NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – Merrimack College football head coach,
Dan Curran, announced a bevy of new additions to the Warriors' incoming 2022 class Friday.
The team added onto an already impressive list of early signees and transfers that were announced earlier in the winter.
Jack Zergiotis – Montreal, Quebec – Quarterback – 6' 2", 220 LBS – Connecticut
While with the Huskies, Zergiotis played in 13 games with 12 starts and threw for 2,107 yards, 12 passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. He also had 418 yards through the air and three touchdowns in his best game against Eastern Carolina. During his high school days in Canada, he was a two-time RSEQ MVP.
Coach Curran on Zergiotis- "Our coaching staff had some familiarity with Jack due to the success he has had at UConn over the past two seasons. His arm talent and athleticism jumps off the screen when you are watching film on him but what really sold the staff on him was his toughness and competitiveness. Jack will be a good fit in our locker room and a great addition our quarterback room.
Other schools that recruited Zergiotis: Western Michigan and Saint Francis
https://twitter.com/i/status/1465392612416884736
Marcus Johnson – Baltimore, Md. – Offensive Lineman – 6' 5", 290 LBS – Saint Frances Academy
Rated a three-star offensive lineman, Johnson had a dominant few years on the line for Saint Frances. He was a two-year starter for the national powerhouse that was ranked as the fourth best high school team in the country.
Coach Curran on Marcus; "Marcus comes to us from St. Frances Academy which is one the top high school football programs in the country. He has a great frame and rare athleticism. He also brings some versatility to the offensive line room being able to play both Guard and Tackle."
Other schools that recruited Johnson: Liberty, Rutgers, Toledo, Tennessee, Morgan State, Saint Francis and Old Dominion
http://www.hudl.com/v/2FtED6
Bryce Ricks – Gaithersburg, Md. – Defensive Lineman – 6' 1", 315 LBS – Quince Orchard
Ricks wreaked havoc on opposing offenses during his time at Quince Orchard. He was a first team 4A All-Montgomery country selection and a three-year starter on the line. He was also a key contributor during the team's 4A state championship run in the fall.
Coach Curran on Bryce; "One of the needs our staff addressed early on in the recruiting process was the need to get more depth and more size along our defensive line and we believe Bryce will be able to address both those areas. He is a big strong interior defensive lineman who has some serious get off and the ability to be an elite run defender at the college level. We also believe Bryce has all the necessary intangibles to develop in a leader in his class and we are excited to work with him this fall."
Other schools that recruited Ricks: Saint Francis and Maine
http://www.hudl.com/v/2GHimQ
Chase Collyer – Windsor, Conn. – Wide Receiver – 5' 9", 175 LBS – Loomis Chaffee
A standout for Loomis Chaffee, Collyer was a three-year captain and four-year starter during his high school years. He was named a first team All-New England and first team All-Founders League player and won a New England championship during his time with the Pelicans. Over his career, he had over 2,000 receiving yards and capped his career with 730 receiving yards and nine touchdowns over six games his senior year.
Coach Curran on Chase; "Merrimack has a long standing tradition of elite play at the Wideout position, particularly in the slot, and we believe Chase has all the tools to be a a very good one. He is a talented two sport athlete (basketball) who has a knack for creating separation as a route runner with his quickness and ability to stop and start."
Other schools that recruited Collyer: Valparaiso and Lehigh
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9887382/615a597ae97c0c02588268a8
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12838352/61ae5784ff03330bdcded5f2
Bryce Jackson – Nokesville, Va. – Linebacker – 5' 11", 205 LBS – Brentsville District
Jackson earned a bevy of accolades during his high school career. He was twice named a Virginia All-State player, earned three defensive all-region selections, one offensive all-region pick, one All-County honor and five all-conference selections as a defensive, offensive and special teams player. During his senior year, he had seven receptions for 138 yards and two scores, 1,282 rushing yards with 24 touchdowns and had 84 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, three sacks and four interceptions on the defensive side of the ball. He ended his time with Brentsville District with 356 tackles, 12 interceptions, five forced fumbles, three sacks, 18 tackles for a loss and 26 total touchdowns.
Coach Curran on Bryce; "Bryce is the definition of a football player....we are projecting him to play our Strike LB position, but he probably could play 3-4 other spots on the defensive side of the ball as well with his instincts, toughness, and nose for the ball. Bryce embodies everything we look for in our student athletes and he is going to be a great fit here."
