Courtesy of Kevin Stone/NEFJ Patriots coach Mike Vrabel met with the assembled media on Friday ahead of the first rookie mini camp practice. Vrabel discussed several topics related to the team’s rookie minicamp and he gave an unexpected health update on defensive coordinator Terrell Williams in his opening statement. Here are some of the things Vrabel touched on. Rookie Acclimation: Vrabel emphasized the goal of getting the rookies acclimated to…
Patriots Draft: Patriots sign 8 of their 11 draft picks and 16 undrafted free agents
The Patriots announced that they have signed rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams, center Jared Wilson, defensive tackle Joshua Farmer, EDGE, Bradyn Swinson, kicker Andy Borregales, offensive tackle Marcus Bryant, long snapper Julian Ashby and cornerback Kobee Minor. The Patriots also signed undrafted rookie free agents: Guard Cole Birdow, wide receivers Demeer Blankumsee and Efton Chism III, guard Jack Conley, cornerback Brandon Crossley, tight end C.J. Dippre, fullback Brock Lampe, runnimg……
Prominent high school programs fill head coaching openings throughout New England this off-season
Several power programs throughout New England filled head coaching openings this off-season. In Connecticut, legendary Ansonia coach Tom Brockett stepped away after an impressive 19 year run that included eight state titles. He was replaced by trusted assistant John Mihalko. Earlier this off-season, Staples filled their head coaching opening after Adam Behrends left the program for an opportunity with New Mexico University. Behrends was replaced by offensive coordinator Matt Jacowleff,……
New backup QB Joshua Dobbs ready to help Maye however he can
FOXBOROUGH – Joshua Dobbs has been the definition of a journeyman quarterback since first entering the NFL in 2018. In those seven years, Dobbs has played for Pittsburgh, Arizona, Minnesota, Tennessee and San Francisco. He’s appeared in 23 games, starting 15 of them, throwing for 3,281 yards and 17 touchdowns with 15 interceptions. Nothing to write home about, but when you hear him speak, it’s clear why Mike Vrabel wanted…
20 NEPSAC 2026 Prospects to watch at next week’s showcases
The 2026 NEPSAC class will be on full display next week during the annual Connecticut and Massachusetts Showcases days. Several private schools in the area have talented players who are primed to impress the over 100 college coaches who are scheduled to attend the workouts. Here are 20 NEPSAC players to watch for during the two showcase days. 1. Marky Walbridge, OT, 6’6 285, St. Sebastian’s: Walbridge remains uncommitted but……
University of New Haven announces they are moving up to Division 1 and joining the NEC
Courtesy of New Haven Athletics Add another Division One football program to the New England College Football landscape. The University of New Haven announced today that they moving up to Division I and joining the Northeast Conference (NEC) effective July 1st. The announcement was made today by NEC Commissioner Noreen Morris and University of New Haven President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D. “We are thrilled to welcome the University of New Haven to……
Brown announces 2029 recruiting class
Brown announced the incoming freshman class on Monday. 23 members make up the Class of 2029. The group features recruits from all over the country including Hawaii. Once again, James Perry and his staff emphasized New England recruiting picking commitments from five New England prospects. The emphasis was on restocking the skill positions on offense and the secondary on defense. The Bears were able to do that adding players who……
Dugger looking ahead to better days after rough 2024
FOXBOROUGH – Now one of the longest tenured Patriots players, Kyle Dugger is the guy other younger players are now looking to heading into 2025. It’s a strange spot for him to be in, but he’s embracing the new leadership opportunity under Mike Vrabel. Dugger spoke for about 10 minutes on Tuesday and appeared to be in a positive mindset after a tough, injury-plagued season last year. Now entering his…
Cliche named new head football coach at Portland High School
Image courtesy of Portland School District/@PHSBulldogs Portland High School has hired a familiar face to take over for Sean Green. Nick Cliche, who joined Green as offensive coordinator in 2023 now replaces him as head coach. Cliche, a native of Vermont has nine years of high school coaching experience. He spent five years with Portland Youth Football. From there, Cliche served as offensive coordinator under Jason Jackson at Deering High……
First CIAC Showcase event draws big attendance
By Craig Boland NEFJ Correspondent DANBURY – On a rainy day at Western Connecticut State, 130 sophomores, juniors and seniors that play in the majority public CIAC conference, ran through athletic testing, position drills, and 1-on-1s in front of roughly 20 college programs (FCS, D2, D3) for a showcase. Following the massive success of the NEPSAC/ISL Prep showcases and the Catholic League showcases in Nee Jersey & New York, the…