SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts – The American International College football team is set to welcome 32 newcomers to its 2026 roster, including 23 high school players, seven college transfers, and two prep school players. Nine of the signees have already joined the Jackets for the spring semester. Head Coach
Dan Chipka unveiled the list of signees on Wednesday, marking the official signing day for college football.
Chipka and his staff concentrated their recruiting efforts primarily on high school prospects within a five-hour radius, covering Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, and New Jersey.
"This class reflects a very intentional approach to roster construction," said Chipka. "We were able to address immediate needs through the transfer portal while continuing to build our foundation with high school prospects. One of our priorities was adding length and athleticism on the perimeter, both offensively and defensively, and we feel we've done that across multiple position groups. We also placed a strong emphasis on recruiting players from state championship programs—young men who understand what it takes to win, prepare, and compete at a high level."
The Yellow Jackets remained largely local in their recruiting efforts, bringing in three players from Massachusetts, seven from New Jersey, six from New York, five from Connecticut, and three from Rhode Island. AIC also secured recruits nationally from the following states: Maryland, Florida, California, Arizona, Tennessee, Ohio, Texas.
"Recruiting has truly become a twelve-month process for our staff," Chipka said. "From in-season evaluations to winter weekend visits and transfer portal recruiting, our coaches have been working year-round to build this class. We were especially pleased with how our winter visits went this offseason and the feedback from recruits and their families has been outstanding. We take a great deal of pride in the experience we provide on campus, and that has played a major role in our ability to attract and retain student-athletes. As we continue to expand our JV schedule, sustaining roster depth remains a priority in order to maximize player development, and this class positions us well both in the short-term and down the road."
The following is a look at the
32 new additions to the AIC Football program:
ABDUL-SALEEM, URIE
Linebacker | 5-10 | 235 | Fr. | Brooklyn, NY (Cardinal Hayes High School)
Urie is a knockback tackler from New York City where he has been a key contributor for Coach O'Neil and the Cardinals' defense. During Urie's sophomore season, Cardinal Hayes made history by becoming the first New York City school to win the State Catholic League Championship. Urie joins a long line of Cardinal Hayes players to sign with AIC including Sidiki Kone,
Tyrone Smith Jr., and
Derik Lopez.
ADAMS, DEMELO
Cornerback | 5-10 | 175 | Fr. | Gilbert, AZ (Arizona College Prep)
Demelo 'Melo' Adams is a standout defensive back from Arizona. While in high school, he was recognized as one of the premier cornerbacks in the state. Adams helped lead the Arizona College Prep Knights to a 9-3 overall record and a deep playoff run. He finished his senior season by leading the team in interceptions, earning himself 1
st Team All-Region and 2
nd Team All-Conference.
ANTOINE, ADRIAN
Wide Receiver | 5-10 | 170 | Fr. | Brooklyn, NY (South Shore High School)
Adrian is a four-year starter at South Shore High School, where he earned All-Conference (PSAL) and All-City accolades during both his junior and senior seasons. This past season, Adrian racked up 1,000 all-purpose yards with 10 TD's. Adrian held multiple FCS offers before signing with AIC and will help bolster the Jackets' passing attack for years to come.
BRYDEN, DARON "DB"
Quarterback | 6-2 | 195 | Sr. | Enfield, CT (University of Nebraska-Kearney)
Daron was a two-time All-State performer from Bloomfield High School along with being a nominee for the Gatorade Player of Year in the state of Connecticut in 2019-2020. Throughout DB's high school career, he threw for 7,326 yards and 98 TD's, while winning the state championship in 2018. At the college level, "DB" appeared in 14 games at Stony Brook University while throwing for 1,340 yards and a QBR of 119.0. After Stony Brook, DB played for a season at the University of Nebraska-Kearney where he threw for over 1,300 yards and 8 TD's, leading the Loppers to a winning season, their first in 5 years.
BURKS, JERRELL
Cornerback | 5'11" | 160 | Fr. | Bridgeton, NJ (Bridgeton High School)
Jerrell possess the length and athleticism to excel in the Jackets' secondary. During his high school career, "Rell" was featured on both sides of the ball at WR and CB for the Bridgeton Bulldogs. As a lockdown CB for Coach Williams, Burks helped push the Bulldogs to a 6-3 season and did not allow a receiving touchdown.