Other schools that recruited Jackson: Kent State, East Tennessee State and Liberty
Ty Yocum – Reading, Pa. – Tight End/H-Back – 6' 0", 225 LBS – Exeter Township
A dominant player on both sides of the ball, Yocum ended his career with 130 carries for 691 yards and 29 touchdowns and 23 receptions for 508 yards and a score. Defensively, he had 246 tackles, 27.5 for a loss and four interceptions. He also received a myriad of awards, as he was named an All-State pick for Pennsylvania, Berks Linebacker of the Year, Berks Defensive Player of the Year, first team All-County and All-League pick and was on Exeter's 5A District 3 championship team. He was also named an All-Academic player.
Other schools that recruited Yocum: Pennsylvania and Villanova
Coach Curran on Ty; "Ty is a throwback player who will project as a TE/H-Back in our offense but was an excellent two way player for Coach Bauer at Exeter Township (PA). He has the ability to dominate at the point of attack as a blocker and also displays soft hands in the passing game. Our staff loves his toughness and the physicality that Ty plays with and we are excited to get him here."
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9101407/61647f495cb4010690b018aa
Rudy Holland – Forestville, Md. – Defensive Lineman – 6' 1", 290 LBS – Stonehill
Holland transfers to Merrimack after a successful stint with former NE10 rival, Stonehill. He was named an All-NE10 player, NE10 All-Rookie team member and also found his name on the NE10 Academic Honor Roll and Athletic Director's Honor Roll. On the field, his career includes 86 tackles (27 solo), seven and a half tackles for a loss, five and a half sacks and a forced fumble. His senior season, he had 37 tackles, including 12 solo tackles, four tackles for a loss, three sacks and a forced fumble.
Coach Curran on Rudy; "Rudy is a proven commodity on the defensive line having been a 4 year starter and All Conference player at his last school. He does an excellent job utilizing his hands as a run defender and has the ability to be a two gap defender from the Nose Guard position. Rudy is a humble, hard working young man who we think will be a great fit for the culture of our program"
Other schools that recruited Holland: New Hampshire and New Haven
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11330219/61957ffddfe298092c82396e
Christian Smith – Rumson, N.J. – Offensive Lineman/Long Snapper – 6' 2", 270 LBS – Rumson-Fair Haven
A dominant force on the offensive line for Rumson-Fair Haven, Smith helped the team to a pair of state championship game appearances and one state title. A team captain, he was named a first team All-Division, All-Shore and All-Monmouth Country selection. He also was named an All-Jersey Sports Zone player and second team All-Group three pick.
Coach Curran on Christian; "Christian is a proven winner and a big time athlete on the offensive line. He also is ranked as one of the best long snappers in the country coming out of high school and he will have an opportunity to come in and make an immediate impact on special teams. Christian is a talented two sport athlete and an elite student who will be a great addition to the Merrimack College Football Program."
Other schools that recruited Smith: Sacred Heart and Marist
http://www.hudl.com/v/2FyMyp
Tommy Dombo – Washington, D.C. – Offensive Lineman – 6' 3", 300 LBS – Gonzaga College Prep
A key piece of the Gonzaga offensive line, Dombo was a two-year starter during his high school years. He graduated with two titles, as he was on a pair of WCAC championship teams in 2018 and 2021. He was also named an All-WCAC honorable mention selection.
Coach Curran on Tommy; "Tommy continues the tradition of Gonzaga College Prep Football pipeline to Merrimack College. He will be the 5th "Zag" in 4 years from Coach Trivers program to don the Blue and Gold starting next fall. Tommy projects as an interior Offensive Lineman at the next level and his toughness, physicality, and intelligence gives him a chance to be a good one at the next level."
Other schools that recruited Dombo: Marshall
http://www.hudl.com/video/3/11289224/615b96b6b3c82f05c0a4294b
Rajahn Cooper - Red Bank, NJ - Linebacker - 6'1" 215lbs - Red Bank Catholic
3 year starter in high school at RB/LB. Helped spearhead Red Bank Catholic's run to a State Championship by making an impact on both sides of the ball. Senior stats include 79 tackles, 7 TFL's, 3.5 sacks, 3 FF on defense, and 76 rushes, 501 yards, 8td's. 2 receptions 44 yards on offense.
Coach Curran on Rajahn; "Rajahn had an excellent high school career playing on both sides of the ball. We project him to play at the LB position in college and love the versatility that he brings to the table. He also was one of the more impressive young men we met during the recruiting process...he is true student athlete who excels in the classroom and on the field and was a selfless teammate and a natural leader during his time at Red Bank Catholic."
Other Schools that recruited Cooper; Wagner, LIU, Dartmouth, Southern Connecticut
.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/6491101/Rajahn-Cooper
Kendel Sims - Washington, DC - Linebacker - 6'1" 225lbs - Saint John's College
2 year starter at LB for national power and WCAC Champion St. Johns (DC). Earned 2nd Team All WCAC after a dominant Senior season.
