NEC Champion Football Announces Eleven February Signees
Blue Devils add class to list of eight signees from December signing period
The 2017 Northeast Conference Champion Central Connecticut football team announced its second group of signees today, February 7. The group of 11 players will join the eight signees from the December early signing period on head coach Pete Rossomando's squad next season.
Rossomando and the Blue Devils finished last season 8-4 and made their first-ever trip to the FCS playoffs. The Blue Devils rode an eight-game winning streak into the playoffs and posted a perfect 6-0 record in NEC play this past season. Central was 5-1 at home in 2017.
"This group is a great addition to the eight student-athletes that we signed in December," Rossomando said on Wednesday. "We have some playmakers who can help us maintain the momentum we established last season as we captured the NEC title. Our coaching staff has done a remarkable job of evaluating talent and finding the right fit for our program. We're excited to get this group of student-athletes on campus and working towards the defense of our title."
FEBRUARY SIGNEES:
MARLON BROWN - LB - 6-1/190 - Norwalk, CT/Norwalk
Coach Rossomando on Marlon: I knew within five minutes of meeting Marlon that I wanted him to be a part of our Blue Devil Family. His attitude is infectious and he is an excellent playmaker for Norwalk High School. He will add a high level of athleticism to the linebacking core. He has the ability to stop the run and play in pass coverage. We look forward to the next four years with Marlon.
DEXTER LAWSON - CB - 5-10/175 - Bloomfield, CT/St. Thomas More (Bloomfield)
Played for coach Ty Outlaw...Two-time All-Conference selection...Twice named All-State...Two-time State Champion...Team MVP and Defensive Back of the Year winner...Four-time winner of the Student-Athlete Award.
Why he chose CCSU: I chose CCSU because I felt like this it was a good place for me to grow, not only as a student-athlete but also as a human being. CCSU is a great University with a very nice campus. The football team is at the top of the conference and we are going to stay that way. I hope to help the Blue Devils win the conference again and compete to win the FCS Championship.
Coach Rossomando on Dexter: Dexter is an excellent playmaker that can play multiple positions on offense or defense. We will start him in the defensive backfield at corner and he will factor in the return game as well. We are excited to get Dexter in the Blue and White.
ELIJAH PARKER - TE - 6-3/205 - New London, CT/New London
Played for former CCSU standout, and future Hall of Famer, Juan Roman...Two-time All-Conference receiver...Thanksgiving game Most Valuable Player.
Why he chose CCSU: I chose CCSU because I believe I have the best chance of growing as a player and person there. All while not being too far from home and studying computer science.
Coach Rossomando on Elijah: Elijah is an outstanding prospect for CCSU football. He comes from an outstanding football pedigree at New London High School and will be a very exciting tight end for us in the near future. We are excited to add Elijah to the family.
REIS SPICER - OL - 6-5/280 - Cicero, NY/Cicero North Syracuse
Coach Rossomando on Reis: We have watched Reis' development over the last two years and knew we wanted him to join our team and offensive line. He is a tireless worker who has improved to a level that was beyond our expectation. Reis is big, physical and can move his feet, all traits we look for when recruiting an offensive lineman. The Big Dogs are excited about Reis joining their group.
TYLER BOATWRIGHT - CB - 6-1/180 - Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough
Coach Rossomando on Tyler: Don't blink while watching Tyler's highlight film, you will miss him. He is blazing fast and a great technician in the secondary. We also expect Tyler to be a huge factor in our return game. It was apparent early that Tyler fit right in with the Blue Devil Family.
TYLER BOATWRIGHT HIGHLIGHT VIDEO
JAHLIL BROWN - CB - 6-0/170 - Baltimore, MD/St. Frances Academy
Coach Rossomando on Jahlil: Jahlil is a technical cover corner much needed to bolster a secondary with so many departures. He plays all the same techniques and coverages that we run at CCSU which should make his transition much easier. Most of all, we are excited about the person we recruited, welcome to Blue Devil Nation!
JADEN BUDKA - CB - 5-10/175 - Oradell, NJ/Saint Joseph Regional
Why he chose CCSU: I love the way they grind at CCSU and the vibes and energy in the program are just getting started.
Coach Rossomando on Jaden: Jaden comes from one of the storied programs in the state of New Jersey in St. Josephs. He is an explosive defensive back with great tackling skills. He can play either safety or corner which gives us great flexibility. We are fired up that he decided to be a Blue Devil.
VINCENT DYER - LB - 6-1/205 - Westbrook, CT/Oold Saybrook-Westbrook
Coach Rossomando on Vincent: Vincent is what I call a big athlete. He can play multiple positions, tight end, linebacker, running back or outside linebacker and play them all really well. Vincent was one of the guys responsible for the amazing turnaround of the Old Saybrook/Westbrook program. I am very excited to have another Dyer play for me here at CCSU. Welcome to the Blue Devil Family.
MASON SCHLOOP - OL - 6-4/260 - Utica, NY/West Canada Valley
Played for coach Todd Hobin...Theee-time First Team All League selection...Two-time All-Mohawk Valley selection....Third-Team All-State as a junior...First-Team All-State as a senior.
Why he chose CCSU: I felt at home on my visit to CCSU. Between the players, the coaching staff and the academics I felt that I would reach my maximum potential playing at CCSU.
Coach Rossomando on Mason: We are so excited to have Mason and his family join the Blue Devil Family. He played tight end and defensive line in high school but will make the transition to offensive tackle here at CCSU. We are extremely excited about his athleticism and ability to be physical at the point of attack. The Big Dogs up front are fired up about Mason joining the crew.
TYLER SMITH - LB - 6-1/230 - Huntington Valley, PA/Archbishop Wood
Played for coach Steve Devlin...Two-time All Catholic league selection...Two-time Southeastern All-Golden League...All-City linebacker...Senior captain...Two-time Pennsylvania State Champions.
Why he chose CCSU: I chose CCSU for a number of reasons, including a first class education in an environment that I felt welcomed and can thrive in. Athletically the challenge of being a part of a program that's agenda is to be the best. I look forward to being a part of the school, team and community as I start this important and exciting time in my life.
Coach Rossomando on Tyler: Tyler is just the linebacker we were looking for in this class. He is explosive and plays the game with a great motor. His high school is very successful and won the last two 5A Pennsylvania state championships. We welcome Tyler and his family to our family at CCSU.
NOAH WASHINGTON - OLB - 6-4/215 - NEW HAVEN, CT/WILBUR CROSS
Coach Rossomando on Noah: CCSU has added another quality human being and a heck of an outside linebacker. Noah has a natural ability to get to the quarterback and with his development should be make him a force in the NEC rushing off the edge. We are extremely happy Noah decided to come up I-91 and join our family of Blue Devils.
NOAH WASHINGTON HIGHLIGHT VIDEO
