Pingree wide receiver and defensive back Colt Downey knows a thing or two about UNH Football. After all, his dad and the current head coach at Pingree, Pat Downey played at UNH and his brother Jackson is currently a Wildcat himself.

So when it came to where Colt was going to play his college football, UNH was always his top choice and the place he dreamed of playing his college football.

When why he committed to UNH last week, Downey cited several reasons, including his family’s linage with the program.

“I committed to UNH for several reasons. First, I really connected with Coach Goldrich and Coach Parmer during the whole recruiting process. Coach Parmer is my receivers coach. He would always reach out to me and check on me. Coach Goodrich and his entire staff always took a real interest in me as a person, not just as a football player. They treated me like family.”

Familiarity also played a big part in Downey’s decision to commit to UNH. That and following in his father’s and brother’s footsteps as the next in line made the commitment to UNH the obvious choice.

“I grew up there as a little kid going to games with my dad and my brother. We would go into the locker room after games and stand on the sidelines with the players. My dad was a UNH Captain and my brother Jackson is a junior linebacker who has played in over 15 games with 3 starts. I wanted to keep our UNH football family legacy alive.”

It doesn’t hurt that UNH is also one of the most successful programs in New England College Football in recent years. Their conference and playoff success speaks for itself.

“Some of the biggest things that appealed to me was the coaches and how much they made me feel like I was part of the UNH Football family. Every time I visited UNH they made me feel like I was one of them. Coach Goldrich, Coach Parmer, Coach Fogg and all of the coaches were always checking in on me. When I visited for my Junior Day and for the Spring Game, they were always spending time with me and my family. They made me feel valued. That is what really appealed to me and stood out.”

Downey is a student of history and he respects the history of the UNH Football program. Like his dad and brother, he wants to leave his mark on the program as well.

“The opportunity to play college football with my brother Jackson is a dream come true for me. Jackson has always been someone that I have really looked up to and admired my whole life as a player and most importantly as a person. It is a dream come true to finally have the opportunity to play with Jackson.”

Downey added: “I have so much respect for UNH’s incredible winning tradition. They have been to the Division 1 FCS Playoffs 17 times and have won 15 Conference titles. I watched my brother Jackson play on ESPN last year in the playoffs against South Dakota State. That was really cool. Lastly, the competition. I love to compete and find ways to get better everyday. UNH plays such a competitive schedule against teams like Harvard, URI and Maine. They are playing Syracuse this season and then play Ohio State and Boston College in the next few seasons.”

Speaking of his brother Jackson, him being in the program helped Colt make his decision when it comes to committing to the school. Having his older brother in the program brought a certain level of comfort

“That was huge for me. I have learned so much from my brother and my Dad. I have been going to my brother’s games for the last few years and I love watching him play in Wildcat Stadium. I remember going down to Orlando with my parents a few years ago to watch my brother play against UCF in the “Bounce House” in front of 50,000 fans.” He ran down on the opening kickoff and it was so loud. I also remember the time he played in Harvard Stadium against Harvard on a Friday night and he was starting at Safety. He made the first two tackles of the game and I heard the announcer say his name. That was amazing. I would have given anything to be on the field with him. As a little kid I remember going into the UNH Locker Room after games and seeing my Dad’s name on the walls. That was really cool.”

Downey says he is relived to be done with the recruiting process and he is looking forward to focusing on his senior season at Pingree.

“It is a great feeling to know where I am going to play college ball next year and to be able to focus and prioritize all of my time and energy on my Pingree teammates. I am going to continue to train hard in the weight room and on the field and take it one day at a time. I am focused on getting better each day and get ready for our upcoming season because this is only just the start. This will only make me push harder and make me work to become better than the man I was yesterday.”