JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman head football coach Ashley Ingram has announced the hiring of two graduate assistant coaches Thursday afternoon. 

Former East Tennessee State offensive lineman Jackson Riley joins the Eagle football program as its new offensive graduate assistant working with B-Backs, while former UT-Chattanooga defensive back Romeo Wykle comes to Mossy Creek to be the school's new defensive graduate assistant working with safeties. 

Riley spent four years at ETSU as a member of the offensive line.  He appeared in 10 career games and was a member of the SoCon Honor Roll the duration of his playing career.  He was a member of the 2021 Bucs team that won a SoCon title and made it to the FCS playoffs before falling to North Dakota State in the quarterfinals. 

A native of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Riley played football and wrestled for Oakland High School, helping the Patriots to the 2018 6A state title.  He was a four-time regional champion with Oakland, earning all-state honors and the region's offensive lineman of the year as a senior.  Riley hails from a football family. His father Matt played collegiately at MTSU, while his uncle Spencer played for the University of Tennessee.

Wykle wrapped up his collegiate career with Chattanooga after transferring from Lafayette College.  In 35 career games played and 14 starts, Wykle tallied 74 tackles with five passes defensed.  He was a SoCon Honor Roll member, A.D. Honor Roll Member and Dean's List member at Chattanooga. 

A native of Cleveland, Tenn., Wykle starred for Cleveland High School where he had 100 tackles and nine interceptions in his career.