FALKE, BRANDON
Kicker/Punter | 6'0" | 195 | Fr. | Sayreville, NJ (St. Thomas Aquinas High School)
Brandon is a combo specialist (K/P) from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in New Jersey where he was ranked as the top kicker in the state by NJ.com and #3 kicker in the state by PrepRedZone. As a senior, Brandon was a perfect 26 for 26 on PAT's with 4 field goals, including a long of 45 yards. Brandon was also a weapon on kick-offs by consistently kicking the ball in the endzone with 20 touchbacks during his senior season. As a punter, Brandon averaged 41 yards per punt.
GARCIA, BRANDON
Outside Linebacker | 6'1" | 205 | Fr. | Brooklyn, NY (Erasmus Hall High School)
Brandon is recognized as a top-level linebacker in the New York City area. During his high school years, Brandon attended two of the powerhouse football programs in New York City, Cardinal Hayes and Erasmus Hall. In 2024, during his junior season, Brandon led the Cardinals with 90 total tackles. While at Erasmus Hall, Garcia helped the Dutchmen to a 10-2 record and the PSAL 4A football championship, adding another title to long history of success for the Dutchmen football program.
GEER, JALEN
Wide Receiver | 6'5" | 225 | GRAD | Knoxville, TN (Princeton University)
Jalen is a Princeton University graduate wide receiver, originally from Knoxville, Tennessee. During high school, Geer attended Grace Christian Academy and was recognized as an All-State performer. Throughout his high school career with the Rams, he totaled nearly 1,000 receiving yards and 9 TD's while also being a standout basketball player, earning All-Region accolades. The Geer family basketball tree includes his sister, Chanler (Carson-Newman) and his late-father, Major (ETSU). Major Geer led ETSU to three-straight Southern Conference championships and scored 1,094 career points. A generation later, his son, Jalen saw action in 17 games at Princeton, averaging 12.9 yards per catch. Geer's experience and frame will provide the Jacket's passing attack with an immediate weapon.
HEREDIA, GABRIEL
Outside Linebacker | 5'10" | 170 | Fr. | St. Lucie West, FL (Tradition Prep High School)
Heredia is a multi-sport athlete joining the AIC football program from Tradition Prep High School in South Florida. Gabriel led his team in rushing and in scoring which earned him 1st Team All-District honors. Heredia was named Student-Athlete of the Week by WFLX FOX 29. His explosive playmaking abilities will look to be on display during Saturdays for the Yellowjacket's defense and special team units this fall.
HOLMES, AZURIAH "ACE"
Running Back | 5'10" | 200 | Fr. | Baltimore, MD (Calvert Hall College High School)
Azuriah "Ace" joins the Jackets as a standout two-sport athlete from Calvert Hall College High School in Baltimore, Maryland. After playing for Aberdeen High School for three seasons, Ace transferred to Calvert Hall and was voted a team captain during his senior season, where he rushed for 749 yards and 7 TD's. Ace also plays for the Calvert Hall lacrosse team which is considered one of the premier LAX programs nationally.
HOWARD, MAKIYE
Cornerback | 5'11" | 165 | Fr. | Norwich, CT (Norwich Free Academy)
Makiye is a two-way standout player coming to AIC from Norwich Free Academy in Connecticut. He was recognized as one of the best defensive backs in the state of Connecticut after his 2025 senior season. He finished the year leading the entire state in interceptions. Howard played a critical role in NFA's run to the CIAC Class LL State Semi-Finals. He recorded two interceptions and a 40-yard touchdown to lead the Wildcats in an upset victory over top-seeded New Britian. He will look to make an impact on the defense and special team units this fall.
JOHNSON, ANTHONY "AJ"
Wide Receiver | 6-0 | 200 | Jr. | Burlington, NJ (Coffeyville Community College)
After a standout career at Burlington High School, Anthony Johnson was an All-State performer in 2021 while amassing over 1,300 receiving yards, on 52 receptions, and 13 TD's in his career for the Falcons. AJ was originally recruited by Curt Cignetti at James Madison University before transferring to Stony Brook University where he was a 2023 Phil Steele Freshman All-American and Jerry Rice Award Finalist. During the 2023 season, AJ had 59 receptions for 714 yards and 3 TD's, earning him 3rd Team All-CAA.
KAMEN, BEN
Athlete | 5'10" | 175 | Fr. | San Diego, CA (Point Loma High School)
Ben was a multi-positional athlete for Point Loma High School in San Diego, California. While leading the Pointers to an 11-1 season during his senior campaign, Ben was a standout defensive back and specialist. Ben gained national recognition as one of the top punters in the country ranking 1st in San Diego, 6th in California, and 25th nationally with a 47.5 punt average. The Jackets will look to utilize his athleticism and multiplicity on both defense and special teams.
