Courtesy Winston-Salem State Athletics | WSSURams.com
Winston-Salem State University head coach Robert Massey has elevated Markus McElveen to Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator, the school announced last week.
“McElveen has proven time and time again that he is a good coach,” Massey said. “He understands the off-the-field work and is the glue that keeps us all together and keeps the guys going. His passion and hard work for this program and his players is how we will continue to Protect the Legacy and drive this team to a championship.
“He has a great future ahead of him.”
McElveen joined the Rams during the 2021 season as the Defensive Line Coach. During the summer of 2022, Massey promoted McElveen to Defensive Coordinator/Co-Recruiting Coordinator.
“It’s truly an honor,” said McElveen. “Coach Massey has taught me so much over these last 17 years. One of the lessons that I continue to hold close is if you work for a man, you give that man an honest day’s work, and that is what I make sure I do every day I wake up.”
During McElveen’s first season as the Defensive Coordinator, the Rams’ defense was ranked nationally and recognized by the AFCA. They finished the season No. 10 in total defense, No. 1 in first down defense, and No. 4 in red zone defense in the nation (All of D2). They also finished No. 1 in total defense, No. 1 in first down defense, No. 1 in red zone, No. 2 in rushing defense, and No. 5 in passing defense in the CIAA.
Under his tutelage, defensive back Justin Fleming and defensive lineman Camar Kyle were named to CIAA All-Conference teams.
Before joining the Rams, McElveen made his return to the collegiate coaching ranks after a strong career at the high school level. For the two years, McElveen spent time as the defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Bunnell High School in Stratford, Connecticut. Before joining Bunnell staff, McElveen spent two seasons as defensive coordinator at his alma mater, Norwalk High School. He got his coaching career started at another alma mater of his own as he served as an assistant coach at Shaw University. After starting out as a student assistant, McElveen earned a spot as the Defensive line coach a year later.
As a standout student-athlete at Shaw University, he was a four-year starter and was a member of back-to-back Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championship teams in 2007 and 2008 with another championship in 2010. Along with being recognized as an Academic All-American, he also earned Lindys All-American and All-CIAA honors multiple times for his play on the field.
He graduated in 2011 from Shaw University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreational Management & Psychology.
He attributes much of his success to his support circle, which consists of his Father (Mark McElveen), Mother (Lisa Russell), and coaches Richard McGeorge and Darrell Asberry who still mentor him well after his playing days.
