Photo by: (C)2023 WM J DIBLASIO ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Bucknell Football Welcomes Seven New Staff Members
6/30/2025 3:10:00 PM | Football
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Bucknell football head coach Dave Cecchini has announced seven new members of his staff for the 2025 season. The newcomers include Andrew Folmar (offensive coordinator), Kentwan Balmer (defensive line), Jerome Smith (running backs), PJ Barr '21 (tight ends), T. Chase Murdock (linebackers & special teams), Sam Costantino (wide receivers), and Tim Warren (strength & conditioning).
The new additions to Cecchini's staff join three returning assistant coaches: defensive coordinator Chris Bowers, defensive backs coach McNeil Parker, and offensive line coach Sean Pearson. All three were part of last year's Bison staff.
Cecchini will enter his seventh season as the head coach of Bucknell football in the fall of 2025. Last season, he led the team to a 6-6 overall record and a 4-2 record in the Patriot League, while the Bison crushed several individual and team program records. Cecchini was previously named the Patriot League Dick Biddle Coach of the Year during the 2021 spring campaign for leading the Bison to a spot in the Patriot League Championship game.
Last season, the Bison landed the Patriot League Offensive Player of Year and Walter Payton Award finalist in quarterback Ralph Rucker IV, Patriot League Rookie of the Year in running back Tariq Thomas, Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the year in center John Ohnegian, ten players on the All-Patriot League teams, a league-high four players on the Academic All-Patriot League squad, a league-high 68 players on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll, and eight players named to the CSC Academic All-District football team.
Below is more information on the seven additions to the Bucknell football staff ahead of the 2025 season.
ANDREW FOLMAR
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR
Andrew Folmar was named the Offensive Coordinator in February 2025. Folmar brings 24 years of coaching experience from seven different collegiate programs, including conference foe Lehigh, to the Bison.
"Drew is one of the most respected offensive minds in FCS football," said head coach Dave Cecchini. "His proven ability to develop quarterbacks and build explosive offenses at this level will be a big step forward in our continued growth as a program."
Folmar has worked with wide receivers and quarterbacks throughout his years, as well as serving as a head coach, associate head coach and offensive coordinator at different schools. He oversaw the development of 75 all-conference players, five offensive players of the year, three conference rookies of the year, three Harlon Hill trophy candidates, two academic all-district players, one Academic All-American, one scholar athlete of the year, a Walter Payton Award finalist and a Jerry Rice Award finalist. Folmar has also led teams to four FCS playoff appearances and one conference championship.
Most recently, Folmar served as the associate head coach, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Elon University. During his eight years with the Phoenix, Folmar helped the team to three FCS playoff appearances in 2017, 2018 and 2022. He also coached 2021 Walter Payton Award finalist and 2017 Jerry Rice Award finalist in quarterback Davis Cheek during his tenure.
JEROME SMITH
ASSISTANT COACH (RB)
Jerome Smith was named the running backs coach in February 2025. He brings two years of NFL playing experience and nine years of coaching experience to the Bison.
"Jerome coaches with tireless energy and his passion for the game is infectious," said head coach Dave Cecchini. "Our young group of running backs will benefit greatly from both his knowledge and experience."
Most recently, Smith served as an assistant coach at Robert Morris for two seasons. He oversaw the RMU running backs and became the run-game coordinator in 2024.
Smith spent the 2022 season as the special teams and running backs coach with ASA Brooklyn College. While with the Avengers, Smith oversaw all aspects of the special teams and offensive game plans. He charted play calls and tendencies for both the offense and defense while being responsible for scouting opponents.
Prior to his position at ASA Brooklyn College, Smith spent two months with the Pittsburgh Steelers as part of the Bill Walsh Diversity Internship program. During his time with the Steelers, Smith was responsible for drawing scout cards, charting defensive tendencies and video analysis.
Smith began his career at Morgan State University, where he oversaw the running backs position group as well as served as the assistant special teams coordinator.
Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 2014, Smith spent two years in the National Football League.
