Billy Crocker Position: Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach Experience: Eighth Season Alma Mater: Villanova '02

Billy Crocker returns for his eighth year at Villanova in 2012 and his first as the team's Defensive Coordinator. This will be his second promotion in as many seasons. After coaching the defensive line for five seasons, Crocker was elevated to linebackers coach and Special Teams Coordinator for the 2011 season. Crocker is currently in his second stint at Villanova. From 2001-02, he was the team's defensive assistant. Crocker will recruit the state of California.

Crocker's recruiting areas will consist of Central and Southern New Jersey along with the state of California.

As the team's linebacker coach last year, Crocker guided freshman linebacker Dillon Lucas to an outstanding rookie campaign. Lucas tallied a team-high 92 tackles and earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors from both the CAA and ECAC. Lucas also earned third team All-CAA distinction.

In 2010 as the Wildcat defensive line coach, Crocker guided senior nose guard Thomas Weaver and true freshman defensive end Antoine Lewis to third team All-CAA honors.

Under Crocker's direction in 2010, senior defensive end Tim Kukucka was a first team All-CAA honoree and a third team All-American and senior nose guard Phil Matusz garnered second team All-CAA accolades. Crocker guided Kukucka to three seasons of All-Conference honors as he finished his Villanova career with 162 tackles, 25.5 sacks and 49 tackles for loss.

In 2008, Crocker coached senior defensive end Greg Miller to first team All-American honors from the Sports Network, Walter Camp Foundation and American Football Coaches Association, first team All-CAA honors and All-East distinction. Miller finished his outstanding season with 49 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 5.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. Miller wasn't the only Crocker product to earn All-Conference accolades last season. Kukucka garnered second team All-CAA honors and senior defensive lineman Dave Dalessandro was a third team choice. Kukucka was also a second team All-Conference choice in 2007.

Crocker came to Villanova from the University at Albany where he coached the running backs from 2003-04. During his stint at Albany, Crocker helped Albany to the 2003 NEC championship and coached running back Gary Jones to third team Associated Press All-American distinction. In addition, Jones graduated as Albany's all-time career rushing leader.

Crocker attended the United States Coast Guard Academy from 1997-2001 where he was a three-year letterwinner as a defensive back in football and a one-year letterwinner during his freshman year in baseball. He is a 2002 graduate of Villanova University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Crocker also owns a Master's Degree in Curriculum Development & Instructional Technology from the University at Albany. Crocker and his wife Kristina reside in Drexel Hill, Pa., with their infant son Ryan.