Nate Garner

Nate Garner is the Head Football Coach at North Greenville University, leading the Trailblazers with a proven blend of high-level playing experience, offensive line expertise, and faith-centered leadership.

In his first season at the helm (2025), Garner guided NGU to an undefeated run in Conference Carolinas play (6–0), captured the inaugural Conference Carolinas Bowl title, and earned the league’s automatic berth into the NCAA Division II Football Championship. Garner was named Conference Carolinas Coach of the Year, and the postseason berth marked North Greenville’s first trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs since the 2016 season.

Garner was named North Greenville’s head coach effective January 15, 2025, becoming the 10th head football coach in program history. He arrived at NGU after serving as the offensive line coach at Limestone University (2022–2024), where he helped the Saints average 5,292 yards of total offense over his three-year tenure.

A former NFL offensive lineman, Garner was selected by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft and later joined the Miami Dolphins, playing all five offensive line positions during a seven-year professional career. A native of Roland, Arkansas, he played collegiately for Houston Nutt at the University of Arkansas, earning three letters as an offensive lineman and helping the Razorbacks win the SEC West division and advance to the Capital One Bowl. He graduated from Arkansas in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology.

Garner began his coaching career in 2018, serving in a volunteer capacity with the New Orleans Saints and also working with the Arkansas football program before coaching at the junior college and high school levels. He and his wife, Tiffany, are the parents of three sons: Colton, Hunter, and Wyatt.

Jerricho Cotchery

Jerricho Cotchery serves as Assistant Head Coach and Passing Game Coordinator at North Greenville University, bringing a rare combination of NFL experience, head coaching leadership, and receiver development expertise to the Trailblazers.

Cotchery joined NGU in 2025 after leading Limestone University as head coach in 2024, guiding the Saints to an 8–3 overall record and a 6–2 mark in South Atlantic Conference play. His time at Limestone included two seasons (2022–2023) as the program’s Assistant Head Coach and Wide Receivers Coach before being elevated to head coach. Prior to the collegiate ranks, Cotchery began his coaching career in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers, joining the staff in 2017 as the Assistant Wide Receivers Coach.

A 12-year NFL veteran wide receiver, Cotchery was selected in the 4th round (No. 108 overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft and played from 2004–2015 with the New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Carolina Panthers. He finished his professional playing career with 524 receptions, 6,623 receiving yards, and 34 touchdowns, and he was part of Carolina’s run to Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season. At the collegiate level, Cotchery starred at NC State, earning two All-ACC selections.

JR Clark

JR Clark is the Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach at North Greenville University, bringing nearly two decades of coaching experience with a strong track record in defensive development, secondary play, and game planning.

Clark joined NGU in 2025 after serving as the Defensive Coordinator at Limestone University (2023–2025). Prior to Limestone, Clark spent 10 seasons at Wingate University (2013–2022) as the Defensive Backs Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, helping guide the Bulldogs to the 2017 SAC Championship and multiple NCAA Division II playoff appearances. One of his standout units came in 2018, when Wingate led the SAC in third-down defense (.264).

Clark also coached the defensive backs at Gettysburg College (2011–2012) and at Wittenberg University (2010), where the program produced an undefeated regular season and an NCAC Championship. A native of Springfield, Ohio, Clark was a three-year letterwinner at Wilmington College. He earned a B.S. in Health and Physical Education (2008) and a Master’s in Education (2010) from Wilmington.

Dustin Noller

Coach Dustin Noller serves as the Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach for the North Greenville University Trailblazers. He leads the design and execution of the offense, mentors the quarterback room, and plays a central part in game planning and in-season adjustments.

Before joining the Trailblazers’ coaching staff, Noller had a standout playing career at Limestone University, where he was a four-year contributor and an accomplished signal-caller. His performance earned him recognition as a two-time South Atlantic Conference Offensive Player of the Year, and he consistently ranked among the league’s most productive players throughout his career.

Transitioning directly into coaching after his playing days, Noller brought with him a deep understanding of offensive concepts, a communicative and detail-oriented approach, and a commitment to fostering growth in his players both on and off the field.

Stewart Hunt

Coach Stewart Hunt serves as the Wide Receivers Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for the football program at North Greenville University. He leads the development of the wide receiver unit, focusing on route precision, ball skills, blocking technique, and overall football IQ. He also plays a key role in recruiting student-athletes who align with the program’s culture and competitive standards.

