Massachusetts National Signing Day Central 2017

Grafton's Ifeatu Melifonwu, joined by his mother and teammates shortly after signing his National Letter of Intent to play at Syracuse.

Miss any of our National Signing Day coverage? No worries, we've got you covered with links to our recruiting database and all of our NSD stories, along with links to some fantastic recruiting coverage by Inside the Huddle Massachusetts.

Onward!

2017 Massachusetts Football Recruiting Database

It should be a very busy National Signing Day for Dartmouth OL commit Jake Guidone and the rest of his Xaverian teammates.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

SuiteSports is proud to unveil its 2017 Massachusetts Football Recruiting Database, and we aim to cover every player in the Commonwealth who is going on to play college football at every level.

As you might imagine, that's quite a task, which is why our list will be constantly updated, even beyond National Signing Day on Wednesday, to reflect any new commitments brought to our attention, or any changes of heart.

As always, if we missed anybody, got anything wrong, or don't have the most up to date info on a recruit, Tweet me, or shoot me an email to jparello86@gmail.com.

Here we go!

RADIO: The High School Sports Lunchbox, Recapping National Signing Day in CMass

Leominster's Noah Gray was one of many athletes around the region who signed National Letters of Intent yesterday.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

On this week's episode of the Local Sports Lunchbox on WPKZ, we recapped all the biggest happenings from National Signing Day.

With players signing to play for schools at every level, there was a ton to cover, and we had Leominster star, and Duke signee, Noah Gray call in, then chatted with Carl Setterlund of the Telegram & Gazette.

It was a full show highlighting the top prospects from across the region, so listen in for more below.

Ryan Reagan Not Done at Duxbury, But Prepared for Harvard

By Matt Feld (@mattyfeld612)

A terrific athletic year for Duxbury wide receiver Ryan Reagan just keeps on getting better.

On Wednesday with his family and head coach Dave Maimaron in attendance, Reagan officially committed to continue his football career at Harvard University.

It has been quite the past couple months for Reagan, who back in December helped propel the Dragons to the Division 2 state championship, catching eight passes for 155 yards and three touchdowns at Gillette Stadium. Most recently, while a member of the Duxbury varsity basketball team, Reagan scored 30 points and grabbed 24 rebounds to spearhead a 73-64 upset of Brighton.

Reagan, who announced a verbal commitment to play for the Crimson Tide in October, said Harvard made a big impression on him from the get-go.

Cole McCubrey Fulfills D1 Dream, Signs With UMass

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Winter weather tore through Central Massachusetts Tuesday night, canceling and postponing a number of sporting events across the Heart of the Commonwealth, but there was a silver lining.

Thanks to the West Boylston at Tahanto basketball game getting pushed back to Wednesday, Cole McCubrey, the star of the West Boylston/Tahanto co-op football team, was able to celebrate his commitment to play football at UMass in front of students from both schools he's represented the last four years.

Still a Blue Devil: Leominster's Noah Gray Signs With Duke

Leominster's Noah Gray surrounded by family, coaches and educators.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

At a ceremony in the Leominster High School library, Noah Gray celebrated making his long-standing commitment to Duke University official. The Gray family sent in Noah's National Letter of Intent earlier Wednesday morning, but the emotions were still flowing when Noah addressed the Leominster community around noon.

"My parents have been an inspiration to me, I look up to them every single day," Gray said, while choking up a bit. "I'm grateful for them, and my brother and my sister, they've been a blessing to me. I've just been blessed with amazing people around me."

Melifonwu Sticks With Syracuse, Despite Late Michigan Offer

With his mother at his side, Grafton star Ifeatu Melifonwu made it official, signing with Syracuse Wednesday.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Even late interest from one of football's most recognizable coaches, and an offer to play for one of the NCAA's most prestigious programs didn't sway Grafton's Ifeatu Melifonwu.

The star athlete, who helped lead Grafton to the MIAA Division 3 state championship game at Gillette Stadium in December, officially signed with Syracuse, the school he committed to last summer, during a ceremony in the school library Wednesday.

Melifonwu's destination was one of the state's biggest questions heading into National Signing Day, as Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh personally attended one of Melifonwu's basketball games earlier this month, and the Wolverines formally extended a scholarship offer last Friday, just as Melifonwu was leaving Ann Arbor for a final trip to Syracuse.

