By Mukala Kabongo
NEFJ Correspondent

ANDOVER –  It was a big day on Tuesday for new Phillips Andover head coach Ernie Adams.

Adams – who served as linebacker coach last season and served as director of football research for the New England Patriots for 21 years – recently took over as head coach of the program for Trey Brown.

So, Tuesday was his first taste of Massachusetts Showcase Day, with 26 of his players participating.

Last season Phillips Academy finished with a 2-7 record and has two winning seasons since 2010 used the showcase as a stepping stone to build a winning culture.

“We’ve got a lot of young men who have a good football future ahead of them,” Adams said after the event.

Along with Adams, Phillips Academy added quarterback Landon Huserau, who transferred in from Westerly High school in Rhode Island.

Huserau, who threw for 2,829 yards last season and a state record 40 touchdowns to help lead Westerly to a state title, is excited for the opportunity ahead.

“It’s an amazing school and an amazing opportunity that’s really what hooked me and a great football team,” said Husereau

Husereau has a plethora of weapons he’s building a rapport with, former West Bridgewater receiver Armani Pereira and 6’7” tight end Michael Vallarelli.

“I think we did pretty good, a lot of great athletes out there, it was amazing to throw to them,” said Husereau.

During the skills drills portion of the day with dozens of college coaches looking on, both Pereira and Vallarelli each showcased their route-running ability and soft hands. Pereira, who is in his postgraduate year, used the showcase to give coaches a glimpse of his athleticism.

“It’s really an opportunity to show coaches the type of player I am,” said Pereira. “I wasn’t able to do the recruitment process my junior year so this is an opportunity for me to get back.”

Vallarei who was second team All New England Prep Conference last season and holds an offer from UMass-Amherst is excited for the upcoming season with his new quarterback.

“I’m just hoping to have a good season, catch some balls, put guys in the dirt,” said Vallarelli. “I’m really hoping to win some games.”

Throughout the morning, players continued to catch the eyes of college coaches, linebacker Drew Aiono will be a player to keep an eye out for in Adams’ defense.

At 6’1” 220 lbs., Aiono has really good ball skills and the speed to play in coverage which caught the attention.

Aiono who hails from San Bernardino, CA looks every bit of the prototype linebacker and will be a key piece to Phillips Academy’s defense this upcoming season..

“I love being able to fly around and showcasing my athletic ability,” added Aiono.

Turning a program around takes work, a process Adams understands very well. Phillips Andover is in good hands and Adams was excited for how the day turned out.

“I think we had about 30 colleges represented here today. We were only out here for 35 minutes, but they had a chance to see everybody moving and running around,” Adams added. “That’s a good thing.”