During his time in Hammond, La., the Lions ranked among the national leaders in total offense, ranking second in 2019 (484.8 ypg) and seventh in 2020-21 (508.6 ypg). Southeastern Louisiana also boasted the nation’s No. 2 passing offense in both seasons and in the top-10 nationally both seasons in first down offense and scoring offense.
In 2020-2021, Scelfo’s interior line helped power an offense that converted 51.9 percent on third down (6th nationally) and ranked No. 9 in red zone offense (92.9%). The unit also protected the nation’s top quarterback, as Cole Kelley won the 2021 Walter Payton Award as the top offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision.
Two of his charges earned All-Southland honors following the 2021 season. The Lions finished the spring sprint ranked No. 20 in the final STATS FCS national poll. In 2019, Scelfo mentored All-Southland selection Jarius Gooch.
Scelfo’s first coaching spot came at NC State, where he served as a graduate assistant in 2018. He played for the Wolfpack as a graduate transfer center in 2016, starting all 13 games. Scelfo led the team with 51 knockdown blocks and was named the Wolfpack’s Most Valuable Offensive Lineman.
Scelfo previously played college football at South Alabama, where he was named first-team All-Sun Belt in 2015. He started all 49 games during his career with the Jaguars and Wolfpack. He signed as a free agent with the NFL Houston Texans following his playing career. The Bogart, Ga., native was an All-State selection at North Oconee High and was rated as the nation’s No. 12 center prospect. He is the son of former Tulane head coach Chris Scelfo – a veteran of the profession with more than 30 years in the college and pro ranks.
Scelfo earned his undergraduate degree from N.C State in 2016. He and his wife Mallory reside in Albuquerque.