Arison Walker Ready for Freshman Season with Red Flash

In college football recruiting, decisions about where to play can be as strategic as the game itself. For Arison Walker, a standout defensive back from Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, the choice was clear: Saint Francis University.

And then the announcement came. Saint Francis would be transitioning to Division III, and Walker was suddenly left with a difficult decision: move on to somewhere else that wasn’t his dream school, or stick it out and play for the Red Flash with an uncertain future. Walker was a player we loved from the moment he signed on with Saint Francis, someone we discussed in considerable detail whenever we took a look through the announced signing class of over 50 student-athletes. And even in that crowded field, Walker stood out.

Walker's journey to Saint Francis began from the moment he connected with the program. "From the beginning, Coach Jacob Craig, my defensive coordinator, just made me feel love and at home," he recalled. It wasn’t just the football program that drew him in; it was the academic environment too. The small class sizes offered a chance to stand out in a way that mattered to him. "Going up to the school, seeing the campus, knowing that I would be someone that could be seen in the classroom, that I would be noticed." The coaches’ support sealed the deal. "The coaches showed a lot of love. So that also helped on my decision too," he added. Saint Francis, like the rest of the NEC, does allow athletes the opportunity to stand out and be noticed, even on the Division I stage.

But the path forward shifted unexpectedly when Saint Francis announced its move to Division III. Walker first caught wind of the change through the grapevine on social media. "I found out through somebody on social media. He was from Washington & Jefferson, and he sent me the email [that we would be playing against each other]," he said. In disbelief at first, he sought confirmation from a trusted source. "I ended up sending it to my coach and then he gave me a call and then that’s when I found out it was true," he explained, referring to Coach Craig. The news could have derailed his plans, but Walker approached it with the same measured thoughtfulness that resulted in his initial commitment.

Faced with this pivotal moment, Walker turned to the pillars of his life: faith and family. "Just a discussion with my parents and then also just praying on it. I’m a high believer of God and I believe certain things happen for a reason," he shared. "I trust Him. So I prayed on it and then I talked with my family and then we came to a decision that I was to stay at Saint Francis for one or two years."

The decision to commit with the idea of playing one or two years at Saint Francis isn’t one that Walker will be making alone in his class. He committed to play Division I ball; he has two years of scholarship opportunity to stand out at Saint Francis, and then, understandably, he hopes to continue to pursue his dreams of playing football at the highest level. "I do want to play ball… I just don’t want to give up on my dreams just like that. I don’t want it to end like that." With the transition from high school to college, he also plans to prioritize his education both on and off the field this coming season.

Readers familiar with Aliquippa won’t be surprised if Walker has a breakthrough season in year one. Aliquippa is a small town and an even smaller school district with a reputation for producing football talent at the Division I level- and beyond. He credited being from Aliquippa as a reason for his development through high school. Reflecting on his experience of being a Quip, he stated that the expectations placed on the program are a motivating factor for their success. "We were obviously held to a higher standard than everybody else. And I feel like it really prepares us for college."

Now, as he prepares for his freshman year, Walker’s goals are both ambitious and precise. "I’m coming not only to come in and start, but get better, be a better student of the game, get my education.” I came away from the conversation knowing that he’s eager to hit the ground running, and excited to see exactly what that looks like. "I’m trying to get on that field from the door and to do whatever I can, and to work hard.”

“Totally Blindsided”: Saint Francis Drops to D3

March 12th, 2025. 13 days ago.

Saint Francis had just knocked off the heavily favored Central Connecticut State Blue Devils on the road to win the NEC Tournament. The Red Flash were celebrated nationally, and “Nowheresville, PA” emerged as a brand. The Red Flash took that momentum to the NCAA Tournament, where they competed in the First Four. Despite leading for much of the game, they dropped a tough but hard fought decision to Alabama State. But despite the loss, the season was a clear success. Coach Krimmel had taken the Red Flash to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1991, and the Red Flash seemed to have a handle on the new, transfer-heavy direction in college sports.

13 days later, the school announced that it would no longer compete in Division I athletics.

Ratified by the university’s Board of Trustees in March, this shift marks a significant pivot for a program that has enjoyed notable athletic success recently. Aside from the NCAA Tournament berth, the team’s volleyball program had reached new heights and the Red Flash won the NEC in football (along with an FCS playoff berth) in 2022. They defeated FBS Kent State this past season.

However, subtle signs of unrest had already surfaced: on February 28th, former Athletic Director James Downer was quietly removed from the university’s website, replaced by long-time athletics administrator Jim Brazill. What followed was a decision that has left student-athletes, families, and alumni grappling with its fallout. All of the accounts we’ve received to this point have suggested that it was a decision made without the knowledge of coaches and most of the athletic department’s staff.

