National Signing Day: Section 1 Football

The second official National Signing Day for college-bound football recruits is today and a handful of players from around the region made their commitments official.

Stars like Stepinac’s Trill Williams (Syracuse), New Rochelle RB Romeo Holden (Monmouth), Iona Prep DB Malkelm Morrison (Army) and Harrison’s Zef Djursavic (Wagner) all were part of the early signing period — which was new in college football — back on Dec. 20.

Wednesday is the more traditional National Signing Day, although it was tempered across the country in 2018.

Stepinac wide receiver Tyler Winston committed on Tuesday to play at University of Albany, while other Crusaders alum also signed on Wednesday.

Here’s a look at some of the local products who are continuing their football careers in college:

Perry Shelbred, John Jay-Cross River — University of Rhode Island

The senior kicker/punter signed with URI on Wednesday, fulfilling a dream of competing at the next level.

“Through everything I’ve endured, I made a conscious decision early on in my life, that no matter where I ended up, or what I turned my life into, that I’d be doing what I loved to do, surrounded by the people I love to be around, and working my hardest until I was the best at where ever my heart took me,” Shelbred said. “Ultimately, to be able to support myself, friends and family, while creating the happiest life I possibly could make out of what lies in front of me.”

Shelbred, a 5-foot-9, 180-pounder, was among the regions most dangerous special teams players this season. He made 4 of 6 field goals, 42 of 44 extra points (2 blocked) and had touchbacks on 65-percent of kickoffs.

Check out Shelbred’s senior season highlights from Hudl here

Jordan Lewis, Port Chester — Springfield College

Among the most underrated players in Section 1 the past two seasons, Lewis didn’t get overlooked for the college level.

The athletic 5-foot-10, 190-pounder ran for 671 yards and nine touchdowns on 84 carries, averaging 8.0 yards per attempt. In two seasons, Lewis ran for 1,193 yards and 11 scores. Defensively, he intercepted two passes this season.

“Springfield gave me that feeling as if i was home,” Lewis said. “I love the environment there and I will be into a similar playing style on the next level that I was in high school. I am beyond ecstatic to continue my football career.

“I am blessed for the Port Chester Community, my coaches, and teammates for everything that they have done for me. To be able to make history at my school during my senior year means a lot. But I am ready to finish out my high school track career and get ready to work for the college level”

Check out Lewis’ senior year highlights from Hudl here

Annunziata

Matt Annunziata, Tuckahoe — Buffalo State

From Class D to college football, Annunziata made remarkable strides this season.

The quarterback led Tuckahoe to a Section 1 Class D championship, earning all-state honors. Annunziata passed for 1,617 yards and 13 touchdowns and also ran for 1,007 yards and 14 scores. In two season as the starter, the 6-foot-1, 220-pounder amassed over 2,800 yards and 28 touchdowns.

Annunziata also had interest from New England, Springfield, Curry, Cortland and Morisville before choosing Buffalo State.

“The main reason why I liked it is because the coaches were great and they offered me a legitimate shot to compete for QB as soon as I get in,” Annunziata said. “Other schools asked me to play H-back, which is a mix of tight end and full back, one school said defensive end, tight end and running back. Those are all great positions but my dream ,since I was in 3rd grade, has been to play quarterback.”

Check out Annunziata’s senior highlights on Hudl here

Keion Jones, Erasmus Hall — Brockport

Jones started his career at New Rochelle before transferring to PSAL power Erasmus Hall this season and leading the program to the PSAL AAA title game.

The 6-foot-1, 210-pound quarterback was at the center of one of the most dynamic offenses in New York State this fall.

Check out Jones’ highlights on Hudl here

Javon Coleman, Hackley – Hobart

The Mahopac product is a physical specimen at 6-foot-1, 203 pounds and was a productive players the past two seasons for the Hornets. This fall he transitioned from RB to QB and utilized his role as playmaker.

Coleman had 1,258 all-purpose yards, rushing for 1,004, as Hackley captured another Metropolitan Independent Football League title.

Check out Coleman’s senior year highlights from Hudl here

Cavallo

Max Cavallo, Valhalla – Springfield

Another local product headed to Springfield is Cavallo, a standout two-way tackle. The 6-foot-1, 215-pounder will likely move to linebacker at the next level, which probably suits his size and athleticism.

Cavallao recorded 49 tackles and 5.5 sacks to help the Vikings reach the Section 1 Class B semifinals. They were the only team this season to beat Pleasantville, the Class B state champions..

Check out Cavallo’s senior year highlight reel from Hudl here

Check back for more National Signing Day updates. Follow on Twitter: @KDJMedia1

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