University of North Carolina at Pembroke Men's Football

Riley was an integral part of phenomenal defensive efforts by the Hawks over the last two seasons. Chowan showcased a pair of nationally-ranked stop units, including the nations 21st-ranked total defense (284.2 yards/game allowed) amid a 7-win season in 2021 the most victories for the program in 39 years. Chowans defense picked up where it left off to fuel another 7-win campaign and CIAA North Division title in 2022, ranking as the nations 37th-best total defense, due, in large part, to surrendering just 177.3 passing yards per game, while also logging 15 interceptions and 53 pass break-ups. Defensive backs Kmare Carey and Simeon Burns would go on to earn All-CIAA laurels.     Riley undertook duties as the quarterbacks coach for the Hawks during the 2021 campaign and played a key role in the progression of NCAA Division IIs 14th-best passing offense (296.1 passing yards/game). The Hawks, who finished with the programs most wins in 39 seasons, also boasted the nations 4th-best passing efficiency (168.9), and concluded the season ranked 11th among the 163 NCAA Division II teams with 31 passing touchdowns. Quarterback Bryce Witt would eventually be decorated with CIAA Offensive Player of the Year accolades, as well as Don Hansens Football Gazette All-America laurels.    

A seasoned coaching veteran with a previous collegiate stop at Chowan University, Brian Frierson begins his 3rd season at UNC Pembroke in 2025-26, as well as his fifth alongside head coach Mark Hall, while serving as the defensive backs (safeties) coach for the Braves. Frierson treks to Pembroke after a two-year (2021-22) stay as the linebackers coach at Chowan. While in Murfreesboro, Frierson was instrumental in helping to transform a defense that surrendered nearly 450 yards per game in 2019 into an intimidating presence. Chowan showcased a pair of nationally-ranked defensive units, including the nations 21st-ranked total defense (284.2 yards/game allowed), amid a 7-win season in 2021 the most victories for the program in 39 years. The Hawks also concluded that campaign boasting NCAA Division IIs second-best sacks per game total (3.9), while also amassing 8.9 tackles for loss per game (5th NCAA) as well.   A regular in the defensive back rotation at North Carolina Central from 2008-11, Frierson logged time in 39 games (12 starts) and logged 78 career tackles (49 solo) to go along with a trio of interceptions and four pass break-ups. He also tallied a block on a punt attempt against Savannah State as a sophomore. He started in 10 games as a senior, and closed out his collegiate career by logging 45 tackles (4th on team), as well as a pair of interceptions and four pass break-ups.

