the GLVC in 18 different statistical metrics and led all of Division II in fewest penalties per game, while ranking 2nd nationally in punt returns and 4th in fourth-down conversion percentage. The offense averaged 32.75 points per game (2nd GLVC/26th nationally) while rushing for 2,216 yards (2nd GLVC/22nd nationally) at 5.0 yards per carry. The offensive line allowed just 11 sacks all season (1st GLVC/14th nationally), and the team converted 77.78% of fourth downs (1st GLVC/2nd nationally) and 43.33% of third downs (1st GLVC/35th nationally). Quarterback Dylan Hair threw for 2,360 yards—the most by a Bulldog quarterback in 17 seasons—with 25 touchdown passes (tied for second in single-season school history) as a sophomore. Running back Denim Cook eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards with 1,122 yards and 12 touchdowns, while Hair added over 500 yards rushing and 4 scores. Wide receiver Jackson Overton caught 10 touchdown receptions, falling one short of the school record, and was named GLVC Freshman of the Year. Jake Closser set a school record in single-season punt return average with 22.1 on 16 returns and two touchdowns, including a single-game record 86-yard scoring return in the regular season finale. Defensively, the Bulldogs found their swagger as the season progressed. After allowing 424 yards per game in the first three contests, the unit held opposing offenses to just over 300 yards per outing by season's end while surrendering only two touchdowns in the final four games. Thirteen players earned all-Great Lakes Valley Conference honors in 2024, with four Bulldogs selected to the first team. Dylan Hair and Jake Closser both earned GLVC Player of the Week awards during the season. The offensive line produced three All-GLVC honorees: Kody Klingensmith (1st Team), Houston Eagan (2nd Team), and tight end Chris Kerr (1st Team). Before Becoming Head Coach Nesbitt was promoted to interim head coach in February 2024 following the retirement of his father, Gregg, after spending the previous 14 seasons (2010-2023) as the Bulldogs' defensive coordinator. During his tenure as defensive coordinator, Nesbitt helped build one of the most consistent programs in the GLVC. Early Coaching Career Nesbitt coached from 2007-2009 at his alma mater, the University of Central Missouri, as defensive backs coach before joining the Truman State staff in 2010. Playing Career Nesbitt was a four-year letterwinner at the University of Central Missouri with over 120 career tackles. He was named Special Teams Player of the Year in 2004 and earned the school's Markey Football Scholarship in 2006. Personal Nesbitt is the 23rd head coach in Truman State football history, a program spanning 118 seasons. He and his wife Audrey reside in Kirksville with their two sons, Blake and Bryce.

Mike Glass III joins the Truman State Bulldogs in 2026 as Wide Receivers Coach, bringing a diverse coaching background spanning multiple levels of college football as well as professional playing experience.   Before Truman State   Glass comes to Kirksville most recently from Eastern Michigan University, where he served as Assistant Quarterbacks Coach and Lead Offensive Support for the Eagles, an FBS program in the MAC. In that role, he co-coached individual drills alongside Offensive Coordinator Mike Piatkowski, headed the offensive support staff, and assisted with recruiting across Missouri, junior colleges, and the transfer portal. He helped mentor Noah Kim, who led the MAC in all passing categories in 2025, and was part of an offensive unit that ranked third in the conference in total offense.   Prior to Eastern Michigan, Glass served as Quarterbacks Coach at Washington University in St. Louis in 2024, leading daily position meetings focused on film study, game planning, and skill development. He organized individual drills to develop throwing mechanics, footwork, and football IQ, and assisted the head coach with weekly pass game planning. His offense ranked second in the CCIW in both total offense and points per game that season. Glass also recruited players throughout Missouri, Illinois, and the transfer portal.   Before his time at Washington University, Glass was a Tight Ends Coach and Graduate Assistant at the University of Dayton in 2021-22, where he contributed to film breakdown, drawing scout cards, and scouting reports. He organized and led tight end position meetings, coordinated recruiting visits, and developed recruiting schedules for the entire staff.   Playing Career   Glass brings firsthand knowledge of the game from an extensive playing career at both the collegiate and professional levels. He competed as a quarterback at Southwestern College and Eastern Michigan University before going on to play professionally for the Massachusetts Pirates, the Montreal Alouettes, and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL.   Glass holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from Eastern Michigan University (2019).

