Football
- Title:
- Defensive Line Coach
- Email:
- dcr206@lehigh.edu
- Phone:
- 610-758-5909
- Alma Mater:
- Fourth season
Donnie Roberts is in his fourth season as the Mountain Hawks defensive line coach. Roberts, who returned to Lehigh in 2006 for his second stint, previously served on the Lehigh staff from 1994-1999, with then-assistant coach Andy Coen. During his time at Lehigh, Roberts has coached seven members of the All-Patriot League teams, and three All-America selections.
Two members of Roberts’ 2008 “D” line earned All-Patriot League honors, including Brian Jackson ‘09 and B.J. Benning, who combined to help the Mountain Hawks lead the Patriot League in sacks and rank second in scoring defense and rush defense. Benning totaled 6.0 sacks during the season, which was second best in the entire league, while Jackson, who was named an All-American for the second straight season, closed his career out in style, registering a career-best 3.5 sacks in Lehigh’s victory over archrival Lafayette. Paul Bode ’09, Jon Warren ’09 and Keith Johnson ’09 also enjoyed solid final seasons in the Brown and White along the defensive line under Roberts’ tutelage.
In 2007, Roberts mentored a Lehigh defensive line that combined for nearly 200 total tackles, including 19.5 for loss, and 6.5 sacks. A pair of those linemen, Brian Jackson and Kyle Adams, earned spots on the All-Patriot League squad, and later went onto earn All-America distinction, with Jackson being named a Second-Team pick. Roberts also oversaw the maturation of returning lettermen Paul Bode, BJ Benning and Phil Winnett.
During the 2006 season, Roberts mentored First-Team All-Patriot League selections Paul Fabre, Eric Rakus and Royce Morgan. That trio accounted for 121 total tackles, including 20 for loss, and 6.5 sacks. The Mountain Hawks defensive line helped contribute to a defense that led the Patriot League in fewest points allowed (20.2 ppg), and ranked second in total defense.
Prior to his return to Lehigh, Roberts taught Social Studies and served as head football coach and assistant athletics director at Allentown Central Catholic. At ACCHS, Roberts’ 2003 squad was named District XI 3A champions, while his 2005 team finished with a 9-3 record and won the Eastern Conference 3A championship.
Roberts began his coaching career as a graduate assistant coach at the
“Donnie brings a wealth of experience to our program,” Lehigh head coach Andy Coen explained. “Having coached here previously, he has a good understanding of
A three year letter winner and two year starter on the offensive line, Roberts earned his bachelors degree in secondary education from Kutztown in 1986.
Roberts and his wife Jane reside in
Recruiting Areas:
