Duquesne Football Signs Graduate Transfer QB Tyler Riddell

Duquesne University football has made a significant move to bolster its roster, signing graduate transfer quarterback Tyler Riddell as the anticipated successor to star quarterback Darius Perrantes. Perrantes, the first-team All-NEC QB in 2024, leaves behind a daunting task- a quarterback will need to fill those shoes on the Bluff, and it looks like Riddell is the front runner to do it.

Riddell brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to Duquesne, arriving after a standout 2024 campaign with Gardner-Webb and a five-year stint at East Tennessee State (ETSU). He had also been set to join the FBS Florida International Panthers this offseason prior to decommitting. With over 7,500 career passing yards and 54 touchdowns, the graduate student is poised to make an immediate impact for the Dukes.

In his lone season at Gardner-Webb, Riddell threw for 2,573 yards while tossing 16 touchdowns. His best yardage output came against FBS Charlotte, where he racked up 240 passing yards. He’ll be opening the 2025 season against P4 competition in the Pitt Panthers.

Before Gardner-Webb, Riddell spent five seasons at ETSU. Finishing his Buccaneers career with over 5,000 passing yards and 38 touchdowns, he led ETSU to 11 wins and a SoCon Championship in 2021. That year, he earned Freshman All-American honors, throwing for 2,464 yards while completing 211 passes.

Replacing Darius Perrantes, who dominated the NEC last season, won’t be easy. Perrantes propelled the Dukes to a share of the NEC championship in 2024 and a top 25 ranking at the end of the season. CCSU, Mercyhurst, and LIU are all returning skilled quarterbacks, and Riddell will need to adapt quickly to keep the Dukes competitive in the NEC. Riddell brings not only skill but maturity to a Duquesne squad eager to build on recent success. With spring practice already underway at Duquesne, all eyes will be on Riddell as he settles into his new role. If his past is any indication, Duquesne may have just reloaded under center, potentially erasing their biggest question mark heading into the 2025 season.

It’s Always Sunny on Staten Island - Key Florida Recruits Headline Another Strong Seahawk Class

If there’s one thing I can say comfortably about watching Wagner College, it’s that the program under Tom Masella is absolutely on an improving trajectory that has been more evident with every season. When I spoke to Coach last fall, he indicated that among other things, his staff has been able to recruit well to Wagner and raise the talent level. While some of that talent like WR Jaylen Bonelli has subsequently moved on, Wagner looks like it’s raised the floor again with its 2025 signing class. The Seahawks continue to stand out by aggressively recruiting Florida talent. They’ll end up with around 12 signees from the Sunshine State this season. They hit the north plenty, too- Wagner is still an NEC school, after all, and their roster makeup reflects it- but it’s part of their recruiting DNA to go to Florida.

Wagner’s not just unearthing hidden gems from down south. They also have been successful in winning recruitment battles in and out of conference. We’ve got the scoop on just a few of the notable wins from this year’s class.

Ryan Long, OL, Heritage HS (FL)

It’s no secret that Wagner hits Florida harder than most NEC programs, and Ryan Long is a prime example of that strategy paying off. The offensive lineman from Heritage High School had interest from Florida and Miami, even receiving a preferred walk-on (PWO) offer from the Hurricanes. Schools like Miami don’t hand out PWO offers unless they believe a player has Division I potential. Wagner head coach Tom Masella was in the neighborhood before Heritage’s game against St. Augustine and made sure Long left that conversation with an offer. Long accepted, and now he’s set to anchor the Seahawks’ offensive line in the coming seasons.

Uriah Maynard, RB, East Ridge HS (FL)

Maynard’s recruitment took a dramatic turn before landing in Wagner’s favor. Originally set to visit another NEC school, days after Maynard made that announcement, he received an offer from Wagner. He would eventually visit Wagner instead. The visit sealed the deal, and he committed soon after. The standout running back played against top-tier Florida competition and brings the kind of explosiveness that could translate well to Staten Island. With his ability to contribute early, Maynard is a name to watch in this class.

