It's National Signing Day, and today we will have updates all day long on several recruits who will be signing National Letters of Intent to play football for the Blue Devils next season. Head Coach Jeff McInerney and the Blue Devils finished last season 9-3 and won their third Northeast Conference title in six seasons. The Blue Devils graduate a decorated senior class, and this is your chance to follow who will become the next Blue Devils. In addition, three players have enrolled at CCSU in the spring and are already taking classes. Follow it all here with updates throughout the day.
SPRING ENROLLEES
Gunnar Jespersen - Jr. - QB - 5-10/185 - Atascadero, CA/Allan Hancock JC Coach Mac on Gunnar: "Gunnar comes to New Britain after a standout career at Allan Hancock College in California. He is a play-maker, and with the graduation of two quarterbacks following last season, he will have the ability to come in and compete for the starting quarterback spot. He threw for over 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, and also has the ability to run the football. We are excited about adding Gunnar to our program."
Everette Benjamin - Sr. - FB - 6-1/220 - Massapequa, NY/Hofstra Coach Mac on Everette: "Everette comes to Central from Hofstra where he was a standout fullback and halfback during his time there. He has the ability to run the ball but is also a very effective blocker. Everette is in classes now at CCSU and we are looking forward to having him as a part of the team beginning with spring practice.
Raul Debendittis - Jr. - WR - 5-11/185 - Bronx, NY/Nassau CC Coach Mac on Raul: "Raul is a quick speedy wide receiver who can make an immediate impact for us beginning this spring. He caught 25 passes in eight games played a year ago at Nassau, and finished fifth in his conference in receptions per game. We are looking forward to adding Raul to our offense this season."
Justin Birkenholz - LB - 6-1/215 - Parkland, FL/Stoneman Douglass Coach Mac on Justin: "Justin is one of the top rated recruits we have ever brought in to Central during my time here. He is strong and fast and can come in and make an immediate impact for us next season. We are extremely excited to have Justin become a part of our program."
Andrew Clements - S/QB - 6-1/215 - Southbury, CT/Pomperaug Coach Mac on Andrew: "Andrew is a terrific athlete who was chosen All-State this past season at Pomperaug. We are looking for him to continue our tradition of signing kids from the State of Connecticut who can come in an help us win championships."
Taylor Fuller - OL - 6-5/280 - Stratford, CT/Bunnell Coach Mac on Taylor: "Taylor was one of the best offensive lineman we saw all recruiting period and we are excited to have him sign to become a Blue Devil. He has the size, hands and speed to be a successful part of our offensive philosophy here in New Britain."
Rory Kennedy - TE/DE - 6-3/230 - New Milford, CT/New Milford Coach Mac on Rory: "Rory is a big body who is very athletic and can run, catch and tackle with the best of them. He is a great athlete who also plays basketball at New Milford. He reminds me very much of Danny Rodriguez, who had a tremendously successful career with us. We are excited to sign Rory to this class."
Chris Linares - DB - 5-9/180 - New Britain, CT/New Britain Coach Mac on Chris: "Chris is a great recruit for us, and it's nice that he is going to be able to play his college football close to home. As an All-State selection last season at New Britain he had a standout season at defensive back. He is fast, has great hands and is a great defender. We look forward to his first season with us this fall."
Peter Lodini - DE - 6-3/230 - Haverstraw, NY/North Rockland Coach Mac on Peter: "Peter was a Class AA First Team selection last season at defensive end at North Rockland. He has the size, quickness and strength to make an impact at this level for us."
Chris Tolbert - CB - 6-0/185 - Silver Spring, MD/Springbrook Coach on Chris: "Chris is a tremendous athlete who can come in and make an impact right away in our football program. He had some interest from some CAA schools, but decided that coming to New Britain would be a great fit for him. We are excited to see what he brings to the table when we start camp later this fall."
Victor Harris – DE – 6-2/220 – Windsor, CT/Windsor Coach Mac on Victor: “Victor is another Connecticut player who can come in and help us win Championships. He is quick and strong, and getting him to come and be a Blue Devil is very exciting. Victor will make an impact here at Central.”
Kevin Kucinskas – LB – 6-2/215 – Simsbury, CT/Simsbury Coach Mac on Kevin: “Kevin is another All-State player from Connecticut who is going to help our program. This past season another Simsbury linebacker, Lawton Arnold, was named the NEC Defensive Rookie of the Year for us. We are looking forward to adding Kevin to our roster.”
Another pair of players commit - teamates from Bloomfield.
Jalen Hill – WR – 6-3/215 – Bloomfield, CT/Bloomfield Coach Mac on Jalen: “Jalen is quick and will be a great addition to our team. He was an All-State selection at linebacker and is also a talented wide receiver. We are excited to have Jalen and his teammate, Denzell Jones, commit to the Blue Devils.”
Denzell Jones – QB – 6-6/180 – Bloomfield, CT/Bloomfield Coach Mac on Denzell: “Denzell Jones is a tremendous athlete and will be a great addition to the offensive side of the ball for us. He is an All-State football selection and also plays basketball at Bloomfield. Adding Connecticut kids to our program is always important, adding one the caliber of Denzell makes this a great day.”
This brings the total to 13 Fall Signees and 3 Spring Enrollees.
T.J. Early - QB - 6-4/190 - Manlius, NY/Fork Union Academy Coach Mac on T.J.: "T.J. will join our program out of Fork Union Military Academy, he was an All-Conference player in his senior season at Manlius. T.J. is the son of a coach and that shows with his play on the field. We are looking forward to having him on our roster in the fall."
Hayden Stanton – DL/OL – 6-1/270 – Middletown, CT/Xavier Coach Mac on Hayden: “Hayden is a tremendous athlete, and a first team All-State selection on the defensive side of the ball. He is a good player who can drop back in coverage if he needs to, and plays the ball very well. We are looking forward to having him in the program.”
