NEC Football Preview and Predictions 2025: “The NEC is a Funny Thing.”
We’re going to try and provide predictions for the order of finish in this preview, but as a sitting NEC head coach once told me, “The NEC is a funny thing.” It was the first interview I’d ever done as a media member covering the league, and for the time I’ve been covering it has been a repeated statement I’ve made, most obviously when Central Connecticut State- picked last in 2024- won the league and challenged Rhode Island on the road in the first round of the playoffs.
If you bought the magazine, please don’t worry- this is more of a primer on the season than the full blown deep dive you’re enjoying as a reader. However, I noticed some errors in other previews and felt a set of corrections was necessary as a result. The league is kind of hard to follow casually; if you’re not embedded in it, you’ll miss transfers and graduations. It’s part of what makes it so much fun.
1. Duquesne
CCSU was picked first in the coaches preseason poll, but in our NEC preview magazine we picked Duquesne first after the meticulous research and coach interviews we conducted with the schools over the offseason. There’s just very few questions with Duquesne. We wondered about the QB situation with the graduation of Darius Perrantes- easily the best QB in the league last year and the likely Offensive Player of the Year prior to a poor performance in the season finale in a loss to CCSU- but the Dukes were able to reload here. Ty Riddell, a former SoCon champion, joins the team as a heavily experienced transfer. The Dukes lost RB JaMario Clements in the transfer portal to the P4 at Wake Forest, but they’ve got Taj Butts and Offensive Rookie of the Year Shawn Solomon available. It barely matters who has the rock, though, because they return 5 linemen with significant starting experience and will ave the best offensive line in the league without question. On the DL, they return A.J. Ackerman and Jack Dunkley. We have two all-NEC Blitz first teamers on the back end with Antonio Epps and DJ Cerisier. We had some questions at linebacker, but transfer Tyson Meiguez has gotten rave reviews and the Dukes should be favored in every NEC game this season.
2. CCSU
The defending champions were picked first by the coaches, but they’re actually something of a wildcard. They return Offensive Player of the Year Elijah Howard, so the offense should still be potent. They’ve actually added here as well, with WR Donovan Wadley transferring in from Merrimack. Wadley is the former NEC Offensive Player of the Year from 2023, so the Blue Devils now have the past two OPOYS in the year at QB Brady Olsen’s disposal. Olsen is solid and experienced, even if he’s not in the conversation for the best QB in the league. The real trouble for the Blue Devils is what they’ve lost in the trenches, with most of their vaunted OL graduating or transferring- it was easily the best in the league last season and a huge part of their success. The issue is only compounded by OL coach Jeff Ambrosie departing for Syracuse. They’ve also lost the two leading pass rushers on the defensive line and their prduction will be difficult to replace even with Derek Berlitz coming in from WVU. Christopher Jean in the secondary was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024, and the linebacker corps is led by Jack Stoll, but this is still a unit that has to replace Defensive Player of the Year Kimal Clark although they added a ton of transfer depth to try and do that. It’s hard to know what the Blue Devils will be without the same line play as they enjoyed last year, and they did benefit from a lot of bounces their way last season. I have them at second, but this is a competitive league and close losses could easily be coming their way if they lose some of their turnover production.
3. LIIU
The Sharks are likely going to become a bigger force in the league moving forward as the program opted in to revenue sharing- one of 3 NEC football squads to do so. They return all purpose threat Ethan Greenwood, rushed and threw for over 900 yards last season despite earning the starting job midway through the year. The Sharks were historically unlucky last season, losing close games to open 0-6. Greenwood took the reigns and the team led in the rest of their games in the 4th quarter and went 4-2. They’ll still use two QBs this season and run the most unique and unconventional offense in the NECC. They’re difficult to prepare for and talented, but will have a lot of new starters. They lost 4 OL this offseason to the FBS- OL coach Ian Pace does a tremendous job here and recruits as well as he coaches. On the defensive side of the ball, DQ Watkins, Rafael Fasolino, and Todd Bowels are all returning players that we love at each level (Edge, LB, DB respectively). The Sharks might actually surprise people on defense this season and with Ethan Greenwood as the most dynamic player in the NEC, they’ll challenge for the title.
4. Stonehill
Stonehill?! Everyone else has them picked 8th, including the league Coaches Poll. I like Stonehill because my philosophy has always been that the most important metric in college football- and particularly in the transfer era- is returning production and continuity. The Skyhawks have more of that than anyone else in the NEC. The trouble is that they had a poor showing last year with only one win. The coaching staff responded by changing things up in the offseason, revamping the strength and conditioning program and accordingly the Skyhawks set over half of their 30 strength records they track this offseason. Charles Battaglia at LB and Mo Seide at DB lead what should be a much improved defense- probably by more than a touchdown per game. The offense returns two solid RBs and WR Brigham Dunphy, but the QB situation took the entire season in 2024 to resolve. Hopefully, this is now settled with Jack O’Connell, and if so Stonehill will have a big turnaround. It’s also worth noting that they’ve defeated Duquesne 2 of the last 3 years.
5. RMU
RMU is the wildcard this season. They were hit harder by coaching turnover (including two coaches in the past month) and the transfer portal than anyone. Noah Robinson, the star WR and engine of this offense, transferred to Tennessee Tech and was the biggest loss, but they lost effectively the entire RB room and QB Anthony Chiccit to Temple. The OL was injured in spring and didn’t get as much work as you’d hope. Defensively, they lost some of the best players in the NEC and will have to rebuild at almost every position. Acrobatic viral sensation Rob Carter Jr. graduated and is currently in the CFL. RMU is skilled at building through the portal and has done it at a scholarship disadvantage in the Big South-OVC before, but this might be a down year with the coaching turnover getting settled still.