Austin Bailey, WR/DB, Paul VI HS (NJ)

Bailey’s recruitment was another major win for Wagner, as he picked the Seahawks over former NEC rival Sacred Heart and even held an offer from Syracuse. Recruiting services projected Bailey as a defensive back, but Wagner’s signing announcement listed both positions- suggesting that maybe they see him as more than just a one-position player. At 6'2", his size gives the Seahawks some options, whether he lines up at corner, safety, or even gets reps on offense.

Matt Mullins, TE, Canterbury School (CT)

At 6'4", 230 pounds, Mullins brings a combination of size and athleticism that should create mismatch nightmares for NEC defenses. He chose Wagner over offers from multiple NEC programs, reinforcing the Seahawks’ ability to win recruiting battles against conference foes. Whether as a red-zone target or a key blocker, Mullins has the potential to make a big impact. Despite how few high-impact tight ends are out there, the NEC has consistently produced good ones. Now, Mullins looks like he might be part of the next generation of NEC tight ends.

Shane Eason Signs with Stonehill, Joins Brother in Shovel Town

One of the major pieces for Stonehill College’s 2025 signing day class was standout running back Shane Eason. The Methuen, Massachusetts, product put together a dominant high school career and now joins his older brother, quarterback Drew Eason, in Shovel Town.

Eason leaves Methuen High School as one of the most accomplished players in program history. His high school coach, Tom Ryan, didn’t mince words when describing his impact.

“Shane Eason will go down as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, player in the history of Methuen Football,” Ryan said. “He is the complete running back in every sense of the word. He catches the ball well and is incredibly elusive in the open field. Additionally, he runs very tough inside. He is a player who practices hard every day and has become a vocal leader on our team.”

The numbers back it up. As a senior in 2024, Eason carried the ball 178 times for 1,818 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also added 12 receptions for 156 yards and three touchdowns while making an impact on special teams with a 60-yard punt return touchdown. Over his high school career, he amassed 3,485 rushing yards on 422 carries, hauled in 101 catches for 1,811 yards, and returned four kicks (two punts, two kickoffs) for touchdowns.

Stonehill head coach Eli Gardner is thrilled to welcome Eason into the program, especially considering the family ties.

“We are excited to keep it in the family and welcome Shane to Shovel Town! He is electric with the football and has great versatility,” Gardner said.

The move reunites Shane with his brother, Drew, who plays quarterback for the Skyhawks. Drew appeared in three games in 2024, preserving his redshirt status.

Despite his prolific high school production, Eason may have flown under the radar due to playing in Massachusetts, a state that historically has not produced a high volume of FCS and FBS recruits. That oversight could work to Stonehill’s advantage, as they may have landed a steal in Eason. If his high school career is any indication, he could make an immediate impact for the Skyhawks.

Hoogerwerff Adds Homegrown Talent to Red Flash QB Room

The Red Flash have a deep recruiting class in 2025. But for all of that depth, to this point, they’ve only signed one quarterback.

Maybe that’s all they need.

Saint Francis secured a signed letter of intent from quarterback Frank Hoogerwerff Jr. of Avon Grove High School in Pennsylvania. The 6’1” signal caller brings with him a skill set that should help him make an impact in Loretto.

In our conversation about his choice to play for the Red Flash, Hoogerwerff shared, "I believe SFU is the perfect fit for me. One of the biggest reasons is the coaches’ vision. Their focus isn’t just on success but on development as well, which I believe leads to even greater success in the long run. I’m excited to be part of this program and contribute to the team’s growth and achievements."

Hoogerwerff's commitment is notable not only because of his physical traits, but also because of his style of play. His highlights from Avon Grove show a quarterback who may not yet be fully polished but is full of potential. He has an innate ability to make plays when things break down, keeping defenders on their toes. We reviewed some of his highlights and came away impressed. Hoogerwerff is no pocket passer. He’s a dynamic player that, with development, possesses the kind of mobility and escapability (that’s a word now, right?) that is crucial in today’s college game.

