Duquesne Camp Shines in the Rain
The skies opened up, but the doors to the Bluff stayed wide open.
Duquesne’s June 6 football camp brought in athletes from across the East Coast, including plenty who crossed state lines and boarded jets to be there. There was a steady rain like usual in the Steel City, but the Dukes managed to run a full camp of competitive reps, hands-on coaching, and crucial evaluations that led to several offers in the days following.
For Orlando hybrid defender Zeke Gunn, the wet weather didn’t dampen the experience. In fact, it added to it. (He’d fit in.)
“It rained the whole time but that made it kinda fun,” Gunn said. “The coaches were really coaching a lot and seemed to care a lot about technique and fundamentals.”
Gunn, who plays safety, outside linebacker, and wide receiver, was moved around throughout the day. Coach Jacobs had him work with the safeties before shifting him to linebacker, then even got him some WR reps.
“I won some 1v1s,” Gunn offered. “All the coaches were great.”
After a tour of the campus and some time to digest the visit, Gunn got the call he’d been waiting on.
“I thought I did well, but with it taking a couple days, I definitely got nervous,” he said. “Very happy he called me today and offered.”
That same day, another athlete from Orlando got his own good news. Akeevin Anderson, also of Orlando Christian Prep impressed throughout the camp and followed up with a Monday phone call from the Dukes' staff.
“The conversation was good,” Anderson reported. “He told me I’m one of the highest kids on their board right now and that the whole staff loved my film and that I’m a baller!”
Anderson had already felt wanted at camp, calling the full staff “very welcoming” and giving particular credit to Coach Jacobs and Head Coach Jerry Schmitt.
Meanwhile, Carlos Diggs, a versatile athlete from nearby Gateway High School, didn’t need directions to campus. What he did need was an opportunity to compete, and the camp on the Bluff offered that.
“It was great, a lot of great coaching, with a lot of great drills, and good competition,” Diggs said. “My experience was good except all the rain, but you can’t choose what conditions you play in on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays.”
Diggs confirmed that while his recruitment remains open, the idea of playing for his hometown school “does excite” him. Gateway has long been a talent-producing program in the Pittsburgh region, and the Dukes clearly took note.
Not every camper received an offer. Not every camper needed one right away. But the feedback and chance to compete in front of a D1 coaching staff is worth the effort. The Dukes certainly gave out offers, but in one case, they even got something back. Local standout ATH Will Martin of Seton LaSalle was offered and wasted no time letting Dukes Nation know that he had finally gotten the offer he’d been waiting on. Martin committed, turning down multiple FBS programs to stay home and compete in Pittsburgh. This is the first commit in 2026 that we’ve caught in the NEC. Martin came to the Bluff, competed, showed the coaches what he could do, and came away with the offer he’d dreamed of. For their part, the Dukes have their first piece to build around for the future.
And that’s how you win football games up here in the Northeast: recruit, evaluate, and develop. Rain or shine.
CCSU Lands FAU Transfer OL Marchbank
Central Connecticut State may have waited until late May to offer Maddox Marchbank, but it looks like the Blue Devils got their guy.
The former Florida Atlantic offensive lineman, capable of anchoring a line at either center or guard, announced his transfer to CCSU with four full years of eligibility remaining. His recruitment had no shortage of interest: in-conference and in-state rival New Haven extended an offer, Tennessee State jumped in, and Fordham made their push with an in-home visit. But CCSU was the final program to offer, doing so on May 27. And Marchbank’s patience? It might have made all the difference in the world.
“A couple things stood out to me while I was there,” Marchbank said. “The staff really seems to care about the players more than I’ve ever seen and Coach Lechtenberg builds a great relationship with everyone. Every time we walked past a player, he stopped to talk to them. He also goes above and beyond making sure he can get as much as possible for the players.”
That genuine connection helped tip the scale. So did the culture. But winning helps, too. And as 2024 showed, you can do a lot of that in Hard Hittin’ New Britain.
In a league where Duquesne and LIU both fielded dominating offensive lines, no team controlled the line of scrimmage like Central Connecticut State. The Blue Devils mauled opponents up front in 2024, and while they’re reloading with a new offensive line coach, the plan hasn’t really changed. You win in the trenches, especially in cold-weather ball, and CCSU plans to keep it that way. CCSU can’t afford to lose a step- while LIU saw some of their talented linemen head to FBS, Duquesne looks to even the score with CCSU in 2025. Some things in football are universal, and the necessity of strong play on the offensive line is as true as gravity.
“The parts that made it the place for me were how nice the area is, how much the coaches care about the players, the players all love it there,” Marchbank said. “And the fact the program got turned around so quickly with Coach Lechtenberg. I want to go somewhere we can wreck the conference and make a postseason run.”
For CCSU, Marchbank brings FBS pedigree and the potential to develop into an interior anchor and the cornerstone of a monster line. For Marchbank, it’s a chance to grow inside a proven system, one where offensive linemen don’t just get recruited. Dominate on the offensive line at Central Connecticut State, and you’ll have the chance to crack it anywhere in the country, including the Big Ten. That’s the goal for some players, but for now Marchbank is focused on a repeat championship run for the Blue Devils.
And while CCSU was the last to offer, it was the one that hit home. Sometimes, it’s good to be first. But in Marchbank’s case, it was even better to be last.
Plenty of Reps, Real Results: RMU Mega Camp Delivers for WPIAL Talent
School is still in session.
The first Saturday of June usually signals the start of summer break. For high school football players in Western Pennsylvania (that’s a proper noun), it was more than the last week of school.
