Mark Ferrante Position: Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line Coach Experience: 26th Season Alma Mater: St. Lawrence '83

In his 26th season on the Villanova coaching staff, Mark Ferrante enters his 14th year as Assistant Head Coach in 2012. Besides serving as Andy Talley's right-hand man, Ferrante will continue to coach the Wildcat offensive line. On the recruiting front, Ferrante recruit Eastern Pennsylvania and parts of New York.

Under Ferrante's tutelage, the Villanova offensive line is traditionally one of the best in the Colonial Athletic Association. Last year, Ferrante guided junior center Dan Shirey to All-CAA accolades for the second straight year. Shirey garnered first team honors last year, after receiving third team accolades in 2010.

In 2010, three of Ferrante's offensive linemen earned All-Conference honors as senior tackle Ben Ijalana was a first team selection for the third consecutive season, senior guard Brant Clouser joined Ijalana on the first team, and Shirey was a third team All-Conference honoree. Ijalana also became Ferrante's first NFL draft pick when he was selected in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. In addition, Ijalana garnered first team All-American acclaim for the second straight season. In 2001, Ferrante coached his second All-American in Eamonn Allen who earned first team All-American honors from the Associated Press. Allen also garnered first team All-East and first team All-Atlantic 10 honors. Ferrante mentored his first All-American in Bryan Russo in 1989. During his Wildcat coaching career, Ferrante has coached 10 All-East, 14 first team All-Conference players and three All-Americans.

Joining the Villanova staff in February, 1987, Ferrante was already familiar with head coach Andy Talley's philosophy. Ferrante played quarterback for Talley before joining his coaching staff at St. Lawrence University. As a player, Ferrante was team captain of the 1982 St. Lawrence team that finished 10-1 and made it to the Division III national semifinals. In 1982, Ferrante was named the Division III Player of the Year, as well as earning first team All-East honors. He still holds the St. Lawrence University school records for completions, yards passing and total yards in a season. After one year as the St. Lawrence running backs coach, Ferrante went on to Wagner College in 1984 where he coached the running backs before joining the coaching staff at Lafayette College from 1985-86.

Ferrante and his wife, Georgea, reside in Phoenixville, Pa. with their 16-year- old son, Jimmy.