6. Wagner
The Seahawks should be improved in 2025 but face a logjam ahead of them. They’ll be running two quarterbacks out on the field against Kansas (that’s Jordan Barton and Jack Stevens) and will have to decide between young potential and JUCO experience at the position. WR Jaylen Bonelli departed in the portal, but Terree McDonald should be able to step into the lead receiver role. Brady Anderson anchors the offensive line and Logan Barnes will be a force on the defensive line. It’s not really a question of if Wagner has improved- they’re more talented and deeper offensively than they’ve been since Coach Masella began rebuilding his alma mater- but they may have been hit harder in the transfer portal over the years then you’d like to see from a contender. They’re capable of surprising anyone, though.
7. Saint Francis
This is Saint Francis’s last season in the NEC before they drop to Division III and the PAC, which does include perennial powers like Grove City and especially Carnegie Mellon, which they’ll have to find a way to recruit successfully against when they’re at the same level. Coach Villarial is one of the best to ever coach in the NEC, and they’ve only lost the usual amount of production that they go through every offseason. We should note here that Markell Holman has departed in the transfer portal despite some reporting to the contrary and Andrew Vines, a DB, was listed at RB in the spring and may be switching positions this season. The Red Flash will lean on three QBs with starting experience, an experienced OL, and Geno Calgaro and Trey McLeer on defense (LB and DB respectively). The Red Flash always seem to have players ready to step into the voids filled by transferring players, but it’s hard to know what to expect with the talent dropoff they’ll likely start to experience with the transition down to D3.
8. Mercyhurst
The Lakers have begun to build a Division I caliber program after their transition from the PSAC. They return the best QB in the NEC, Adam Urena, RB Brian Trobel, and an experienced WR corps including Rylan Davison and Adam’s brother, Austin Urena. The issue for the Lakers is that they’re replacing an OL and good DL, including Camden White. While they return a lot in the receiving room, WR Cameron Barmore transferred into the Big 12 with Arizona where he’ll play tight end. Barmore is a legit pro prospect and a big loss for the Lakers. When you have a quarterback, you have a chance, but the Lakers are still building up to the level of the rest of the conference.
PREVIEW: Duquesne at Pitt, Week 1, 2025
For decades, “The City Game” was a basketball tradition, drawing Pittsburgh together each winter. Brother against brother! Judge against doctor! Everyone in the city knew what the game was, and many flocked to the Civic Arena for it every year. The hardwood rivalry may have gone quiet, but the football field is ready to carry the torch. It’s still lawyer against nurse—only this time, Duquesne and Pitt will collide on the gridiron. As a Yinzer myself, there is nothing more meaningful to me than talking about football in Pittsburgh- and, frankly, this is what college football is all about when it’s at its best. In a way, I’ve been waiting for this game to be played on turf ever since I started watching football religiously, over 30 years ago.
And as the publisher of NEC Blitz, let me just say it: this is it. It’s August. We’re writing about football games again. I’m so happy. But anyway, on with the game preview.
Pitt comes in with national firepower. Two All-Americans: Desmond Reid, who can play anywhere but will hurt you most at running back, and linebacker Kyle Louis, the face of their defense. The Panthers even snuck into the “others receiving votes” section of the AP poll (I understand it was one voter in Louisiana). But this is still a team licking its wounds after a brutal 0–6 slide to close 2024, so expectations are tempered.
Not even nearly across the entire city in Uptown, Duquesne’s no pushover. The Dukes received FCS Top 25 votes and landed eight players on the preseason All-NEC Blitz first team. Wideout Joey Isabella and DB Antonio Epps are names you’ll hear often this season, but it’s their line play that gives them a real chance to make this interesting. Defensive lineman Jack Dunkley (my pick for NEC Defensive Player of the Year) anchors a front that can cause trouble for anybody, even an ACC program. This is a team that won a lot of games last season and has something to prove with the way the year came to an end.
We do think this one is going to go a little differently than most warm-up games. Most FCS vs. P4 games are decided by raw talent. This one looks like it’s more about the experience and familiarity in the trenches. Pitt’s offensive line struggled mightily in pass protection last year, which is why they pored through the transfer portal for reinforcements. They brought in an all-AAC player in Kendall Stanley (Charlotte), a Michigan transfer in Jeff Persi, and they return three starters including Ryan Baer. The things we’re hearing out of camp (especially out of Baer) are all positive. But on snap one in August, they’ve got to block A.J. Ackerman and Dunkley. The usual argument here is easy: Ackerman and Dunkley are good, sure, but they’re good in the NEC.
Here’s the thing: there are no “FCS” or “P4” stamps on foreheads. Sometimes you can play, sometimes you can’t. And Duquesne’s front can play on either side of the ball.
On the offensive side, Duquesne’s offensive line is loaded with veterans like Brian Beidatsch Jr. and Michael Falla, which means Pitt’s pass rush won’t just tee off. Quarterback Ty Riddell (who seems to have been in college since the Civic Arena was still standing) has the experience to handle the moment. But he’ll have to deal with Pitt’s linebackers, the “Sharks,” who are the best linebacker room the NEC will see all season. They hit, they cover, and they love to bait quarterbacks into mistakes. A pick-six is a relatively safe bet against this group. That doesn’t mean the running game is favorable for the Dukes. Taj Butts and Shawn Solomon will be good players, but the Dukes can’t just plug in anybody to take the place of JaMario Clements (Wake Forest). They’ll have success on the ground this year, but Pitt’s a hard place to start learning how to run the ball again.
Then there’s the secondary. If you’ve watched a Pat Narduzzi defense, you know how well it runs when the corners are elite. Pitt doesn’t have lockdown guys this year, but they’ve got experience in Rashad Battle and Tamon Lynum. That leads me to believe that even with the sometimes “all-or-nothing” coverage this defense can play, Isabella won’t have an easy time getting downfield. Noah Canty, who is returning from injury, has to start his comeback effort by trying to find space against Pitt’s linebackers and safeties. The Panthers always seem to have an all-league guy at safety, so the names don’t really matter at this point. They’ll have talent and depth here.