KIMBER, ZA'KYI
Running Back | 5-7 | 180 | Fr. | Hartford, CT (East Coast Prep)
Za'kyi is a versatile running back that had a standout career at Bloomfield High School in Connecticut where he helped the Warhawks win the 2023 state championship as a junior. As a senior, "Kyi" rushed for 811 yards, 10.1 yards per carry, and 10 TD's. After high school, Za'kyi attended East Coast Prep in Great Barrington, Massachusetts where he started at running back for Coach Baskerville, leading the Firebirds to 7-2 record in 2025.
LONG, JAYLEN
Outside Linebacker | 6-4 | 225 | Jr. | Springfield, MA (Glenville State University)
Jaylen returns home to Springfield after initially signing with the University of Maine in 2022. After his freshman season with the Black Bears, Jaylen played two seasons at Monroe CC where he was ranked as one of the top EDGE players in the NJCAA. After two seasons for the Mustangs, Jaylen signed with Glenville State where he switched positions to defensive line and saw action in 5 games for the Pioneers. Jaylen will be featured as an over-hang linebacker for the Jackets' defense.
MAGNIFICO, JAEDEN
Wide Receiver | 5-10 | 170 | Fr. | Warwick, RI (Bishop Hendricken High School)
Jaeden comes to AIC from Biship Hendricken High School in Rhode Island where he played both football and track and field. During Jaeden's career with the Hawks, he helped maintain their status as the top football program in the state of Rhode Island.
MATTHEW, JALEN
Wide Receiver | 6-4 | 175 | Fr. | Stratford, CT (Stratford High School)
Jalen is multi-sport athlete from Stratford, Connecticut excelling at both football and track and field. On the gridiron, Jalen played both sides of the ball at wide receiver and safety, being voted a co-captain by his teammates as a senior. He also was a state finalist for the high-jump as a junior at Stratford. Matthew will bolster the Jackets' passing attack and is noted for his long frame and significant catch radius.
MOHAMED, CAM
Wide Receiver | 5-8 | 160 | Jr. | Stoneham, MA (Norwich University)
Cam initially signed with the University of New Haven in 2022 after a stellar career at Everett High School. After a season with UNH Chargers, Cam transferred to William and Penn, a NAIA program in Iowa. During his time with the Statesmen, Cam appeared in 9 games where he averaged 15.3 yards per catch. Not only has he demonstrated an ability to be a threat in the pass game, but he is a weapon on special teams as a returner.
MOORE, DAVID "DJ"
Outside Linebacker | 6-0 | 215 | Fr. | Piscataway, NJ (Piscataway Twp. High School)
DJ comes to AIC from Piscataway Township High School where he was consistently in the opponents' backfield of the Big Central Football Conference (BCC). During his senior year for the Chiefs, DJ compiled 69 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. The Yellowjackets will look to utilize his skill set not only on defense, but on the special team units led by Coach Dan Wollman.
MOORE, JYAIR
Wide Receiver | 5-10 | 170 | Fr. | Sewell, NJ (Washington Township High School)
Jyair comes to AIC from Washington Township High School in New Jersey where he helped lead the Minutemen to an undefeated 14-0 season, their first-ever Group 5 state championship. During the state championship game, Jyair hauled in a 20-yard TD pass in the back-corner of the endzone to help clinch the victory. The catch was later nominated for the 2025 JSZ Touchdown Pass of the Year.
NEAL JR., ERIC
Wide Receiver | 6-0 | 190 | Jr. | Rochester, NY (St. Thomas Aquinas College)
Eric is a physical wide receiver who consistently won contested catches for St. Thomas Aquinas College. Prior to STAC, Eric played at Buffalo State, where he saw action in 3 games as a true freshman.
O'CONNELL, JACK
Quarterback | 6-5 | 190 | Fr. | Wenonah, NJ (Glassboro High School)
Jack joins the AIC Yellow Jackets after a stellar career leading the Glassboro Bulldogs to an undefeated 27-0 record and two state championships, during his junior and senior seasons. Over that two year span, Jack threw for 4,284 yards and 57 TD's, while completing 61.8 percent of his passes. Jack is considered one of New Jersey's premier QB's in the 2026 class by NJ.com and holds the Glassboro High School single-season record for TD's. Jack will look to lead the Jackets' passing attack for years to come.
PAREDES, TREVON
Cornerback | 5-9 | 165 | Fr. | Johnston, RI (Johnston Senior High School)
Trevon joins the Jackets from Johnston Senior High School in Rhode Island where he played wide receiver and defensive back. This past season, the Panthers finished 9-3 led by Padedes' contributions in the defensive backfield.
