Rankin Awarded Pioli Family Fund For HBCU Coaches And Scouts Grant
Grant is designed to create opportunities for men and women affiliated with HBCUs who are football coaches or scouts
Central Connecticut State football assistant coach Joseph Rankin has been selected to receive a grant from the Pioli Family Fund for HBCU Coaches and Scouts. Rankin is the ninth recipient of the Fund.
FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCEMENT
The Pioli Family fund was endowed in 2020 by Central graduate Scott Pioli '88, his wife Dallas and daughter Mia, to create opportunities for men and women affiliated with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who are football coaches or scouts.
"I'm extremely happy for Joe. He was a terrific player at Morgan State University, and I respected the way he battled during his time in professional football," said Scott Pioli, a five-time NFL Executive of the Year with the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots and recipient of three Super Bowl rings with the Patriots in the official announcement. "Since then, he has committed himself to his family and his athletes while in the coaching profession. I've had the chance to see him coach firsthand at my alma mater, Central Connecticut State University, and he does an excellent job. It's clear that his peers and his players learn from him and respect him."
Rankin, a graduate of Morgan State University, is in his third season on the Blue Devils coaching staff, serving as co-special teams coordinator and coaching the corner backs. Rankin, an All-MEAC selection at Morgan State, went on to spend time with the Ravens and Browns in the NFL, and the Argonauts and Alouettes in the CFL.
"Joe has done a tremendous job for us in his time in New Britain," said Blue Devils head coach Adam Lechtenberg. "He is a tireless worker, who is respected by peers and student-athletes alike. He certainly has a bright future ahead!"
Rankin helped coach the Blue Devils to the 2024 NEC Championship, the program's seventh, and a berth in the FCS Playoffs. CCSU opens the 2025 campaign on August 30th at UConn. The home opener, one of seven home games this season, is set for September 7th versus AIC. Tickets, both season and single-game, are on sale at CCSUBlueDevils.com/CCSUTickets.
