Bishop Dwenger defensive coaches on the sideline at Lucas Oil Stadium during the 2025 State Championship

BISHOP DEFENSE

Preseason Football Academy

FOR ATHLETES ENTERING GRADES 5–8 · FALL 2026

Learn from the Coaches Behind Indiana's #1 Ranked 4A Defense

Led by Dan Knepper and Bishop Dwenger Defensive Staff

2025 IFCA Class 4A Assistant Coach of the Year

2025 IHSAA 4A State Champion

8+ Years Defensive Coordinator

9.53 PPG

#1 in 4A

Proudly Powered By Saints Gridiron Foundation seal Saints Gridiron Foundation Learn more →

NEXT SESSION

STATUS

Dates to be announced

Spring 2027 session planning underway

WHO

Athletes entering grades 5–8

LOCATION

Fort Wayne, IN

FORMAT

90-minute sessions · Full defensive system

Both 2026 sessions filled. Get on the list and you'll hear about the next one first.

JOIN THE INTEREST LIST →
Bishop Dwenger Saints State Championship Team at Lucas Oil Stadium

Led Saints to 2025 4A State Championship

First title since 2018

Coach Knepper celebrating with Bishop Dwenger players and trophy

Best Defense in Bishop Dwenger History

Held opponents to ≤7 points in 10 of 15 games

TRAIN LIKE A STATE CHAMPION

Athletes won't just learn techniques — they'll learn the language, structure, and responsibilities of our defensive system.

D-LINE

Stance • Starts • Scheme Responsibility

LINEBACKER

Stance • Footwork • Reads • Scheme Responsibility

SAFETY

Stance • Footwork • Reads • Coverage Structure

CORNER

Stance • Footwork • Reads • Coverage Technique

Every Session Includes

90 minutes of premier defensive training.

  • 15 MIN Speed Training
  • 15 MIN Tackling Training
  • 20 MIN Position-Specific Training
  • 30 MIN Live 7v7 Coached Game Play
  • 10 MIN Virtue Training / Guest Speakers

Plus full access to the Bishop Defense Academy resources.

Past Camps

Preseason Academy 2026

Past Camp

4 sessions • 33 athletes • July 2026

Preseason academy at St. Vincent Football Field. Full defensive system install, position work, and live 7v7.

View Academy Roster →

Spring 2026

Past Camp

6 sessions • 35 athletes • March – April 2026

Our inaugural session at the Ash Centre. Defensive fundamentals, Storm coverage scheme, position-specific drills.

View Spring Roster →