WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty will feature plenty of new faces in the defensive backfield this fall, but first-year head coach Chad Salisbury believes the Hilltoppers have a solid mix of experience and young talent to build around.

West Liberty returns Nasir Lawrence, Justice Lawrence and Charles Coy III, all of whom saw significant action in the secondary a year ago. The Hilltoppers have also added experienced transfers Marvelle Cromerdie and Gene Hall, while a talented freshman group has impressed Salisbury throughout preseason camp. "Yeah, the two Lawrence brothers, Justice and Nasir, and Charles Coy III return," Salisbury said. "They'll get some playing time."

Nasir Lawrence was one of West Liberty's leading tacklers in 2025, finishing the season with 54 tackles, while Justice Lawrence recorded 44 tackles and led the Hilltoppers with 11 pass breakups. Coy added 46 tackles, two interceptions and three pass breakups.

The Hilltoppers also added experience on the outside with Cromerdie, who transferred to West Liberty from Cal. "Marvelle Cromerdie was a great transfer that we got from Cal," Salisbury said. "He's a very good boundary corner." Cromerdie played in all 13 games for Cal last season, recording 10 tackles, an interception and three pass breakups. Gene Hall provides another experienced option at cornerback after coming to West Liberty from Clarion. "Gene Hall is a really good field corner that we like," Salisbury said. "He came from Clarion." Hall played in 14 games during his Clarion career, recording 17 tackles and a pass breakup.

While the Hilltoppers have veteran options, Salisbury has also been impressed by the development of his younger players. Ray Miller, a freshman from Aliquippa, has put himself into the competition at cornerback, while Landon Akins has also turned heads during preseason camp. "Landon Akins has had a good couple of weeks," Salisbury said.

The biggest surprise, however, may be the impact Salisbury expects from a trio of freshmen in the back end. Kahanu'ola Kuewa, Seamus Mahon and Luca Neal have impressed the coaching staff enough to earn starting opportunities at safety. "Probably the two best freshmen we've had have been Seamus Mahon and Luca Neal," Salisbury said. "They've been outstanding back there. They're going to play a lot. They're going to start."
Salisbury expects Kuewa, Mahon and Neal to handle the safety positions, with returning players Lawrence and Coy also providing experience in the back end. "KK, Seamus and Luca, those are going to be your safeties," Salisbury said.

The defensive system will be multiple, giving Salisbury and the defensive staff the flexibility to move players around depending on the situation. "Nasir Lawrence and Coy are your safeties," Salisbury said. "Then you got Marv, Eugene, Justice, Ray Miller and Landon Akins are corners." That versatility could prove valuable as the Hilltoppers transition into Salisbury's system.

The returning players bring a significant amount of production with them. Lawrence, Lawrence and Coy combined for 144 tackles and three interceptions last season, while Justice Lawrence's 11 pass breakups and Coy's two interceptions highlighted the group.

Now, that experience will be complemented by two veteran transfers and a freshman class that Salisbury believes is ready to contribute immediately.

For a first-year coaching staff, the competition throughout the secondary has been encouraging. Salisbury isn't simply looking at a group of newcomers. He's seeing a position room that combines proven production, collegiate experience and young players already pushing for starting roles.

And as the Hilltoppers prepare for the 2026 season, that blend could make the defensive backfield one of the more intriguing position groups on the team.





West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.