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Griffins Announce 2020 Football Recruiting Class

2/8/2020 2:00:00 PM

Head coach Dan Day said, "Signing day 2020 was quite a bit different than our first year! This class saw a 92% completion rate for our entire incoming freshman class. The other major emphasis from us as a staff is building this program from the ground up. That can be seen in the fact that 35 of our 35 signing day released players are freshman. I am also incredibly proud to see such a high number of players from right here in PA. We did very well in Westmoreland county itself, but we are well on our way to getting our roster back to it's roots of being more local."
 
"We have some really great players coming in on both sides of the ball, but this is a great opportunity for us to develop. A lot of these players don't have to play year one, we have an opportunity to develop them! Some may have an immediate impact, others will play on special teams, but the majority of this class we get to spend time molding into making our program not just successful but sustainable. Another big tell tale sign that sustainability is the fact the this class average was over a 3.0 gpa. That was not just something we wanted to talk about as a staff, but something we wanted to identify and recruit."
 
"This may not be the class that you will hear every single name over the loudspeaker next year. This is a class you WILL get to know in many years to come as Seton Hill continues to emerge as a force on the football field. I can promise you that we have not just laid down a great foundation, but we are now building up!"

Watch the 2020 Seton Hill Football Signing Day Show. 
 
Now to introduce you to the new Griffins for the recruiting class of 2020:
 

Patrick O'Neill – 6'0 270

Offensive Lineman from Fairport High School, NY

Patrick had a long-time interest in Seton Hill as his sister graduated from the University in 2017.  Already acquainted with the campus and the area, he knew for a while that he wanted to be a Griffin. Patrick joins the offensive line unit where Coach Stanton will mold him into a contributing interior lineman.

Taeshaun Ford-Jackson – 5'10 175

Flex Linebacker from Woodbridge High School, DE

Taeshaun comes from a winning program at Woodbridge high school in Delaware. He is an undersized but hard noised Linebacker that made plays in the backfield because of his speed. He will give good depth to our Flex LB group.

Luke Hauger – 5'11 150

Kicker from Mount Pleasant Area High School, PA

Luke is a very accurate kicker coming out of local Mount Pleasant high school. He has also participated in the Kohls Kicking camps and academies throughout his high school career. He has good approach timing and a very accurate leg.

Paul Newill -

Offensive Lineman from Hempfield Area High School, PA

The first thing we loved about Paul was his physicality on film. Paul doesn't just work to block you, he is going to bury you! That is something we are fortunate to bring into a very deep offensive line unit. He comes from a very established program in Hempfield and we know he will be college ready in how he will work and prepare. His quickness in his footwork will translate very well to the zone running system utilized at SHU.

Ryan Thomas – 6'2 205

Tight End from Greensburg-Salem High School, PA

Ryan Thomas is a HUGE addition to the Seton Hill Football program. He is not only a tall target to add to the offensive weapons, but an incredibly versatile player. He will transition into a true tight end role with a lot of formation sets established to put Ryan one on one with linebackers and safeties. Although he was not asked to do a ton of it in high school, he is also a very tenacious blocker.

 

Na'Sir Douglas – 5'11 185

Stud from Cardinal Hayes High School, NY

Na'Sir comes to Seton Hill from the Bronx, NY where he played at powerhouse Cardinal Hayes. He brings a rare combination of speed/quickness as well as physicality which makes him a perfect fit for our stud, or strong safety, position. From the first time we spoke to Na'Sir it was evident that he is driven. He is extremely mature for his age and already shows leadership qualities as he is dependable, respectful, and extremely responsible. Na'Sir is a winner and a competitor and he will be a great asset to our program going forward.

Jacob Delic – 6'0 180

Wide Receiver from Forest Hills High School, PA

Jacob is a wide receiver from Forest Hills in Sidman, PA. A track athlete, Jacob brings speed, quickness, and big play ability to the Griffin offense. He has the ability to make a play from anywhere on the field and the top end speed to finish. Jacob is a tremendous young man who is punctual, respectful, and driven. He will be a great asset to the wide receiver core at Seton Hill.