KENTWAN BALMER
ASSISTANT COACH (DL)
Kentwan Balmer was named the defensive line coach in February 2025. Balmer brings to Bucknell ten years of coaching experience and ten years of collegiate and professional playing experience, including playing in the National Football League.
"Coach Balmer brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience to Bucknell," said head coach Dave Cecchini. "His leadership and ability to inspire will have an immediate impact with our defensive lineman."
Balmer has worked as a coach in every aspect of the defensive game, including defensive ends, defensive tackles, and defensive line. He has also had time as an assistant head coach and defensive coordinator. Balmer has coached one Freshman All-American, nine all-conference players, and three conference all-academic players. Balmer also saw his teams to one spring conference championship, two top 25 FCS program wins, and multiple defensive category ranking jumps.
Most recently, Balmer served as an assistant head coach and defensive line coach for Hampton University for the past three seasons after being elevated from the defensive line coach position from 2021-2022. Balmer completely uprooted the defense at Hampton that nationally ranked 110th in total defense, 113th in third down defense and 79th in takeaways and improved it to a team that ranked 22nd in total defense, 20th in third down defense, 25th in first down defense, 18th in sacks, 11th in takeaways and fifth in defensive touchdowns in the 2024 season. The Pirates became the top team in total defense in the CAA under Balmer and led the conference in sacks in 2021-2022.
PJ BARR
ASSISTANT COACH (TE)
Former Bison offensive lineman PJ Barr was named the tight ends coach in February 2025. Barr brings three years of coaching experience and five years of football playing experience, including four at Bucknell, to Lewisburg. Barr was also an NFL prospect in 2022.
Barr has worked in player development and as an offensive line quality control coach throughout his three years of coaching.
"I am thrilled to welcome PJ back to Bucknell," said head coach Dave Cecchini. "His experience as a former student-athlete and captain will be a huge asset for our football program."
Barr came back to Lewisburg four years after his graduation in May 2021. He played on the offensive line as a four-year starter and team captain. Barr started at all five offensive line positions for the Bison and was a two-time All-Patriot League and two-time Bucknell outstanding offensive lineman. He was given the 2021 Bryan-Humphreys award for exceptional versatility and was a Patriot League Academic Honor Roll athlete. While playing at Bucknell, Barr also served as an office intern for the program.
Barr used his extra COVID year of eligibility as a graduate student at the University of Maine. He was a Third Team All-CAA selection and was selected as Maine's Sam Sezak Outstanding Offensive Lineman of the Year. In the spring of 2022, he was invited to attend the Pittsburgh Steelers' rookie mini camp.
Most recently, Barr was an offensive line quality control coach at Rutgers University where he led daily scout team meetings, working primarily with the front 7, was responsible for weekly run drawings conducted on VISIO, did weekly film breakdown of opponents' defense, conducted weekly blitz and goal line reports, managed iPad gameday operation in the press box and tracked run game efficiency, tracked daily offensive run plays vs. opponents fronts from practice and graded daily shotgun snap percentage for offensive centers. Prior to becoming the o-line quality control coach, Barr served as a player development assistant at Rutgers.
CHASE MURDOCK
ASSISTANT COACH (LB/Special Teams)
T. Chase Murdock was named the linebackers and special teams coach in April 2025. Murdock brings nine years of coaching experience and four years of collegiate playing experience from the University of Toledo to Lewisburg.
Most recently, Murdock served as an assistant linebackers and special teams assistant coach for the University of Utah, where he was responsible for teaching the defensive playbook to incoming linebackers, in charge of drawing game plan installs using Visio, calling offensive personnel on game day, and arranging the defensive play call sheet for games. He also led all scout offensive meetings. Prior to having the assistant coach position, Murdock served as both a defensive graduate assistant and defensive administrative assistant for the University of Utah. Murdock worked directly with four players who ended up being drafted in the NFL, as well as multiple All-America players and a Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.
