Jeremy Rowell - Football Coach - Troy University Athletics

Jeremy Rowell

Title:
Defensive Coordinator/Safeties
Email:
jrowell19194
Phone:
5709

Jeremy Rowell begins his 15th season on the Troy University football staff, and eighth as the defensive coordinator. He was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2005 after six seasons overseeing the defensive backs.

In 2010, Rowell continued the tradition that has been in place for many years as the Trojans had two players honored for their defensive work by being selected by the coaches and media for the All-Sun Belt Conference team. The 2010 defense was a young squad as they had to replace several starters from a year ago who departed for the NFL and CFL; however, the team came together and helped lead the team to the 2010 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. They were able to hold opponents to 14 points or fewer three different times.

Safety Brynden Trawick led the Sun Belt Conference in tackles in 2011 for which he was named to the All-Sun Belt Second Team. Defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi was a first team All-Sun Belt selection and was selected in the fifth round of the NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.

In 2008, Rowell coached Sherrod Martin, a 2009 NFL Draft selection and All-Sun Belt Conference selection Terence Moore, along with 2010 Arizona Cardinals draftee Jorrick Calvin. Three seasons ago, Rowell coached the 11th overall pick in the NFL Draft in Leodis McKelvin, along with the nation’s leader in interceptions, Elbert Mack, in the defensive backfield.

The defense in 2008 ranked in the top 35 in several categories, including pass defense (23rd), total defense (30th) and scoring defense (31st). They also ranked 17th in the nation in pass efficiency defense (104.03).

Under Rowell, the Trojans have flourished in the defensive backfield, becoming one of the mainstays of a stingy Troy defense. In 2004, the Trojans ranked sixth in the country in pass efficiency defense (100.56) and 16th in total defense (311.00 yards). Their 32 turnovers gained were tied for second in the country, while the turnover margin (+0.92) was tied for 10th. In 2003, despite returning just four starters, the defense ranked sixth nationally in turnovers gained (35), 26th in rushing defense (125.5 yards), 44th in pass efficiency defense (117.59) and 39th in total defense (349.67 yards).

Defensive back Derrick Ansley finished third in the nation in interceptions in 2003, behind Miami (FL) safety Sean Taylor and Nebraska’s Josh Bullocks. Ansley tallied nine interceptions, earning College Football News All-Independent honors, as well as an honorable mention selection on the ESPN.com All-Independent team. Rayshun Reed joined Ansley on both All-Independent teams, and earned an invitation to participate in the Blue-Gray All-Star Football Classic on Christmas Day.

The 2002 defense ranked fourth nationally in total defense. The Trojans allowed just 276.83 yards per game to opponents in 12 games, ranking behind only Texas Christian, Kansas State and Alabama. Troy was ranked 11th in pass defense, 13th in rushing defense and 30th in scoring defense.

A solid field general during his playing career, Rowell is considered one of the top quarterbacks in school history. He led Troy to a 19-3 regular season record as a starter in 1994 and 1995. With Rowell under center, the Trojans finished with the only perfect (11-0) regular season record in school history. Rowell accounted for 3,300 passing yards in his career with 22 touchdowns. He also scored 15 rushing touchdowns in a season (1994) and finished with 20 for his career. He also scored 90 points during the 1994 season.

A graduate of Troy University, Rowell received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics & science in 1997 and his master’s degree in foundations of education in 1999. He is married to former Jessica Owens, and the couple has two children, Jacob Owen and Jaxon Lane.