It was an opportunity.
RMU hosted its Mega Camp on June 1, and by all accounts, the event lived up to its name. Five FBS programs were in attendance, but RMU was the only NEC team on-site. That gave them the advantage of getting a firsthand look at the region’s top talent, with no other conference rivals on the gridiron. The early evaluations (and some early offers) might be the difference in recruiting down the line.
Among the biggest winners was Kaiyen Mbandi, a versatile lineman from Gateway High School in Monroeville. Just a short drive across the city from RMU’s Moon Township campus, Mbandi didn’t waste the chance to showcase what he’s been building in the offseason.
“The camp was great. I loved it there and I loved competing!” Mbandi told NEC Blitz. “It was really a product of all the training I’ve been doing. During the one-on-ones, I really showed my versatility by dominating at all five positions on the line.”
His effort didn’t go unnoticed. Mbandi left the camp with an offer from RMU, likely as an offensive lineman.
Not everyone walked away with an offer, but the feedback and exposure still matters as players kick off their senior year recruitment. Dylan Rogers, a DE/EDGE/LB from Montour (another WPIAL school), turned in a strong performance. While this was his first in-person introduction to many on the RMU staff, he’s already thinking long-term. He’s spoken with the Colonials staff on the phone, but showing what you can do in person is what earns you an offer.
“It was a well-organized camp that really gave all players an opportunity to get reps and to get better,” Rogers said. “The coaches had so much attention to detail, and they encouraged players to compete in almost every drill, which really brought out the best of us.”
Rogers made an impression on the staff and especially appreciated working with new defensive line coach Benjamin Nsubuga. We’ve heard nothing but praise for the new DL coach at RMU. He’s brought a new energy level to the program that will help with development and recruiting for the Colonials.
“Coach Nsubuga had so much energy throughout the whole camp and gave me good advice for my pass rushing,” Rogers said. “I also had the opportunity to meet the head coach and defensive coordinator. I’m hoping to stay in touch and continue the recruiting process. I know I can be a playmaker for RMU.”
Mega Camps often carry a reputation for being overcrowded, with players getting lost in the shuffle. That wasn’t the case here. Multiple attendees noted how the setup allowed for actual instruction, real reps, and meaningful feedback. Kudos to RMU for pulling off a pretty difficult event.
As summer unfolds and camp season hits full swing (we’ve got two NEC camps tomorrow), RMU’s approach at this Mega Camp set the tone. First impressions matter everywhere in life. For players like Mbandi and Rogers, this was a strong one for both sides.
Lakers Host JUCO OL On Official Visit
Mercyhurst has been making moves in the trenches all offseason. And, as we’ve pointed out before, they like to look west for JUCO players. They’ve had no problem going to the Golden State before- including this offseason- and they’re still fishing for at least one more lineman.
Navi Arretché, an offensive lineman out of Modesto Junior College, recently took an official visit to Mercyhurst and came away impressed. The Lakers are the first Division I program to offer him, and while Arretché has drawn interest from UC Davis and made an unofficial stop at UCLA, Mercyhurst brought him on campus to show him what life on Lake Erie would look like for the young OL.
“Being there just felt comfortable, and that was because of the people,” Arretché said. “Everyone was welcoming. The coaches are also really easy to have a connection with. Talking with Coach Riemedio felt like talking to a father who wanted the best for you, and knows the potential that you have. Coach Waring is also someone who I can tell would do anything for his offensive line. It’s really enjoyable to be around him. He’s also incredibly smart when it comes to offensive line play as well.”
In a recruiting landscape increasingly shaped by NIL- even at the FCS level- it’s refreshing to be reminded that connection still matters. And not just surface-level rapport. Official visits can be a lot of fun, and a lot of times you hear about what campus is like and the activities the recruits got to participate in. What stands out with Navi Arretché isn’t just that he had a good time on his official to Mercyhurst- it’s who he felt that bond with.
When your first Division I offer comes with genuine relationships, and those ties are with the head coach and recruiting coordinator, that’s meaningful. Arretché spoke about Coach Riemedio like a mentor, and had high praise for Coach Waring’s approach to both the person and the position. That kind of alignment doesn’t guarantee a commitment, but it does create staying power, and the Lakers seem poised to be a player moving forward.
And why not? It wouldn’t be the first time a California JUCO product found a home in Erie. The Lakers have had success in that lane before- most notably with Adam Urena- and Arretché could be the next in line. He’s transferring after a true freshman season and should have plenty of eligibility to develop. No commitment yet, but Mercyhurst has clearly set the tone. This is one to monitor.
New Haven Schedule Revealed
The New Haven Chargers have released their updated 2025 football schedule. It came together quickly and there’s a lot to like about it. When we spoke to Athletic Director Devin Crosby, he gave us some ideas about how the schedule could look and probably was able to calm the nerves down of a fanbase that wasn’t sure how many games they’d get in 2025. Not all of those games were able to come through, but the coaches and athletic department were able to get ten games together that keep the Chargers within the region and offer some good home opportunities.
Originally built as a Division II slate, the schedule has since been reshaped as the Chargers begin the reclassification process ahead of their official NEC debut in 2026. While they won’t play a full NEC schedule this fall, they’ll get a taste of league play with three unofficial conference matchups. In total, it’s a 10-game campaign, and definitely a very competitive one, as the opening act for the NEC’s newest member.
Let’s walk through it.