Murdock is a 2016 graduate of the University of Toledo, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and competed as an inside linebacker for four years. He played 49 of 52 college season games, including three Bowl Games, and earned First and Monday (FAM) Sophomore All-America Team honors for the 2013 season. Murdock ranked second in the Mid-American Conference with 9.9 tackles per game and 109 total tackles in 2013 and was a 2013 Hustle Belt All-MAC Second Team player. Murdock led the Toledo defense in tackles in 2015 with their #5 nationally ranked rushing defense.
SAM COSTANTINO
ASSISTANT COACH (WR)
Sam Costantino was named the wide receivers coach in May 2025. Costantino brings six years of coaching experience as well as collegiate playing experience at the University of Dayton to the Bison.
Most recently, Costantino was a wide receivers coach, recruiting coordinator, and co-coordinator for special teams at the University of Dayton, where he played collegiately and was part of the staff since 2022. As a wide receivers coach, he coached four all-conference players and a finalist for the 2023 Jerry Rice Award (Top FCS freshman) in his first year transitioning to wide receiver (Gavin Lochow). Costantino had five receivers with 200+ yards receiving in 2023 and two receivers in the top eight of the conference for receiving touchdowns in 2024. While co-coordinating special teams, Costantino coached the fifth overall PFF-ranked special teams group in 2024. The unit was first in the conference in punt return average and fourth in FCS. He also coached the group when they were ranked first in kickoff return average in the conference. Costantino saw back-to-back seasons with a returner named to FCS Freshman All-American Team as well.
Costantino earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Dayton, where he played as a wideout from 2016-2019.
TIM WARREN
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH
Tim Warren was named the strength and conditioning coach in February 2025. Warren brings six years of strength and conditioning and sports performance experience to the Bison.
"Coach Warren and I share a common vision for how to help prepare and develop our student-athletes to reach their potential on the gridiron," said head coach Dave Cecchini. "His energy, passion, and enthusiasm are second to none."
Most recently, Warren served as the assistant director of strength and conditioning at Charleston Southern University, where he was responsible for track & field, men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball and mens' and women's tennis, as well as assisting the director for football strength training, conditioning and speed and agility.
Warren is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has USAW Level 1 and First Aid CPR/AED certifications.
The new additions to Cecchini's staff join three returning assistant coaches: defensive coordinator Chris Bowers, defensive backs coach McNeil Parker, and offensive line coach Sean Pearson. All three were part of last year's Bison staff.
Cecchini will enter his seventh season as the head coach of Bucknell football in the fall of 2025. Last season, he led the team to a 6-6 overall record and a 4-2 record in the Patriot League, while the Bison crushed several individual and team program records. Cecchini was previously named the Patriot League Dick Biddle Coach of the Year during the 2021 spring campaign for leading the Bison to a spot in the Patriot League Championship game.
Last season, the Bison landed the Patriot League Offensive Player of Year and Walter Payton Award finalist in quarterback Ralph Rucker IV, Patriot League Rookie of the Year in running back Tariq Thomas, Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the year in center John Ohnegian, ten players on the All-Patriot League teams, a league-high four players on the Academic All-Patriot League squad, a league-high 68 players on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll, and eight players named to the CSC Academic All-District football team.
Below is more information on the seven additions to the Bucknell football staff ahead of the 2025 season.
ANDREW FOLMAR
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR
Andrew Folmar was named the Offensive Coordinator in February 2025. Folmar brings 24 years of coaching experience from seven different collegiate programs, including conference foe Lehigh, to the Bison.
"Drew is one of the most respected offensive minds in FCS football," said head coach Dave Cecchini. "His proven ability to develop quarterbacks and build explosive offenses at this level will be a big step forward in our continued growth as a program."
Folmar has worked with wide receivers and quarterbacks throughout his years, as well as serving as a head coach, associate head coach and offensive coordinator at different schools. He oversaw the development of 75 all-conference players, five offensive players of the year, three conference rookies of the year, three Harlon Hill trophy candidates, two academic all-district players, one Academic All-American, one scholar athlete of the year, a Walter Payton Award finalist and a Jerry Rice Award finalist. Folmar has also led teams to four FCS playoff appearances and one conference championship.