If Pitt’s rebuilt OL comes out strong and gelled together, this probably goes how the point spread thinks it will. But if they’re shaky, this turns into the worst-case scenario for a Power Four program in this kind of a game: a slog. You go into these games as a fan expecting the favorite to pull away, but when it’s slow going it never happens. Suddenly it’s the fourth quarter, the underdog is still standing, and everyone starts to sweat.
And don’t forget the local angle. Plenty of Dukes grew up dreaming of Pitt, never got the call, and now wear red and blue instead of blue and gold. They’re full-fledged Dukes, but you don’t think that adds a little extra edge? That’s worth a couple points right there.
Now, the reality check. Last year, Duquesne went up to Boston College and got run off the field 56–0, down 42 at halftime. That’s what usually happens in these games. But this isn’t Chestnut Hill. This is going to be in Pittsburgh. There’s going to be a big, neutral-ish crowd- much more neutral than these games usually have. A city rivalry with history. Emotion in the air.
The Panthers are favored, no question. They’ve got more raw talent. But if Duquesne’s lines hold up, if Riddell stays upright, and if the Dukes hang around long enough to make Pitt nervous…. well, then the City Game might just remind this town why it should have never gone away in the first place.
In Your House: The NEC Blitz Road Trips in 2025
NEC Blitz is heading to three NEC football games this season- well, so far. We’ll still be bringing you the weekly coverage you’ve come to expect in 2025, but these on-campus matchups are something special. It’s the fans, the atmosphere- you know, the kind of thing that makes college football the greatest sport in the world. And nothing beats on-site reporting for capturing the feel of what’s happening on the field.
First stop: Duquesne at Pitt. This rivalry has been dormant since the late 1930s, but “The City Game” might be the NEC’s best shot ever at knocking off a P4 team. Duquesne looks scary good, and Pitt will be breaking in some new pieces. We’re expecting 40,000 screaming Yinzers at Acrisure Stadium, split between blue and gold and red and blue. I can’t wait for this one. The press box means no cheering, but as a Pitt alum covering an NEC team, maybe it’s for the best. I’m not sure I’d know who to root for anyway.
Next up: Mercyhurst vs. New Haven in Erie, PA. This marks the first-ever NEC matchup for the newly D1 Chargers, who (despite being ineligible for the conference title in 2025) will still be playing at a higher level than ever before. New Haven’s been a D2 powerhouse, and while they’ve lost key seniors from 2024 and are rolling with an interim head coach, they’re still dangerous. We can’t wait to see Adam Urena and the Lakers test themselves against the NEC’s newest contender.
Finally: CCSU at RMU. How could we skip it? This is the rematch of 2024’s “Game of the Year,” where CCSU stunned RMU in overtime, sealing the win on a two-point conversion that ricocheted off a lineman’s helmet into a receiver’s hands. Will we get that kind of drama again? Who knows. But we do know the Colonials will be out for revenge, and that alone makes it must-see football.
NEC Releases Coaches Poll
The official NEC Coaches Poll just dropped.
I’m always the first to say it- those guys are the experts, not me. But football is fun, and so are friendly disagreements. Let’s compare the coaches poll and our rankings and then dive into four places where our opinions differ.
2025 NEC Preseason Coaches Poll
CCSU (5)
Duquesne (2)
Robert Morris (1)
LIUWagner
Saint Francis U
Mercyhurst
Stonehill
And here’s how we see it:
NEC Blitz Rankings
Duquesne
CCSU
LIU
Stonehill
RMU
Wagner
Saint Francis U
Mercyhurst
Let’s get to the meat of it.
1. Duquesne at #1?
We like the Dukes to be at the top of the conference, while the coaches picked them at second with two first place votes. The Dukes feel that they have five starting offensive linemen are back. That alone should send a message. Jack Dunkley and A.J. Ackerman return up front on defense, and on the back end, DJ Cerisier and Antonio Epps keep things locked. Add in Joey Isabella at wideout and Taj Butts in the backfield? There are questions for the Dukes, but there are a lot more answers than unknowns.
We had a lot of questions about the linebackers heading into practices this summer, but word out of camp is clear: they’ve reloaded at that spot and will be just fine. Duquesne is the most complete team on paper and deserves the top spot.
2. CCSU: Still Dangerous, Still Some Holes
CCSU deserves their place among the league’s elite, and we like them as a close second place, while the coaches have them favored to repeat. Donovan Wadley’s arrival bolsters the receiver corps, and there’s transfer talent across the board, especially in the secondary to replace Kimal Clark. Elijah Howard remains the best offensive player in the league until proven otherwise, and there’s a good stable of backs behind in for depth.
But replacing most of that offensive line and the OL coach? That’s not a small thing. On the defensive front, Jalen Howard and Dan Toatley are gone. Those are huge losses. While there’s a lot of solid talent we’ve heard great things from coming in, the Blue Devils still have to find a way to replace the NEC Defensive Player of the Year, and while Christopher Jean is a good answer, it’s still a big question. Derek Berlitz is a great get from WVU, but CCSU has more to replace than people realize.
3. Stonehill Deserves More Respect
This was the real head-scratcher. Last in the coaches poll? I guess I get it, but if you look past the record there’s some good things here. Stonehill returns a lot of pieces, and that matters in a conference with razor-thin margins. The Skyhawks had a great offseason in the weight room, and they showed fight last year even against the league's top teams. They’ve got a shot to open up at 1-0 against Sacred Heart, and doing that might be enough to give them the confidence to find their way through league play. On one hand, I think I might be a year early on sounding the alarm for the Skyhawks. On the other hand, as a head coach in this league once told me: The NEC is a funny thing.
