Ukoh Essang - Football Coach - James Madison University Athletics

Ukoh Essang

Title:
Defensive Graduate Assistant
Phone:
540-568-6517
Physical Address:
Plecker APC 224 (220 Champions Dr.) / MSC 2201

Ukoh Essang is in his second season with the James Madison football program in 2025, as he serves as a defensive graduate assistant.

Assisting with the defensive line, Essang was part of a defensive staff that mentored one of the top defensive line groups in the country in 2024. The Dukes ranked sixth nationally in sacks (3.15) and 18th in tackles for loss (7.1).

The defensive line alone led the country in interceptions for the position group, as four different linemen recorded an interception. Three linemen were named All-Sun Belt, highlighted by College Football Network Second Team All-American Eric O’Neill, who recorded 18.5 tackles for loss and 13.0 sacks. Khairi Manns, who joined O’Neill as a HERO Sports Group of Five All-American, tacked on 12.5 TFL and 9.0 sacks, while Immanuel Bush was also Honorable Mention All-Sun Belt to round out postseason awards.

As a whole, JMU’s defensive line produced a pair of defensive touchdowns on pick-sixes while also tallying 49.5 tackles for loss, 30.0 sacks, 12 breakups, three fumble recoveries and a pair of forced fumbles.

Essang joined the Dukes after spending the 2023 season in the same role at Buffalo. The Bulls led the Mid-American Conference in forced fumbles and pass defense while being second in third-down defense, fewest first downs allowed and interceptions and third in scoring defense.

Prior to Buffalo, Essang was a defensive GA at Pittsburg State (2021-22), primarily assisting with the linebackers.

Essang is a former defensive end at Northeastern State where he played in 34 games from 2015 to 2019. A team captain, Essang earned All-Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association honors in 2019. He finished his career with 11 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

A native of Arlington, Texas, Essang earned a bachelor’s degree in health and human performance from NSU in December 2019. He also received a master’s degree from Pitt State in 2022 in health, human performance and recreation.