UNC Pembroke - OL Coach

A seasoned coaching veteran with a previous collegiate stop at Chowan, Brian Frierson begins his third season at UNC Pembroke in 2025-26, as well as his fifth alongside head coach Mark Hall, while serving as the special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Braves. Frierson treks to Pembroke after a two-year (2021-22) stay as the linebackers coach at Chowan. He also has a previous stint on the coaching staff at Jack Britt High School in nearby Fayetteville. Frierson made an instant impact in his first season for the UNCP defense, taking a unit that finished the 2022 season 94th, nationally, in passing yards allowed (213.6 ypg) to 36th, nationally, in 2023 (179.6 ypg). The Braves also finished 13th in team passing efficiency defense. Frierson also played an integral role in cutting the scoring defense by 10 points per game (28.9 ppg to 18.9 ppg), as well as helping lead a unit that led Division II in tackles for loss per game (10.9).   While in Murfreesboro, Frierson was instrumental in helping to transform a defense that surrendered nearly 450 yards per game in 2019 into an intimidating presence. Chowan showcased a pair of nationally-ranked defensive units, including the nation’s 21st-ranked total defense (284.2 yards/game allowed), amid a 7-win season in 2021 – the most victories for the program in 39 years. The Hawks also concluded that campaign boasting NCAA Division II’s second-best sacks per game total (3.9), while also amassing 8.9 tackles for loss per game (5th NCAA) as well.   Chowan’s defense picked up where it left off to fuel another 7-win campaign and CIAA North Division title in 2022, ranking as the nation’s 37th-best total defense, while also pocketing 9.2 tackles for loss (3rd NCAA) and 3.6 sacks (6th NCAA) an outing. The Hawks also carried NCAA Division II’s 10th-best red zone defense and amassed 23 takeaways across 11 games.   Individual accolades were plentiful under Frierson’s watch with the Hawks. Eleven student-athletes raked in all-conference recognition, while Chowan’s linebacker corps was lauded with six CIAA Linebacker of the Week crowns. Montre Moore captured both 1st Team All-CIAA accolades, as well as an all-region nod from the Division 2 Conference Commissioner’s Association, as a senior in 2022 after amassing a CIAA-best 103 tackles (53 solo), including 13-1/2 tackles for loss and six sacks.   Frierson dove into the coaching world in 2015 when he joined the staff at Jack Britt High School – a place he would call home for six seasons (2015-20). After serving as the wide receivers and defensive backs coach for two years, he took over as the defensive coordinator for the Buccaneers prior to the 2017 campaign and assembled one of the area’s top defensive units. Jack Britt forced 61 turnovers from 2017-20, while also registering 5.2 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks per game across his stint as the defensive skipper as well.   The Buccaneers logged 38 wins with Frierson on staff, while also making five playoff appearances. The enthusiastic mentor also saw 13 of his student-athletes garner all-conference recognition across his time in Fayetteville as well.   A regular in the defensive back rotation at North Carolina Central from 2008-11, Frierson logged time in 39 games (12 starts) and logged 78 career tackles (49 solo) to go along with a trio of interceptions and four pass break-ups. He also tallied a block on a punt attempt against Savannah State as a sophomore. He started in 10 games as a senior, and closed out his collegiate career by logging 45 tackles (4th on team), as well as a pair of interceptions and four pass break-ups.   Frierson earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from North Carolina Central in 2011, and completed his graduate work in sport management at Western Carolina in 2021. Frierson and Vanessa are the proud parents of two children, Braxton and Mayah. THE FRIERSON FILE Coaching Experience 2015-16 Jack Britt (N.C.) High School, Assistant Coach (Wide Receivers/Defensive Backs) 2017-20 Jack Britt (N.C.) High School, Assistant Coach (Defensive Coordinator) 2021-22 Chowan, Assistant Coach (Linebackers) 2023-Present UNC Pembroke, Assistant Coach (Defensive Backs/Safeties) Education Bachelor’s degree in business management (North Carolina Central, 2012). Master's degree in sport management (Western Carolina, 2021). Updated: September 2025

Shabre Judkins begins his first season with UNC Pembroke during the 2025-26 school year.  Judkins began his coaching career at Panther Creek High School in 2017. During his seven years on staff, he helped with strength and conditioning, and became the defensive backs and special teams coordinator. In 2019, the Catamount defense finished first in the state for interceptions.  The Catamounts logged 40 wins while Judkins was on staff, making five playoff appearances. He helped develop multiple Division I and nationally ranked players.   Judkins got his first stop in collegiate coaching at Fort Hays State in 2024 as a graduate assistant coach working primarily with the defensive back and special teams units. The Tigers finished 8-3 overall and third in the MIAA conference.  He was a four-year letterman at North Carolina Wesleyan where he was a defensive back, linebacker and a long snapper. He was selected to play in the DIII Senior Classic and Dream Bowl.  THE JUDKINS FILE Coaching Experience 2017-24 Panther Creek High School, Assistant Coach (Defensive Back/Special Teams) 2024-25 Fort Hays State, Graduate Assistant Coach (Defensive Backs/Special Teams) 2025-Present UNC Pembroke, Assistant Coach (Cornerbacks/Specialists) Education Bachelor’s degree in business management (North Carolina Wesleyan, 2017). Updated: August 2025