A standout play came against Unionville in 2024, where Hoogerwerff turned what seemed like an imminent sack into a plus play. He dodged three defenders in the backfield—at one point looking like he might give up the sack—but instead turned the play into a big gain. Once he broke free, he found a receiver who had positioned himself perfectly in a hole in the zone, calmly catching the ball and stepping out of bounds for a first down. It’s the type of play that makes football fun to watch.

As a runner, Hoogerwerff is equally impressive. Another highlight we viewed features him on a quarterback power run where he initially picks up solid yardage behind his blockers, but then shows excellent vision, agility, and creativity by cutting back across the field, ultimately scoring a touchdown on the opposite side.

Saint Francis is known for being a development focused program, and with Hoogerwerff’s raw talent, it will be exciting to see how he grows within the Red Flash program.

Red Flash’s Big Class Keeps Identity Intact

Remember who you are.

It’s a mantra worth repeating for anyone striving for success. The Red Flash have embraced that mindset—and their results speak for themselves.

In 2024, Saint Francis delivered the NEC’s lone FBS victory by toppling Kent State, powered by a suffocating defense that kept them competitive in nearly every game. Unsurprisingly, that defensive prowess drew attention, with several key players transferring, including one making the leap to a Big Ten program. But in Loretto, that’s just business as usual. The Red Flash’s response remains unchanged: keep recruiting, keep developing.

Local talent has taken notice—and you have to assume their coaches have as well. Saint Francis’s 2025 class is built on a strong foundation of regional prospects, with approximately 24 signees from Pennsylvania (including transfers) and another nine from Maryland. Locking down the backyard is a priority, and the Red Flash believe a conference title is within reach by keeping homegrown talent close. And like the rest of the NEC, if you play well enough here, you can play anywhere.

One of the standout additions is Arison Walker, a versatile two-way player from Aliquippa, a perennial powerhouse in western Pennsylvania. Despite its small size, Aliquippa consistently competes at higher levels thanks to its sustained success. Walker, projected to play safety at SFU, also comes with strong football pedigree—his relatives have played at Ohio University and Albany. The Red Flash hope to develop Walker into another cornerstone of their defense.

But while individual recruits stand out—and we’ll highlight them soon—the biggest story for the Red Flash may be the sheer size of their class. Saint Francis has announced nearly 50 signees, including 30 in the traditional signing period, and it’s unclear if they’re done yet. Some of these will undoubtedly be preferred walk-ons, but that only reinforces the Red Flash’s ability to develop talent. They’ve built a program where players know that if they come to Loretto, they’ll have a real opportunity to grow into scholarship athletes.

And so, Saint Francis prepares for another fall. They know that if they succeed, they’ll lose players to the portal. When that happens, it’s just further proof that they’ve done their job—evaluating, developing, and preparing athletes for the next level.

The cycle continues in Loretto, where the Red Flash know exactly who they are.

RMU: The NEC’s Kings of the Buckeye State

When RMU signed its 2025 class, it signaled a very clear plan: recruit Ohio.

And it makes sense.

Ohio is a prime recruiting ground that isn’t heavily targeted by most other NEC programs, with Mercyhurst being the biggest exception. While MAC schools and Youngstown State scoop up a lot of the state’s talent, RMU has been able to carve out its own niche. Over the past two recruiting cycles, the Colonials have signed 31 players from Ohio, including 14 in the 2024 class alone.

While RMU recruits nationally—and even internationally, with a signee from Switzerland this cycle—it’s clear that the program considers Ohio an extension of its Pittsburgh backyard.

The latest class continues this trend, with RMU signing 14 players from all across the Buckeye State:

• Defensive Additions: DL Asher Wilson (Cleveland), LB Maximus Thompson (Solon), LB Jakari Patterson (Cincinnati), LB Jake Lopinto (Columbus), LB Khalil Daniels (Columbus), CB Antonio Martin (Green), CB Quinn Ingram (Westerville), S Blake Allen (Macedonia), DL Caden Walker (Kings Mills), and S Jaylen Williams (Columbus).

