NHFR Recruiting Notebook

Several years ago a Division II college program from New England had a New Hampshire player rated as the top prospect on its recruiting board. Problem was, the school never heard from the player’s head coach, and a marriage between the school and player never materialized.

New Hampshire has lots and lots of players who can play at the college level. Maybe not at Alabama or Georgia, but certainly at Division III, Division II and FCS schools — and those schools offer scholarship assistance/financial aid, too. It’s does require a little work, however, since New Hampshire is behind most states when it comes to the recruiting process. Some athletes don’t know how to help themselves get recruited. In other cases a player’s head coach is unsure about the best way to help.

The New Hampshire Football Showcase was created eight years ago to assist athletes — primarily New Hampshire athletes — in the recruiting process. Nothing helps a player more than performing in front of college coaches live, and then having the opportunity to speak to those coaches.

“I’ll be honest — we pretty much stopped recruiting New Hampshire until this event started,” said the recruiting coordinator from a top Division III program outside of New Hampshire. “This is a huge help, and we also rely on the rankings (New Hampshire Football  Report TOP 50). Those have proven to be reliable.”

The 2022 New Hampshire Football Showcase will be held Saturday at Saint Anselm College (9 a.m. to noon). Register Here 

There are two main reasons to attend:

1. Improve your game

2. Help yourself get recruited by performing in front of college coaches.

Currently 23 college programs have confirmed they plan to attend Saturday’s event, whic typically attracts at least 25 schools (more than 30 attended last year’s Showcase). Holy Cross, Merrimack and UNH are the FCS schools that have RSVP’d.

NOTE: FBS schools are not allowed to recruit at this event because it’s being held during an NCAA dead period.

Four players who were at last year’s Showcase are now with the UNH program: Brendan Graham (Alvirne), Peyton Strickland (Goffstown), Colby Ramshaw (Londonderry) and Jackson Stone (Lebanon). Many other joined Division II and Division III programs.

Although it’s good to attend Showcase events with the most college coaches, bigger is not better when it comes to the number of athletes who attend. Fewer athletes means more reps and the better chance you will be properly evaluated by the college coaches. That’s why the New Hampshire Showcase is limited to 100 athletes (typcially between 75-90 attend).

It’s also beneficial to be realistic about what schools — and what level — you can play at. Although FBS schools have attended this event in the past, The New Hampshire Football Showcase targets Division III, Division II and FCS schools in the Northeast. Why? Because many New Hampshire athletes can play at those schools.

When speaking with college coaches Saturday athletes are encouraged to ask about financial aid, the school’s recruiting board at the player’s position and whether or not that school has the players intended major.

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Many colleges come to New Hampshire looking for linemen, and they won’t be dissapointed this year. Among the players who have registered are OL/DL Ty Miles (Londonderry), OL/DL Jake Fredericks (Winnacunnet) and tight end/DL Ryan Graney (Exeter). These may be the top three players in the state and are sure to attract plenty of attention Saturday.

The linemen who attend this year’s Showcase will also get college level coaching from Saint Anselm defensive line coach John Trisciani and former Bates offensive line coach Skip Capone.

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Saturday’s Showcase will also be helpful in identifying the best quarterbacks in the state for the 2022 season. New Hampshire QBs who will be in attedance Saturday include Dom Coppeta (Timberlane), Zackary Doward (Concord), Conor Fenlon (Winnacunnet), Drew Heenan (Londonderry), Connor McFarland (Manchester Memorial), Conor Williams (Londonderry) and Josh Sweeney (Windham).

Quarterbacks who attend will be working with former Nashua South and UNH QB Trevor Knight.

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Out-of-state players are welcome at the New Hampshire Football Showcase as well. The non-New Hampshire residents currently registered are Austin Prep (Mass.) OL/DL Phil D’Alleva, U-32 (Vermont) lineman Ethan Garrison, Weston (Mass.) quarterback Mack McManus, St. Johnsbury OL/DL Joshua Quad and Mt. Abraham Union (Vermont)OL/DL Caleb Russell.

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New Hampshire Football Report will run player highlights for those in the Class of 2023 and the Class of 2024 who hope to play college football. These highlights will have a permanent home on the site’s recruiting page, and will run on the main page multiple times per week. The videos will also be posted on the 603SportsMedia Twitter account. The goal is to create additional exposure for these athletes (be seen by college coaches, etc.). There is no cost to have your highlight listed, but we ask that you consider making a donation to the NHFR site in any amount or sign up for an XTRA membership to help the site continue to promote football in New Hampshire. Donations can be made by clicking on the buttom at the bottom of the page. 

CLASS OF 2023 HIGHLIGHTS

CLASS OF 2024 HIGHLIGHTS

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Those who would like to help New Hampshire Football Report promote football in the Granite State can do so by purchasing an NHFR XTRA Membership

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