Shaw University

Ronald Conyers begins his fifth season as Defensive Backs Coach and Special Teams Coordinator at Shaw University.

The 2022 season was a sparkling one for Conyers and his defensive backs unit. Shaw led the CIAA and tied for 13^th nationally in Division II in interceptions. Defensive backs Jaleel Scroggins and Jay Boyd claimed All-CIAA first team accolades, and defensive back Elijah Wilson landed on the CIAA All-Rookie Team.

Boyd, who returns this season, was spectacular in 2002. He earned HBCU All-America honorable mention honors after snagging five interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.

As Special Teams Coordinator, Conyers coached punter Devin Versteegen, who was a second-team All-CIAA selection. Versteegen, who ranked among the CIAA’s top ten in kicking and punting, booted the game-winning field goal in the Bears’ 30-27 double overtime win over crosstown rival Saint Augustine’s to capture the Raleigh Classic trophy.

The Bears’ defensive backs and special teams’ units successfully followed up an impactful 2021 season. Scroggins and Kevin Sherman were named to the All-CIAA Preseason Team with Sherman making the All-CIAA squad in the postseason. Versteegan was selected to the All-CIAA Rookie Team.

During the 2019 campaign, Conyers helped Scroggins garner First Team All-CIAA recognition while Sherman tabbed Second Team All-CIAA accolades. Cornerback Akeythio Carson and safety De’Shawn Wallace also earned All-CIAA Rookie honors as well as Marquis Gorham, who received recognition as a punt returner. Gorham charted 156 yards on 13 punt returns for a 12.0-yard average season with 37 yards his longest return.

In 2018, Conyers was part of the Bears’ coaching staff that went 5-5 overall and 4-2 in the CIAA while one player (Scroggins) gained All-CIAA honorable mention recognition.

Prior to Shaw, Conyers began his coaching career as Defensive Backs Coach at Smithfield Selma High School in 2017.

As a student-athlete, Conyers was a four-year football letterman at N. C. Central University who was a three-time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Champion (2014, 2015 and 2016). He was on the Eagles’ squad that appeared in the 2016 HBCU Celebration Bowl versus Grambling State University. Additionally, Conyers was selected to the All-MEAC Academic Team in 2015.

The Raleigh, N.C., native has a bachelor’s degree in finance from N.C. Central in 2017.