They might not win the league, but they’re a long way from the bottom.
4. RMU: One Big Mystery
We’re all for bold picks, but a first-place vote for Robert Morris? It’s hard to know what team you’re voting for. Coaching turnover, roster overhaul, and a rebuilt skill position group make this team a big question mark. RMU has experience reloading through the transfer portal and it’s certainly within the realm of possibility that they’ll be in the top tier of the league, with the RMU vs. Duquesne game at Joe Walton determining the fate of the league. It’s possible, but it’s so hard to work out where the standouts for the Colonials are with all of the big losses. Players always step up, but I’m hesitating until I get more information.
They’ll be very strong on defense again with Coach Makrinos becoming the new defensive coordinator, but they’re breaking in new backs, receivers, and a tight end. There's talent in the DB room and at linebacker, but far too many unknowns to justify a top-3 spot.
Bonus: Stop Snubbing Urena
We get it. Picking preseason awards is tough. But once again, the league has opted to not name Adam Urena to the all-NEC team. That’s a mistake that’s going to age badly. You’ve just given one of the NEC’s top returning signal-callers a giant chip on his shoulder. Best of luck with that.
The season can’t get here fast enough.
RMU Lands First 2026 Commit, Russell Holmes Jr.
Robert Morris just kicked off its 2026 recruiting class. And the first commit for 2026 was also the first RMU commit for Coach Derrick Nsubuga.
That’s a big kickoff.
Russell Holmes Jr. is a 6’1”, 215-pound edge threat out of Lansdale Catholic (PA), who locked in his D1 future with the Colonials after an offer he couldn’t refuse. Holmes had interest elsewhere. Wheeling University offered, and he made the rounds on the local camp circuit, with the expectation that more opportunities will or would have come. Those phone calls will probably still arrive, but this past week RMU sealed the deal with the Keystone State standout.
From the jump, Holmes says Coach Zoo- that is, Coach Nsubuga- was relentless. “Coach Zoo stayed in contact the most throughout the whole process,” Holmes told NEC Blitz. “I came out to camp in late June, their last camp of the year. I knew I had to ball out- and I did. That led to more recruiting attention and eventually the offer.”
That offer moment? Pure cinema. And the pun is very much intended.
“We had just gotten into Coach Zoo’s office for a presentation,” Holmes said. “There was a picture on the projector of me and two other guys visiting. He said he’s trying to build the Avengers and that we’re the three guys he needed. Then he told us the other two were offered- ‘and now you, Russ, have received an offer from Robert Morris University. Clap it up for him.’ Everyone in the room clapped. It was a great moment to experience.”
Coach Zoo arrived this offseason from Utah State, where he served as a graduate assistant. The Colonials faced a lot of turnover this offseason both on the field and on the sidelines. There’s a ton of new faces out in Moon Township with the expectation that there will also be a new special teams coach, as the Colonials will lose Bart Tanski to Kent State. Of those coaches, people in the know have repeatedly brought up Coach Zoo to us as a recruiter and a high energy presence in the offices. It really feels like the Colonials unearthed a diamond here.
As for Holmes, RMU gets a versatile outside linebacker/defensive end hybrid who patterns his game after the likes of Nolan Smith, Haason Reddick, Dylan Stewart, and Collin Simmons. Fast, physical, disruptive—he’s coming to get quarterbacks.
His visit to campus sealed it: “There was just so much love and support from the coaching staff and players. I enjoyed the facilities, the environment- it just felt like the right fit.”
The 2026 class will continue to be built up until the opening whistle of the season. But it’s a good feeling to get on the board, and with Holmes, the Colonials have done just that.
New Haven is on the Board for 2026 with Garrison Heslop
The New Haven Chargers are officially on the board for 2026, and they didn’t have to look any further than their own back yard to land their first pledge. Garrison “G-Money” Heslop, a 6’2”, 170-pound defensive back from nearby West Haven, CT, has become the first player to commit to New Haven for 2026- the season that the program will officially make its move to the NEC in football. And he knows exactly what that milestone means.
“Knowing that the Chargers are moving to Division 1 and that I’ll be eligible to compete for a conference title as a freshman was a huge factor,” Heslop told NEC Blitz. “I want to be part of a program that’s not only competitive but also making big moves and growing. The opportunity to play D1 football right away, and be part of something special from the beginning, really stood out to me.” Heslop is right about what he’ll be competing for. While the FCS playoff spot is ineligible to transitioning programs- at least, for now- there is no rule against hanging banners as a transitioning team. The Chargers will have every chance to do that in 2026 when they play their first full league slate.
While Heslop’s commitment marks a symbolic first for the new-look Chargers, it also speaks to the trust he’s built with the coaching staff. We asked about relationships that stood out to him, and he pointed out the one he’s built with a coach on the other side of the ball in offensive line coach Adrian Burnori.
“Coach Brunori was a great influence,” Heslop said. “He helped me during the recruiting process and he’s the one that offered me.”
For now, the plan is for Heslop to line up at cornerback, though his versatility could lead to reps at other spots in the secondary.
“Corner is my main position, but I definitely feel that I can bring more to the table and play safety or nickel,” he said. “But for now, CB is what I’m being recruited for.”
New Haven’s jump to Division I play signals a new era for the program, and Heslop’s commitment is a sign they’re already building it with intention. He's not just a key get. He's the first.
NEC Blitz Unveils Our 2025 All-NEC First and Second Teams
PITTSBURGH, PA – NEC Blitz is proud to release our inaugural 2025 Preseason All-NEC Football Teams, showcasing the league’s top players. Featured in the NEC Blitz 2025 magazine, this elite lineup previews the Northeast Conference season, providing a watchlist for fans and analysts. Both magazine cover athletes, Adam Urena and Zaon Laney, are featured on the first team.
