FOXBOROUGH – Over the last couple months, Merrimack’s Cole Birdow and BC’s Jack Conley have gotten to know each other quite a bit. Whether it was the Local Day workout hosted by the Patriots or Pro Day at BC, the two had built a bit of a camaraderie going through the pre-draft process together. Now, their NFL journey has started together too. Both Birdow and Conley were inside the field…

Local talent all over the field at Patriots rookie minicamp
FOXBOROUGH – The first Patriots rookie minicamp practice on Friday was a bit of a New England college showcase. No matter where you looked on the field inside the Win Waste Innovations Field House, you could pick out a player representing the local scene one way or another. BC’s Jack Conley and Merrimack’s Cole Birdow both got plenty of work with new offensive line coach Doug Marrone, first round pick…

Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams talks about his recent health scare
New England Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams recently experienced a health scare that has required him to work remotely from his home in Detroit on doctor’s orders for the past few weeks. Mike Vrabel broke the news on Friday prior to Patriots rookie mini camp kicking off. After practice, Williams spoke to the media via Zoom and addressed his health. Williams confirmed he had a “medical scare” but emphasized that…

Recapping Mike Vrabel’s press conference; Here are some of the highlights
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……