A seasoned coaching veteran with collegiate stops at four different places, Cullen Casey enters his first season at UNC Pembroke during the 2025-26 school year.  Casey treks to Pembroke after a one-year stint as the offensive line coach at St. Francis.  Casey got his start in coaching at Gonzaga College High School where he was the offensive line coach for two seasons. He helped the team finish 18th in the country and developed four Power-5 offensive linemen.  He jumped into the college ranks at Georgetown where he assisted with the offensive line and tight ends. He served a two-year stint at Liberty as a graduate assistant coach, before becoming a graduate assistant coach at Wisconsin.  THE CASEY FILE Coaching Experience 2018-20 Gonzaga College High School, Assistant Coach (Offensive Line) 2020-21 Georgetown, Quality Control (Offensive Line/Tight Ends) 2021-23 Liberty, Graduate Assistant Coach (Offensive Line) 2023-24 Wisconsin, Graduate Assistant Coach (Offensive Line) 2024-25 St. Francis, Assistant Coach (Offensive Line) 2025-Present UNC Pembroke, Assistant Coach (Offensive Line) Education Bachelor’s degree in business administration (Old Dominion). Master's degree in sport management (Liberty). Updated: August 2025

Jayden Riley enters his third year at UNC Pembroke and continues his progression in the coaching world as an assistant coach in 2025-26, moving over to tight ends coach after two seasons leading the wide receivers. Riley is in his fifth season as part of Coach Mark Hall's staff.    Riley made an instant impact on the UNCP offense, mentoring a wide receiver group that averaged a single-season school record 15.24 yards per catch in 2023, also good for seventh in Division II. Under Riley's watch, receiver Trey Dixon finished fifth in Division II and broke the single-season school record for yards per catch with an average of 22.94.  Riley once again mentored a wide receiver room that saw success in 2024, finishing the season ranked 14th, nationally, in yards per catch at 14.97, while helping Jo Hayes become just the second Brave in program history to be named to the AFCA All-America team, after finishing second in Division II with 17 receiving touchdowns and 12th in receiving yards per game with 93.2. Riley was an integral part of phenomenal defensive efforts by Chowan during the 2022 campaigns. The Hawks showcased a pair of nationally-ranked stop units, including the nation’s 21st-ranked total defense (284.2 yards/game allowed) amid a 7-win season in 2021 – the most victories for the program in 39 years. Chowan’s defense picked up where it left off to fuel another 7-win campaign and CIAA North Division title in 2022, ranking as the nation’s 37th-best total defense, due, in large part, to surrendering just 177.3 passing yards per game, while also logging 15 interceptions and 53 pass break-ups. Defensive backs Kmare Carey and Simeon Burns would go on to earn All-CIAA laurels.   Riley undertook duties as the quarterbacks coach for the Hawks during the 2021 campaign and played a key role in the progression of NCAA Division II’s 14th-best passing offense (296.1 passing yards/game). The Hawks, who finished with the program’s most wins in 39 seasons, also boasted the nation’s 4th-best passing efficiency (168.9), and concluded the season ranked 11th among the 163 NCAA Division II teams with 31 passing touchdowns. Quarterback Bryce Witt would eventually be decorated with CIAA Offensive Player of the Year accolades, as well as Don Hansen’s Football Gazette All-America laurels.   A native of Woodbridge, Va., Riley redshirted as a freshman quarterback at Fairmont State before transferring to Chowan in time for the 2018 campaign. A pair of season-ending knee injuries would limit his career to just eight games under center in Murfreesboro, however. He threw for 43 yards and a pair of touchdowns as a redshirt freshman in 2018, and completed three passes for 14 yards and one touchdown strike as a sophomore in 2019.   A two-time academic all-conference honoree, Riley earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Chowan in 2021. He earned his master’s degree at both Chowan (organization leadership) and Southeastern Oklahoma State (sports administration) in 2023. THE RILEY FILE Coaching Experience 2021 Chowan, Graduate Assistant Coach (Quarterbacks) 2022 Chowan, Graduate Assistant Coach (Cornerbacks) 2023-Present UNC Pembroke, Assistant Coach (Wide Receivers) Education Bachelor’s degree in business administration (Chowan, 2021) Updated: September 2025