The season opens with a road trip to Marist on August 30. But the first big milestone comes just a week later, when New Haven travels to Mercyhurst on September 6. That game will serve as the Chargers’ first unofficial NEC matchup, even if the conference standings won’t reflect it. We’re excited about the prospect of seeing the Chargers this early in the season against a future conference foe. Mercyhurst will be coming off of a tilt against Youngstown State that’ll kick off the 2025 season for all NEC teams.
From there, the schedule stays challenging. On September 13, the Chargers head to Albany, one of the games that was predicted for us by Crosby when we spoke to him. Then on September 20, they return to “The Blue” for their home opener against Saginaw Valley State, a Division II school located in Michigan.
They’ll follow that with a trip to Pittsburgh to take on Duquesne on September 27—another unofficial NEC contest, and one that could prove a valuable measuring stick. Duquesne has long been one of the conference’s standard-bearers, and this year should be no different. Nevertheless, Mercyhurst played the Dukes well in 2024 and Stonehill entered the NEC and beat the Dukes in their first two seasons in the league. The Dukes will be up for this game- there’s too much recent history for them not to be on their toes- but it still could prove to be an intriguing matchup.
October offers a solid mix of regional flavor and home dates. New Haven hosts Pace on October 4, then Western Connecticut State on October 11. Western Connecticut is D3, which should provide a solid opportunity for New Haven to get a win. Notably absent on the calendar this season is Southern Connecticut State. The in-state rivals couldn’t come to terms for 2025, and it looks like the 16 game win streak enjoyed by the Chargers is safe through this calendar year.
The Chargers wrap up unofficial NEC play on October 25 at LIU, then visit Sacred Heart on November 1 for an in-state matchup. They’ll close the season at home on November 8 against Merrimack, which was another game that Crosby gave us a heads-up about.
Four home games is a pretty solid showing for a scheduling process that we know only took weeks to put together. They were able to secure three unofficial NEC tilts, all on the road.
There’s still uncertainty around the roster. Several players hit the portal amid the realignment chaos, but with the path forward now clear, some could return. Others have already committed elsewhere, including to FBS programs.
But the pieces are coming together, and with the three NEC games on the calendar, we won’t have to wait long at all to see how the Chargers could fare as they step up to the big leagues.
Mercyhurst Is All Alone in Cincinnati
It is true- there are no lakes in Cincinnati. Just the Ohio River. But while there’s no lakes, there’s been plenty of Lakers.
Mercyhurst is making a strong play for Cincinnati-area talent, focusing on Class of 2026 prospects roughly 345 miles from their Erie, PA campus. The Lakers have extended offers to several players from the region, including Reid Baker (Inside Linebacker), Kemaury Tye (DB), Andre Underwood (ATH), Grant Hester (OT/OG), and most recently, Brady Kuhn (OLB), all hailing from Cincinnati, OH. They’ve also been active in suburbs like Springboro, OH, where they have an offer out to OLB/TE Evan Weinberg.
It’s actually been a working strategy already for Mercyhurst. They snagged WR Trace Jallick from Cincinnati in the 2025 class. He was listed as a 3 star on 247, and was the National High School offensive player of the year. Statistically, Jallick was 4th in the nation in receiving yards. Mercyhurst may have had a unique pitch and definitely had offensive firepower that Akron and Kent State couldn’t match, as he committed to the Lakers. Jallick figures to be one of the key additions from the Mercyhurst 2025 high school class and a player who could see the field as a freshman.
Interestingly, Mercyhurst seems to have this recruiting territory largely to themselves among NEC teams. Other conference programs haven’t shown significant activity in the Cincinnati area based on our current recruiting trackers. Even RMU, who historically recruits Ohio very strongly, hasn’t gone this deep into the Buckeye state. This strategic focus could give Mercyhurst an edge in building their roster with some overlooked Ohio talent as they continue their transition to Division I in the NEC.
RMU First Offer In On Local Standout Tristan Reed
There’s something about WPIAL players.
You’ve heard it before—and you’ll hear it again. Programs in the NEC recruit nationally- that’s the reality of Division I- but they don’t just win with their local talent. They build with it. And RMU made sure to be first in line for one of the region’s most versatile athletes.
Tristan Reed, a standout from Washington High School, picked up his first Division I offer from RMU after a strong showing at camp. The Colonials didn’t wait. They made the move.
“First and foremost, I want to thank WPIAL Insider for inviting me to the camp. Overall, the experience was great. It was well-run, and the competition was strong,” Reed said. “It started when Coach Makrinos came up and asked if I was going to play wide receiver or quarterback. We talked for a bit, and I told him I’d be at WR that day.”
That’s when Reed started making noise.
“At the combine portion, I ran a 4.54 on my first 40. Coach Makrinos said he was impressed and told me to run it again. On my second try, I clocked a 4.50 flat. Then he walked up to me, shook my hand, and said, ‘Tristan, we’re going to offer you a scholarship here at RMU.’ That was the highlight of my life. All the work I’ve put in for years is finally paying off. I just want to thank Coach Makrinos and RMU for taking a chance on me.”
Reed’s been drawing more attention recently after committing to playing defensive back and wide receiver moving forward. With his versatility, there’s plenty to like—especially for a Colonials program eager to reload with regional athletes. They were the program with the most WPIAL recruits in the nation for the 2025 class.
Reed has not committed to the Colonials. It’s early in the process, but there’s often said to be an advantage for being the first offer in. RMU evaluated Reed and was the first to recognize his talent in Division I.
And again, let’s say it louder for the people in the back:
You can win a lot of games with WPIAL players.
