By Rob Gullo NEFJ Correspondent-New Britain Herald WEST HARTFORD — Hosting its first A Shot For Life 7-on-7 football event in Connecticut at Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford, Connecticut – run by founder Mike Slonina – it was a successful opening kick-off in the Nutmeg State. What was originally created as a ‘24-hour shoot-a-thon’ by Slonina in 2011 as an effort to spread awareness and funds for cancer…
Breaking down the Patriots draft from top to bottom
The Patriots roster overhaul continued this past weekend in the NFL Draft with the addition of 11 new players. Included in that haul were a kicker and a long snapper but the other nine players in the draft class continued the team’s off-season theme of adding toughness, character and most importantly, speed. Here is our breakdown of the Patriots draft and which picks and UDFA’s we liked. Round 1 •……
5 observations from our spring visit with CCSU
NEW BRITAIN — On Friday, April 25, the Central Connecticut State University Blue Devils held their 2025 Spring Football Game. The Blue Devils played an offense-defense game for about an hour before players and coaches were presented their 2024 NEc Championship rings. Many key players didn’t play and some new faces did. Here are five observations from Friday’s game and CCSU’s month of spring practice: Merrimack transfer Donovan Wadley shines……
Pirates Four Down Preview: Green Bay Blizzard (2-2) at Massachusetts Pirates (2-2)
Courtesy of the IFL Kickoff: The Pirates will look to make it three in a row when they take on the arch rival Green Bay Blizzard this afternoon at the Tsongas Arena. The Pirates went on the road last week and picked up a big win over the Jacksonville Sharks. The team is finally starting to come together and they are playing their best football. The Pirates own an all-time…
5 observations from the 2025 Maine spring game
Image courtesy of Maine Athletics The University of Maine Black Bears football team wrapped up their spring practice sessions with the 19th annual Jeff Cole Memorial Spring Game on Saturday at Alfond Stadium in Orono. Despite rainy conditions, the Black Bears showcased their progress and gave fans a glimpse of what to expect for the upcoming 2025 season. With continuity on the coaching staff and at the quarterback position, there’s……
NFL Draft: Local UDFA Signings and Camp Invites
Several local products or players who previously played in New England have either signed with teams as undrafted free agents or gotten mini camp tryouts. Here is our most updated list. We will add to it as we get more names. As always, if we missed someone or you have a tip, please feel free to email us at johnewftbj@gmail.com Jack Conley, OT (Boston College) signed with the New England…
Patriots Draft: Scouting Report on Kobee Minor, CB, 5’11 188, Memphis
The Patriots selected Memphis cornerback Kobee Minor with the final pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. Minor is well traveled having previously played at Texas Tech and Indiana before landing at Memphis for his final season. Minor visited the Patriots in a Top 30 Visit. Here is our scouting report on cornerback Kobee Minor. M/M Coverage – A long corner who can get his hands on receivers, re-route them and……
Patriots undrafted free agent signings tracker
The Patriots have been busy since the NFL Draft earlier tonight. Here is who the Patriots as undrafted free agents. Mike Vrabel has completely overhauled this roster in one off-season. Here are the players the Patriots have signed or invited to a rookie mini-camp. Jack Conley, OT, Boston College: Conley was an All-ACC honorable mention last season after starting 12 games at right guard. Conley played in 60 straight games……
Best quotes from the newest group of Patriots selected on Saturday
There’s seven more players that will forever be able to say they were drafted by the New England Patriots. After adding Will Campbell on Thursday night and TreVeyon Henderson, Kyle Williams and Jared Wilson on Friday, the Patriots maneuvered up and down the board a bit on the final day of the 2025 NFL Draft and came away with four defensive players, a tackle, a long snapper and a kicker….
Patriots sign Merrimack’s Cole Birdow as UDFA
Cole Birdow won’t have to go very far for his first NFL opportunity. The former Merrimack offensive lineman is making the somewhat short trip from North Andover to Foxborough after signing with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent at the conclusion of the NFL Draft on Saturday. Birdow is 6’5,” 315lbs. and can be a versatile piece if he’s able to make a stronger impression than he already has…