Bio

Twitter Handle - @Coach_Tannese18

Tony Annese, the nephew of the current Bulldog head coach with the same name, starts his fourth season as part of the Bulldog staff in 2022 and serves as the program's co-defensive coordinator and defensive pass game coordinator while working with the defensive backs.

Previously, Annese helped the Bulldogs to a school all-time best 15-1 overall record in 2018 and the NCAA Division II National Championship game along with a national semifinal appearance in 2019.

Annese was a collegiate standout in the defensive secondary at NCAA Division I Central Michigan, ranking second among the Chippewas' leaders in total tackles (84) and solo tackles (58) as a junior in 2015. He also registered five pass breakups and started all 13 games that year after starting all 13 outings as a sophomore in 2014 while earning third-team All-MAC honors. During his sophomore campaign, he was the team's second-leading tackler with 74 stops and 49 solo hits in addition to also compiling a team-best 10 pass breakups.

The Hartland native redshirted at CMU in 2012 and was honored as the squad's Defensive Rookie of the Year as a redshirt freshman in 2013 when he appeared in all 12 games, including starting the final three of the season. He finished his first year on the field with 29 tackles and 17 solo hits. Aditinoally, he returned his first career interception 34 yards for a touchdown in a road win over Western Michigan, earning MAC West Defensive Player of the Week recognition.

A two-way standout at safety adn quarterback on the prep level, Annese was ranked among the Detroit Free Press' Fab 50 prospects and was on the Detroit News Blue Chip list while at Rochester Adams High School. He was also selected to play in the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association East-West All-Star Game and was an Associated Press Division 1/2 All-State First Team honoree. Annese set school records with 1,600 rushing yards and 24 TD's as a senior, leading Adams to its 15th consecutive state playoff appearance. He also lettered in both basketball and baseball.