UIndy Athletics

Rahju Blackmon serves as the Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at the University of Indianapolis, where he has helped lead one of the most successful eras in program history. Since arriving in 2023, UIndy has captured three consecutive GLVC championships, earned three straight NCAA Division II playoff appearances, and secured the program’s first postseason victory since 2018. After serving as Co-Defensive Coordinator in 2024 and 2025, Blackmon was elevated to sole Defensive Coordinator following the 2025 campaign.
 
The Greyhounds’ 2025 championship season was anchored by a defense that led the GLVC in total defense, rush defense, pass defense efficiency, interceptions, and red zone defense while finishing among the national leaders in multiple categories, including a top-20 ranking in rush defense and a top-five finish in interceptions. UIndy’s decisive playoff-opening victory further demonstrated the unit’s consistency on the national stage.
 
In 2024, Blackmon directed one of the nation’s most complete defenses. The Greyhounds ranked sixth nationally in rush defense while finishing inside the top 20 in scoring defense and top 25 in total defense. UIndy led the GLVC in scoring defense, total defense, rush defense, sacks, tackles for loss, and opponent first downs, establishing itself as one of Division II’s premier defensive units while powering another conference championship and NCAA playoff appearance.
 
Blackmon made an immediate impact in his first season on staff in 2023 as the defensive line coach. The Greyhounds finished 9–2 and led the conference in scoring defense at just 14.9 points per game, a mark that ranked eighth nationally. UIndy also led the GLVC in third-down defense and red zone defense, the latter finishing second in all of Division II, while placing inside the national top 30 in total defense.
 
A defining trait of Blackmon’s defenses has been the development of the defensive line. Over three seasons, he has coached eight All-GLVC selections, including five First-Team honorees. Among them is standout defensive end Aaron Barnett, a three-time First-Team All-GLVC selection, two-time UIndy Defensive Lineman of the Year, Gene Upshaw Award nominee, and Academic All-America® honoree who was later named the GLVC Scholar-Athlete of the Year — reflecting the complete student-athlete standard emphasized within Blackmon’s position room.
 
Prior to UIndy, Blackmon spent four seasons at the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Ind., where he coached linebackers in addition to his responsibilities as defensive line coach and special teams coordinator before being promoted to Co-Defensive Coordinator. His 2022 defense allowed 21.3 points per game while ranking near the top of the Mid-States Football Association in passing defense and interceptions.
 
Blackmon began his coaching career at Grand Valley State as a student assistant in the spring of 2019, working with the linebackers. A linebacker for the Lakers from 2014-18, he contributed to one of the program’s most successful runs, highlighted by a GLIAC championship in 2016, a trip to the NCAA Division II national semifinal in 2015, and three playoff appearances.
 
He earned his bachelor’s degree in sport management from Grand Valley State in 2019 and completed his master’s in organizational leadership from Saint Francis in 2023.
 
Blackmon resides in Indianapolis with his wife, Kayla, and their daughter, Lowen.