• Offensive Signings: WR Tyler Evans (Youngstown), WR Aiden Henry (Hinckley), OL Vincent Boila (Struthers), and QB Cooper Panteck (Strongsville).

This isn’t just a one-year trend—RMU has made Ohio a priority in building its roster.

RMU’s strategy makes a lot of sense:

Ohio consistently produces FBS and FCS-level players, giving RMU a deep talent base to pull from. And while the MAC and Youngstown State are factors, most NEC programs don’t heavily recruit Ohio. That gives RMU an advantage in landing players who may have been overlooked at the FBS level. And it can’t really be overstated enough: with Pittsburgh just a short drive from major Ohio recruiting hubs, RMU’s staff can maintain strong relationships with high school coaches in the area. RMU’s coaches have gone to coaching clinics in Ohio, speaking and connecting with local coaches. They’re in this for the long haul.

RMU’s return to the NEC was met with enthusiasm, both internally and externally. The Colonials were (and are) a program capable of contending for titles, immediately staying alive in the conference race until late in the 2024 season. But beyond the high level of football they bring to the league, RMU brings something else to the NEC: a pipeline into Ohio.

RMU is tapping into one of the biggest talent pools in the country—and a state that plays hardnosed football. By consistently recruiting Ohio, the Colonials aren’t just adding numbers to their roster; they’re building an identity. Ohio football is known for producing tough, disciplined players, and RMU’s commitment to the state ensures a steady pipeline of talent that fits their physical, defensive-minded approach. This strategy also strengthens the program’s long-term stability, creating depth across multiple recruiting cycles and reinforcing key positions with players accustomed to high-level competition.

Beyond individual player development, RMU’s consistent presence in Ohio will only make future recruiting easier. As more Ohio players succeed in Moon Township, the Colonials will gain credibility among high school coaches and prospects, strengthening their ability to land even better talent in the coming years. RMU is establishing a clear recruiting identity that could shape the program’s future success.

And as RMU continues to recruit and develop Ohio talent, more prospects in the state will become familiar with the Colonials—and by extension, the NEC as a whole. Over time, this will pave the way for other NEC programs further east to dip into the Buckeye State.

Still, the Colonials are likely to remain the kings of the Ohio hill. With a reputation for developing defensive talent—highlighted by Rob Carter Jr.'s nationally recognized interception in Week 1 and consecutive shutout performances against Saint Francis and Merrimack—RMU has established itself as an attractive landing spot for overlooked Ohio prospects eager to prove themselves at the Division I level.

And if the past two years are any indication, the Colonials wouldn’t have it any other way.

CCSU Gears Up For Another NEC Title Run With Strong and Experienced 2025 Class

Central Connecticut State's football program is gearing up for the 2025 season with a strong influx of talent from both the transfer portal and its freshman signing class. The transfer portal talent suggests that CCSU is comfortable with the core of their team and expects to be able to make another run to the top of the NEC and the FCS playoffs, and that just a few finishing touches were needed, particularly in the back end of the defense. In Hard Hittin' New Britain, they're looking to prove that last year was no one-off. Here's a deep dive into some of their signings.

Speed and Experience in the Secondary

One of the biggest areas of improvement comes in the defensive backfield, where CCSU has brought in transfers to complement returning NEC Defensive Rookie of the Year Chris Jean. The Blue Devils had to replace some talent in the secondary with the departure of reigning NEC Defensive Player of the Year Kimal Clark. Their transfer additions in this area were Brayden Hall (Coastal Carolina), Mel Jacobs III (East Carolina), Davion Jennings (Akron), Dekavis Preston (Charleston), and Shea Terry (Bryant). This was an area where the Blue Devils looked to not only replace Clark, but also maybe even upgrade the unit as a whole from last season with the influx of experience.  Fans in New Britain can expect great competition in camp for the defensive backfield starting positions.

