Rahju Blackmon came to UIndy in the spring of 2023, taking over as the Defensive Line Coach. He stepped into the Co-Defensive coordinator role prior to the 2024 campaign.
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Blackmon has helped lead the Greyhounds to a GLVC title and an NCAA DII playoff appearance both seasons he has been on staff. As a DC in 2024, he helped the hounds rank sixth in Division II in red zone defense, 19th in scoring defense, 20th in total defense and 22nd in tackles for a loss. He also mentioned three All-GLVC First Team defensive lineman in 2023 and three more all-conference d-linemen in ’24.
Prior to coming to UIndy, Blackmon spent four seasons at the University of Saint Francis in his hometown of Fort Wayne, Ind. He joined the USF in staff in the fall of 2019 as an Offensive Assistant, mainly working with the offensive line and running backs. He served as the defensive line and special teams coordinator the next two seasons before being promoted to Co-Defensive Coordinator in February of 2022. That fall, the Cougars surrendered less than 20 points per game, ranking third in the MSFA in passing yards allowed and second in interceptions.
Prior to USF, Blackmon was a student assistant at his alma mater, Grand Valley State, in the spring of 2019 following his senior season. During that time, he assisted with coaching linebackers.
As a student-athlete at DII-power GVSU, Blackmon played linebacker from 2014-2018. The Lakers won a GLIAC title (2016) and made three playoff appearances in his time on the gridiron, including a run to the national semifinal game in '15. He was named a team captain as a senior, as the Lakers went on to earn a 10-2 record and another playoff berth. Rahju graduated in the spring of 2019 with his bachelor’s degree in Sport Management. He earned his master's in Organization Leadership from the USF in 2023.
