SFA Academy Rams Football is a high level program for serious athletes aiming to compete and reach the next level. We face elite national competition, and 100% of our seniors earn college opportunities through consistent exposure at camps and tournaments. With an experienced staff (D1, NFL, and championship level coaching), we operate like a college program, demanding discipline, performance, and character with no favoritism. Nothing is given, everything is earned. For those ready, the goal is simple: sign and step into your future.
Coach Ken Johnson serves as the Head Football Coach, Athletic Director, and Dean of Discipline at SFA Academy. A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, Coach Johnson brings a lifelong passion for football, mentorship, and leadership to the program. Having played the game himself, he developed an early appreciation for the discipline, teamwork, and character that football instills in young athletes. In addition to his role at SFA Academy, Coach Johnson is the owner of the Sunshine State Independent Association and serves as an Area Consultant for Jenkins Elite. Through these roles, he continues to support and develop student-athletes while helping connect them with opportunities to grow both on and off the field. Coach Johnson began his coaching career in youth football, where he spent many years volunteering as both an assistant and head coach in Pop Warner. During that time, his teams won numerous championships and became known for their discipline, toughness, and strong team culture.
Coach Marcus “Coach” Martin is one of the driving forces behind the development and national exposure of defensive talent at SFA Academy. As the Safeties Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, Coach Martin specializes in developing instinctive, physical defensive backs while helping student-athletes position themselves for collegiate football opportunities. Coach Martin has spent years coaching high-level defensive backs and has developed multiple athletes who have ranked among the Top 10 players in the state of Florida at their position. His players are known for their discipline, football IQ, range, and aggressive playmaking ability. One of his defensive players currently holds the high school record for the longest interception return (Pick-6) in high school football history at 109.5 yards, a reflection of the preparation, awareness, and attacking style emphasized in his defensive system. As Recruiting Coordinator, Coach Martin plays a critical role in evaluating talent, building recruiting relationships with college programs nationwide, and ensuring that SFA Academy athletes receive maximum exposure. His work has helped contribute to over 160+ (and counting) student-athletes earning college football opportunities, continuing the program’s reputation as one of the strongest pipelines to the next level.
Coach Aaron Murphy is a dedicated and accomplished football coach with a strong track record of success at both the high school and collegiate levels. Currently serving as the Assistant Defensive Coordinator at SFA Academy, He's a former linebackers Coach Graduate at Ferris State University, he played a key role in the team's 15-1 season and Division 2 National Championship win in 2024. Prior to Ferris State, Aaron led dominant defensive units at De La Salle Collegiate, contributing to four consecutive State Championship appearances and securing two titles. Known for his advanced film analysis, strategic mindset, and ability to adapt coaching techniques to individual learning styles, Aaron consistently develops elite athletes and fosters a winning culture!
Todd Chandler serves at his local church Activation Ministries over the youth ministry. He is a Husband and father of 3 girls. Former football player for Miami Northwestern Sr High, USF and Jacksonville Jaguars football player At Miami Northwestern Sr high Todd played football all 4 year starting 3 of those 4 years. Earning a 2nd team all Dade Honors his sophomore year and 1st Team All Dade his Jr and Sr year. Also finishing on ESPN top 100 as the number 32 overall player in the country. Earning the stamp as an All American for the U.S. Army and the Under Armor All American team. At USF Todd face some set backs with having his first child and having to redshirt and led him to be suspended from all team activities for a year. After battling back, he earned a back up spot his redshirt sophomore year and became the started his Jr and senior season. Being the physical and vocal leader for his team Todd earned the Defensive Lineman award his Sr year. Todd was selected as a rookie free agent to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2015 draft class. During this time he was dismissed from the team with an heart condition that was found during the team physical. Ending a great and much appreciated career. Todd joined the working field and landed a job at the James A. Haley Veterans Affairs Hospital from 2018-2024 where he served as a Master Trainer on safe patient handling and Behavioral specialist. After a personal prayer God led him to walk away from his job to pursue his purpose. Which was to give back to the community and to football. He accepted a role at his former USF teammate‘s school SFA Academy where he serves as an instructor, Assistant AD, Head strength and conditioning coach, as well as the Defensive Line coach.
Coach Lenn Royal is the Defensive Coordinator for S.F.A. and a leader of men. Born in Florida, Coach Royal was raised in Savannah Georgia where he was an outstanding football player at A.E. Beach High School. After he graduated, Coach Royal attended well known and historical Grambling State University. Coach Royal decided to take his athletic talents to the United States Airforce where he was a dominant player for United States Airforce Europe, and United States Airforce Pacific. During his football career in the Airforce, Coach Royal was recognized as Defensive MVP, was a prolific All-Star and won the highly touted Pacific Championship. In addition to a successful football career, Coach Royal was also an outstanding Basketball player. After his tenure in the military, Coach Royal decided to return home to dedicate his time and effort into giving back to the community. Leaning on his previous success as a leader, a champion and MVP of defense, coach instantly became a highly respected Defensive Coordinator for youth football. His experience has enabled him to win many League Championships as well as National Championships. Coach Royal has personally trained many D1 Athletes, two of which were top 10 NFL Draft picks. Coach Royal is now a highly respected Defensive Coordinator for High School level programs. His emphasis on attention to detail and coaching sound fundamentals is what makes him such an excellent coach. Coach Royal is nationally known for his defensive game planning. Coach Royal has coached with other great coaches including NFL coaches and coaches from top power 5 programs. In the past 3 years, Coach Royal has been to 2 Independent State finals and his defenses have led the state in fewest points allowed and defensive scoring. Coach Royal has also been instrumental in sending over 70 players off to colleges and universities through football scholarships. Coach Royals philosophy of "Whoever, Whenever, Wherever...just put the ball down, is a big reason why his career has been so successful and his defenses are so tenacious.
Coach Trey has over two decades of leadership and coaching experience in both athletics and military service. He previously served as the LB/DL Coach at Bradwell Institute High School and also assists with Little League development programs. Previously, Coach Trey coached youth football with FishHawk Little League and worked with teams including the FishHawk OC, Tampa Vikings OC, and Seminoles Elite AC, helping develop young athletes at multiple levels. Before his coaching career, Coach Trey served 17½ years in the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). During his military career he completed 7 combat tours, including 2 in Afghanistan, 3 in Iraq, and 2 in Kosovo/Bosnia. He served as a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) and was responsible for training and mentoring thousands of soldiers. His roles included assignments with Infantry units in Korea, Quartermaster operations, and work as an ASI: B4 Identifier (Sniper). Coach Trey brings strong leadership, discipline, and mentorship to his coaching, focusing on developing both the athletic skills and character of the players he works with.
