Courtesy of Boston College Athletics Neto Okpala appeared in 42 games for the Eagles during his career at Boston College. Okpala is an explosive edge rusher plays with good lean and bend and has upside on and off the ball. Meet Boston College edge Neto Okpala. NEFJ: When did you start playing football? NO: “Started playing football in 8th grade my first position was OL.. it’s funny bc in 9th…
Meet your local NFL Draft prospects: Cole Birdow, OT, Merrimack
Cole Birdow started his career at Old Dominion as a defensive lineman before transferring to Merrimack where he was converted to an offensive tackle by former coach Dan Curran. Meet Merrimack offensive lineman Cole Birdow. NEFJ: When did you start playing football? CB: ” I started playing football when I was 5 years old and fell in love with the game since then.” NEFJ: What do you love about the…
Meet your local draft prospects: WR Jakobie Keeney-James
Courtesy of JKJ X Jakobie Keeney-James transferred into UMass from Eastern Washington. The Redlands, California native transitioned into the program seamlessly catching 50 passes for 839 yards and 6 touchdowns last season. James ran a blistering 4.37 forty at his pro day. Get to know Jakobie Keeney-James NEFJ: When did you start playing football? JKJ: “I started playing football when I was 11 years old, I was playing 2k11 and my…
20 players the Patriots could draft on Day 3
The Patriots have five picks on day three but that number could change with with trades. Day three is an opportunity to add depth and developmental talent to the roster. The Patriots have met with a lot of day three prospects and potential undrafted free agents. Some of them could hear their names called on Saturday. Here are 20 prospects the Patriots could target. Jaylin Lane, WR, 5’11 191, Virginia……
Ansonia promotes assistant coach John Mihalko to replace Tom Brockett as next football coach
It did not take long for Ansonia to find the program’s next football coach. Two weeks after legendary coach Tom Brockett stepped away, Ansonia hired a familiar face to replace in assistant coach John Mihalko. A native of Shelton, Connecticut and a graduate of Trinity College, Mihalko, 39, is a currently a history teacher at Ansonia and has served as the program’s offensive line coach for the past 11 seasons…….
Meet your local NFL Draft prospects: Carson Primrose, DT, URI
Courtesy of URI Athletics Carson Primrose was an all conference player at Sacred Heart before to transfer to the University of Rhode Island prior to last season. Primrose was starting to garner attention locally and nationally and really made a name for himself this past season finishing with 17 solo tackles and four sacks. The Pennsylvania native has a high motor and a work ethic to match. The coaching staffs…
BC gets active in the portal with some defensive help
While the staff has had a great run on 2026 recruits lately, the Eagles needed some ‘just in case’ help on defense after spring ball and they’ve gotten some with two linebackers and a defensive lineman so far. Both Daveon Crouch and Owen McGowan didn’t participate while taking it slow coming back from their injuries. Bryce Steele is back, but to what extent? Juan Zabal, Billy Van Pelt and Q…
20 players the Patriots could draft on Day 2
The Patriots are scheduled to have three picks on day two and could use them to address needs but to also add players who can develop and add depth. With the nine picks in this draft, the Patriots could go in a myriad of directions on day two. Here are 20 players that they have spoken with in the pre-draft process that fit what they look for in players. Aireontae……
Meet your local NFL Draft prospects: Kam Arnold, LB, Boston College
A fierce leader at BC for the last few years, Arnold has the chance to help someone out with his versatility. Because he looks the part as a linebacker, people forget he has a safety background and the physicality to bing the boom from anywhere on the field. Before getting injured last year, Arnold had 40 combined tackles, a pick and two forced fumbles in seven games. In his five-year…
Patriots Mock Draft
By Paul Vozzella NEFJ Correspodnent Time to join in on the thousands of mocks that have been done over the last few months… Round 1, Pick 4: OT Will Campbell, Louisiana State The Patriots finally get the left tackle they have been in dire need for several years now. Campbell has plenty of tape to prove he can anchor the left side of the line at the professional level. His…