Support staff Jonathan Chandler Graduate Assistant - Offense
Tony Ferrante Assistant Director of Athletics
Jonathan Chandler begins his second season on the sideline as a graduate assistant for the Troy football program.
Tony Ferrante begins his 15th year working in the Athletics Department at Troy University.
Chandler will work with the offense where he is familiar with the system, after serving as a quarterback and receiver for the Trojans from 2006 until 2010. The former Trojan started his final season as a receiver, before being thrust into the role of back-up quarterback following the injury to Jamie Hampton in the Middle Tennessee contest. A native of Opelika, Ala., Chandler led his high school team to the state semifinals during his senior season and the quarterfinals as a sophomore. His junior season was cut short by a broken collarbone. However, he was an honorable mention allstate selection the year after the injury, as he passed for 1,293 yards and nine touchdowns. Chandler earned his bachelor of science degree in social science in 2011 from Troy University.
Lonnie Cochran Fellowship of Christian Athletes Lonnie Cochran enters his sixth year as the Director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter on the Troy University campus. Cochran, a former letterwinner at Troy, is also the director of the Wiregrass chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Trey Dunbar Graduate Assistant - Defense Trey Dunbar is in his second season working with the football program after serving as an intern in the strength & conditioning program last year. A native of Opp, Ala., Dunbar played baseball and football at Opp High School before attending the University of Alabama where he received a degree in Exercise and Sport Science in 2010. While at Alabama, Dunbar worked as a student assistant coach in the strength & conditioning program.
Ferrante oversees operations in the equipment and video rooms, directs event management, and serves as the facility coordinator for all athletics department venues. In addition, Ferrante works closely with the football staff coordinating team travel. Ferrante, a native of Parma, Ohio, came to Troy in the fall of 1998 from Indiana University, where he served as an intern with the football team. He spent the summer of 1996 as an intern with the Baltimore Ravens. While pursuing his undergraduate degree at the University of Cincinnati, Ferrante worked as a student manager from 1995 to 1998. During this time, he worked closely with the football and baseball teams.
Kyle Fuller Quality Control - Special Teams Kyle Fuller is beginning his sixth season of involvement with the Troy University football team. Fuller arrived on the Troy University campus in the fall of 2004 after graduating from Pickens Academy, where he participated in three sports. After starting out as an equipment manager, Fuller began working under coach Shayne Wasden as a student assistant and served that role, specifically working with the special teams, for five years. Fuller assisted in breaking down special teams film each week, and helped prepare meetings for Wasden.
James Gardner Athletic Equipment Manager James Gardner begins his third season as the Troy athletic equipment manager following a stellar playing career for the Trojans. The Dothan, Ala., native was a starting offensive lineman on Troy’s 2006 Sun Belt Conference and New Orleans Bowl championship team. Following his playing days, he served as a graduate assistant in equipment/facilities in 2008-09. He moved on to Murray State University in 2009 where he served as director of equipment services.
He is currently working toward a master’s degree in sport management at Troy. Gardner received his B.S. in sport and fitness management from Troy in 2008 and is currently working to complete his MBA. Gardner is married to the former Jennifer Sewell of Cottonwood, Ala., and the couples resides in Troy.
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