A Big National Signing Day at Littleton

From left to right: Top- Griffin Shoemaker, St. Anselm lacrosse commit; Eric Rauker, Stonehill football commit; Will Buraczynski, Merrimack soccer commit.
Bottom- Shannon Riordan, Drexel soccer commit; Kayla Nixon, Assumption soccer commit.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Littleton has come to be known as one of the best small-school athletic departments in the state and, despite a student body of less than 500 kids, the Tigers annually compete for titles in numerous sports, most recently capturing a state football championship in 2013.

That success has carried over to the recruiting trail, as five Tigers signed National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic and academic careers at the college level Wednesday. Three Littleton soccer players signed- Boys left back Will Buraczynski (Merrimack), and girls forward Kayla Nixon (Assumption) and defender Shannon Riordan (Drexel).

The Tigers also saw linebacker Eric Rauker sign with Stonehill for football, and attackman Griffin Shoemaker pledge to play lacrosse for St. Anselm. It was a busy day, but each of the Littleton stars seems ready for the next step.

Xaverian’s A.J. Ryan Picks Yale After Last-Minute Campus Visit

By Matt Feld (@mattyfeld612)

A decision that had been weighing on A.J. Ryan’s shoulders for weeks came down to a matter of minutes but, when it was all said and done, Ryan committed to the school that was always at the top of his list.

On Tuesday afternoon Ryan announced his commitment to Yale University after choosing between the Bulldogs, Princeton, and Colgate.

For months Ryan, who was named the Suite Sports Defensive Player of the Year following the 2016 season, was committed to Brown University, but de-committed and reopened his recruitment in the fall.

Discussions with Navy, Colgate, Yale, and Princeton occurred for weeks, and finally this last weekend the two-time state champion visited Colgate and came away impressed.

Recruiting Update: UConn Visits Kevin Mensah

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

With less than three weeks until National Signing Day, things are starting to heat up for Shepherd Hill running back Kevin Mensah, who was visited in school today by UConn tight ends coach Corey Edsall, the son of recently re-hired Husky coach Randy Edsall.

The elder Edsall, who originally coached the Huskies from 1998 to 2010, and again became UConn's head coach last month, followed up with Mensah in late December to let him know UConn is still interested. The head coach and Mensah scheduled an official visit to Storrs for the weekend of January 28th, and the younger Edsall made the trip to Dudley to chat with Mensah today.

Recruiting Update: Star Athlete Kevin Mensah Back in Central Mass

Holy Name running back Kevin Mensah looks for room against Grafton's defense in last season's D4 Central championship.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Ed. Note- Since the writing of this piece, Mensah has transferred to Shepherd Hill. You can find the complete story of his transfer over at ESPN Boston.

Central Mass already has four Division 1 football commitments in this year's senior class, and it will likely be getting one more as star running back and defensive back Kevin Mensah has decided to return to Holy Name for his final year of high school football.

Though it looked like the star back, who gained over 1,500 yards on the ground last year, would transfer to Cheshire Academy in Connecticut, the Naps will get back the centerpiece of their offense for another season.

That's very good news for first-year head coach Jim Romeo, who will have the services of a runner that averaged over 10 yards per carry and helped the Naps shock Central Mass and reach the Division 4 Central title game.

While Mensah's return to Holy Name is highly anticipated by his teammates, college coaches and scout will be watching the Nap athlete with equal interest. After a scintillating junior campaign, Mensah took home our "Show Time" award for the most "must-see" player in Central Mass of 2015, and now he's hoping to catch the eye of some big-name college football programs.

From Leominster to Duke: Noah Gray Remains a Blue Devil

Leominster quarterback Noah Gray and coach Dave Palazzi talk strategy against Nashoba last season.

By Jason Siegel

Leominster starting quarterback Noah Gray will be taking his talents to Durham, North Carolina and Duke University in the fall of 2017.

The rising high school senior chose the Blue Devils over offers from Temple, Toledo, University of Delaware, University of New Hampshire, and Appalachian State.

2016 Central Mass Lax Recruiting Database

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

The 2016 lacrosse season is now in the books here in Central Mass. We've already reviewed the season that was, named our Top-15 teams, and announced All-Stars and Award Winners, so the only thing left to do is list where all the top players are headed to play in college.

Please note that this list is (probably) incomplete. I have reached out to players and coaches to find out where as many players are going as possible. However, if I am missing you, or a player you know, simply shoot me an email at jparello86@gmail.com, or Tweet me @HerewegoJoe and I will get them added.