Offensive Firepower: Wadley Joins Howard

On the offensive side, the Blue Devils landed a major playmaker in Donovan Wadley, the 2023 NEC Offensive Player of the Year from Merrimack. Wadley’s presence will provide a dynamic receiving threat, pairing well with Elijah Howard, who the coaching staff regards as the best running back in FCS. The duo is expected to be the key to upgrading CCSU’s offensive attack in 2025.

Two Backyards for Freshmen Signees

CCSU had no trouble stocking their recruiting class with local high school standouts, including David Rivera from Waterbury Career and Jadon Langford from Windsor High, both in Connecticut. Rivera, a defensive lineman who had some interest from Syracuse, was a key get for the Blue Devils. These additions bolster the future of CCSU’s defensive front, while a transfer signing from WVU (Derek Berlitz) might do more to help the defensive front for this season.

Outside of Connecticut, the Blue Devils made it a priority to recruit heavily in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) region, an effort led by Corners Coach Joe Rankin. The effort was a considerable success. Including transfers, the Blue Devils landed 7 athletes by our count from the region, giving them a second backyard to recruit to outside of the traditional Eastern states. This resulted in landing athletes like Davon Smith and safety Kyle Greene, both from Baltimore, MD. Greene was listed by 247 as having interest from Boston College and Marshall, but he'll be suiting up for Central Connecticut this fall.

Rebuilding the Offensive Line

The Blue Devils had a lot of work to do to restock the offensive line. The group was easily the best in conference last season and was a big part of their championship run. CCSU responded by adding three offensive linemen who bring impressive size and athleticism to the trenches. Averaging around 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds, this group provides the foundation for what could be a dominant offensive line unit in the years to come, even with the expected loss of Offensive Line coach Jeff Ambrosie.

Mercyhurst Lands Key Additions on Signing Day Ahead of First NEC Season

As Mercyhurst gears up for its inaugural season of full Northeast Conference competition, the Lakers made a statement on National Signing Day, securing several high-impact players who could contribute immediately. With a mix of standout high school prospects and an experienced graduate transfer, Mercyhurst is showing that it won’t be taking a back seat in its new conference home.

Defensive Steal: Kaleb Platz

One of the most significant commitments for the Lakers was linebacker Kaleb Platz from Montour High School. Platz, a WPIAL standout, had a tremendous senior season, racking up four interceptions and nine tackles for loss. A player with a nose for the football, he had interest from multiple NEC programs, including Duquesne, before choosing Mercyhurst. The buzz around Platz has been significant, with some calling him the “steal of the year,” and WPIAL Sportsmen ranking him among the top 10 players in Pennsylvania. Given the WPIAL’s reputation for producing tough, battle-tested athletes- and you know what we always say about WPIAL players- Mercyhurst is betting that Platz can be a defensive cornerstone in its first NEC campaign.

Offensive Playmaker: JaMeir "Mookie" Gamble

On the offensive side, the Lakers secured a major win with the signing of JaMeir Gamble, a running back from Massillon, OH. A three-star recruit, Gamble attracted interest from FCS and even FBS programs, including Central Michigan and Temple. Massillon has a strong football pedigree, and Gamble’s ability to make one cut and outrun a defense should make him an immediate factor in the Lakers’ backfield. Beating out higher-division competition for his signature is a significant recruiting win for Mercyhurst as they look to establish themselves in the NEC.

Two-Way Potential: Camden Lewis

Another WPIAL talent, Camden Lewis from South Allegheny, will be joining the Lakers as a tight end. However, his impact on both sides of the ball in high school is worth noting. WPIAL Insider ranked him as the #13 most disruptive defensive player in his section and the #15 overall two-way player in a highly competitive class. Mercyhurst had to fend off former NEC member Sacred Heart for his commitment, which speaks to his potential. Expect Lewis to bring versatility and toughness to the Lakers. And, once again, you can win a lot of games with WPIAL players.

