ORANGEBURG, SC—South Carolina State head football coach Chennis Berry announce another promotion on the Bulldog coaching staff.

Ja'Ron Kilpatrick has been named the Nickels Coach for the upcoming 2025 season.  Last year, Kilaptrick served as a defensive analyst for the Bulldogs, which led to an undefeated mark in league play and the school's 19th Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title.

A former standout student-athlete, he brings a deep understanding of the game, leadership, and player development in his new coaching role.
While as a player, he helped lead Benedict College football team to back-to-back undefeated seasons and consecutive SIAC Championships. A versatile defensive back (nickel, safety, corner) he earned First Team SIAC and All-American honors during his playing career.

A true representation of a student-athlete he earned Academic All-American accolades as well as the President's Trophy graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA with both his Bachelor's and master's degrees in Sports Management from Benedict College.

A 2024 HBCU Legacy Bowl selectee and semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, Kilpatrick represents the future of coaching—grounded in excellence, fueled by a purpose, and relentless commitment to the game.

A rising star in the coaching profession, his strong work ethic, and commitment to helping young athletes succeed both in the field and in life makes him a true winner. His contribution to collegiate athletics through providing internships in football operations and sports marketing, film study, player development, and event promotion attributes his valuable experience to the Bulldog football program.

ABOUT SC STATE ATHLETICS
South Carolina State University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I level intercollegiate athletic program. The university currently fields teams in 14 sports: women's volleyball, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's indoor track & field, softball, men's and women's outdoor track and field, women's soccer and football with all teams competing in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), except for women's soccer.
 
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