Most recently, Folmar served as the associate head coach, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Elon University. During his eight years with the Phoenix, Folmar helped the team to three FCS playoff appearances in 2017, 2018 and 2022. He also coached 2021 Walter Payton Award finalist and 2017 Jerry Rice Award finalist in quarterback Davis Cheek during his tenure.
JEROME SMITH
ASSISTANT COACH (RB)
Jerome Smith was named the running backs coach in February 2025. He brings two years of NFL playing experience and nine years of coaching experience to the Bison.
"Jerome coaches with tireless energy and his passion for the game is infectious," said head coach Dave Cecchini. "Our young group of running backs will benefit greatly from both his knowledge and experience."
Most recently, Smith served as an assistant coach at Robert Morris for two seasons. He oversaw the RMU running backs and became the run-game coordinator in 2024.
Smith spent the 2022 season as the special teams and running backs coach with ASA Brooklyn College. While with the Avengers, Smith oversaw all aspects of the special teams and offensive game plans. He charted play calls and tendencies for both the offense and defense while being responsible for scouting opponents.
Prior to his position at ASA Brooklyn College, Smith spent two months with the Pittsburgh Steelers as part of the Bill Walsh Diversity Internship program. During his time with the Steelers, Smith was responsible for drawing scout cards, charting defensive tendencies and video analysis.
Smith began his career at Morgan State University, where he oversaw the running backs position group as well as served as the assistant special teams coordinator.
Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 2014, Smith spent two years in the National Football League.
KENTWAN BALMER
ASSISTANT COACH (DL)
Kentwan Balmer was named the defensive line coach in February 2025. Balmer brings to Bucknell ten years of coaching experience and ten years of collegiate and professional playing experience, including playing in the National Football League.
"Coach Balmer brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience to Bucknell," said head coach Dave Cecchini. "His leadership and ability to inspire will have an immediate impact with our defensive lineman."
Balmer has worked as a coach in every aspect of the defensive game, including defensive ends, defensive tackles, and defensive line. He has also had time as an assistant head coach and defensive coordinator. Balmer has coached one Freshman All-American, nine all-conference players, and three conference all-academic players. Balmer also saw his teams to one spring conference championship, two top 25 FCS program wins, and multiple defensive category ranking jumps.
Most recently, Balmer served as an assistant head coach and defensive line coach for Hampton University for the past three seasons after being elevated from the defensive line coach position from 2021-2022. Balmer completely uprooted the defense at Hampton that nationally ranked 110th in total defense, 113th in third down defense and 79th in takeaways and improved it to a team that ranked 22nd in total defense, 20th in third down defense, 25th in first down defense, 18th in sacks, 11th in takeaways and fifth in defensive touchdowns in the 2024 season. The Pirates became the top team in total defense in the CAA under Balmer and led the conference in sacks in 2021-2022.
PJ BARR
ASSISTANT COACH (TE)
Former Bison offensive lineman PJ Barr was named the tight ends coach in February 2025. Barr brings three years of coaching experience and five years of football playing experience, including four at Bucknell, to Lewisburg. Barr was also an NFL prospect in 2022.
Barr has worked in player development and as an offensive line quality control coach throughout his three years of coaching.
"I am thrilled to welcome PJ back to Bucknell," said head coach Dave Cecchini. "His experience as a former student-athlete and captain will be a huge asset for our football program."
Barr came back to Lewisburg four years after his graduation in May 2021. He played on the offensive line as a four-year starter and team captain. Barr started at all five offensive line positions for the Bison and was a two-time All-Patriot League and two-time Bucknell outstanding offensive lineman. He was given the 2021 Bryan-Humphreys award for exceptional versatility and was a Patriot League Academic Honor Roll athlete. While playing at Bucknell, Barr also served as an office intern for the program.
Barr used his extra COVID year of eligibility as a graduate student at the University of Maine. He was a Third Team All-CAA selection and was selected as Maine's Sam Sezak Outstanding Offensive Lineman of the Year. In the spring of 2022, he was invited to attend the Pittsburgh Steelers' rookie mini camp.
