P.J. Volker enters his second season as the linebackers coach at Kennesaw State in 2018. He was hired by head coach Brian Bohannon on March 8, 2017.
In just his first season, the Owls posted their best defensive year yet. Stifling opponents at every turn, KSU held teams to 15.5 points per game in 2018 to rank seventh nationally. The Owls also recorded 24 interceptions, 11 more than the next-highest Big South team.
Individually, Volker helped in the development of standout 2017 all-American Bryson Armstrong.
Winner of the prestigious Jerry Rice (National Freshman of the Year) Award, Armstrong captained the airtight defense last season, finishing first in the nation in fumbles recovered (four), while leading the Big South in sacks (11 solo). He finished second in the conference and led all linebackers in tackles (114), while also ranking third in tackles-for-loss (12.5).
As the linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator for Trent Miles' program at Georgia State, Volker coached six All-Sun Belt Conference selections over four seasons. In addition, he coached Joseph Peterson, the program's all-time leader in tackles and a three-time all-conference selection.
In 2015, as the Panthers reached the first bowl game in school history, the team was led by the nation's most improved defense. Georgia State led the nation by allowing 15 points fewer per game than in 2014 and improving by 122.3 yards per game and 1.92 yards per carry against the run. The Panthers finished in the top four in the Sun Belt in scoring defense (28.3 ppg), total defense (405.6 ypg), rushing defense (181.4 ypg) and pass efficiency defense (120.3).
Volker spent three years (2010-12) with Miles as linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator at Indiana State, helping the Sycamores post three straight winning seasons. While there, seven Indiana State linebackers were named to the all-conference team, including three-time selection Aaron Archie – the program's all-time leading tackler.
A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Volker was a three-year letterwinner and two-time all-conference selection at the College of Mount St. Joseph (Ohio). He was honored with the school's Future Five Award, which honors alumni who have graduated within the last 20 years that have excelled in their professions and provided service to their communities.
He began his coaching career as the running backs coach and recruiting coordinator at Thiel College. From there, he joined the staff at Thomas More College, a Division III program in Kentucky, where he coached the linebackers and served as the program's recruiting coordinator.
He is married to the former Amanda Naseef, and the couple has two young daughters, Rosie and Ella.