The university’s administration points to a strategic refocus on student well-being and academics as the driving force behind the decision. According to the Saint Francis Reclassification FAQ, “Rather than fighting against the headwinds and logistics that make being a small school in the NCAA Division I unsustainable, our Board of Trustees made the bold move to place our students’ academic success and well-being first.” 

Alumni Were Willing to Help Keep Saint Francis D1

But despite the difficulties of remaining in Division I as a small school, there were real attempts by alumni and supporters to help the Red Flash modernize- and compete.

Scott Meredith, a former Red Flash basketball player, had been rallying alumni to launch the Flash Fam Collective, an NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) initiative aimed at bolstering the men’s basketball program. “We were hoping to give these young men more reasons to stay and be developed the right way by Coach Krim,” Meredith said. “It was built to reflect everything SFU stands for—faith, academics, and leadership.” He envisioned a partnership where “NIL and the school could work side by side, and both sides could prosper and work hand in hand.”

However, the administration rebuffed these efforts. “We had some meetings with the administration and were told the final decision ultimately lies with the president and BOD around their stance on NIL,” Meredith recounted. “Their side never accepted our plans.” His surprise at the decision was tempered by an acknowledgment of its logic: “In the sense that I knew if nothing was done to help the MBB and Coach Krim, this is where things were headed because it’s hard to justify all of these expenses at the D1 level… but yes [I was surprised] in the sense that we were making our collective in a way that aligned with what we thought were Franciscan values.” 

It wasn’t the only time that we heard that the administration may not have been willing to adapt to the changes in Division I athletics. Meredith made sure to point out that the coaches and athletic department at Saint Francis had no issue with modernizing and accepting the role that NIL has in the modern game.

In other cases, alumni and fans felt that the offer to help save Division I athletics was never made to them.

Former Saint Francis men’s basketball player Tom Fox seemed to agree. His impassioned tweet captures the emotional toll of the decision and raises questions about the university’s communication with its community.

In his tweet, Fox wrote:

"Every single former SFC/SFU athlete would have certainly done what they could have financially had we known it would prevent us losing our D1 status, something all of us wear as a badge of honor. Instead the powers to be just went ahead and did what they did. Shameful."

Fox’s reference to Division I status as a “badge of honor” underscores the pride that alumni associate with the program’s history. More importantly, his assertion that former athletes “would have certainly done what they could have financially” is along the same lines as Meredith’s account.

Certainly, no public effort was made to raise funds or develop a strategic plan to keep the Red Flash in Division I. The announcement sent shockwaves around the Loretto community, but while alumni have expressed willingness to help Saint Francis compete in NIL or attempt to support them financially, it seems the option was never given to them.

The Human Toll of the Transition

For those directly affected, the announcement has been a seismic disruption. One student athlete expressed shock: “Totally blindsided! This recruiting season was rough for my class because of this settlement stuff and this just complicated it further.” A family member of a current athlete shared their grief and uncertainty about how to proceed: “We are talking about it as a family… but we are devastated to say the least.”

One recruit’s story makes clear what was lost in this transition: “I’m currently committed to SFU and we just heard about it today from email. Our coaches still haven’t said anything… I’m going to decommit and it sucks because almost all my options are closed. I had multiple other Division I choices and they’re all gone because people filled the spots.” These voices underscore the personal cost of a decision made at the institutional level, and the damaging effect on signees who learned about the decision in March, long after the early and late signing day periods.

Football reported signing over 50 student athletes this offseason. Each one signed on anticipating to play in the NEC and Division I. Now, they’ll get just one season to do so, and the other opportunities that many had presented to them are no longer available. Many had the chance to pursue a 4 year scholarship elsewhere.

We’ve received reports that the coaches and much of the athletic department were caught blindsided by the information. While we’ve been able to confirm that recruits were not told about the possibility of the athletic department transitioning to Division III during the recruiting and signing process, the impression we’ve gotten is that the coaches simply weren’t aware.

As Saint Francis University (SFU) transitions from NCAA Division I to Division III, athletic scholarships for both current and incoming student-athletes will undergo significant changes. For students enrolled in the 2024-2025 academic year who receive athletic scholarships and plan to return for 2025-2026, their scholarships are guaranteed through the 2027-2028 academic year. Incoming students in the Class of 2025 with signed scholarship agreements will have their scholarships honored for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years. It’s a significant step down for the athletes at Saint Francis, many of whom had counted on their athletic participation to carry them through a 4 year degree. Now, that option is no longer available.

Many have remarked that a key differentiator for Saint Francis from surrounding schools was that they played Division I athletics. Others have stated that Red Flash athletes make up 40% or more students on campus (a number that we were unable to independently verify prior to publication). In any case, Division I athletics are a key part of the identity of Saint Francis. It’s reasonable to assume that the student body will look much different with the reclassification to Division III. In exactly what way is yet to be seen.