Jeramey Dockery is entering his twelveth season coaching the defensive line at Truman State and also serves as the team's defensive coordinator and oversees the strength and conditioning program. A former Bulldog defensive lineman himself, Dockery has built one of the most dominant defensive units in the GLVC and Midwest region. At Truman State In 2025, Dockery's defense played a crucial role in leading Truman to its first NCAA Division II Playoff berth since 1994. The defense ranked 3rd in the GLVC in scoring defense, allowing just 22.5 points per game, and limited opponents to 254.75 passing yards per game. The unit recorded 8 interceptions, 60 pass breakups, and 23 sacks while holding opposing offenses to 368.7 yards per game. The 2025 defense produced eight All-GLVC honorees across all three levels: First Team All-GLVC: LB Jack Weltha - Finished among Truman's top tacklers with 94 total tackles, recorded double-digit tackles multiple times, key figure in 3rd-ranked scoring defense DB Jaxin Patterson - Eliminated vertical shots, contributed in run support, instrumental in red-zone defensive success DB Connor Baxley - Brought physicality and range to secondary, finished among team leaders in tackles from defensive backfield, helped Truman allow one of lowest completion rates in conference Return Specialist Thomas Pulliam - Led GLVC with 342 kick return yards Second Team All-GLVC: DL Thomas Spaulding - One of conference's most disruptive interior defenders with multiple sacks and team-high tackles for loss down the stretch Defensive Utility Jack Weltha - Earned rare second recognition for ability to contribute in multiple defensive packages Honorable Mention All-GLVC: DL Tyler Shanks - Finished among Truman's leaders in quarterback hurries, helped Bulldogs rank among GLVC's best in limiting opponents' rushing production DB Dominic Grand - 1st in GLVC in passes defended (18), allowed defense to win key third-down and red-zone situations Dockery's defensive line has maintained its reputation as one of the top units in the GLVC throughout his tenure. In 2022, Ben Miller and Robert Greco earned two of the five first-team all-GLVC spots on the defensive line, with Greco receiving all seven coaches' votes. It was the third straight year Greco was named to the all-GLVC team, and only two opposing running backs broke the 100-yard rushing barrier that season. In 2021, three players earned all-GLVC honors: Robert Greco (first team for the second straight season), Michael Neisler, and Ben Miller. The 2021 Bulldogs held opponents to under 100 yards rushing per game—the fewest rushing yards per game allowed since the 1963 season. During the 2020 spring season, three of the four defensive linemen were named first team all-GLVC: Robert Greco, Kendrick Scarbrough, and Alec Devecchi. From 2016-2019, Dockery developed one of the greatest defensive linemen in Truman history in Sam Reeves, who became only the fifth Truman player and first since 1965 to be named first-team all-conference for four consecutive seasons. Reeves left Truman as the all-time leader in tackles for loss (60) and quarterback sacks (40.5). In 2018, Reeves earned his third straight first-team all-GLVC honor with 43 tackles, 14 for loss, and 9 sacks, while Jake Floyd was a second-team all-GLVC selection with 39 total stops and 8 tackles for loss. In 2017, defensive ends Sam Reeves (first team) and Isaiah Hinton (honorable mention) were both selected to the all-GLVC team. Reeves finished with 16 tackles for loss and 11.5 quarterback sacks. Dockery's 2016 unit set school records for sacks and tackles for loss. Reeves earned first-team all-GLVC honors after finishing third in Truman single-season history with 16 tackles for loss and tied for fourth in sacks with 10.5. Isaiah Hinton was an honorable mention all-GLVC member, and Kyle Leckrone was named to the all-league second team. In his first season at his alma mater (2015), Dockery's defensive line had two players earn second-team all-GLVC honors. Senior Nick Reichert and sophomore Brian Craft helped the unit rank second in the GLVC in scoring defense and first in rushing defense. The Bulldogs recorded 79 tackles for loss and 23 quarterback sacks. Playing Career Dockery was a four-year letterwinner (2009-13) as a defensive lineman for the Bulldogs, earning all-conference honors twice during his career. During his senior season, he finished with 70 total tackles, including 7.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and was tied for ninth in the GLVC in tackles for loss per game. For his career, Dockery finished with 171 total tackles, 20 for loss, and seven sacks. He came to Truman from Flower Mound, Texas, where he was a two-year starter who earned first-team all-District honors both years. Early Coaching Career Before joining the Truman staff, Dockery began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at NCAA Division II program Southwest Minnesota State and worked as a sports performance specialist in Southlake, Texas. Personal A native of Flower Mound, Texas, Dockery returned to his alma mater in 2015 and has built a legacy of defensive excellence while also overseeing the team's strength and conditioning program.