Gilberto Ortiz enters his third season on staff at UNC Pembroke as an assistant for the 2025 season.  Ortiz works with the linebackers, while signaling plays and defensive rotations. He also breaks down film and works during the summer for Mark Hall Football Camps LLC. Ortiz played an integral role in the team setting three season school records (tackles for loss, individual tackles for loss, individual sacks) during his first season in 2023.  Ortiz played for head coach Mark Hall at Chowan in 2021 where he earned all-conference honors as a defensive end. He served as the defensive team captain and he led the team in tackles.  Ortiz earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Chowan in 2021. He received his master's degree in sports administration at Southeastern Oklahoma State in 2025. Updated: August 2025

Having already registered an illustrious playing career as a student-athlete, Bryce Witt makes the trek back to UNC Pembroke for his second stint in the 2025-26 season, once again working with the quarterbacks.   Witt returns via Missouri Valley College, where he served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2024.  In his first season with the Braves in 2023, Witt led a quarterback room that ranked seventh, nationally, in yards per completion at 15.24, while also helping lead Colin Johnson to second-team All-MEC honors after passing for 1,885 yards and 20 touchdowns, while adding 760 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. An All-American at Chowan from 2017-21, Witt took on mentor duties for Chowan’s quarterback group during the 2022 campaign and spearheaded an effort that saw the unit account for 2,160 passing and 544 rushing yards, as well as 21 total touchdowns (16 passing). Junior Rashad McKee picked up a pair of CIAA Quarterback of the Week awards, including one following a Week 10 effort that watched him account for five total touchdowns (3 passing, 2 rushing). Freshman Caleb Pierce also earned a spot on the CIAA’s All-Rookie Team.   A native of Sutherland, Va., Witt threw for 9,448 yards and 99 touchdowns over a prolific collegiate career that watched him register a 61 percent (710-for-1,167) completion rate, while also accounting for 1,424 rushing yards and 28 additional scores. He exited Chowan with eight single-season records and five career records, and reigns as the program’s all-time leader in total offensive yards (10,872). He also set five single-game records under center for the Hawks, including a 474-yard passing day at Elizabeth City State during his senior campaign.   A three-time all-conference and two-time all-region pick, Witt was crowned as the CIAA Offensive Player of the Year following a senior campaign that saw him throw for 2,864 yards and 31 touchdowns on 220-of-332 (.662) passing with just four interceptions. He earned a pair of national player of the week nods along the way, and eventually picked up all-America recognition from Don Hansen’s Football Gazette.   Witt earned his bachelor’s degree in recreation, wellness and sport from Chowan in 2021. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree in sports administration at Southeastern Oklahoma State.   THE WITT FILE Coaching Experience 2022 Chowan, Graduate Assistant Coach (Quarterbacks) 2023 UNC Pembroke, Graduate Assistant Coach (Quarterbacks) 2024 Missouri Valley College, Offensive Coordinator (Quarterbacks) Playing Experience Four-year starter at quarterback for Chowan (2017-21). Threw for 9,448 yards and 99 touchdowns (10,872 total offensive yards). Earned all-America and CIAA Offensive Player of the Year laurels as a senior. Education Bachelor’s degree in recreation, wellness and sport (Chowan, 2021). Updated: September 2025