New Haven Scheduling Update
NEC Blitz spoke with New Haven AD Devin Crosby yesterday about everything happening in New Haven’s transition to Division I. As you’d anticipate, the topic of scheduling came up as New Haven will be rebuilding their slate from scratch.
We can confirm that they are losing the NE10 schedule and Slippery Rock, their non-conference opener.
To replace them, New Haven will be adding Grand Valley State, Albany, Merrimack, and Stonehill. Conversations continue with an in-state opponent for a Thursday night game and with an Ivy League school, alongside continuing to speak with other schools on the west coast and in the south. It does appear New Haven should have no issues compiling a schedule despite the short time frame they’ll have to do it.
Mr. Crosby additionally shared that Michigan, UConn, and Penn State are all in the works to appear on their basketball schedule, so stay tuned for more information as New Haven transitions to Division I.
Update 3:42 pm: Stonehill will not appear on New Haven’s schedule. We anticipate this was an error.
New Haven Parts Ways With Head Coach Chris Pincince
After more than a decade at the helm, New Haven has officially moved on from head coach Chris Pincince, ending a tenure marked by consistent success, five playoff appearances, and two straight NE10 titles. The timing and reasoning behind the decision remain unclear at this time, but the move represents a significant turning point for what was one of the Northeast’s most stable Division II programs, now transitioning to Division I and the Northeast Conference.
Pincince took over in New Haven in 2014 and quickly returned the Chargers to prominence, posting six or more wins in every full season since. His teams were perennial playoff contenders, culminating in dominant NE10 runs from 2021 through 2024. Under his leadership, the Chargers notched three straight conference titles and maintained a reputation for some of the best football in the Northeast.
While postseason exits have recently been in the first round, New Haven was a fixture in the national picture—going 8–3 in each of the last three seasons and routinely finishing atop the NE10 standings. In 2021, they posted a perfect 8–0 conference record, 10-2 overall, only to fall in the second round of the NCAA playoffs. That year also marked their highest national finish under Pincince at #14.
The Chargers’ consistent success made them a recruiting destination in the region, and Pincince oversaw not just wins, but a culture of development that prepared players for the next level. They sent a player to the Cleveland Browns this offseason and routinely developed overlooked players or transfers into excellent players. While it’s true that scheduling uncertainties had caused players at New Haven to enter the transfer portal, there have been only positive messages regarding Pincince and his staff in transfer announcements.
There’s no word yet on a successor or on what Pincince plans to do next—but whoever takes over in New Haven inherits a program with lots of recent success, and transitioning to the next level. They’ll have the opportunity to put their own stamp on a program entering a new era.
We wish Coach the best of luck as he continues his career.
Update 7:37 PM: Per New Haven’s official release, they will initiate a coaching search at the conclusion of this season. The interim head coach will be defensive coordinator Mark Powell.
This is a developing story that will be updated as further details emerge.
“Scheduling Uncertainties”: Explaining New Haven’s Transfer Portal Buzzword
Change is here for New Haven—and it's happening fast.
As the Chargers prepare to join the NEC, their longtime home in the NE10 for football appears to be in the rearview. The initial release from the school and the NEC described a longer timeframe for the transition to football. That all makes sense- schedules were already completed and announced for both the league and New Haven, and getting games together would pose a serious challenge for the Chargers.
Despite that release, however, sources indicate that they’re expected to be removed from NE10 competition and schedules this fall in football. That includes their long-standing rivalry game against Southern Connecticut State, a series they’ve owned with 16 straight wins. After winning back-to-back conference titles, the program has long since overcome the challenge of winning games. Accordingly, New Haven is now facing a very different challenge: actually finding games to win.
There’s been a noticeable uptick in New Haven players entering the transfer portal, with many of those players citing scheduling uncertainty. With the confirmation that the Chargers aren’t expected to compete against their NE10 foes, that reasoning tracks. Without NE10 matchups and the possibility that D2 opponent Slippery Rock might be rethinking their games against the transitioning Chargers, New Haven’s 2025 slate might be wide open. If you’re a player, you want to compete. If you see a future for yourself in football, you want to get yourself on film, and you can’t do that without games. This is the rare moment where transferring has nothing to do with the school, program, or roster- those are all looking just fine for many of the players. It’s about having games, and in today’s college football landscape, sometimes there’s just not enough spots out there for student athletes to wait. That’s the grim reality.
I should note here that I do expect New Haven to find games to play, just as Mercyhurst did last year. At the same time, I completely understand feeling as though you can’t wait to see what’ll happen with new roster size limits in effect.
In any case, there’s no point in dwelling on what you can’t control. So for the Chargers, what now?
New Haven will likely need to turn toward FCS programs in need of additional games. LIU, Saint Francis, Duquesne, and former NEC member Merrimack all currently have 11-game schedules, leaving some potential openings. There may also be room with other programs—schools looking to round out a home-heavy calendar or plug a late dropout. Mercyhurst added schools like Buffalo State to their slate last season to fill out their schedule. But opportunities are limited this late in the cycle, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see New Haven play a heavy road slate, much like Mercyhurst did last season in their similar transition phase.
It’s an uncertain stretch, but not an insurmountable one. The path forward is clear: secure games, keep developing the roster, and prepare to make an impact in the NEC.
Despite the transfer portal entries, New Haven has an established record of success and a coaching staff that knows how to build a roster. Give the athletic department time to see what they can put together. Transition years are never easy- that’s why we give them their own label.