2025 Preseason All-NEC Team:
First Team Offense:
QB: Adam Urena (Mercyhurst)
RB: Elijah Howard (CCSU)
RB: Zaon Laney (New Haven)
WR: Joey Isabella (Duquesne)
WR: Donovan Wadley (CCSU)
TE: Noah Canty (Duquesne)
OL: Brian Beidatsch Jr (Duquesne)
OL: Michael Fallah (Duquesne)
OL: Donnie Hardin (LIU)
OL: Isaiah DeLoatch (CCSU)
OL: Brady Anderson (Wagner)
Second Team Offense:
QB: Ethan Greenwood (LIU)
RB: Brian Trobel (Mercyhurst)
RB: Taj Butts (Duquesne)
WR: Teree McDonald (Wagner)
WR: Brigham Dunphy (Stonehill)
WR: Rylan Davison (Mercyhurst)
OL: Cameron McLaurin (Duquesne)
OL: AlecZander McCoy (CCSU)
OL: Mofe Adewole (RMU)
OL: Gary Satterwhite III (Duquesne)
OL: Connor Van Tassell (Saint Francis)
First Team Defense:
DL: A.J. Ackerman (Duquesne)
DL: Jack Dunkley (Duquesne)
DL: DQ Watkins (LIU)
DL: Logan Barnes (Wagner)
LB: Geno Calgaro (Saint Francis)
LB: Charles Battaglia (Stonehill)
LB: Malachi Wright (CCSU)
DB: DJ Cerisier (Duquesne)
DB: Christopher Jean (CCSU)
DB: Antonio Epps (Duquesne)
DB: Mo Seide (Stonehill)
Second Team Defense:
DL: Sharod Watkins (CCSU)
DL: PJ Williams (Stonehill)
DL: Jonas King (Mercyhurst)
DL: Zack Athy (Stonehill)
LB: Rafael Fasolino (LIU)
LB: Jack Stoll (CCSU)
LB: Jordan Nelson (RMU)
DB: Trey McLeer (Saint Francis)
DB: Dylan Merrell (LIU)
DB: Jordan Irvine (Stonehill)
DB: Todd Bowles Jr. (LIU)
First Team Special Teams:
K: Jayson Jenkins (RMU)
P: Will Lynch (LIU)
AP: Ethan Greenwood (LIU)
Selected by NEC Blitz, this team predicts 2025 potential, including New Haven’s FCS transition with Zaon Laney. Full analysis of the schools and players is in the NEC Blitz 2025 magazine, available at NECBlitz.com and Amazon.com.
Follow @NECBlitz on Twitter for season updates and join the NEC conversation.
LIU Lands 4th OL from NJ
Stop me if I’ve written this article before.
It sure feels familiar. LIU landing a commitment from an offensive lineman in New Jersey? We haven’t discussed this before?
We have. But it’s never a bad time to check in with what the Sharks are doing in the trenches.
Shaheem Dezonie, a 6-foot-3, 315-pound offensive lineman out of East Orange, New Jersey, has committed to LIU—becoming the fifth member of their 2025 class, and yes, the fifth offensive lineman.
That’s not a coincidence. It’s a signal.
LIU has found an identity in developing players in the trenches, and the momentum is clearly building. Dezonie said what drew him in was the way the coaching staff connected with him early and consistently.
“The thing that made LIU the place for me was the culture and the coach,” Dezonie said. “From day one the coach [was] talking with me and helping me with any questions I had, showing that they really wanted a person like me to play for them.”
For Dezonie, it wasn’t just football. It was familiarity. LIU’s program culture reminded him of the structure and support he experiences at home in East Orange.
“The culture they had there was similar to what I do now with my family over here in East Orange.”
And for players from Jersey- where the football is competitive and the athletes are typically well-prepared- Dezonie’s size and foundation make him a natural fit for LIU’s vision up front. He also singled out two coaches he’s built relationships with: Coach Pace and Coach Merritt (defensive ends/recruiting), underscoring the cross-unit buy-in that likely made LIU’s pitch even stronger.
LIU has now secured pledges from a complete offensive line unit before the first snap of football has been played in 2025. Four of those players hail from New Jersey, and one is from the Empire State. In the NEC, development is how you play high level ball. The Sharks clearly see something they like from athletes in their backyard, and the feeling is obviously mutual. They’ve got the line of the future already set to come to Long Island next fall. It’s strong work from the Sharks early on, who have the most commitments in the NEC to this point.
There’s still a long way to go before National Signing Day, but with five OL commits and counting, LIU is making a clear statement: the path forward starts in the trenches.
Derion “Dash” Johnson Picks Stonehill Over the Sun Belt
They’re digging deep in Shovel Town. The second commitment in their 2026 recruiting class proves that Stonehill is able to compete with anyone on the recruiting trail. When you’ve got as much going for you as the Skyhawks do, maybe that’s not so surprising.
Derion “Dash” Johnson, a 5’11”, 220-pound linebacker out of Paramus, New Jersey, chose the Skyhawks over an FBS offer from Southern Miss. That’s not a typo. Stonehill secured a pledge from a Sun Belt-caliber athlete who could have taken the scholarship, taken the branding, and called it a day. But Johnson made it clear: this was about more than just level. NEC Blitz had the opportunity to catch up with Johnson to talk about what drew him to Stonehill and away from the Sun Belt.
“First and foremost,” Johnson told us, “it’s elite private school education and elite football. Best of both worlds.” Indeed. It’s a common misconception that recruiting comes down to- or should come down to- the biggest offer and the biggest brand. A college is a lifetime decision, though, even in today’s era. In many cases, your college choice is why you’re reading our articles.
Stonehill’s staff clearly made a lasting impression. Johnson singled out Coach Kyle Jones for his energy during individual periods and his connection with Head Coach Eli Gardner. His review is a positive one: “I see myself striving in this program.”