A seasoned and results-driven coach with a proven track record at both the collegiate and high school levels, Bryan Harris enters his third season at UNC Pembroke in 2025-26 as the running backs coach, and his fifth overall working alongside head coach Mark Hall. With a strong reputation for developing elite talent, building explosive offenses, and elevating program performance, Harris continues to be a key asset in the Braves’ success. Before joining UNCP, Harris spent two highly productive seasons (2021–22) in the same role at Chowan University, where he helped shape one of the most dynamic offenses in NCAA Division II. His coaching résumé also includes impactful stops at several top high school programs in Florida, where he served in both coordinator and position coach roles. Harris made an immediate difference in Pembroke, taking over a backfield that saw dramatic improvement in just one season. In 2023, his unit averaged 220 rushing yards per game—an increase of 100 yards per game over the previous season. True freshman Sincere Baines led the nation in yards per carry (7.6), broke the school’s single-season record, and earned MEC Offensive Freshman of the Year honors after totaling 12 touchdowns (11 rushing). As a team, the Braves averaged 6.4 yards per carry and scored 28 rushing touchdowns, showcasing Harris’s ability to produce big-play threats and consistent ground dominance. At Chowan, Harris was a driving force behind the Hawks’ offensive explosion. Over two seasons, he mentored more than 10 all-conference performers and helped lead the program to seven wins in 2021, powered by the 25th-ranked total offense in the nation (432.2 yards/game). In 2022, the Hawks averaged 38.5 points per game—12th in Division II—and captured the CIAA North Division championship, earning a berth in the conference title game. Prior to his return to the college ranks, Harris made his mark in Florida high school football. As the offensive coordinator at Hillsborough High School (2018–19), he guided an offense that averaged over 300 yards and 33.4 points per game, leading the Terriers to 13 wins over two seasons, including a district title in 2019. His development of quarterback talent included UNCP 2023 starter Caleb Pierce, who threw for more than 1,600 yards as a sophomore under Harris’s direction. In 2017, Harris served as quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator at King High School (Tampa), and previously held the role of running backs coach and co-offensive coordinator at Gainesville High School (2015–16), where he worked under former Florida Gators great Shane Matthews.   A native of Gainesville, Florida, Harris was a four-year letterwinner at Chowan University (2008–12), where he played tight end and recorded 17 receptions for 177 yards and two touchdowns over 32 games. He played under then-assistant coach Mark Hall. Respected for his energy, strategic mindset, and commitment to player development, Bryan Harris brings a wealth of experience, competitive edge, and a championship mentality to every program he joins. Harris earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Chowan University in 2013 and completed his graduate studies in organizational leadership at Chowan in 2022. Harris and his wife, Shavern, are the proud parents of two children: Braylin and Anthony.   THE HARRIS FILE Coaching Experience 2015-16 Gainesville (Fla.) High School, Assistant Coach (Running Backs/Co-Offensive Coordinator) 2017 King (Fla.) High School, Assistant Coach (Quarterbacks/Co-Offensive Coordinator) 2018-19 Hillsborough (Fla.) High School, Assistant Coach (Offensive Coordinator) 2020-22 Chowan, Assistant Coach (Running Backs/Tight Ends) 2023-Present UNC Pembroke, Assistant Coach (Running Backs/Tight Ends) Playing Experience Played four seasons (2019-12) at Chowan in tight end rotation. Education Bachelor’s degree in business administration (Chowan, 2013); Master’s degree in organizational leadership (Chowan, 2022). Updated: September 2025