Experienced Addition: Donovan Everette

Not all of Mercyhurst’s big signings came from the high school ranks. Graduate transfer Donovan Everette, a defensive lineman from Norfolk, VA, is set to play his final season in Erie after moving on from Elon. Everette was highly sought after within the NEC, with Duquesne and Saint Francis both vying for his services. With his collegiate experience, he could provide an immediate boost to Mercyhurst’s defensive front, bringing size and strength to the trenches.

Building for the NEC Battle

Mercyhurst’s ability to land these recruits, especially against direct NEC competition, is an encouraging sign as the program transitions into its new conference. The Lakers made it clear that they aren’t just here to participate—they’re here to compete.

Cocoa Beach Wide Receiver DL Hardison Signs with Duquesne

And they say Signing Day doesn't have the drama that it used to.

Duquesne made a major splash on National Signing Day, securing a commitment from wide receiver DL Hardison out of Cocoa Beach, Florida. Hardison, listed at 5-foot-10, brings a wealth of talent from one of the most competitive high school football regions in the country. He’s a three-star prospect according to both Rivals and 247Sports.

Hardison originally committed to Florida State in 2022 but later decommitted, reopening his recruitment. His offer sheet included scholarship pledges from major Power Five programs in the region, such as Penn State, Pitt, and West Virginia. This is not to suggest that Hardison, at this point, had committable offers. What it should illustrate instead is that major programs saw a player with development potential in him. Now, Duquesne gets a chance to bring out that player on the Bluff.

Duquesne is getting a highly skilled playmaker with proven production. His numbers at Cocoa Beach certainly back it up. Over four varsity seasons, Hardison racked up 123 receptions for 2,130 yards, averaging an impressive 17.3 yards per catch with 22 touchdowns. His senior year was particularly strong, with 39 catches for 623 yards and eight touchdowns against top-tier Florida competition. With consistent improvement throughout his career, he certainly projects to be a player able to be developed for Division 1 play.

Hardison committed to Duquesne on Signing Day, giving the Dukes a significant recruiting victory and adding high-caliber talent to their roster. In Hardison, Duquesne has landed a receiver with tremendous upside. The Dukes have had success developing skill-position talent, and Hardison’s arrival should provide an immediate boost to the offense.

Bringing in a player with Hardison’s pedigree represents a major recruiting win for Duquesne. He joins a talented receiver room that will need an emerging star, as we anticipate that all-NEC first teamer Joey Isabella and second teamer John Erby will be moving on. His experience playing against elite high school talent should serve him well as he transitions to the college level. Now, as he prepares to take the field on the Bluff, all eyes will be on how Hardison’s skills translate to the NEC stage. And if the Dukes have anything to say about it, he’ll be primed to prove the major schools- the ones that previously had him as a priority- wrong.

Recruiting’s Changing, and So Are We

Recruiting isn’t what it used to be.

I know, I know. That’s not breaking news.

But the changes run deeper than what the casual fan might notice. At the FBS level, NIL—name, image, and likeness—has shaken up recruiting. In the NEC, the transfer portal has been the game-changer. Take Cameron Barmore at Mercyhurst, for example. He became a star, hit the portal, and landed at the Power Four level. No surprise to those who saw him play, but for Mercyhurst, losing arguably its best player could seem like a major setback. Or maybe not. Instead, it positions Mercyhurst as a prime example of a "developmental program"—a model that more NEC schools are starting to embrace.

A traditional developmental program looked something like Wake Forest under Dave Clawson in his early years—redshirt freshmen, build them up, and by year five, you’ve got seasoned impact players. That blueprint is fading fast. Now, if you develop a standout player, you’re likely to lose them to the portal. But instead of fighting it, NEC programs can flip the script and turn it into a selling point.

That’s a big shift in mindset. A "developmental program" isn’t just about long-term grooming anymore—it’s about preparing players to move up. Some NEC coaches are even leaning into this in recruiting: "Come here, and we’ll get you ready for the big time." High school players who didn’t get Power Five offers might see an NEC school as a place to refine their skills and earn another shot at the highest level.