And when it came down to making a decision, it wasn’t a hard sell. “Stonehill just made me feel wanted,” Johnson said. “That’s what stood out.”
Johnson’s versatility certainly gives Stonehill options. He’s a do it all linebacker who can play inside the box or come off the edge. The Skyhawks are a program that’s shown some strong development on defense over the past two seasons, particularly with all-NEC Blitz First Team LB Charles Battaglia. It’s always a good thing when a coordinator (also the linebackers coach) can point to a young player and show a potential addition what he could be, and who he could play like with some seasoning.
It’s obvious- we’re excited about Johnson in part because of the opportunity he turned down to commit to Stonehill. That’s for the fans and the media, though. For Stonehill, winning this recruitment isn’t just about checking a box. It’s a statement about who they are and who they plan to be in the coming years.
Sharks Swarm the Jersey Shore: 4th LIU Commit is Ethan Muller
The early theme of LIU’s 2025 recruiting class? Big men up front. Ethan Muller has become the fourth offensive lineman to commit to the Sharks. Notably, he’s also the fourth overall commit for the program so far.
The Sharks are nothing if not consistent.
Muller, a 6'2", 300-pound lineman out of Hammonton, New Jersey, is the third Garden State native in LIU's current class. With another commit hailing from New York, it’s clear that the Sharks are doubling down on local recruiting early in this cycle. And given the steady rise of New York-area football in recent years- and New Jersey’s long-standing reputation for competitive high school ball- well, it’s a strategy that makes a lot of sense. Certainly, we’ve always been impressed with the toughness you get from athletes up here.
Muller said LIU “just felt like home,” pointing to the energy and vibe of the program as a deciding factor. “The coaches and players matched the energy I wanted in a team. I always dreamed of going D1 and now it happened. Only thing left to do from here is to ball out,” he told NEC Blitz.
Thank goodness that he’s done plenty of that before.
One relationship in particular helped seal the deal. Muller has built a close connection with offensive line coach Ian Pace, who has played a major role in helping LIU become an offensive line pipeline. We’ve mentioned before that no one really wants to be an offensive line pipeline, but having a reputation for developing good offensive linemen and enjoying them for a few years before they move on? Well, there are worse fates. And after sending four offensive linemen up to the FBS level last season, LIU is clearly committed to keeping that momentum going. Muller looks to be yet another key piece in that continued effort.
For a program that’s seen success in developing linemen and helping them move on to bigger stages, the mission is clear: replenish, retool, and keep building up front. With Ethan Muller, they’ve added another piece to that blueprint.
The Sharks want to keep swimming with the big fish in the NEC. And you win in the trenches. If they can keep doing that, it’s only a matter of time before they’re still in the water at the end of November.
LIU’s Going to Need a Bigger Boat: Gets 3rd OL Commit, Rob Yakovchuk
The offensive line factory on Long Island keeps humming.
After exporting four players to the FBS in 2024, the next batch of raw steel is heading in to be molded into the next great Sharks team. But you win football in the trenches in the Northeast, where the cold winter we’ve forgotten in July returns each season and turns football into a game of will and attrition. Speed kills, but you win with toughness here. The Sharks know that.
On July 2, Rob Yakovchuk became the third offensive lineman to commit to LIU in the 2025 cycle—and the third overall commit, period. At some point, it became evident that this is not a coincidence. It’s a factory blueprint.
At 6’4” and 302 pounds, Yakovchuk is the kind of physical presence you expect from someone raised in Brick, New Jersey—a town that sounds like it was engineered to produce trench talent. And LIU’s staff, led by OL coach Ian Pace, has been locking in those kinds of players early in this cycle. We had the chance to catch up with Yakovchuk about his commitment.
“Their upcoming class of recruits is strong,” Yakovchuk said. “And the coaching staff is top tier, with Coach Cooper, who was with Nick Saban at Alabama, and Coach Pace.” Nick Saban’s the best college football coach of all time- there’s no disputing this- but Coach Cooper isn’t exactly a slouch, either. He rates as probably a top 3 coach of all time at Eastern Michigan and parlayed that into the head role at Louisville. Now he’s building it up at one of the true sleeping giants in D1 ball. On his relationship with Pace, Yakovchuk told us he’s clicking with his future position coach. “We’ve built a good relationship ever since I met him at their camp I attended.”
It was at that camp, on the Brooklyn campus, where things moved from interest to offer.
“After I showed off my talents, both Coach Pace and Cooper were impressed and they decided to offer me on the spot,” Yakovchuk recalled. “I tried to keep a serious face while talking to Coach Cooper, but as soon as I turned to look at my dad on the sideline, my face lit up.”
Hard to blame him. LIU has become a landing spot for linemen looking to develop under one of the region’s most respected position coaches. And now, Yakovchuk joins a growing 2026 class that’s trench-built from the inside out.
And that factory in Brookville, NY keeps on humming, churning out another batch of stud OLs.
Martin Kicks Off the NEC Commitment Class in 2026 for the Dukes
Will Martin didn’t wait.
The first NEC commit in the 2026 class was a big win for Duquesne. Martin, a 6’2.5”, 220-pound athlete out of Seton LaSalle High School in Pittsburgh, committed to the Dukes with an official announcement on June 9. If you’re going to open up the lid on NEC commits (and Martin eventually set off a flurry of them), you might as well open with a blast. As an opening statement, Martin’s just about as explosive as the 4th of July.
His offer list speaks for itself. He drew FBS attention from Toledo, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, and Akron. His first offer came from Toledo—the same Rockets team that just took down Pitt in a bowl game. He also held offers from FCS Albany and Duquesne’s in-city rival RMU. But when it came time to decide, Martin didn’t hesitate.
