Now in his 21th season with MSU overall, Todd Agresta begins his 17th season as the Defensive Coordinator.
In 2019, the Red Hawks allowed just 15.0 points per game, including an NJAC-low 19 touchdowns. Agresta's defensive unit surrendered just 258.2 yards per game, including 149.5 yards passing. Montclair picked off an NJAC-high 14 passes and tied for conference lead with three interceptions returned for touchdowns. Seamus Nelson, Zack Zaccone and Jaier Garrett were named First Team All-NJAC, as Brandon Burdge, Jalen Harris and Brennan Ray were named Second Team All-NJAC.
Since taking over the Red Hawk defense has ranked among the best in the New Jersey Athletic Conference year in and year out. In 2018, Agresta's unit was one of the best in Division III allowing just 9.5 points per game which was fourth in the country. The 95 points was the fewest allowed by Montclair State since 1990 and the Red Hawks were also ranked seventh in total defense (234.1 yards per game) in addition to being in the Top 30 for rushing defense (26th / 85.4 ypg) and 14th in pass efficiency defense (94.05 rating). The 2018 campaign was the continuation of a trend by the MSU defense which has ranked in the Top 3 of the NJAC in every major statistical category the last decade. That includes 2010 when Montclair led the league in total defense and pass efficiency defense ranking eighth and fourth in Division III, respectively. Montclair surrendered just 155 points in 2010, a figure that was 10th-best in the nation.
Agresta has coached 13 All-Americans during his tenure and has had five of his players earn NJAC Defensive Player of the Year honors under his watch, including linebacker Mauro Altamura in 2018. Agresta came to Montclair State from William Paterson University, where he served as the Pioneers’ linebackers coach in 1999. Agresta also coached on the high school level beginning in 1995 at Rutherford High School and also served as the offensive line and linebackers coach at both Boonton and Northern Valley-Demarest high schools. A former All-County, All-Area, and All-League selection at linebacker at Wayne Hills High School in 1991, Agresta is the son of former MSU assistant coach Ed Agresta. He currently serves as a teacher at the Lakeview Learning Center in Wayne.
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