Kyree Rodgers – 6'0 270

Nose Tackle from Weequahic High School, NJ

Kyree hails from Newark, NJ where he played Defensive Tackle at Weequahic High School. He is a former teammate of Sophomore DT Dioh Desuah. Kyree was a disruptive force in the backfield throughout his career with high energy and a high moto. He should add depth to our DL room.

Joshua Cooper – 6'0 165

Defensive Back from Lockport High School, NY

Josh is a versatile athlete who experienced success on both sides of the ball in high school. He will join us on the defensive side of the ball where he could play a lot of positions for us. His ability to track and high point the ball makes him an attractive free safety and his physicality and ability to tackle in the box makes him an attractive rover. It is evident that Josh is eager to get started with us and we look forward to seeing what he can do as a Griffin.

Christian Robinson – 6'4 270

Offensive Lineman from Susquehanna Township High School, PA

Chris comes to the Seton Hill from Susquehanna Township in Harrisburg, PA. He is an offensive tackle with a tremendous combination of size and athleticism that can make an immediate impact for the Griffins up front. Chris has exceptional feet and hands in pass protection and is a tough, downhill blocker on the line with the athleticism to make key blocks in space. He was elected as a member the Susquehanna football leadership council and leads through his dedication, discipline, and work ethic. Chris is a mature, respectful, incredibly hard-working young man of great character who is an awesome addition to the Griffin program.

Aaren Putt – 5'8 165

Wide Receiver from Greensburg Salem High School, PA

Aaren is another dynamic playmaker we have added to our offense. His versatility makes him a huge asset to the offense. His role will primarily be focused around being a slot receiver, but he is also very dangerous any time you can get the ball into his hands on the perimeter. He was often used to exploit mismatches with his lateral quickness, something that we believe will continue at the college level. He is someone that causes match-up problems if you try to match up a linebacker on him in coverage.

Joshua Darisme – 6'0 245

Nose Tackle from Rahway High School, NJ

Joshua comes from New Jersey where he starred at Rahway High School as a Defensive Tackle. Josh brings a different element to what we do here defensively. Josh will allow us to be more creative with the Nose tackle position. He is undersized but very explosive and has shown to live in the offensive backfield. Josh is also a big-time high school wrestler which will translate very well to his college career. We are very excited to get Josh at Seton Hill.

Hayden Giers – 6'0 225

Mike Linebacker from American Heritage High School, FL

Hayden is an absolute game changing middle linebacker. We project him to be able to play our Mike linebacker position moving forward. At a solid 6'0 – 220 you would never expect him to run sideline to sideline as well as he does on tape. He is an exceptionally talented football player that is also an absolute beast in the weight room. Although we wanted to make sure our class was local, we couldn't pass up on this caliber of a player to bring to the Hill from one of the best programs in South Florida!

Thomas Bender – 5'9 170

Wide Receiver from Mifflin County High School, PA

Thomas is from Mifflin County in Lewistown, PA. Thomas will bring toughness, grit, and phenomenal effort to the wide receiver room at Seton Hill. He is a dynamic playmaker and an exceptional, physical blocker on the outside who is more than willing to mix it up on special teams. A captain at Mifflin County, Thomas is a leader who brings incredible enthusiasm and positivity with him wherever he goes. He will make for an awesome member of the Griffin community both on and off the field.

Kole Lichtenfels – 6'0 200

Defensive End/Flex from Bishop McCort High School, PA

Kole is a flex linebacker/defensive end from Bishop McCort in Johnstown, PA. With 18 TFLs and 9.5 sacks his senior year, Kole is a productive defender who plays with tenacity, physicality, and uncommon effort. Winner of his high school's Pat Tillman Award for courage and special teams play, Kole plays with tremendous heart and a love for the game that will be a great asset to the growing culture here at Seton Hill. Kole also excels on the wrestling mat and is a tough, hard- working young man of exceptional character that will be a huge addition to the Griffin community.

Armani Caraballo – 6'0 195

Flex from Susquehanna Township High School, PA

Armani comes to Seton Hill from Susquehanna Township High School in Harrisburg, PA. Armani is an explosive, physical defender who with 15 sacks his senior year, lives in the backfield and will be a perfect fit for the flex linebacker position in the Griffin defense. A year-round athlete competing in wrestling and baseball as well, Armani is an incredibly tough, dedicated young man, with a tremendous work ethic. He is highly motivated, respectful, and mature and will be a great member of the Griffin community.