Having already turned in a bevy of success in previous stops at three other collegiate institutions, Colin Neely begins his 11th season as a collegiate coach in 2025-26, as well as his sixth year alongside head coach Mark Hall, as the defensive coordinator and defensive line coach for the Braves. Neely joined the coaching staff at UNC Pembroke in December 2022. Neely ventured to Pembroke after serving as the defensive coordinator at Chowan from 2020-22. He has previous coaching stops at both Edinboro and East Stroudsburg. Neely made an instant impact in his first season for the UNCP defense, taking a unit that finished the 2022 season 94th, nationally, in passing yards allowed (213.6 ypg) to 36th, nationally, in 2023 (179.6 ypg). The Braves also finished 13th in team passing efficiency defense. Neely also played an integral role in cutting the scoring defense by 10 points per game (28.9 ppg to 18.9 ppg), as well as helping lead a unit that led Division II in tackles for loss per game (10.9). The 2024 season brought more success, as the UNCP defense ranked inside the top ten, nationally, in three categories. The unit finished second in defensive touchdowns (six) and fumble recoveries (13), and fourth in takeaways (28). The Black & Gold also ranked 11th in sacks per game (2.91), and 16th in tackles for loss per game (7.8) and total interceptions (15). Neely played a pivotal role in the success of the Hawks from 2020-22, transforming a defense that surrendered nearly 450 yards per game in 2019 into an intimidating presence. Under Neely’s watch, Chowan showcased a pair of nationally-ranked defensive units, including the nation’s 21st-ranked total defense (284.2 yards/game allowed) amid a 7-win season in 2021 – the most victories for the program in 39 years. The Hawks also concluded that campaign boasting NCAA Division II’s second-best sacks per game total (3.9), while also amassing 8.9 tackles for loss per game (5th NCAA) as well. Chowan’s defense picked up where it left off to fuel another 7-win campaign and CIAA North Division title in 2022, ranking as the nation’s 37th-best total defense, while also pocketing 9.2 tackles for loss (3rd NCAA) and 3.6 sacks (6th NCAA) an outing. The Hawks also carried NCAA Division II’s 10th-best red zone defense and amassed 23 takeaways across 11 games. A winless squad in 2015, Neely’s defense set the table for a 9-game turnaround for Edinboro in 2016, and then paved the way for winning campaigns in each of his next two seasons in northwest Pennsylvania. The Fighting Scots forced 110 turnovers from 2016-19 (71 interceptions) and ranked among NCAA Division II’s top-30 teams in tackles for loss per game each year, including a nation’s best 10.6 stops behind the line per game in 2018. Edinboro also boasted the country’s 19th-best red zone defense that year as well. Following a brief stint as a volunteer coach at East Stroudsburg during the 2014 spring campaign, Neely was elevated into a full-time role as the defensive line coach for the Warriors in time for the fall season. The Warriors turned in NCAA Division II’s 15th-best sacks per game (3.00) average in 2014, and forced 25 turnovers in 2015, including a dozen fumbles. Neely’s eight seasons on the sidelines have produced 22 all-conference selections, including eight all-conference nods in just two seasons at Chowan. That list includes a trio of all-region honors, as well as an all-American laurel. Edinboro’s Victor Hudson earned national honors in 2016 after ranking among the nation’s top-10 leaders in both sacks (1.1) and tackles for loss (2.2) per game. A native of Bethlehem, Pa., Neely played in 39 games (27 starts) at defensive end for Michigan State from 2008-10 and logged 75 career tackles, including 19-1/2 tackles for loss and six sacks. An All-Big 10 selection by Phil Steele as a senior, he was named MSU’s Tommy Love Award recipient as the team’s most improved player following a junior campaign in which he played in all 13 games and made 12 starts. He helped lead the Spartans to 26 wins and a trio of bowl appearances, including an 11-win campaign as a senior that culminated with a Citrus Bowl showdown against Alabama. As a student-athlete, Neely was heavily involved in philanthropy, working as a mental health technician at KidsPeace in Schnecksville for three years where he mentored and monitored troubled teenaged males. He also served as head coach and defensive coordinator of the KidsPeace football team. Neely earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Michigan State in 2012. He married the former Kendra Easterling in May 2016, and the couple has two sons, J’Shawn and Cameron. THE NEELY FILE Coaching Experience 2014-16 East Stroudsburg, Assistant Coach (Defensive Line) 2016-20 Edinboro, Assistant Head Coach (Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line) 2020-22 Chowan, Assistant Coach (Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line) 2022-Present UNC Pembroke, Associate Head Coach (Defensive Coordinator) Playing Experience Played three seasons (2008-10) at Michigan State. Played in 39 games (27 starts) at defensive end for the Spartans, logging 75 career tackles, including 19-1/2 tackles for loss and six sacks. An All-Big 10 selection by Phil Steele as a senior. Named MSU’s Tommy Love Award recipient as the team’s most improved player following his junior campaign. Education Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice (Michigan State, 2012) Updated: September 2025