Feature Story: Path of Promise
P.J. Volker joined head coach Trent Miles’ Georgia State football staff in 2013 as linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator after serving in the same capacity under Miles at Indiana State.
In 2015 Volker helped coach the most improved defense in FBS. 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).
In his three seasons at Georgia State, Volker has coached standout linebacker Joseph Peterson, a three-time all-conference selection and the Panthers’ all-time leading tackler.
Volker spent three years (2010-12) with Miles as linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator for the Sycamores, helping ISU post three straight winning seasons.
In 2012, he helped coach a defensive unit that ranked third in the FCS in scoring defense, allowing just 14.3 points per game, and sixth nationally in total defense at 296.4 yards per game. One of the highlights for ISU’s defense in 2012 was an outstanding performance in the Sycamores’ stunning 17-14 upset at No. 1-ranked North Dakota State, in which the defense accounted for 14 points.
Over his three seasons, seven Indiana State linebackers were named to the all-conference team, including three-time selection Aaron Archie, who made over 100 tackles each of the last two years.
Volker originally joined Miles’ defensive staff at Indiana State in 2010 and took part in bringing about the program’s dramatic turnaround. In his first year, the Sycamores posted a breakout season with a 6-5 record in 2010, their first winning season since 1996.
Volker went to ISU in 2010 from Thomas More College, a Division III program in Kentucky where he coached the linebackers and served as the program’s recruiting coordinator. He began his coaching career as the running backs coach at Thiel College.
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 recently honored with the school’s Future Five Award, which honors alumni who have graduated within the last 20 years who have excelled in their professions and provided service to their communities.
He is married to the former Amanda Naseef, and the couple's first child, daughter Rosalee Marie, was born in 2015.