From the Big Apple to the Big Ten: LIU Sends 2 to the P4
Long Island University may not historically be a household name in Power Four recruiting circles, but two recent spring portal transfers are making that case harder to maintain. Defensive lineman Elijah St. John and offensive tackle Moshood Giwa are now suiting up for Purdue and Rutgers, respectively—two Big Ten programs. In the Big Ten, they’re awfully familiar with the “cloud of dust” approach to football, and linemen on both sides of the ball are crucial to winning with and against the run game.
For LIU, these moves are more than just roster changes; they’re proof of concept. No one wants to lose their best players, and the Sharks will have their work cut out for them replacing some of their best players in 2025. But from a recruiting standpoint, it’s hard to ignore what Coach Cooper and his staff is doing: If you come to LIU unranked, you can work and be developed into a player ready for the P4 ranks.
From LIU to the Big Ten Trenches
The jump from the NEC to the P4 is not just about raw talent. It’s about a program developing their players. Both St. John and Giwa have gotten stronger and turned into game changing players while on Long Island. It probably doesn’t hurt that they’ve been going against each other in practice for over a year, either.
Elijah St. John, a 6-1, 275-pound defensive lineman from Ottawa, Ontario, has committed to Purdue after back-to-back seasons as a disruptive force up front for the Sharks. In 2024, he posted 40 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, and two forced fumbles in 12 games. That kind of performance, combined with his motor and experience, made him a key target for the Boilermakers as they reshaped their defensive front. For our part, he was anticipated to be an all-NEC player. We had him graded as the best second team All-NEC Blitz preseason defensive lineman prior to his departure.
Purdue, which has leaned heavily on the portal this offseason, added St. John as one of six defensive linemen in the spring window. The Canadian’s journey from Clearwater Academy International to LIU, and now to West Lafayette, underscores how LIU can turn overlooked prospects into Big Ten contributors. For St. John, he now faces a tough competition to earn playing time among a defensive front that will look to play and rotate out players for maximum disruption. He’ll have to lean on the same effort that turned him into a starter at LIU to do that for the Boilermakers.
Meanwhile, Moshood Giwa brings a different kind of toolset to Rutgers—a 6-6, 315-pound frame with 34-inch arms and experience at both tackle spots. After redshirting in 2023, the Brooklyn native logged 734 snaps across 11 games in 2024. He can play both tackle spots, which might have made him even more attractive to the power schools. That versatility is now drawing attention in Piscataway, where Rutgers is looking to replace longtime starter Hollin Pierce and solidify the edges of its offensive line.
With three years of eligibility and a solid foundation built at LIU, Giwa is already deep in the competition under offensive line coach Pat Flaherty. His ability to plug in at multiple positions makes him a valuable asset for a team that’s reconfiguring its line around returning veterans and young challengers. It’s possible that he’ll need further development, but he’s already shown the potential to grow.
A Development Blueprint
It’s an exciting time to be recruited by the Sharks. LIU’s coaching staff has built a reputation on evaluating under-recruited talent and turning it into opportunity. That approach has now paid off on both sides of the line, in two of the most physically demanding positions in college football. For a program that played physical ball in the NEC last season, sending a pair of linemen to the Big Ten is a statement about just how powerful they can be.
This isn’t a one-off. LIU continues to build its roster with the knowledge that if players perform, the Power Four will come calling. That may challenge traditional views of success in the FCS—but for LIU, success now means preparing athletes not just to compete, but to ascend. From here, the Sharks will bring in the next class of players and develop them into difference makers. They’ll lose some after they’re successful in the Big Apple, but that’ll just make them more attractive to the next class of student athletes that want to develop into stars.
As the college football landscape continues to shift with the portal and NIL, programs like LIU are redefining what it means to be a developmental program. St. John and Giwa are proof: the Sharks aren’t just keeping up. They’re developing their athletes into players that any team in the nation would love to have.
They’re sending players to the biggest stages in the sport. And that message is clear. If you can be a difference maker here, you can play anywhere.
Looking Ahead to 2025: Ethan Greenwood, QB, LIU
It took a while for LIU to turn the keys over to Ethan Greenwood—but once they did, the offense found its gas pedal.
A transfer from The Citadel, Greenwood didn’t open the 2024 season as the starter. But by midseason, he was running the show, and in a 186-yard outburst against Stonehill, he didn’t just win the job—he rewrote the playbook.
On first thought, you might note that 186 yards isn’t exactly an eye dropping number for QB passing. And you’d be right. But let’s be specific here- Greenwood got those 186 yards on the ground.
Suddenly, the Sharks were a different team with an offense that could be impossible to contain at times. LIU went 4-2 down the stretch with Greenwood under center, and in the two losses, they still held leads in the fourth quarter. The late-season surge earned Greenwood second team All-NEC honors and set the stage for a potentially massive 2025 campaign.
LIU already had an identity on offense and ran a little atypical. Greenwood got into the games, taking snaps in the shotgun or in the backfield as a threat. But despite his utilization, as it was LIU had fallen to 0-6. They were a good 0-6, to be fair, with lots of chances to win games that just didn’t bounce their way. But clearly, something had to change for the Sharks. Enter Greenwood as the starter.
What makes Greenwood such a challenge is that he doesn’t just run the offense—he is the offense. LIU tailored its scheme around his skill set, and while the passing numbers (921 yards, 6 TDs, 52.3% completion rate) might not turn heads, they’re not the full story. Greenwood rushed for 913 yards in his 12 games, averaging 5.6 yards per carry with 5 touchdowns. Had he started the entire season, his numbers would have certainly been higher. He turned broken plays into backbreakers for opposing defenses, looking more like a throwback slash player than a conventional quarterback. Think Kordell Stewart and you’re in the right ballpark.
