Staten Island, NY – In his second week at the helm of the Seahawk football program, head football coach
Tom Masella has announced that seven student-athletes have signed national letters of intent and will continue their academic and athletic careers at Wagner College.
The seven future Seahawks include running back Chris Collier, defensive lineman Kile Jackson, linebacker Tyler Richardson, wide receiver Naiem Simmons, defensive back James (Tre) Vallar III, quarterback LeShane Taylor and tight end Justin Wolf.
"We are excited about the newest members of our football family," said Masella. "All seven young men bring tremendous qualities to Wagner and will represent this team well in the classroom, on the football field, and in the community. This is a step in the right direction and we look forward to continuing our work on the recruiting trails in the upcoming weeks."
Masella's first class as the Wagner head football coach is primarily local, as four out of seven signees hail from either New York or New Jersey.
Chris Collier
JR RB
6-0, 190
Lawrence, NY | Lawrence High School | Nassau C.C.
* Former standout running back at Lawrence High School, rushing for over 1,800 yards and 25 touchdowns as a senior, leading his school to the state title game
* 82 carries for 348 yards, 16 receptions for 184 yards, six total touchdowns in two years at Nassau Community College
* Dynamic playmaker who can run between the tackles while also possessing breakaway speed
Kile Jackson
FR DL/OL/OLB
6-0, 240
Danbury, CT | Danbury High School
* First Team All-FCIAC Selection as a senior, totaling 26 tackles and seven sacks on the defensive side of the ball, while starting on the O-line for a team that averaged 364.2 total yards per game
* Comfortable rushing the passer both off the edge and on the interior of the defensive line
* Dominant against the run in high school
Tyler Richardson
JR LB
6-3, 235
Lancaster, CA | Paraclete High School | College of the Canyons
* 53 total tackles, including five for loss, in 11 games as a sophomore; 16 total tackles, one for loss, in nine games as a freshman at College of the Canyons
* Member of 2018 and 2019 conference championship teams, including perfect 10-0 2018 season
* College of the Canyons teammate with fellow newcomer James (Tre) Vallar III
Naiem Simmons
FR WR
5-10, 175
Cherry Hill, NJ | Cherry Hill West High School | Woodrow Wilson High School | Milford Academy
* 27 catches for 315 yards and 4 TD's in eight games at Milford Academy in 2019
* 60 receptions, 9 touchdowns, 1002 yards, 1491 all purpose. Group 3 Champion as a high school senior; 2146 yards, 116 receptions, 21 touchdowns, 2696 all-purpose yards for high school career
* Continues the long tradition of Milford Academy recruits at Wagner
James (Tre) Vallar III
JR DB | 6-1, 220
Grand Rapids, MI | Grand Rapids HS | College of the Canyons
* 39 total tackles in 17 games over two seasons at College of the Canyons; member of 2018 and 2019 conference championship teams, including perfect 10-0 2018 season
* Versatile defensive back who can defend well against the run and pass
* College of the Canyons teammate with fellow recruit Tyler Richardson
Justin Wolf
FR TE
6-4, 220
Brooklyn, NY | Xaverian High School
* 36 catches for 377 yards and 2 TD's throughout his junior and senior seasons
* Two-way player, recording 14 tackles as a defensive end as a senior
* Outstanding run blocker for team that averaged 121.7 yards on the ground between his junior and senior seasons
LeShane Taylor
FR QB
6-1, 170
Elizabeth, NJ | Elizabeth High School
* Dual threat quarterback who can make plays with his arm as well as his legs
* Earned the Offensive Player of the Year award at Elizabeth High School for his play-making abilities
* Displays a strong arm, the ability to extend plays, and great vision as a passer
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