Most recently, Barr was an offensive line quality control coach at Rutgers University where he led daily scout team meetings, working primarily with the front 7, was responsible for weekly run drawings conducted on VISIO, did weekly film breakdown of opponents' defense, conducted weekly blitz and goal line reports, managed iPad gameday operation in the press box and tracked run game efficiency, tracked daily offensive run plays vs. opponents fronts from practice and graded daily shotgun snap percentage for offensive centers. Prior to becoming the o-line quality control coach, Barr served as a player development assistant at Rutgers.
CHASE MURDOCK
ASSISTANT COACH (LB/Special Teams)
T. Chase Murdock was named the linebackers and special teams coach in April 2025. Murdock brings nine years of coaching experience and four years of collegiate playing experience from the University of Toledo to Lewisburg.
Most recently, Murdock served as an assistant linebackers and special teams assistant coach for the University of Utah, where he was responsible for teaching the defensive playbook to incoming linebackers, in charge of drawing game plan installs using Visio, calling offensive personnel on game day, and arranging the defensive play call sheet for games. He also led all scout offensive meetings. Prior to having the assistant coach position, Murdock served as both a defensive graduate assistant and defensive administrative assistant for the University of Utah. Murdock worked directly with four players who ended up being drafted in the NFL, as well as multiple All-America players and a Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.
Murdock is a 2016 graduate of the University of Toledo, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and competed as an inside linebacker for four years. He played 49 of 52 college season games, including three Bowl Games, and earned First and Monday (FAM) Sophomore All-America Team honors for the 2013 season. Murdock ranked second in the Mid-American Conference with 9.9 tackles per game and 109 total tackles in 2013 and was a 2013 Hustle Belt All-MAC Second Team player. Murdock led the Toledo defense in tackles in 2015 with their #5 nationally ranked rushing defense.
SAM COSTANTINO
ASSISTANT COACH (WR)
Sam Costantino was named the wide receivers coach in May 2025. Costantino brings six years of coaching experience as well as collegiate playing experience at the University of Dayton to the Bison.
Most recently, Costantino was a wide receivers coach, recruiting coordinator, and co-coordinator for special teams at the University of Dayton, where he played collegiately and was part of the staff since 2022. As a wide receivers coach, he coached four all-conference players and a finalist for the 2023 Jerry Rice Award (Top FCS freshman) in his first year transitioning to wide receiver (Gavin Lochow). Costantino had five receivers with 200+ yards receiving in 2023 and two receivers in the top eight of the conference for receiving touchdowns in 2024. While co-coordinating special teams, Costantino coached the fifth overall PFF-ranked special teams group in 2024. The unit was first in the conference in punt return average and fourth in FCS. He also coached the group when they were ranked first in kickoff return average in the conference. Costantino saw back-to-back seasons with a returner named to FCS Freshman All-American Team as well.
Costantino earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Dayton, where he played as a wideout from 2016-2019.
TIM WARREN
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH
Tim Warren was named the strength and conditioning coach in February 2025. Warren brings six years of strength and conditioning and sports performance experience to the Bison.
"Coach Warren and I share a common vision for how to help prepare and develop our student-athletes to reach their potential on the gridiron," said head coach Dave Cecchini. "His energy, passion, and enthusiasm are second to none."
Most recently, Warren served as the assistant director of strength and conditioning at Charleston Southern University, where he was responsible for track & field, men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball and mens' and women's tennis, as well as assisting the director for football strength training, conditioning and speed and agility.
Warren is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has USAW Level 1 and First Aid CPR/AED certifications.
Players Mentioned
In The Herd: Saint Francis Game Preview And Nick Hoying Feature
Wednesday, September 24
In The Herd: First Practice Review And Tuana Coskun Feature
Wednesday, September 24
In The Herd: First Practice Review And Ruot Bijiek Feature
Tuesday, September 23
(Coaches Camera) Salem Men's Water Polo Vs. Gannon (9/21/25)
Monday, September 22