“Duquesne was the right place for me as soon as I stepped on campus,” he said. “It immediately felt right. The coaches, the location, and the culture made it home for me.”
Martin received his offer right after a camp, and the moment stuck with him. “The conversation was pretty cool when I got my offer. The defensive coordinator Coach Jacobs and the offensive coordinator Coach Doria were there on the field when they called me and were fighting about which side of the ball they want me to play on. When they offered me, I committed on spot, and they definitely did not expect that.”
He might’ve had options on both sides of the ball, but Martin made it clear where he sees himself at the next level. “They are in between me playing tight end and linebacker right now, but I believe I will end up playing linebacker there because I feel like I’m a defensive player at heart.”
When we asked Martin about what coaches made a difference for him, he had an answer we’ve heard a few times now. “Coach Jacobs definitely stood out to me as the DC,” he said. “Right away I had a connection with him. I clicked with him well and I look forward to playing under him.”
Martin becomes the first commit in Duquesne’s 2026 class—and the first NEC pledge overall. You know that we’re always excited by WPIAL players, and Martin became the first such commit in the class as well. His signing was viewed by local experts like Karlo Zovko of WPIAL Insider as “a shocker.” The NEC does it with some regularity, to be sure, but opening the recruiting season by upsetting a slate of G5 offers is always a good way to begin the recruiting cycle for any team in the league. And if his commitment is any indication, the Dukes are setting the tone early.
Sharks Attack New Jersey, Land OL Irvine
Saint Augustine Prep’s Joe Irvine is headed to the Northeast Conference, and he’s bringing a whole lot of power with him.
The 6’5”, 300-pound right tackle from Swedesboro, New Jersey, is the sixth NEC commit we’ve confirmed for the 2025 class, and the second offensive lineman bound for LIU. He’s actually also their second overall commit, and their first from the Garden State. As of right now, LIU is looking for- and landing- big fish locally. If you’ll pardon the pun.
Irvine’s decision adds to a growing trend: offensive linemen see something they like in Brookville. And while the entire LIU staff made an impression, Irvine had no hesitation about what sealed the deal.
“Coach Pace was really the deciding factor,” Irvine told NEC Blitz. “He was absolutely great throughout the whole process, and I’m very excited to work with him.”
That’s a sentiment we’ve heard more than once this cycle. Coach Pace continues to resonate with big men up front. These are players who want development, opportunity, and a coach who understands the nuances of trench warfare in the NEC and beyond. I’ve pointed it out before and I’m sure it was pointed out to Irvine: LIU lost FOUR offensive linemen to the FBS this past season, and one of them had only completed his redshirt freshmen year. You hope to keep all of the players you develop, of course, but if the big issue is that your development is too good, well… you’re not actually having an issue, are you?
Irvine chose LIU over an offer with another NEC school. It’s early in the cycle, and players are going to pick plenty of NEC schools over each other. But it is an early momentum boost for the LIU staff, who are tasked with maintaining what is yearly one of the most talented rosters in the conference. In the NEC, the most important factor in recruiting is relationships, and the one Irvine was able to build with Coach Pace won out.
But for Irvine, it wasn’t just the relationships.
“The LIU staff is just great,” he said. “I loved the look and the feeling of just being on campus.”
As for the moment the Sharks finally decided to strike with that scholarship offer?
“Surreal,” Irvine said. “They were the first program to take a chance on me, and I’m forever grateful for that.”
It’s another early win for LIU in this recruiting cycle. And as the Sharks continue to build their class, landing a reliable bookend like Irvine gives the program another anchor. You win in the trenches, after all. So why not start building there?
Duquesne Establishes Orlando North
The Edgewater-to-Duquesne pipeline is officially a trend.
Nick Collins Jr., a defensive back from Edgewater High School in Orlando, has committed to Duquesne as part of the Dukes’ 2026 class. He’s the third commit for Duquesne so far and the second from Edgewater this cycle, joining athlete Damien Moore Jr. The Eagles went 10-2 in 2024 and are quickly becoming a familiar name in Pittsburgh recruiting circles- at least, for anyone following Duquesne’s recruiting for the class of 2026. We were already familiar with the school after 2025 Edgewater linebacker Deven Thomas also chose Duquesne.
“Duquesne was the right place to pick because they’re a winning program and the connection I’ve built with Coach Mick,” Collins said. “Duquesne has had a lot of success recently in the NEC and coming from a winning program like Edgewater in Orlando, that’s huge. Also, the relationship I have with Coach Mick is amazing. He’s a great coach and someone I look forward to being around and building my connection with more when I’m up at Duquesne.”
Collins got the offer from Coach Mick- that’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Mickey Jacobs- during a spring visit the DC made to Edgewater.
“The day I got offered, Coach Mick was down in Florida at my school watching us practice and I wasn’t even expecting to get an offer that day to be totally honest,” Collins said. “After the practice, he pulled me aside and we were having a good conversation and towards the end is when he told me he was going to give me an offer. It was just a great surprise that day and I’m just blessed to have been good enough to get the offer.”
Despite the growing Florida connection, Collins said Duquesne wasn’t really on his radar until recently.
“To be totally honest, I didn’t [know much about the program],” he said. “I had knew about Duquesne from people that had grew up in Pittsburgh when they were younger but other than that I didn’t know much.”
Pipelines aren’t something that’s automatic or traditional. Ultimately, recruiting is still about relationships, especially in the NEC and similar leagues. I think sometimes that there’s a misconception that coaches at the high school level push their athletes towards preferred schools. While a high school coach is probably pretty likely to keep their athletes away from a school that they’ve had a poor experience with, there’s not really a push toward certain schools. In this case, it was all about the relationship between the player and prospective coach.
That’s the way recruiting always has been. And in the absence of millions of dollars, that’s how it still is.
Love NEC football? Check out the NEC Blitz Football Preview, available for pre-order (digital) on Amazon.com now. (Physical available 7/1/25).
