Izaan Cross joins the Norfolk State coaching staff ahead of the 2025 season as the Spartans’ defensive line coach.
Cross comes to NSU after previously serving as the head trainer at Sack City Beast, a comprehensive developmental organization in Atlanta, Ga. focused on position specific pass rush and tackling performance for high school, college, and professional athletes. He also co-founded TruEdge Sports, directing all camp operations.
Cross was the head football coach, as well as strength & conditioning coordinator, at Georgia Knights Prep Academy from 2020-2022. In that capacity, he achieved consistent success on the field by emphasizing fundamentals, situational awareness, and adaptive game plans.
Cross got his coaching career started as the defensive line coach, recruiting coordinator, and run game coordinator at North Atlanta High School. He also spent one season as the defensive line coach at Lakeview Academy.
A team captain and three-year starter at Georgia Tech, Cross was named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week on two occasions. After earning a selection to play in the East-West Shrine Game, he signed with the Buffalo Bills as undrafted free agent for the 2013-14 season where he gained mentorship from All-Pro defensive linemen Mario Williams, Marcel Dareus, Kyle Williams, and coach Anthony Weaver.
Cross graduated from Georgia Tech in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in History, Technology, and Society.
