AP Photo The Patriots defense in 2025 will look drastically different under new head coach Mike Vrabel. With several key additions in free agency and the draft and a shift in philosophy, there are a number of differences fans will notice with this unit this season. New defensive coordinator Terrell Williams has a history of with Vrabel from their time in Tennessee together. He will marry many of the Titans…
Former Xavier & UConn quarterback Tim Boyle back for 5th summer camp
By Rob Gullo NEFJ Correspondent MIDDLETOWN — Summer is a good time for people to enjoy the outdoors and for youth football players across the state of Connecticut to get better. With school out, the end of June is a time where they can absorb football knowledge from players like NFL quarterback Tim Boyle. On Saturday, Boyle – a 2013 graduate of Xavier High School – hosted his fifth quarterback……
Underclassmen Spotlight: Brian Waller-Reitano, OL/DL, Central Catholic
We recently had a chat with one of the top lineman in the Class of 2027, Brian Waller-Reitano of Central Catholic. Waller-Reitano is a smart, hard working and motivated young man who wants to be great and understand the importance of playing at Central Catholic as his father and grandfather played in the program as well. Waller-Reitano got a lot of people’s attention at the recent MVC Showcase and that……
Jones continues to give back to his hometown, hosting sixth annual free football camp
Photo credit- Dan Heary Rob Gullo, NEFJ Correspondent NEW BRITAIN — Former Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones, who played in the NFL from 2015-2022, hung up the cleats following the 2022 season in which he did not play due to recovering from an Achilles injury. Since being retired, one thing Jones has remained busy with post-NFL career has been giving back to his community and hometown of…
Breaking down Springfield Central’s 2025 Schedule
Springfield Central is poised to make another run in Division 1. Bill Watson’s squad returns a talented offense led by quarterback Jareth Staine and running back Isaiah Rogers. The additions of linebacker Chris Sanchez and wide receiver Isaiah Fabulas makes an already talented team even better. The return of former head coach Vladamar Brower as defensive coordinator was already a big addition this off-season. Here is the breakdown of Springfield’s……
Catching up with Taft DT Jude Okeleke after his commitment to Temple
We got a chance recently to talk with Taft’s Jude Okeleke after his recent commitment to Taft. Here is what Jude had to say about why he committed to the Owls and what it means to him. NEFJ: Why did you commit to Temple? What made the school and the program the right fit for you? JO: “I believe in the Temple coaching staff, especially Coach Dudzinski and Coach Calhoun…….
UConn announces the addition of more future games with Duke
You don’t think rivalry when you hear UConn and Duke – at least not on the gridiron – but the two have developed a nice little competitive animosity over the last couple of seasons. This is going to be a regular occurrence going forward too. On Wednesday, the Huskies announced that the two schools have agreed to additional games on September 11, 2027 in Durham and then October 14, 2028…
St. Sebastian’s tackle Marky Walbridge commits to Michigan
For years now – really ever since Don Brown was the defensive coordinator – the Michigan football program has come to Massachusetts for some elite talent, particularly up front. After Zak Zinter became a household name from BB&N a few years ago during his time at Michigan, another ISL player is heading to Ann Arbor to hopefully follow in his footsteps. St. Sebastian’s tackle Marky Walbridge officially decided on the……
South wins 63rd edition of Harry Agganis All-Star Game behind Buettler’s MVP performance
By Mukala Kabongo NEFJ Staff LYNN — Swampscott’s Henry Buettler earned MVP on Wednesday night as the South squad defeated the North 21-6 at the 63rd annual Harry Agganis All Star football game. For many players on the field, the game at Manning field was their final time putting on a football uniform. Buettler – who is set to attend Boston University in the fall – was one of those…
Robert Kraft makes an appearance at Fanatics Fest and shares his thoughts on the upcoming season
Image courtesy of Fanatics and Adam Schefter Patriots owner Robert Kraft made an appearance at Fanatics Fest in New York this weekend. In an interview with Adam Schefter, Kraft addressed several topics including his thoughts on the Patriots. Kraft, an investor in Fanatics and a close friend of founder and owner Michael Rubin had a lot to say. There is no transcript of the conversation. When Kraft was asked about…