Coach Curran on Kendel; "Kendel is a player we identified early in the recruiting process. We have a great relationship with his high school coach (Pat Ward) and we were really impressed with his film from the shortened spring season. He followed that up with an unbelievable Senior season helping St. Johns to a WCAC Championship. Kendel has the range and athleticism to excel in the passing game and as a sideline to sideline defender, while also still possessing the ability to get off blocks and be physical at the point of attack. A true 3 down LB who could develop into an impact player at the next level."
Other teams recruited; St. Francis, NC Central, Morgan St.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13464113/61a6c44ea018e407e8ce2cd5
Christian Abraham - Montvale, NJ - Defensive Back - 5'10'' 190lbs - St. Joseph Regional
3 Star DB out of New Jersey who accumulated over 250 tackles, 13 interceptions on defense and 600 yards rushing to go along with 3 touchdowns in his high school and prep school career.
Coach Curran on Christian: "Christian is player that our staff has recruited for a couple of years now. He is a talented defender who has the necessary skillsets to make an impact on all 3 levels of our defense. I full expect Coach Gennetti to deploy him in a bunch of different ways to take advantage of his speed, athleticism, and nose for the football."
Other schools recruited by; Wagner, Duquesne, UMass
.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/16495957/chrisitan-abraham
Matthew Nazaire - Union, NJ - Wide Receiver - 6'1'', 190lbs - Union High School
Explosive playmaker that brings rare speed and size to the Wide Receive position. In addition to developing into one of the best Wideouts in the state of New Jersey this past fall, Matt is also one of the top sprinters in the state (100meter/200meter/55 meter). In just 5 games this past fall he was able to accumulate 14 catches 493 yards (24.3 per catch) along with 5 receiving touchdowns, 6 carries for 85 yards rushing, and 1 Kick Return for a touchdown.
Coach Curran on Matt: " Matt comes to Merrimack from NJ powerhouse Union High School which is also the same high school as Merrimack Alum and former Captain and All Conference performer
Caleb Holden. Matt is a big strong kid who will bring elite speed and will have the chance to develop into a game changer as he continues to learn all the nuances of playing Wideout at the college level. Our staff loves Matt's potential and work ethic and we are excited to work with him the next 4 years."
Other schools recruited by: University of New Hampshire and Monmouth university
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TPCjO6QvC14&feature=share
Nasir Maryland - Ramsey, NJ - Cornerback - 6'1'' 175lbs - Don Bosco Prep
A Defensive Back out of New Jersey powerhouse Don Bosco Prep...Nasir developed into a top flight corner putting together an excellent Senior season with 25 Total Tackles, INT, FF, 2PBUs
Coach Curran on Nasir: "Nasir is a long rangy corner who plays a physical brand of football. Despite not having a ton of experience he shows great instincts and excels as a run defender. If you combine those two traits along with Nasir's size and length I think you have all of the ingredients to become a very good corner at the college level. We believe Nasir's best football is ahead of him and our staff is looking forward to developing him."
Recruitment- Wagner, Bryant, Sacred Heart, Assumption, Seton Hill
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15120842/616078b20dbf960858150547
Jonas Woods - Milwaukee, WI - Offensive Line - 6'4'', 285lbs - Palomar CC
Woods is a Junior College Transfer Offensive Lineman who started the past two seasons for Palomar College. He put together a tremendous Sophomore season earning All County San Diego, 1st team All Conference, while accumulating 28 pancake blocks on the season
Coach Curran on Jonas: "Jonas will have the opportunity to come in and make an immediate impact on the Offensive Line. He is extremely athletic and plays with a mean streak in the run game. He also brings some versatility to the group having the ability to play both Guard and Tackle. Excited to get work with Jonas this summer and we expect him to contribute right away."
Other schools recruited by- Del State, Wagner, Bryant, Davenport, Northern Colorado, Texas A&M Kingsville
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8022547/6152796f4deb1d0998f731b3
Jack McManus - Wallingford, CT - Tight End/H-Back - 6'2'' 220lbs - Choate Rosemary Hall
The versatile two way player was a 3 year starter and scored over 20 touchdowns in his high school and prep school career. He also contributed over 75 tackles on defense from his Linebacker spot. This past fall he was named 1st team All Founders League and 1st Team All Nepsac while playing for Coach Spinnato at the prestigious Choate Rosemary Hall School.
Coach Curran on Jack: "Jack fits the exact profile of what we look for at Merrimack for our Tight End/H-Back position. It's a spot that requires athleticism, toughness, intelligence, and a ton of versatility and Jack has all those traits. Similar to other players in our program that have excelled at the H-Back role, Jack is a very good two way player who spent time in high school/prep school making an impact as a receiver, blocker, and a defender."