John Dabney is in his fourth season as Running Backs Coach for the Truman State Bulldogs, joining the staff in 2022. A 2023 inductee into the Missouri Football Coaches' Association Hall of Fame, Dabney brings over three decades of coaching experience and a proven track record of developing championship-caliber programs. At Truman State Dabney has helped establish one of the most dominant rushing attacks in the GLVC during his tenure with the Bulldogs. In 2024, the offense rushed for 2,216 yards (2nd GLVC/22nd nationally) at 184.7 yards per game while averaging 5.0 yards per carry (2nd GLVC/19th nationally). The 2025 season saw even greater success, as the Bulldogs led the GLVC in rushing with 2,431 yards (1st GLVC/19th nationally) at 202.6 yards per game and 5.71 yards per carry (1st GLVC/13th nationally). Under Dabney's guidance, the running backs room has produced exceptional talent. In 2025, Denim Cook rushed for 970 yards and 11 touchdowns, while Elijah Stevens added 423 yards and 6 touchdowns at 7.6 yards per carry. Dylan Hair contributed 745 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns from the quarterback position. The rushing attack was instrumental in the Bulldogs earning their first post-season playoff berth in 31 years in 2025, while the offense averaged 34.4 points per game (2nd GLVC/27th nationally). Coaching Career Highlights Prior to joining Truman State, Dabney served as head football coach at Milan C-2 High School for 16 years (2006-2021), establishing himself as one of Missouri's premier high school coaches. His achievements include: Championships & Winning Streaks: Four consecutive undefeated and untied regular seasons (2011-2014) 41-game regular season win streak and 21-game Tri Rivers Conference winning streak Tri Rivers Conference Champions (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014) Grand River Conference Champions (2018, 2020) District Champions (2011) Sectional Finalists (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014) Led Milan to its first-ever undefeated regular season in 2011 and fifth undefeated regular season (10-1) in school history in 2018 Individual Honors: Missouri Football Coaches' Association Hall of Fame (2023) Missouri Football Coaches' Association Pete Adkins Power of Influence Award (2013) American Football Coaches' Association National Finalist Power of Influence Award (2013, 2014, 2015) Tri Rivers Conference Football Coach of the Year (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014) AP NEMO Class 1 District Coach of the Year (2011, 2018) Kirksville Daily Express Football Coach of the Year (2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018) 2016 Missouri Lions Club All Star Game Head Coach (Gold Team) - won by the largest margin of victory in the 40-year history of the game At Milan, Dabney also served as head baseball coach (2008-2021), leading the Wildcats to Tri Rivers Conference Championships in 2009 and serving as head coach for the Missouri High School Baseball Coaches' Association Senior All Star Games (2017, 2019) and assistant coach for the Missouri vs. Illinois High School Baseball Game (2018). Before Milan, Dabney spent 11 years at Knox County High School in Edina, Missouri (1994-2005), serving as head football coach, head baseball coach, and head weightlifting coach. At Knox County, he won District 11 Football Champions (1995), earned Kirksville Daily Express Football Coach of the Year (1995), and led baseball to Tri-Rivers Championships (1997, 1999, 2002, 2004), earning Tri-Rivers Baseball Coach of the Year honors those same years. He was named Knox County R-1 Inclusion Teacher of the Year in 1996 and 1997. During this time, Dabney organized the Josh Pinson Weight Lifting Competition (1993-2005), which became the largest weight meet in Missouri with over 300 participants from the tri-state area of Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois. Dabney began his coaching career as an assistant varsity football coach at his alma mater, Culver-Stockton College (1992-1993), where he served as running backs coach, JV head coach, and assisted with study table and recruiting. Publications & Speaking Engagements Dabney authored "Ways to Win Off Tackle" published in Coach and Athletic Director magazine (November 2000). He has been a featured speaker at the Missouri Football Coaches' Association Summer Clinic (2007), Tri-State Coaches Clinic (2014 inaugural year), Pro Bowl Clinic (2016), and Southeast Iowa Coaches Clinic (2022). Professional Leadership Dabney has served on the Missouri Football Coaches' Association Board since 2004 and has been Class 1 All State Chairman since 2007 (Co-Chair 2003-2006). He serves on the State of Football in Missouri Committee (2018-present) and has been President of the Northeast Missouri Football Coaches Association since 2004. He is also a member of the American Football Coaches Association (2009-present) and serves as the MFCA representative for the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (2015-present). Education & Playing Career Dabney earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Culver-Stockton College in May 1992, where he earned a varsity letter (1990-91) and received the Wildcat Award for Outstanding Dedication (1991). He previously attended Quincy College (now Quincy University) from 1987-1989, earning varsity letters and serving as Intramural Director in 1989. Personal A native of Edina, Missouri, Dabney is married to Andrea (Ryan) Dabney and they have three children: sons Ryan and Dominic, who both played football for the Bulldogs in recent years, and daughter Marian. Dabney comes from a Truman State football legacy. His father, LaVerne "Horse" Dabney, was inducted into the Truman State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1986 and was named to the All-Century Team in 1999. Horse Dabney was a three-sport athlete at Truman State and his legacy continues through John's coaching career and his sons' playing careers with the Bulldogs.