PILGRIM, CHRISHAWN
Defensive Line | 5-11 | 270 | Fr. | Brooklyn, NY (Abraham Lincoln High School)
Chrishawn is a three-year varsity starter at defensive line for Abraham Lincoln High School. He developed into an anchor for the 'Railsplitters' defensive front. Coach O'Connor describes Pilgrim as a "hard-hitter" and "old school defender."
PRINGLE, KARSON
Cornerback | 6-0 | 185 | Fr. | Pikesville, MD (Pikesville High School)
Karson Pringle excelled on both the gridiron and the diamond for Pikesville High School. He was the anchor for the Pikesville football defense along with a dual-threat quarterback where he ranked as a top-4 passer in Baltimore County Division 3. Karson was named 1
st-Team All-Baltimore County and the Panther's MVP his junior year. As a senior, Pringle was voted a team captain and lead the Panthers to a 7-4 finish, their first winning season in 4 years.
RODAS, DEANDRE
Outside Linebacker | 6-0 | 190 | Fr. | Stamford, CT (Westhill High School)
Deandre, a captain and two-way starter for the Westhill Vikings, contributed both defensively as a safety and offensively as a receiver. Earning 1st Team All-District honors and 2nd Team All-FCIAC after a strong senior season. The Jackets expect Dre to be a physical presence on the defensive side of the ball.
RUTHERFORD, DEANDRE
Running Back | 5-10 | 190 | Jr. | Cincinnati, OH (Ellsworth CC)
Deandre is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio where he attended Princeton High School. While playing for the Vikings as a senior, "Dre" led the team in rushing with 637 yards, and 8 TD's, for an average of 5.8 yards per carry. After high school, Dre attended Ellsworth Community College in the NJCCA. As a sophomore, Dre earned 1st Team All-Conference running back honors in the ICCAC. In two seasons with the Panthers, Dre amassed 1,249 all-purpose yards, including 805 rushing yards, 298 receiving yards, and 146 yards as a returner.
SANCHEZ, CHRIS
Outside Linebacker | 6'0" | 205 | Fr. | Springfield, MA (Springfield Central High School)
Sanchez is a 'do it all' performer from Springfield Central a nationally respected and dominant program in Massachusetts. The Golden Eagles finished with another strong performance going 9-2 overall and 5-0 in league play. Chris showed his versatility in all three phases of the game punting, carrying the ball, and leading the team in tackles with 12 per game.
SOARES, EDY
Outside Linebacker | 5'10" | 195 | Fr. | Pawtucket, RI (East Coast Prep)
Edy is a multi-position athlete that played his high school football at Charles E. Shea High School in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. During his senior season he led the Raiders in receiving yards and interceptions, while also rushing for 741 yards and 6 TD's. Soares earned 1st Team All-Division in 2024 before prepping for the Firebirds at East Coast Prep in the fall of 2025. Edy joins the Jackets' defense at the midyear and looks to contribute at both OLB and special team units.
VEGA, COLIN
Linebacker | 5'11" | 230 | Fr. | Fort Worth, TX (Timber Creek High School)
Colin was a three-year varsity starter and two-year captain for the Falcons of Timber Creek High School in Fort Worth, Texas. Colin excelled as a knock-back tackler for the Falcons' defense in a highly competitive Texas 6A classification, earning All-District honors. Vega will look to establish himself on a stout Jackets' defensive unit that ranked #1 in the NE-10 in total defense after the 2025 season.
YOUNGE, KADIR
Running Back | 5'8" | 170 | Fr. | Patterson, NJ (Passaic County Tech Institute)
Kadir is an explosive running back from northern New Jersey where he played for both DePaul Catholic and Passaic County Tech. As a senior for PCTI, Kadir led the Bulldogs to the state championship game by rushing for 1,541 yards and scoring 19 total TD's. This past season Kadir was honored as a 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Region, and 1st Team All-Conference performer. Kadir joins a long line of Passiac County Tech legends such as: Isiah Tolbert, Amad Rabah, Max Brown, Jacquese Johnson, and Jaheim McGuire.
ZEPHYR, DANIEL
Defensive Line | 6'0" | 285 | Fr. | Brooklyn, NY (Abraham Lincoln High School)
Daniel joins the Jackets from Abraham Lincoln High School in NYC. During the past three seasons with the Railsplitters, Daniel has contributed on both the offensive and defensive line. During the 2025 season, Zephyr recorded 10 TFL and 2 forced fumbles. Daniel will join an experienced and deep defensive line unit led by 2nd year coach Adrian Medley.