At the same time, NEC programs can use the portal to their advantage, bringing in transfers from FBS schools. Guys who struggled for playing time at bigger programs can drop down, make an immediate impact, and boost an NEC team’s chances of winning right away. It’s a two-way street—losing talent but also reloading with portal additions. The example here is Noah Robinson, who came to RMU from Old Dominion and became a star player in Moon Township. The challenge is finding the right balance. If you’re trying to establish yourself as a program that develops freshmen, you can’t lean too heavily on transfers. You want to show recruits that you can develop them into P4-caliber players, not just plug holes with transfers every season.

Historically, I haven’t talked much about transfers leaving the NEC because I wanted to cover the league for its own sake. I’ve always believed the NEC deserves coverage on its own merit, rather than ever referring to it as a stepping stone to somewhere else. But if the recruiting model for coaches is shifting, I guess I need to change how I cover it, too. More players are making the jump to higher levels, and that deserves recognition. The NEC is a great league with great players. That hasn't changed. But moving forward, I’ll be giving a little more shine to the guys who started here and took their talents to the next level.

At the end of the day, recruiting is about adaptation. Programs must decide if they want to be a launchpad for rising talent or a second-chance destination for transfers. The best teams will strike the right balance—developing core players, losing some to bigger schools, but keeping enough to maintain stability while using the portal to plug gaps. It’s no longer just about scouting high school talent; it’s about managing a roster like a general manager at the pro level.

Wagner Lands 2025 QB Benjamin Newman

Wagner has secured a key addition to its 2025 recruiting class with the commitment of Benjamin Newman, a quarterback out of East Rochester High School (NY). The 6’2’’, 205-pound signal-caller made it official on February 2nd, just under two weeks after receiving an offer from the Seahawks.

Newman, a two-time All-State selection and two-time Section V Offensive Player of the Year, has dominated the ranks in upstate New York. He was named the 2024 AGR Player of the Year, adding to a resume that already includes multiple first-team league selections. His strong academic standing (4.0 CORE GPA) and leadership on the field made him a highly regarded prospect.

Despite limited recruiting exposure from the Rochester area, Newman’s talent didn’t go unnoticed. He picked up an offer from Mercyhurst and drew interest from Syracuse, but ultimately, Wagner was the best fit for the in-state quarterback:

“Wagner checked all of the boxes when it came to athletics and academics. I’ve developed a strong relationship with the coaches during the offseason, especially Coach Barnes, and enjoyed my on-campus visit. Being in Staten Island is an incredible environment. I’m blessed to be committed and excited to hit the ground running and get to work.”

A small-school standout in the Rochester area, Newman is the type of player who often flies under the radar in recruiting but has all the tools to shine at the next level. Wagner might have found itself a hidden gem—one who could prove to be an impact player for the Seahawks.

Florida Pipeline to the Bluff: Duquesne Lands Several Sunshine State Commits

Duquesne continues to tap into Florida’s talent pool, securing multiple commitments from the Sunshine State as the Dukes prepare for the 2025 season.

The latest addition is Deshaun Harper, a linebacker from Palm Bay, FL. Harper, one of several Florida prospects heading to Pittsburgh, chose Duquesne after an impressive visit.

“The visit was great. I got to see a lot of the guys, and it showed me how hard this program truly works and competes,” Harper said. “The winning mindset everyone has here just makes you want to push yourself for the better, which was my reason for picking Duquesne!”

Harper joins a growing list of Florida commits, including Jeff Banks, a defensive back from Orlando, Devin Voltaire, a wide receiver from Fort Lauderdale, and AJ Forehand, a standout from Jacksonville.

The Dukes, who finished the 2024 season as NEC co-champions and ranked #25 nationally, narrowly missed the FCS playoffs. With an influx of talent from Florida, Duquesne appears poised to maintain its status as a top contender in the NEC heading into 2025.

CCSU Rebuilding on the Offensive Line, Adds Warrick Kyler in Recruiting Class

Central Connecticut State University has added another key piece to its 2025 recruiting class with the commitment of Warrick Kyler, a standout OL/DL from Salamanca High School in Salamanca, NY. Kyler, a 2024 All-Western New York selection by The Buffalo News, committed to CCSU on January 26, just two days after visiting the campus and receiving an offer.

