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| NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS |
The new trio of coaches, each of whom worked with Scott at Virginia State, fills out the Spartans' defensive staff, joining defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Jerry Holmes.
"We are excited to finalize our defensive staff. It consists of a group of men I had a chance to win championships with at Virginia State," Scott said. "Bringing these fine coaches to NSU allows us to keep continuity on a defense that had great success over the past two seasons and we look forward to having similar success here at NSU."
Braxton and Parker spent both 2013 and 2014 with Scott at VSU and Grisby joined the staff in 2014. This past season, the trio helped the Trojans to their historic 10-3 season that included the 2014 CIAA championship and the school's first-ever victory in the NCAA Division II playoffs.
Braxton has 14 years of coaching experience. His line was a big reason for the Trojans' success the last two years, leading VSU to a pair of top-20 national rankings in total defense. The 2013 Trojan defense finished 12th nationally and featured the Richmond Touchdown Club's Co-Defensive Linemen of the year for Division II in Ronald Lewis and Bryant Frazier.
Prior to his time at VSU, Braxton was defensive line coach from 2006-12 at Edinboro University (Pa.). In seven seasons at Edinboro, he coached six All-PSAC West performers and helped Edinboro reach the Division II playoffs in 2009. Braxton also coached the defensive linemen for five seasons at his alma mater, VMI (2001-05).
A native of Beaverdam, Va., Braxton was a three-year letterwinner as a defensive lineman for the Keydets, finishing his career with 195 tackles in 35 games played. He earned his bachelor's degree in history from VMI in 1998 and his master's in history from Norwich University in 2010.
Grisby, who is embarking on his 20th year of collegiate coaching, coached the safeties at VSU in 2014. One of his pupils, Devonte Piggott, earned second-team All-CIAA honors during VSU's CIAA championship run this past season. The VSU secondary coached by Grisby and Parker led the CIAA with 18 interceptions, which ranked 12th in the nation.
Prior to his one year at VSU, Grisby coached at the Trojans' CIAA rival, Virginia Union University, as assistant head coach, defensive coordinator and secondary coach from 2011-13. His defense ranked second in the CIAA in pass defense and total defense in 2012, and fourth in total defense in 2013.
Grisby also had a lengthy tenure at St. Paul's College from 2004-11, serving as the school's associate head coach for his first five seasons before ascending to head coach for the 2010 season. While at SPC, Grisby helped develop Greg Toler, a starting defensive back this past season for the Indianapolis Colts and one of many players Grisby has helped reach the ranks of professional football.
A native of Miami, Fla., Grisby played collegiately as a defensive back at Bethune-Cookman, where he earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice in 1990. He had professional stints with the Philadelphia Eagles (1990) and the San Antonio Riders (1991) of the World League of American Football.
Parker was cornerbacks coach at VSU in 2014 after serving as a defensive graduate assistant in 2013. In addition to VSU's CIAA-leading 18 interceptions last year, the Trojans also ranked 18th in the nation in passing defense, allowing 174 yards per game. Parker coached an All-CIAA first-team performer in both of his years with the Trojans, mentoring Sean Smith in 2013 and Darion Thomas in 2014.
A native of Glen Allen, Va., Parker is a 2013 graduate of the University of Richmond with a degree in political science. He was a wide receiver and cornerback for the Spiders and was a member of CAA championship teams in 2009 and 2012. He also ran track for UR.
Scott also announced Wednesday that running backs coach Paul Macklin has accepted another employment opportunity outside of the university and will not return to the staff. Scott will announce more hirings to his staff at NSU in the coming weeks.
By Matt Michalec, Asst. AD/Communications
COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
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