A North Greenville alumnus, Coach Hunt was a two-sport student-athlete, competing in both football and baseball during his collegiate career. He was part of a conference championship baseball team in 2015 and a Victory Bowl championship football team in 2014. He graduated in 2016 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Hunt began his coaching career at his alma mater as a graduate assistant with the baseball program (2016–2018), then joined Furman University as a Wide Receivers Coach and Assistant Special Teams Coordinator (2018–2019). In 2020, he continued at Presbyterian College, where he coached running backs, assisted with wide receivers, coordinated special teams, and served as Recruiting Coordinator.

Connor Baroniunas

Coach Connor Baroniunas is the Offensive Line Coach for the football program at North Greenville University, where he leads the development of the offensive line group. He works closely with linemen to build strength, technique, cohesion, and fundamental execution in both the run and pass game. His coaching style emphasizes grit, effort, and detailed preparation.

Before joining the Trailblazers’ coaching staff, Baroniunas was a four-year starter on the offensive line at Wingate University, earning multiple All-Conference honors. He was named the South Atlantic Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year and earned Academic All-District honors.

Coach Baroniunas is known for his passion for the game, his ability to connect with players, and his commitment to building a line that competes physically and mentally. He helps foster resilience, teamwork, and a relentless work ethic in the Trailblazers’ offensive trenches.

Nyle Grove

Coach Nyle Grove serves as the Defensive Backs Coach and Academic Coordinator for the football program at North Greenville University. He works with the defensive secondary, helping players refine coverage technique, ball skills, situational awareness, and overall defensive fundamentals. He also supports student-athlete academic success, reinforcing a culture of balance between performance on the field and in the classroom.

Before joining the coaching ranks at North Greenville, Coach Grove played football at Wofford College, where he competed in the secondary. He continued his athletic career in baseball at Augusta University, contributing on the mound and demonstrating his versatility as a multi-sport athlete.

As Academic Coordinator, Coach Grove plays a vital role in helping players navigate their academic responsibilities, ensuring they have the support and guidance needed to succeed in school and prepare for life beyond football.

TJ Lesniewski

Coach T.J. Lesniewski is the Defensive Line Coach for the football program at North Greenville University. He leads the defensive front, teaching technique, gap integrity, pursuit angles, and physical play at the point of attack. Known for his energy and attention to detail, Coach Lesniewski helps develop a physical and disciplined defensive line.

A graduate of West Liberty University, he began his coaching career shortly after his playing days. He served in roles such as running backs coach and special teams assistant, and worked with linebackers and defensive lines while also handling video coordination and operations responsibilities early in his career.

Lesniewski has coached at a variety of programs, including roles developing defensive line units and supporting overall defensive strategy. His experience spans multiple levels of college football and includes helping players improve techniques that contribute to team success in tackles for loss, pressures, and run-defense fundamentals.

Mataeo Durant

Coach Mataeo Durant brings a unique blend of high-level playing experience and fresh coaching perspective to North Greenville University, where he serves as the Running Backs Coach. Known for his work ethic and deep understanding of the ground game, he mentors and develops the Trailblazers’ running backs.

Durant starred at Duke University, where he became one of the most productive backs in the program’s history. In his senior season, he set the school’s single-season rushing record and was named a first-team All-ACC selection. After college, he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent and later played for the St. Louis Battlehawks in the XFL.

Now at North Greenville, Coach Durant uses his firsthand experience as a former elite player to connect with his student-athletes, emphasizing the fundamentals of running back play, leadership, and resilience. His passion for coaching and commitment to player growth helps set a strong example for the Trailblazers both on and off the field.

Mike Smith

Coach Michael Smith is a valued member of the football coaching staff at North Greenville University, where he currently serves as the Tight Ends Coach for the Trailblazers. Known for his leadership, adaptability, and commitment to developing student-athletes, Coach Smith brings a well-rounded coaching perspective to the team.

Prior to his current role, Coach Smith worked within the same program in different capacities, including coaching the defensive line before transitioning to the offensive side of the ball. This experience has given him a deep understanding of both phases of the game, enabling him to teach technique and football IQ across multiple position groups.

Off the field, Coach Smith is committed to supporting the academic and personal growth of his players, emphasizing discipline, character, and teamwork in all aspects of their lives. His well-rounded approach to coaching helps cultivate success both on game day and beyond.