Roggeman To Coach East Carolina Linebackers
December 17, 2004 | Football
Prior to his appointment at ECU, Roggeman served as defensive line coach at Alabama State for three seasons beginning in 2002. He helped lead the Hornets to a 10-2 record and a Southwestern Athletic Conference title in 2004 and also played a key role in the performance of one of the top defenses on the entire NCAA Division I-AA level ? earning top 10 national ranks in turnover margin (6th/+1.17), turnovers forced (7th/34), fewest rushing touchdowns allowed (7th/9) and rushing defense (9th/103.0 ypg.).
From 1998 to 2001, Roggeman worked at SWAC-member Alabama A&M, handling the Bulldogs' defensive line efforts during the first two years before earning a promotion from head coach Ron Cooper to defensive coordinator prior to the 2000 season, a move which netted unprecedented results.
He built and guided one of the top defensive units on all levels of college football history in 2000, topping I-AA nationally in rushing defense (39.7 ypg/NCAA record), fewest yards per carry (1.3 ypc), fewest rushing touchdowns allowed (5) and sacks (60 for -365 yards). In addition, the Bulldogs stood eighth nationally in total defense (275.6 ypg).
Roggeman enhanced his reputation as a noted run-stopper the following season, as Alabama A&M finished third nationally in rushing defense (80.8 ypg) and fourth in fewest yards per carry (2.4 ypc).
"I'm excited someone with Rock's credentials, experience and background will be a part of our staff and program," said Holtz. "His energy, intensity and work ethic is contagious and I know he has the motivational skills to get our players to perform at a high level. I know he's a believer in playing football the old-fashioned way ? hard."
Roggeman, 41, also worked on Cooper's staff at Eastern Michigan (1993-94), where he served as defensive coordinator and defensive line coach, and at Louisville (1995-97).
During his three-year tenure with the Cardinals, Roggeman helped mold a defensive unit which led the nation in turnovers forced (45/1995) and earned other top 10 Division I-A statistical standings in turnover ratio (2nd/1995), scoring defense (6th/1995), total defense (4th/1996), rushing defense (4th/1996) and pass efficiency defense (9th/1996).
Roggeman began his full-time coaching career as a defensive line coach and strength and conditioning coordinator at Murray State in 1987 before moving to Nevada-Las Vegas three years later to handle the Rebels' defensive line efforts.
He earned a bachelor's degree in history from Notre Dame in 1985 after playing on Fighting Irish squads which competed in the 1983 Liberty Bowl and 1984 Aloha Bowl. Roggeman was cited as a 1984 Monogram winner before accepting a two-year position as a graduate assistant under head coaches Gerry Faust and Lou Holtz.
Roggeman was a Parade All-America selection as a linebacker at Sahuaro High School in Tucson, Ariz., while also earning membership into the National Honor Society. His father, Thomas Sr., is an Indiana Football Hall of Fame inductee after an illustrious coaching career at the high school and collegiate level.
Roggeman is the seventh official hire for the newly-appointed Holtz, joining defensive line coach Donnie Thompson, offensive line coach Steve Shankweiler, offensive assistant coach Phil Petty, running backs coach Junior Smith, defensive coordinator Greg Hudson and director of football operations Clifford Snow on the Pirates' staff.
