NateFuqua

• Kentucky native Nate Fuqua was announced as a defensive analyst to work primarily with the outside linebackers in February of 2025.
• Fuqua returns to his home state after coaching stints at Cincinnati, Georgia State and Wofford.
• Prior to Kentucky, Fuqua (pronounced FEW-quay) spent two seasons as the co-defensive coordinator at Cincinnati, including working with the outside linebackers in 2023 and the STARS safety in 2024.
• Last season, he tutored freshman star safety Jiquan Sanks, who totaled 42 tackles and earned a starting spot in five games, becoming the first freshman to start a season opener since 2015.
• Before joining the Bearcats, he was the defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach at Georgia State for six seasons from 2017-22.
• At Georgia State, Fuqua coached 24 players who went on to earn all-conference honors … Had five Panthers earn pro contracts.
• In 2020 and 2021, his run defense ranked second in the Sun Belt in rushing yards allowed … Outside linebacker Jordan Strachan tied for first in FBS with a school-record 10.5 sacks.
• In 2022, his defensive unit ranked 11^th nationally with 25 forced turnovers.
• He was an integral part of the Panthers advancing to four bowl games, with three bowl victories in 2017, 2020 and 2021.
• Fuqua spent 12 seasons from 2005-16 at his alma mater, Wofford, serving the first two seasons helping with the outside and inside linebackers before being promoted to the outside linebackers coach in 2007.
• In 2013, he added the defensive coordinator title to go along with his outside linebackers duties.
• Under his tutelage, Wofford advanced to the FCS quarterfinals in 2016 with a defense that ranked fifth nationally in total defense, limiting the opponent to 287.2 yards per game and sixth in scoring defense, allowing just 17.1 points per game.
• A four-year starter at nose tackle in college, Fuqua was a four-time All-Southern Conference player and two-time All-American for the Terriers, including first-team recognition as a senior in 2002.
• He totaled 218 tackles in his career and ranks among Wofford’s all-time leaders in tackles for loss and sacks.
• Elected to the Wofford College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.
• Fuqua, 44, received his bachelor’s degree in business economics from Wofford in 2003. He and his wife, Tiffany, have a daughter, Natalie Marie and a son, Webb Kirkland.
• At Danville High School, Fuqua made a name for himself as a First Team All-State selection at nose tackle and offensive guard.
• Named Area Lineman of the Year and to the Top 22 Class of the Bluegrass … He also was selected for the Kentucky-Tennessee All-Star game.
• In 2007, he was inducted into the Danville High School Hall of Fame.
• His brother, Ben, played golf at Kentucky from 2005-09 and served as an assistant coach for the Wildcats for eight seasons from 2015-23.

Nate Fuqua’s Coaching Career

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