Stonehill Lands 2026 OL/DL Chuck Crisera
Stonehill has their first Class of 2026 football commit, and he’s bringing size, edge, and a championship mindset from Long Island up north to the Bay State.
Chuck Crisera, a 6-foot-5, 250-pound offensive and defensive lineman from Bayport-Blue Point High School (NY), announced his commitment to the Skyhawks on June 16. He’s the third known NEC football commit in the 2026 cycle and the first to pledge to Stonehill.
The relationship came together quickly. Stonehill defensive line coach Dan Walsh visited Crisera at Bayport-Blue Point on May 7. From there, it didn’t take long. Crisera made it to Easton, Mass., for a visit on June 11th and knew it was the right fit.
“Coach Walsh came to visit me at my high school,” Crisera said. “He loved my length, athleticism, and aggressiveness on film.”
That physical presence is a big part of what makes Crisera an intriguing get for the Skyhawks. Stonehill has built a reputation in the NEC as a program with a niche for player development over the long haul. Clearly, Crisera sees himself thriving in that environment. He spoke to the Stonehill staff about how he fit in with what the Skyhawks do and what they’re building. The answers he heard about what he does were the right ones.
“When I came up for a visit it was about the work I put in, being aggressive, finishing the job and always finding work in the field,” he said. “We talked about being fast off the ball and coming from a championship team with the work ethic and mindset. I was coachable and I love to eat and have a lot of growing physically still left to go.”
On film, you do see a player with a penchant for running through opposing defensive linemen. Without a doubt, that 6’5” frame is the first thing that jumps out, but he’s consistently moving a defender off of the ball. The Phantoms seem to trust his ability to do this- he’s often the guy they’re counting on to create a running lane. Bayport-Blue Point won their league last season and scored 418 points in 12 games (11-1), so leaning on Crisera seems to be working for them.
Crisera describes Stonehill as a place where the energy felt aligned from day one.
“I chose Stonehill because it’s the right place for me to grow,” he said. “The coaches are hungry like me. I feel as if everyone has the same mentality and work ethic as coaches as I do as a player. It’s getting 1% better every day together. It felt like a family and it felt like home. I will be getting a great education.”
He also enters the program with a familiar connection. Tight end Derek Varley, another Bayport-Blue Point product and former teammate, is already on the roster.
“Derek taught me how to be aggressive with heavy hands and an attitude,” Crisera said. “I model my game after my older teammates in high school. I took a little bit of what they all did best and added it to my game.”
From Long Island to Shovel Town (just under 200 miles) Crisera is making that jump as the Skyhawks’ first building block in the 2026 class. Stonehill’s known for taking high-upside prospects and developing them into contributors. Crisera’s already got the frame. Now it’s time to see what the future holds. Until then, he’ll just have to keep digging.
LIU Secures Hometown OL Matthew Benjamin
Matthew Benjamin knew where he wanted to be. The 2026 OL/DL out of William Floyd High School in Mastic Beach, NY, had been making the trip to Long Island University for the past two years, making his interest known. So when the opportunity finally came, there wasn’t much to think about.
“I’ve been attending LIU camps for two years now,” Benjamin said. “They run a well-organized camp, and Coach Cooper and his coaching staff get everyone fired up, especially in the one-on-ones. I loved the camps so much I went to two of them in one year.”
That interest and the proximity made the Sharks a natural fit. Mastic Beach is just 70 miles east of Brooklyn, where the most recent camp was (LIU has multiple campuses), and Benjamin has been steadily building a connection with the program for years. He’s a Long Island resident who’s had a chance to swim with the Sharks on more than a few occasions.
“Every time I step foot on campus, it feels like home,” he said. “I felt like I was already part of the team during my spring practice visit. I’ve been keeping in contact with Coach Pace this offseason—he’s a great guy, and I can’t wait to learn from his experience.”
Coach Ian Pace has quietly become one of the top developers of offensive line talent in the Northeast. He’s good enough that I almost feel like I shouldn’t be typing his name out. I don’t want to stop covering the offensive lines he’s been putting out. LIU was not an easy place to play offensive line in 2024. When their offense hit its stride late in the season, it did so with quarterback Ethan Greenwood, who made a lot of his plays in a freelancing situation. Linemen had to hold their blocks and be able to adapt to a play changing behind them. The Sharks line could do it, and as the offense started piling up the points it was impossible for their work to be a secret. Last season alone, LIU had four offensive linemen transfer- each one to an FBS program. And while that kind of attrition could be seen as a setback, at LIU it’s understood as the byproduct of doing the job well. Build guys up, teach the right habits, get them game-ready. Sometimes, that preparation gets noticed elsewhere.
The Sharks also had an All-NEC redshirt freshman on the line last fall in Moshood Giwa. He didn’t need years to make an impact. He got on the field after sitting and developing for a year, proved he belonged, and ultimately landed at Rutgers in the Big 10. Again: it’s not the goal, but it’s evidence that the development pipeline at LIU is real. When you look at the offensive line roster for this year’s team, your eyes immediately head towards the redshirt freshmen. Is there going to be another Giwa this season, and who’s it going to be?
Now, Benjamin joins that proven system as the first commit in the Sharks’ 2026 recruiting class. He’s also just the second 2026 commitment in the NEC so far. A two-way player at William Floyd, Benjamin projects as a key piece in LIU’s next wave of linemen—tough, engaged, and apparently already comfortable in the culture. He’ll pass the eye test going on the field, currently at 6’5” and 279 lbs. The William Floyd Colonials use him at left tackle, and the camp film we’ve watched does show a player who’s tough to get past off the edge.
The road from Mastic Beach to LIU isn’t a long one, even in New York traffic. For Benjamin, it’s already felt like home for a while. Now, it’s official.
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.