What Lies Ahead?

The transition to Division III is final, with the administration announcing that they will join the President’s Athletic Conference. It’s another sign that this has been in the works for some time, as decisions to join athletic conferences are never made quickly. In the PAC, the Red Flash will compete against the likes of Chatham, Thiel, and Grove City rather than Duquesne, Long Island, and Robert Morris. There will also no longer be opportunities to play against FBS schools like Kent State.

As smaller schools nationwide face similar pressures—rising costs, evolving NIL landscapes, and logistical burdens—this move could set a precedent. For now, the Red Flash community must navigate a period of adjustment, balancing pride in past achievements with uncertainty about the future.

All-time NEC receptions leader Mike Caputo thinks so. Reacting to the news of his alma mater dropping to Division III, Caputo said, “As a football alum, and hall of fame inductee the news is sad and unfortunate. But I do understand the economics of college athletics and it’s probably the right decision,” he said. His perspective carries weight, reflecting both his deep emotional connection to the university and a pragmatic acknowledgment of the financial pressures shaping college sports. He went further, suggesting a broader trend: “I believe many more low D1 schools will eventually have to make a move as well.”

We’ve left a message with the line Saint Francis has pointed to in its FAQ and at this early time have not yet received a response. As this was a university decision, the athletic department is unable to comment on the situation.

This is a developing story and our website will be updated accordingly.

Markell Holman Remains With Red Flash

The transfer portal is rarely a kind place, but this winter one of Saint Francis’s leading players entered the portal—and chose to return to Loretto.

Markell Holman's decision to remain with the Red Flash is a major boost for the offense heading into the 2025 season. After entering the portal in December and receiving an offer from Morgan State, Holman ultimately chose to stay at Saint Francis. In today’s college football landscape, outcomes like this are far from guaranteed. Players often leave, and if the demand doesn’t meet their expectations, they can find themselves without a program to return to. Many schools aren’t willing to reopen the door for players who explore the transfer market. But in this case, the mutual benefit must have been clear—the Red Flash saw Holman as a critical piece of their plans and an outstanding running back, and Holman recognized that his best opportunity was in Loretto.

Holman, a junior halfback, will be expected to take on a leadership role for the offense. In 2024, he showcased his ability by rushing for 578 yards and scoring six touchdowns. With his dynamic playmaking ability, Holman is poised to be a critical component of a Red Flash squad that has emphasized development and staying competitive despite roster turnover.

The NEC is a great place to watch elite running backs. It’s a league that features CCSU’s Elijah Howard and Duquesne’s JaMario Clements. They’ll be first team everywhere, but in 2025, expect Holman to be right on their heels. His proven performance will likely earn him strong consideration for preseason All-NEC honors. Any outlet that offers a first and second team will almost certainly be including him on their list.

The Red Flash, who have embraced a "next man up" mentality amid player movement, have managed to hold on to one of their best. Now, they’ll look to Holman to help lead them to a third conference title.

Red Flash’s Home Opener Features NFL Star Power

A big-time early-season showdown is set for September 20, 2025, as Delaware State travels to Loretto for a highly anticipated matchup against Saint Francis. This game marks the return leg of their 2024 contest, where the Red Flash pulled off a thrilling comeback victory over the Hornets. That game saw Saint Francis erase a 17-6 deficit in the fourth quarter with three unanswered touchdowns, including a pair of explosive runs from Markell Holman to seal the win.

After a 2024 season that included a statement win over FBS Kent State, Saint Francis enters this matchup with a deep recruiting class and a program built on developing regional talent, aiming to carry that momentum forward. Delaware State, meanwhile, is making headlines with a fresh coaching staff led by former NFL star DeSean Jackson. This will be Jackson’s first year as a head coach at the HBCU program, adding an extra layer to this matchup.

Jackson’s coaching staff includes another former NFL standout, Clinton Portis, who takes over as the Hornets’ running backs coach and run game coordinator. For Saint Francis, this game against Delaware State will be a significant early-season test, especially with the added star power on the Delaware State sideline.

The presence of Jackson and Portis ensures that this game will draw attention from across the college football world. With Delaware State aiming to establish a new identity under Jackson, you can expect an intense battle with both sides playing with some added motivation. Delaware State will be hoping to prove that they’re a different program with their new staff, while Saint Francis- along with many other programs- will be hoping to give the former NFL star their best shot.

NEC Blitz is excited to announce that we’ll be on-site to cover this marquee matchup. Expect in-depth coverage, exclusive insights, and real-time updates from Loretto as these two programs collide in a high-profile early-season showdown.