Barry Tripp enters his third season as Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator for Johnson C. Smith In 2024.
Johnson C. Smith University’s defense went through a resurgence in 2023. Tripp led a unit that was #1 in the country in Total Defense. The defense also finished #6 in Rushing Defense, #7 in Pass Defense, #2 in 3rd Down Conversion Percentage Defense, and #2 in First Down Defense. This Unit was anchored by 1st Team All-Conference Linebacker Benari Black and 2nd Team All-Conference Linebacker Jaqurius Smith.
The 2021 Fort Valley State University led by Tripp ranked 3rd in tackles for loss and 7th in Red Zone Defense. The defense also ranked 18th in Sacks Per Game and 15th in Defensive Touchdowns. The defense was led by 3 First Team All-Conference Players. Antonio Golden, Zaquan Baldwin and Zach Anderson.
Under his direction, the Fayetteville State defense ranked seventh in the nation in pass efficiency defense, 10th in 3rd Down Conversion Percentage, and 29th in Total Defense. His defensive unit consisted of an All-CIAA First Team player, Keyshawn James, an All-CIAA Second Team player, Nigel Peele, and two CIAA All-Rookie performers, Tyson Green and Jordan Ferguson. Overall, Tripp spent four seasons at Fayetteville State and he was a part of three CIAA Southern Division Championship teams.
Prior to arriving at Fayetteville State, Tripp served as Defensive Line Coach at Greene Central High School (2015), and Defensive Line Coach at Winston Salem State University (2013-2014). Under his direction, Duvontae Covington won the 2014 CIAA Defensive Player of the Year award. Also, in 2014, Alfy Hill and Casey Davenport garnered All-CIAA First Team, as well as Michael Bloomfield (All-CIAA Second Team) and Amyl Smith (All-CIAA Rookie Team).
Coach Tripp obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Winston Salem State University.