Clay Marshall finished his second season as the Offensive Line/Tight Ends/Run Game Coordinator for the Truman State Bulldogs, joining the staff in March 2024. Under his leadership, the Bulldogs have established one of the most productive rushing attacks in the GLVC and Division II. At Truman State In his first season (2024), Marshall helped guide the Bulldogs to a prolific offensive campaign that ranked among the conference and national leaders. The offense averaged 32.75 points per game (2nd GLVC/26th nationally) while rushing for 2,216 yards (2nd GLVC/22nd nationally) at 184.7 yards per game. The offensive line excelled in pass protection, allowing just 11 sacks all season (1 per 28 attempts), ranking 1st in the GLVC and 14th nationally. The Bulldogs also dominated situational football with a 43.33% third-down conversion rate (1st GLVC/35th nationally) and an impressive 77.78% fourth-down success rate (1st GLVC/2nd nationally). The 2025 season saw even greater success under Marshall's tutelage. The offense improved to 34.4 points per game (2nd GLVC/27th nationally) while leading the conference in rushing with 2,431 yards (1st GLVC/19th nationally) at 202.6 yards per game. The Bulldogs also paced the GLVC with 5.71 yards per carry (1st GLVC/13th nationally). The offensive line continued its excellence in pass protection, allowing just 16 sacks (1 per 24 attempts), ranking 2nd in the GLVC and 40th nationally. On third down, the offense converted at a 47.1% clip (2nd GLVC/17th nationally). Marshall's position groups have produced multiple All-GLVC honorees during his tenure. In 2024, offensive lineman Kody Klingensmith earned 1st Team All-GLVC honors, tight end Chris Kerr was named 1st Team All-GLVC, and offensive lineman Houston Eagan received 2nd Team All-GLVC recognition. The 2025 season saw offensive linemen Wyatt Bonnett and Greg Krupa both earn 1st Team All-GLVC honors, while tight end Gerard Grewe was named 2nd Team All-GLVC at both tight end and offensive utility. Before Truman State Prior to arriving in Kirksville, Marshall spent two years at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri. He began as a Graduate Assistant coaching the offensive line (April-December 2022) before being promoted to Tight Ends Coach in January 2023. In that role, he coached the offensive line and tight ends while serving as Run Game Coordinator and Video Coordinator through March 2024. At Missouri Western, Marshall recruited extensively in St. Louis, Southeast Missouri, Northern Illinois, North Missouri, North Texas, West Illinois, Nashville, Tennessee, and Iowa junior colleges. He also served as the equipment liaison and assisted with game plans, breakdowns, scouting reports, and offensive installations. During his tenure, tight end Will Schwartz earned Honorable Mention All-MIAA honors in 2023. Marshall began his coaching career as a Student-Assistant Tight Ends Coach at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Oklahoma (December 2021-April 2022), where he coached the tight ends group while assisting with the offensive line, recruiting, on-campus visits, equipment, laundry, study hall, and game plans. Education Marshall earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Human Performance from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in May 2022. He completed his Master of Business Administration from Missouri Western State University in May 2024.

Dominic Stoneking is in his second season as Defensive Backs Coach for the Truman State Bulldogs, having joined the staff in July 2025. Stoneking brings both playing and coaching experience from the NAIA level, where he competed in conference championships and deep playoff runs. At Truman State In his first season (2025), Stoneking helped guide the Bulldogs to their first post-season playoff berth in 31 years. His secondary produced multiple All-GLVC honorees and played a key role in a defense that allowed just 25.42 points per game while recording 8 interceptions and 60 pass breakups. The defensive backs room featured standout performances from Connor Baxley, who led the defense with 82 total tackles while adding 1 interception and 6 pass breakups, and Jaxin Patterson, who recorded 75 tackles with 10.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, and 2 interceptions including one touchdown. Dominic Grand anchored the secondary with 45 tackles, 2 interceptions (including a 73-yard touchdown), and a team-leading 16 pass breakups. Joe Schaefer added another defensive touchdown with a 65-yard interception return. The Bulldogs' defense limited opponents to 254.75 passing yards per game and created crucial turnovers throughout the season, contributing to an 8-4 overall record and 7-1 GLVC mark. Before Truman State Prior to joining the Bulldogs, Stoneking served as a student assistant coach at Benedictine College during spring ball 2025 (February-April), helping coach the safeties and corners while finishing his degree. He worked under Defensive Coordinator Trevor Strong, who came from Southwestern College. Playing Career Stoneking played safety and special teams at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, competing for three varsity seasons on both defense and special teams. During his playing career, he was part of three conference championship teams and helped the Ravens advance to the national semifinals his senior year.