VIDEO: Best Friends Ragan and Cassidy Sign Letters of Intent at St. John's (Shrewsbury)

Sean Ragan (left) signed with Boston College Wednesday, alongside best friend Tim Cassidy (right), who signed with Bentley University.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Long-time teammates and best friends Sean Ragan and Tim Cassidy each capped National Signing Day Wednesday by signing their National Letters of Intent together.

Ragan will head to Boston College, while Cassidy is off to Bentley University in Waltham. For a complete story of signing day at St. John's (Shrewsbury), head over to ESPN Boston, and check out video of the two signees below.

Massachusetts 2016 Football National Signing Day Database

Marshfield's Danny Dalton is already on campus at Penn State, but he's still one of the headliners of the 2016 Massachusetts football recruiting class.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

It's National Signing Day, and that means that all across the country high school players are making their college sports plans final.

Here in Massachusetts, there are plenty of high school football players set to take their games to the next level. Here is our list of those players, by school, and as always, feel free to Tweet me @HerewegoJoe if I have left somebody out. Or, simply email me at jparello86@gmail.com if you're not a Tweeter.

Finally, I have to give a big shootout to all the coaches that helped me compile this list, and several players in Central Mass that were instrumental in making this list as comprehensive as it is. Ryan Morgera of Shrewsbury may have a career in recruiting coverage ahead of him, and Mike Curtin of Nashoba, along with Sean Ragan of St. John's (Shrewsbury) were also massively helpful.

Thanks guys!

Now, without further ado, here are your 2016 college football signees from the state of Massachusetts.

Massachusetts 2015 Football National Signing Day Database

Xaverian running back Noah Sorrento (#4) and defensive end Joe Gaziano (#97) will both be continuing their football careers at the next level.  Photo courtesy of Brendan C. Hall and ESPN Boston High Schools.

 By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

It's National Signing Day, and that means that all across the country high school players are making their college sports plans final. Here in Massachusetts, there are plenty of high school football players sets to take their games to the next level. Here is our list of those players, by school, along with some quick notes about their potential at the college level.

As always, feel free to Tweet me @HerewegoJoe if I have left somebody out, or feel free to email me at jparello86@gmail.com if you're not a Tweeter.

Massachusetts Football Recruit Profile: Joe Gaziano

 By Mike Uva (@mike_uva)

Ed. Note- We continue our month-long look at the top football recruits in Massachusetts with a profile of Northwestern bound defensive end Joe Gaziano. Mike Uva takes a look at ESPN Boston's 2014 Mr. Football from Division 1 state champion Xaverian.
-Joe

Joe Gaziano

Defensive End
Xaverian Brothers High School
6'4'', 245 lbs.
College Choice: Northwestern
Senior Highlights

Massachusetts Football Recruit Profile: Drew Jean-Guillaume

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Throughout January our SuitePreps section will be rolling out profiles for some of the top football recruits in Massachusetts, all leading up to National Signing Day on February 4th. We continue today with one of the most overlooked players in the state this year, Shepherd Hill athlete Drew Jean-Guillaume.

Drew Jean-Guillaume

Shepherd Hill Regional High School
Athlete (QB, RB, DB)
5'10'', 200 lbs.
College Choice: Central Connecticut State
Senior Highlights

Massachusetts Football Recruit Profile: Jahkari Carpenter

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Throughout January our SuitePreps section will be rolling out profiles for some of the top football recruits in Massachusetts, all leading up to National Signing Day on February 4th. We continue our rundown today with Doherty running back Jahkari Carpenter, a human highlight-reel who helped the Highlanders win the 2013 Division 4 state championship, and rushed for over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior in 2014.

Jahkari Carpenter

Doherty Memorial High School (Worcester)
Running Back
5'7'', 160 lbs.
College Choice: Doing a Post Grad Year at Bridgton Academy in Maine.
Senior Highlights

Massachusetts Football Recruit Profile: Lukas Denis

Photo courtesy of Brendan C. Hall and ESPN Boston.

By Mike Uva (@mike_uva)

Ed. Note- Throughout January our SuitePreps section will be rolling out profiles for some of the top football recruits in Massachusetts, all leading up to National Signing Day on February 4th. We begin today with Everett star Lukas Denis, one of the most highly recruited players in the Commonwealth for the Class of 2015. Correspondent Mike Uva has more on the Crimson Tide play maker.

-Joe

Lukas Denis

Everett High School
Defensive Back/Wide Receiver
6'1'', 180 lbs.
College Choice: Boston College
Senior Highlights