KENNESAW, Ga. -- Kennesaw State head football coach Brian Bohannon announced Wednesday that P.J. Volker has joined the staff as linebackers coach.
 
Volker served for four years in the same capacity at Georgia State. He replaces Andrew Thacker, who accepted a position on Temple's staff in January.
 
"We're excited to add P.J. to our staff," said Bohannon. "He is a veteran college coach that brings a wealth of defensive experience to our staff. Having coached and served as the recruiting coordinator at Georgia State, he is well-connected and well-respected among the high school coaches in the southeast. P.J. understands our system and our culture and will be a great asset to the development of our program."
 
As the linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator for Trent Miles' program at Georgia State, Volker coached six All-Sun Belt Conference selections over the last four seasons. In addition, he coached Joseph Peterson -- the program's all-time leader in tackles and a three-time all-conference selection.
 
"I am incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the Kennesaw State football family," said Volker. "I was immediately blown away by the character of Coach Bohannon and the rest of the staff. They have created a phenomenal culture here and I cannot wait to get started."
 
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.

Fifth Third Bank is the Official Bank of Kennesaw State Athletics. Fifth Third Bank Stadium, the signature athletics landmark on the Kennesaw State University campus, is a world-class facility that has been recognized as one of the premier multi-use outdoor athletics venues in the country. In the fall of 2015, it became the official home of Owls football team and is also home to Owls soccer and lacrosse.

Keep up with Kennesaw State Athletics by following KSU on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and or by liking Kennesaw State Owls on Facebook. You also can follow Kennesaw State football at @KennesawSTFB and The Owls fund on Twitter at @TheOwlsFund.

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