Marcus Serrano – 5'10 170

Stud from Frankford High School, PA

Marcus comes to us from The City of Brotherly Love where he played safety at the well- respected Frankford High School. Marcus played for Head Coach Bill Sytsma who is well loved in that area. Marcus will come in and add some depth to the defensive back room where he can compete for the Stud position. We are excited to have Marcus here at Seton Hill

Edward Longo – 6'0 220

Linebacker from William Floyd High School, NY

Eddie is an old school, hard nose athlete who could contribute at linebacker or fullback for the Griffins. He has a big personality and has a genuine appreciate for the sport and for life in general. All Eddie knows is hard work and his passion for the game is evident. We look forward to the physicality that Eddie brings and are excited to see where he fits best in the program.

Rocco Bonavolonta – 5'11 265

Defensive Lineman from Lenape Valley High School, NJ

Rocco comes to us from the Garden State where he excelled playing DT for Lenape Valley High School. Rocco brings an edge and attitude to our DL room. We are excited to see him develop and work hard coming into Seton Hill. His strength will be a huge asset to him starting out. We are excited to have Rocco here at Seton Hill.

Joshua Cohen – 6'2 205

Defensive End from Central Columbia High School, PA

Josh comes to Seton Hill from Central Columbia in Bloomsburg, PA. High school teammate of current Griffin Jack Schechterly, Josh is a physical, strong defensive end with a violent strike and relentless play. He is a respectful young man of high character and his blue collar, hard-working mentality will be a tremendous building block in continuing to develop the culture and identity of the Seton Hill Griffins. Josh will be a big addition to the Griffin's defensive trenches.

William Miller – 6'1 190

Athlete from Bishop McCort High School, PA

William is coming to Seton Hill from Bishop McCort in Johnstown, PA. William is a versatile athlete that has the ability to make a big impact at multiple positions for the Griffin offense. He understands the aspect of the game from the quarterback position and is a physical down-hill runner who can make opponents miss. Rarely do you see a quarterback return kick-offs. Will also excels on the ice as a hockey defenseman, and that toughness and grit is a valuable asset on the football field. He is positive, gregarious young man of high character that is a great addition to the Seton Hill community.

Miles Fletcher-Smith – 6'2 220

Tight End/Offensive Lineman from Long Reach High School, MD

Miles comes to us from Long Reach High School in Maryland. Miles will be a very intriguing player due to his versatility. Miles will bring dept to our Offensive Line but also push for time at Tight End. We are very excited to have Miles come on board to our program.

Ryan Berrigan – 6'1 190

Wide Receiver from Trinity High School, PA

 

Ryan comes to Seton Hill from Trinity High School in Camp Hill, PA, where he played wide receiver and outside linebacker. As a wide receiver, Ryan has great ball skills and the rare combination of the physicality and strength to break tackles and the speed and quickness to elude defenders. He also excels on the Rugby field, and that toughness is a perfect translation to the identity that is being built at Seton Hill. Ryan is a young man of high morals, character, and a phenomenal work ethic that is a huge addition to the wide receiver room of the Seton Hill Griffins.

Diante Hanna – 5'10 170

Stud from Gwynn Park High School, MD

Diante comes to us from Gwynn Park High School in Maryland. Diante will be a great addition to our Defensive Backs room because of his versatility. He is well suited to play our Stud safety due to his athleticism and his versatility. We are very excited to have Diante here at Seton Hill.

Justin Labrie – 6'3 210

Defensive End from Montour High School, PA

Justin Labrie- The 6'3 220lb WPIAL All-Conference defensive standout joins the Griffin defensive front after a successful career as a multi-sport athlete (Basketball & Football) for the Spartans. Justin has a high motor and raw natural athletic ability which should help make his transition into the stingy run stopping SHU defensive unit.