OTHER SCHOOLS: COLUMBIA,COLGATE, FAU, HOLY CROSS, BROWN
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9898279/61a1b84e5ca8dd08f015abe4
Nate Casimir - Ottawa CA - Defensive Back - 5'10'' 185lbs - Clearwater Academy
A Defensive Back out of Ottawa, CA that played most of his high school career in Florida at Clearwater Acdemy. Nate put together an impressive high school and prep school career with over 85 tackles, 28 interceptions, 14 forced fumbles, 14 tackles for loss, along with 18 touchdowns. His resume also includes being named 1st Team All Conference and Team MVP
Coach Curran on Nate; "Nate was player that we had the opportunity to watch perform in person at our Prospect Day and he did not disappoint. He has tremendous feet, good quickness, and great instincts. But what stood out the most was his competitiveness. Our program's foundation was built on competition and being relentless and Nate embraces both those values and will be a great fit here at Merrimack."
Other schools recruited by: Maine, Wagner College, McGill University
http://www.hudl.com/v/2ER7r6
Damien Williams - Fort Washington, MD - Linebacker - 6'''1 230lbs - St. Anselm's College
A 3 year starter, All Conference Performer, and Team Captain. Career Stats include 75 Tackles, 10 TFLs, 4 Sacks, 3 PBUs, 1 FF, 1 Punt Block. In addition to his on field success Williams was also impressive in the classroom as well making the Dean's List twice and the Commissioner's Honor Roll during his time at St. Anselm.
Coach Curran on Damien; "Damien will bring experience and leadership to our Linebacker room. We also believe he will be a great addition to our sub package group with his ability as a pass rusher and blitzer. Looking forward to bringing Damien into the fold this summer."
Other Schools recruited by; Bowie State, Saint Francis and Shepherd University
https://youtu.be/YpEEKihOJRs
Antonio Derry – Parkville, MD – Offensive Line – 6'4", 305 LBS – Saint Francis Academy
(Stetson University)
The transfer OL brings 3 years of starting experience at the Division 1 level in addition to being a two time All Conference performer in the Pioneer League. Derry also brings versatility to the offensive line unit having played every position up front. Was a 3 year starter in high school for national power St. Frances Academy in Maryland.
Coach Curran on Antonio; "Adding an experienced player of Antonio's caliber to our Offensive Line room was a no brainer. He is a 3 year starter and an All Conference performer and his ability to play up and down the offensive line is a major plus as well. The toughness and the physicality that Antonio plays with stands out when you watch him on film, and there is no doubt he is going to make us a better group up front.
Other schools that recruited Derry; Albany, Morgan State, Indiana State
https://twitter.com/antonioderry1/status/1465362472882343939?s=10
https://twitter.com/antonioderry1/status/1465363107082027012?s=20&t=_rOQO_fwjuLzDGKpNcQPmw
Donovan Wadley – Newark, NJ – Athlete – 5'9", 180 LBS – Weequahic
The New Jersey athlete was one of the most productive players in the state his senior year. Being awarded with an All-Conference award every year since his sophomore year as well as being an All-State selection. Over Wadley's career he tallied over 2000 rushing yards, as well as 700 receiving yards, adding on over 40 Touchdowns. Wadley is currently enrolled at Merrimack and participating in the off season program.
Coach Curran on Donovan; "Donovan has been one of the best football players in the state of NJ over the past two years. He is a dynamic playmaker that will have the opportunity to contribute out of the backfield, in the slot, and as a returner in the kicking game. His ability to win in space and score from anywhere on the field should add a new element to our offense.
Other schools that recruited Wadley; Umass, Central Connecticut, URI
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11709674/5f98df565caaa51508a7249d
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16483427/6188961c4deb0506285067f6
Marcus Romboli – Everett, MA – Defensive Line – 6'3", 270 LBS – Deerfield Academy (Central Michigan)
The Massachusetts native had an outstanding prep career at Deerfield Academy earning All Conference and All NEPSAC Honors his Senior season after recording 11 sacks in 8 games. He originally committed and signed with Central Michigan out of high school. Romboli is currently enrolled at Merrimack and participating in the off season program.
Coach Curran on Marcus; "Marcus is a talented local product who had a tremendous high school career playing under Coach Barbato at Deerfield Academy. We are excited to bring him back home and look forward to seeing him reek havoc in opponents backfields for the next 4 years. Marcus is a natural pass rusher with an explosive first step and we believe he will be able to contribute at a couple different spots on the defensive front.
Other schools that recruited Romboli; Central Michigan, Umass, UNH, Villanova, Holy Cross, Georgetown, Dartmouth
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