Kyler shared what sealed the deal for him:
"Central Connecticut was the right choice for me once I met Coach Ambrosie. On the visit, everyone was nice and made me feel welcomed."

The implication with Coach Ambrosie being the recruiter to seal the deal for Kyler is that he’ll be expected to play offensive line for the Blue Devils. In 2024, CCSU had the best offensive line in the NEC. Of their three all-NEC first team offensive linemen, though, two were listed as seniors and one as a junior. Another junior lineman was named all-NEC second team. With age and experience comes a high level of play, but it also signals the need to restock the offensive line room. Kyler will be counted on to do that.

Kyler is the 12th known commit in CCSU’s recruiting class and joins two other recruits from Western New York—E'Ryan Lawrence (Buffalo) and Jeremiah Tucker (Rochester), suggesting that the Blue Devils think highly of the area’s players.

LIU Adds Transfer Trey Watkins to Secondary

The LIU Sharks have bolstered their secondary with the addition of Trey Watkins, a 6'1", 185-pound defensive back from Rahway, N.J., who transferred from Lafayette. With two years of eligibility remaining—and a possibility for a third—Watkins can bring an immediate impact that lasts over several seasons.

For Watkins, the decision to join LIU was a natural one. "LIU felt like home from the moment I stepped on campus for my official," he shared. "Coach Cooper and the staff’s energy and expertise, combined with their vision for me and how my skillset fits into the program, made the decision an easy one."

Watkins joins LIU after three seasons at Lehigh, where he appeared in 11 games, including nine in 2023. His experience and intelligence on the field will be critical for a Sharks defense that struggled last season, allowing 19 passing touchdowns and nearly 28 points per game.

The need for reinforcements in the secondary is clear, especially with the graduation of Maurice Wilmer, who led the Sharks with two interceptions last year. LIU managed just three interceptions all season, with the third coming from standout linebacker DQ Watkins. While DQ shined, the secondary's lack of playmaking left the team vulnerable against the pass.

Watkins’ size, versatility, and hunger to contribute position him as a key addition to the Sharks' defensive plans. LIU’s decision to prioritize a player with a combination of talent and drive reflects strong self-scouting by the coaching staff. Watkins is expected to make an immediate impact as the Sharks aim to improve their defensive numbers and climb the NEC standings.

4 Star Transfer QB Visits Mercyhurst

The transfer portal continues to create ripples in college football, and the Mercyhurst Lakers are among the NEC programs capitalizing on its potential. On Thursday and Friday, Mercyhurst reached far to the west to try and bolster their squad for their first season of full NEC play. The Lakers hosted Class of 2023 quarterback Brayden Dorman, a former 4-star recruit from Arizona on a visit weekend. That visit also included former WVU offensive lineman Aiden Ellis, who has committed to Mercyhurst.

Dorman, who has three years of eligibility remaining, shared his thoughts on the visit:
“I really enjoyed it. I really like what Coach Sydeski had to say and what his plans for me were. I think their offense is explosive and an offense I can thrive in and be able to be developed by a program that believes in me.”

Dorman did not see game action during his time at Arizona, making this potential move a fresh start for the talented signal-caller. Mercyhurst’s high-powered offense has been a key attraction for recruits seeking to make an immediate impact. Adam Urena, Mercyhurst’s quarterback in 2024, posted a stat line of 31 TDs to 5 interceptions. This kind of production would be attractive to any quarterback.

Adding intrigue to the story is the offseason transfer of star Lakers wide receiver Cameron Barmore to Arizona. If Dorman were to commit to Mercyhurst, it would create a unique narrative—one player making his way to the desert while another arrives in Erie.

The Lakers, who are no strangers to finding diamonds in the portal and JUCO ranks, continue to position themselves as a top destination for players seeking development and opportunity. With Dorman’s interest piqued, Mercyhurst could be gearing up for an exciting 2025 season.