Austin Zoda is in entering his third season as Offensive Coordinator for the Truman State Bulldogs, returning to his alma mater in 2024. A four-time All-GLVC defensive back during his playing career, Zoda has orchestrated one of the most explosive and efficient offenses in Division II during his tenure. At Truman State In 2025, Zoda's offense reached new heights, ranking 2nd in the GLVC in scoring offense at 36.7 points per game while totaling 4,907 yards of total offense at 408.9 yards per game. The rushing attack ranked 1st in the GLVC with 2,261 yards at 205 yards per game (1st GLVC/25th nationally) and 5.71 yards per carry (1st GLVC/13th nationally). The passing game produced 2,476 yards and 25 touchdowns with quarterback Dylan Hair completing 61.47% of his passes for a 147.85 passer rating and averaging 267 yards per game of total offense (4th GLVC). The offensive line dominated in pass protection, allowing just 16 sacks (1 per 24 attempts, 2nd GLVC/40th nationally) and ranking among the fewest sack totals in the GLVC. The offense converted 47.1% of third downs (2nd GLVC/17th nationally). The balanced attack helped the team to its first post-season playoff berth in 31 years with an 8-4 overall record and 7-1 GLVC mark. Under Zoda's direction, the 2025 offense produced seven All-GLVC honorees: OL Greg Krupa (1st Team All-GLVC) - started every game, helped produce GLVC's top rushing offense OL Wyatt Bonnett (1st Team All-GLVC) - led team in knockdowns among linemen RB Denim Cook (1st Team All-GLVC) - GLVC Rushing Champion with 905 yards and 11 TDs QB Dylan Hair (2nd Team All-GLVC) - 4th in GLVC in total offense (267 ypg) WR Nathan Ryan (2nd Team All-GLVC) - 4th in GLVC with 8 receiving TDs TE/O-UT Gerard Grewe (2nd Team All-GLVC) - dual recognition for versatility Return Specialist Thomas Pulliam (1st Team All-GLVC) - led GLVC with 342 kick return yards In his first season as offensive coordinator (2024), Zoda's offense averaged 32.75 points per game (2nd GLVC/26th nationally) while rushing for 2,216 yards (2nd GLVC/22nd nationally) at 184.7 yards per game and 5.0 yards per carry (2nd GLVC/19th nationally). The offensive line allowed just 11 sacks all season (1 per 28 attempts), ranking 1st in the GLVC and 14th nationally. The Bulldogs dominated situational football with a 43.33% third-down conversion rate (1st GLVC/35th nationally) and an impressive 77.78% fourth-down success rate (1st GLVC/2nd nationally). The 2024 offense produced three All-GLVC honorees: OL Kody Klingensmith (1st Team), TE Chris Kerr (1st Team), and OL Houston Eagan (2nd Team). Before Truman State Prior to returning to Truman State, Zoda spent six seasons (2017-2023) as an assistant coach at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, including four seasons as quarterbacks coach. He joined Chris Brown's staff in 2017 and immediately helped the Tigers to a perfect regular season and their first Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) championship. Fort Hays State snapped a 22-year NCAA postseason drought that season with a bid to the national playoffs, finishing 11-1. The Tigers won the MIAA title again and returned to the playoffs in 2018. In his six seasons in Hays, the Tigers posted an overall record of 43-25. Playing Career Out of Frisco, Texas, Zoda was a standout defensive back for the Bulldogs from 2013-2016, earning four All-GLVC honors during his career. He was a second-team defensive back selection as a redshirt freshman in 2013 and repeated that honor in 2014, before moving up to first-team accolades in both 2015 and 2016. Zoda played in 43 career games for Truman State and amassed 318 total tackles, seven interceptions, and forced five fumbles with three recoveries. He ranks seventh on the all-time tackles list at Truman State. In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Zoda was a persistent member of the Academic All-Great Lakes Valley Conference team and graduated from Truman State. Personal A native of Frisco, Texas, Zoda returned to Kirksville in 2024 to lead the Bulldogs' offense after six successful seasons at Fort Hays State.