Tanner Queen – 6'0 180

Safety from Norwin High School, PA

Tanner is a very athletically gifted secondary player. He comes to the program with the anticipation of playing free safety, but also has the top end speed and lateral quickness to potentially play some of our safety positions. He was a corner in high school during his junior year, and transitioned to a high safety position for his senior campaign. Being able to see a lot of different skill sets on film made it an easy decision to bring this talented, hard hitting safety into the defensive backfield here at SHU. We also expect his leadership ability to make an impact just as his brothers did, Corey Queen, who was a captain for the Griffins during his career and became a coach for SHU after his senior season.

Isaiah Powell-Major – 6'1 160

Corner from Long Reach High School, MD

We are excited to bring in Isaiah from Long Reach High School in Maryland. Isaiah is a long and athletic corner with great ball skills. He will fit right in to what we need out of our Cornerbacks. He will be coming into one of the most competitive positions on the team. He is ready for the challenge. We are excited to have Isaiah here at Seton Hill.

Cornelius Allen – 6'2 200

Defensive End from Norcross High School, GA

Cornelius, also known as CJ comes from an historic powerhouse program where he was a 2-year letter winner. He adds size and length on the Defensive Line where Coach Fiegener will be very happy to have him in his room.

Maximillian Yonko – 6'5 285

Offensive Lineman from Westmont Hilltop High School, PA

Max is an offensive tackle from Westmont Hilltop High School in Johnstown, PA. Max is a tough, physical, hard-nosed football player and will be a big-time addition to the hogs up front for the Griffins. He is a downhill blocker with the strength and power to bury opponents on the line and the agility to block opponents in space. Max also excels on the wrestling mat and in the thrower's circle, throwing both shot and disc, and this toughness and athleticism has a great translation to the football field. He is a young man of exceptional character who is hardworking, dedicated, caring, and respectful and will be an awesome addition to the Seton Hill community.

Ethan Fame – 6'4 195

Wide Receiver from Webster Schroeder High School, NY

At 6'4, Ethan instantly makes our receiving core taller. His raw athletic ability- being a kick returner, lacrosse player, and basketball player, makes his potential extremely high. Coach London has been desiring a taller outside WR and is eager to mold Ethan into the playmaker that we know he can be at this level. Ethan brings in a quiet confidence and will do anything it takes to make the team better both on and off the field.

Taiyon Battle – 6'0 185

Wide Receiver from Irvington High School, NJ

Taiyon is another very versatile football player. He became the team MVP while playing both Quarterback and Wide Receiver for Irvington. He has very quick feet and lateral agility. What Taiyon brings to the Griffins above all else is an absolutely electric leader. His presence can be felt the minute this young man enters the room. He will become an important Z wide receiver for the Griffins and has the ability to be molded into the type of route runner than cannot be stopped.

Nicholas McCarthy – 6'2 205

Running Back from Valley Stream South High School, NY

Nicholas joins his brother, offensive lineman Prince McCarthy, at Seton Hill. While Prince may have rushed for a touchdown in 2019, he will be blocking for his brother going forward as Nicholas is truly a running back and will be carrying the rock for the Griffins. At 6'2 205, he brings a different dynamic to our backfield. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and even split out at receiver makes him a versatile threat in the passing game as well.

Richard Johnson – 5'10 190

Free Safety from St. Edward High School, OH


Richard Johnson is a Smart free safety that comes to Seton Hill University from a Power House football program out of Cleveland, St. Edward's High School.  Richard was part of an impressive run in 2018 that ended with a Division 1 State title win.  He took that momentum into 2019 and had a record setting season while being named a Team Captain.  Richard is now ranked number 1 in school history with the Lowest Passer Rating Allowed.  His ball hawking skills are matched with is very impressive open field tackling that will allow him to be an impact in the run game as well. Richard was a huge get for us.  He will not only bring his athletic ability to our program, but his leadership as well.

Andrew Zimmerman – 6'2 185

Safety from Northern Burlington High School, NJ

Andrew is a very physically imposing safety.  He is fast enough to be able to cover people man to man, but big enough to be able to play in the box. His physical skill set translates to a few potential positions on the Griffin back end. He also bring some nastiness and physicality to the secondary as a tackler that will impose his will when he comes down and runs the alley.

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