(See? Being old and having a memory has its benefits sometimes.)
His success wasn’t a solo act. A talented offensive line gave him the freedom to freelance, and Greenwood paid it off by becoming a constant scramble threat that no defense in the NEC fully solved. That element of surprise might be gone in 2025, but Greenwood’s ability to disrupt the game remains firmly in place.
The question now is whether he can take the next step as a passer. LIU’s schedule opens brutally—with Florida and Eastern Michigan—but if Greenwood continues to evolve, the Sharks could quickly become a problem in the NEC. Opposing coaches will spend all offseason game-planning for him, and it still might not be enough. Greenwood forces defenses to defend every inch of the field—and then some. We’re excited to see if any of the defensive coordinators in the league have found an answer- clearly, the week before gameday wasn’t enough time in 2024.
Greenwood changes the way football looks in the NEC. Sometimes, the play breaks down. And sometimes, that was the plan all along.
Get to Know the 2024 New Haven Chargers
With New Haven set to join the NEC, it’s worth reviewing how the Chargers fared in 2024 to gauge how they might stack up in 2025. Although they won’t begin official NEC football play this fall, we’ll be tracking them closely. If they’re not permitted to maintain an NE10 schedule, expect them to fill open dates by facing several NEC opponents.
In 2024, New Haven captured its second straight Northeast-10 championship—a result that surprised no one. The Chargers were picked to finish first in the preseason poll, and with their loaded backfield, they lived up to the billing.
Anyone questioning whether it’s time for New Haven to move up only needs to look at their dominance over crosstown rival Southern Connecticut State. The Chargers have now won 16 straight in that series, including a shutout win in 2024. Against the rest of the NE10, they posted a 7-1 record and finished 8-3 overall, with two of those losses coming at the hands of Slippery Rock—one in the regular season, the other in the Division II playoffs.
Christopher Ais led the ground attack, racking up 1,045 rushing yards over 11 games, including a standout 238-yard performance against Bentley in a shootout. He wasn’t the only Ais making noise for New Haven. Christian Ais, his twin, was a standout safety with 5 pass breakups on the year who has signed with Cleveland for their rookie minicamp. Both Christian and Christopher are moving on, but Christopher isn’t leaving the backfield cabinet empty.
Zaon Laney, the Chargers' “other” back, tallied 186 yards in that same Bentley game and finished the season with 757 yards and five touchdowns. Laney enters 2025 as one of the top returning running backs among NEC programs.
The lone conference loss came at Assumption, in a 19-14 game where the offense never quite found its rhythm. Still, the defense turned in a strong performance—highlighted by holding the opposing quarterback to just 81 passing yards.
New Haven’s season ended with a narrow 14-7 playoff loss at D2 power Slippery Rock, closing out another championship campaign for New Haven.
The line between top-tier Division II and FCS football is thinner than many realize. Depth and small margins separate the two levels. New Haven appears poised to compete right away. Their roster has traditionally drawn from in-state and regional talent, but with the NEC transition, they’ll have at least one season to adjust and upgrade—if needed—before entering full conference play.
New Haven to Join the NEC
There’s a logo at the bottom of this page that we’ve never used before, but we’re thrilled to be able to use it.
At NEC Blitz, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome the University of New Haven to the Northeast Conference. This is a football program that’s proven it can win at the D2 level. Now, they’ll be transitioning to the big leagues, but the Chargers have certainly shown the potential to make waves up here.
New Haven arrives fresh off an 8-3 season and a Northeast-10 championship. This isn’t anything too new for the Chargers. They’ve won six conference titles since 2009 and have been competitive in the D2 playoffs, including a near upset over powerhouse Slippery Rock last season. They’re also well-equipped from a branding perspective. We’re very familiar and excited to cover the distinctive blue field at DellaCamera Stadium. It’s where some of the best football in the Northeast has been played- and now, will continue to be played. We fully expect New Haven to continue its tradition of success and challenge for titles.
There’s also plenty of intrigue on the horizon. An in-state rivalry with Central Connecticut State is all but inevitable, and it’s one we’re already circling on the calendar. Connecticut fans have every reason to get hyped—this matchup has the potential to become a staple of the regional college football scene. With high school football on the rise in Connecticut, this is one that local fans are going to pay attention to, and bragging rights will carry lots of cache on the recruiting trail.
Frankly, this move is a win for everyone involved. The NEC gains a member that aligns with its academic and athletic priorities, and the Chargers join a conference that knows how to elevate rising programs. We think they’ll be able to be competitive quickly in their new home.
From our vantage point, New Haven is ready for this moment. We can’t wait to see what they do with it.
California Dreaming: Mercyhurst Gains Commitment From Amir Lemmons
Mercyhurst has added a key piece to its defensive backfield with the commitment of Amir Lemmons, a physical and productive defensive back out of Sierra College in Northern California. At 6’1”, 200 pounds with a rangy 78-inch wingspan, Lemmons is the kind of athlete who stands out on film. It’s not just on film where he makes an impact, though. Lemmons is always readily apparent in the box score.
Lemmons was a Unanimous All-NorCal First Team selection after a monster season in the JUCO ranks, racking up 134 tackles, 8 pass breakups, 5 tackles for loss, and 1 interception. More than just a stat machine, Lemmons brings physicality to the backend of the Mercyhurst defense. You love to see a physical player that’s adept at tackling at the safety position, and it looks like the Lakers may have landed just that.
