Austin Peay State University Athletics

Brett Welch joined the Governors football program this summer as defensive graduate assistant after spending the last two years at his alma mater, Capital University, working on the defensive side.

Welch served Capital as linebackers coach in 2009-10 after playing that position at the school for the previous four seasons. A three-year letter winner, Welch started at outside linebacker his junior and senior seasons. In fact, he was an essential piece of several record-setting Crusader defenses. The 2007 unit was among the nation's finest in total defense and sacks while recording four shutouts and allowing only 146 points. Welch also was a member of a CU football class that reached the playoffs three years in succession.

The Marietta, Ohio native was a three-time Dean's List member and graduated from Capital in 2009 with a degree in finance before remaining at the school as an intern coach. Last year, he also served as game-day manager for men and women's basketball.

As a prep player, he played linebacker and fullback at Marietta High School, earning third-team Division II All-State honors as a senior. He also was first-team all-region in 2004 and team defensive most valuable player. In addition, he was named to the conference's All-Academic team.