The reason why Lemmons committed from all the way in California is simple and a reflection that at our level the relationships still matter. “It felt like home. All of the people there are great,” Lemmons said of his commitment to the Lakers.
It’s not the first time the Lakers have pulled from California, and it certainly won’t be the last.
Mercyhurst head coach Ryan Riemedio has deep ties to California from his time as a player and coach in the region, and that familiarity has quietly become a recruiting edge. Lemmons isn’t the first JUCO standout from California to find his way to Erie—Adam Urena, a quarterback from Citrus College, took the same path previouisly.
It’s an unusual pipeline for a program based in western Pennsylvania, but the returns speak for themselves. Mercyhurst has found value in looking beyond traditional borders, especially when it leads to players with Lemmons' level of production and polish. Whether it’s Western PA or northern California, the Lakers are showing they know how to identify talent—and land it.
With Lemmons in the mix, the Lakers' secondary just got more dangerous. We’ll be keeping an eye out for him this season.
Coach Rome: “We’re Going to Get it Done.”
Chicago State University is making history as it launches its first-ever Division I football program, set to compete in the Northeast Conference (NEC) in 2026. Leading the charge is Coach Bobby Rome II, a seasoned coach with a clear vision to build a program that embodies the spirit of Chicago’s South Side. Rome spoke with us recently and shared his goals, strategies, and passion for creating a team that will reflect the South Side community- and compete in the big leagues of Division I in the NEC.
A Program Rooted in Chicago’s Identity
Coach Rome envisions Chicago State football as a reflection of the South Side’s character. “When people think of Chicago State football, I want them to think of a mirror image of the South Side of Chicago,” he said. “Some tough, resilient, gritty folks who love their community, love their university, and want to go out and play hard, play good football for it.”
Beyond the abstract, Rome draws inspiration from successful programs like Michigan, admiring their physical style, use of multiple tight-end sets, and some of the recruiting areas that the Wolverines like to frequent. “We’ll be a physical program, but be very disciplined in all three phases of the game,” he noted, signaling a commitment to a hard-nosed style of football perfect for a head coach that played professionally as a fullback.
Recruiting the Midwest and Building Relationships
Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football, and recruiting for any program starts at home. There’s only so many places that you can build a fence around and form a competitive Division I roster with, and Chicago is one of them. “My goal is to try to keep some of that talent here in Chicago,” Rome said. “You could be successful right here in Chicago.”
To achieve this, Rome plans to build strong relationships with local high school coaches and communities. “Relationships are going to be more important than anything,” he emphasized. He’ll have to turn local coaches into the advocates and recruiters for Chicago State. It’s nothing groundbreaking- coaches won’t recommend their kids go to programs that aren’t willing to partner with the local community. Rome knows this and plans to embed himself in the local community. It’s a great strategy to keep kids home.
Rome’s recruiting pitch is straightforward for the athletes in Chicago. “We’re offering an opportunity for a young man to play at home,” he said. “We’re starting a Division One college football program from scratch that has not been done in the history of any Division One program in Chicago.” The opportunity to make a mark in history while playing at home is not only for the high school players he’ll bring in. The transfer portal will play a key role in building the roster for 2026. Rome plans to target “low-hanging fruit”—players from Chicago or nearby states who want to return home. “The truth is, everything you need to be successful is right here in Chicago,” he said.
Beyond Chicago, Rome will target the Midwest, including Indiana and Ohio, to build a competitive roster. He sees Chicago State’s unique position as the only Division I football program in the city as a significant advantage. “We’re going to embrace being that number one, that only Division One football program in Chicago,” he said proudly.
A Pitch to Student-Athletes: Opportunity and Development
More than just football, Rome is committed to holistic development. “We’re talking about developing the full man from the top of his head down to the sole of his feet,” he said. At Chicago State, student-athletes will receive a quality education and mentorship from coaches dedicated to their success. “At the very least, you come to Chicago State, you’re going to get a great education,” Rome assured.
Development is everything for the Cougars on the football field as well. Rome’s experience at Florida Memorial University (FMU), where he helped develop players who competed in the HBCU Legacy Bowl, informs his approach. “We’re going to home in on development,” he said, emphasizing that Chicago State will prepare players to compete at the highest levels, whether in the NEC or beyond. He’s been able to do it in the past, too- FMU brought more players to the Legacy Bowl than any other program in the past two years.
A Historic Opportunity for Chicago
For Rome, the reality of building Chicago State’s program is here already. “Every day I wake up because I know we’re going to get it done,” he said. The excitement from the community reinforces this feeling, with residents stopping him in stores to express their anticipation. “They’re waiting for this to happen,” he noted. It makes sense. Chicago should be desperate for a Division I team of their own, and Northwestern has never really captured the soul of the city like Chicago State could.
We’ve been open with our enthusiasm about the hire. While there were plenty of splash candidates in the 230 applicants, hiring Rome shows that Chicago State understands the pieces that have to be in place to build a program. It’s not easy starting from scratch, and Rome’s done the next best thing at Florida Memorial. Beyond that, he’s won in places where it’s hard to win. Theoretically, the South Side may not be a difficult place to win in the long term, but while the program is finding its footing it’ll have some challenges. We think they’ve got a coach who can win with long odds and build a program that eventually shortens those odds. That’s a big win.
As Chicago State prepares to take the field in 2026, Coach Bobby Rome II is laying the foundation for a program that will make history just by its very location. With a focus on community, development, and competitive football, Chicago State is poised to become a source of pride for the South Side and a formidable presence in the NEC. As Rome puts it, “Opportunities don’t go away, they just go to other people.” Chicago State is seizing this opportunity, and they’ve got a big stage in a big city ready to rally behind it.
Looking Ahead to 2025: Charles Battaglia, LB, Stonehill
As we start to look ahead to the 2025 season in earnest, we’ll be profiling some of the key players to keep an eye on in NEC football this fall. To start with, we’re looking at one of the top defensive players in the NEC, Stonehill sophomore linebacker Charles Battaglia. Battaglia was one of the top freshmen in the league last season. Stonehill is likely to be strong on defense this season and will use that as their springboard towards a more successful 2025.
Battaglia came up big again and again for the Skyhawks, earning NEC Rookie of the Week three times. It’s safe to say that had Christopher Jean not been in the league last season, Battaglia would have easily been the NEC’s best freshman in 2024. As it is, he’s one of the most promising young players in the Northeast this coming season.
Looking back at 2024, his best performance came on the biggest stage, as Stonehill took on eventual champions Central Connecticut State at home in Easton, MA. While CCSU would eventually pull in front with a 4th quarter touchdown to win 21-17, Battaglia was a big part of why the Skyhawks took the Blue Devils down to the wire. He was credited with 13 tackles (5 solo, 8 assisted), 1.5 tackles for loss, and 1 forced fumble. That forced fumble came at the goal line, with CCSU threatening to make it a 21-3 game entering the second half. Instead, Battaglia popped the ball loose, and Stonehill nearly came up with the upset- a rare reversal of CCSU’s well-documented turnover fortunes in 2024, when the Blue Devils were almost always the team taking away the ball. It was all the more impressive that Battaglia punched the ball from NEC MVP Elijah Howard. That game gave him NEC Rookie of the Week honors in his head to head showdown with Christopher Jean.
His first win came after posting 7 tackles against Sacred Heart during Stonehill’s lone victory of the 2024 campaign, with another honor after tallying six tackles and an interception in a loss against Duquesne. He eventually finished tied for 9th in tackles in the league with 70- proof that these were not three blip games. In fact, he tacked on 9 more tackles against LIU and didn’t win the award that week. Battaglia was a consistent force, even as a freshman who had to play his way into the starting lineup during the season itself.
At 6’1” and 225 pounds, Battaglia already has the frame to compete in the NEC, but don’t be surprised if he hits the field in 2025 looking like a new man. The freshman-to-sophomore offseason is often transformative, and Stonehill’s strength and conditioning program could add additional pounds of muscle to his build. That extra bulk would help him shed blocks from bigger offensive linemen. There were plays last season where he’d make the tackle, even in the backfield, but that it would take him some time to get off of his blocker. He’ll be able to improve here this season.
Beyond physical growth, Battaglia’s game is likely to mature. His 2024 tape shows a linebacker with very strong instincts and great vision for a freshman, but another year of film study and practice should sharpen his anticipation even further. Expect him to read plays faster in his sophomore campaign. His anticipation hints at a greater pass-rushing potential, and with coaching from Stonehill’s staff, he could develop into a more effective blitzer.
Statistically, Battaglia is well-positioned to climb the NEC tackle leaderboard. His 70 tackles ranked him tied for 9th in 2024, and with a full season as a starter, 80-90 tackles is a realistic possibility, potentially placing him in the top 5, especially if teams opt to avoid trying to throw downfield against returning DB Moses Seide.
Stonehill’s 2025 schedule doesn’t offer much breathing room, even outside of NEC play. But if they’re going to take a step forward this fall, it’ll start with their defense. And that defense just might start with Charles Battaglia this season.
“I’d Love to Go Here”: Daryl Agyei Takes Us Inside Wagner Junior Day
Class of 2026 defensive lineman Daryl Agyei (6’0, 235) is still waiting on an offer, but he’s not waiting to put in the work.
The Linden (NJ) product recently visited Wagner for Junior Day and came away impressed with what the Seahawks are building. He gave us a look inside the experience for some of the rising seniors who made the trip to Staten Island. “We had a tour around campus, the locker rooms, and the stadium itself,” Agyei said. “We were also able to watch spring practice and see how the program works and prepares for games.”
Head coach Tom Masella addressed the group, speaking about Wagner’s football culture, academic offerings, and the program’s long climb—from Division III roots to its current place in Division I. Masella knows that journey firsthand: he was on staff during Wagner’s 2012 NEC title run and FCS playoff win, and part of the program in the 1980s just before its DIII national championship in 1987.
We’ve been vocal fans of what Masella’s building on Staten Island and the slow but steady growth that the program has shown through his time there. It’s evident in some of the recruits Wagner’s pulled in as of late, as well as some of the talent that the program has developed. Win on Staten Island and you just might get a chance to win at the next level. There’s three active NFL players who have played for the Seahawks.
Agyei didn’t get one on one time with the coaches during the visit, but he connected with players and walked away with a strong impression. “It was great to see how serious the team takes their preparation,” he said. “I’d love to go here if given the chance.”
Watch Agyei’s film and it’s clear why he’s worth tracking. He shows the ability to get into the backfield from a three-point stance or as a stand-up edge, and he’s not just an edge rusher—he can slide inside and still disrupt. Linden uses him across the line, and he delivers for the New Jersey program.
Wagner may have been one of the first to get a closer look, but he’s got plenty of Junior Day visits on the calendar. The rest of the cycle should be worth watching.
