Getting to Know 2023 Commit #1: Jarvis “Jett” Jones

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It ‘s a busy weekend in Storrs as several Class of 2023 recruits are on campus for official visits. Based on Twitter activity from coaches, there have been three commitments as of the night of June 18th. The first of those that have been announced, is a commitment from Jarvis “Jett’ Jones, of West Orange, NJ. Jones, 6’2” 180 ATH, chose the Huskies over offers from Kent State, Marshall, CCSU, Colgate, Elon, Fordham, Holy Cross, Howard, Lehigh, Long Island, Maine, Monmouth, UNH, URI, Sacred Heart, and Stony Brook. Hailing from the same area as PSU transfer QB Ta’Quan Roberson, Jones is the first of what is sure to be many NJ commitments. RB coach EJ Barthiel was the main recruiter, which makes sense as he is a NJ native, and Rutgers alum.

Jones was already familiar with UConn as he visited for Junior Day, then attended the UConn Mega Camp May 29th, a performance that earned him a scholarship offer. “UConn felt like home, and the real family feel was the sales pitch.” The point of official visits is to roll out the red carpet for potential commits, sure, but also to provide an idea of what life is like on campus. Jones was immediately taken with UConn. “The visit was great. I got to meet some of the players, the energy was great! They said the program is on the rise, and we are bringing that culture back.”

Like many of the other commits, Jones is a fan of the independent schedule. “I like the independent schedule, we get to play against teams from many different conferences which is important in showing the nation what is in store. I’m looking forward to the Syracuse and Michigan games this year.”

Jones has one thing to say to UConn fans ahead of his arrival in Storrs. “JETT HAS LANDED.”

Many thanks to Jarvis for taking the time out of his visit. If you haven’t already, give him a follow on Twitter at @JarOnly1 and welcome him to UConn Nation!

Getting to Know Commit Ben Murawski

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Back in December, UConn received a commitment from massive OL Ben Murawski from Harleysville, PA, but attending St. Thomas More School in Oakdale, CT. Murawski, who according to Rivals is 6’7 320, had offers from Monmouth, URI, UNH, Presbyterian, and Morehead State before committing to the Huskies after an official visit the weekend before the early signing period began.

UConn has prioritized Connecticut prep schools, and Murawski will surely be the first of many STM alums to make their way to Storrs. According to Murawski, he was top priority when Coaches Mora and Marinelli visited Oakdale. “When Coach Mora and Coach Marinelli visited STM, they wanted me to be the first person they talk to. Coach Marinelli was recruiting me while he was at Illinois but I never got the opportunity to meet the staff. Along with that, Coach Mora gave me a big hand shake just to make sure he knew I was the size I told him I was. After that we had a great sit down conversation with my head coach in the room and Coach Mora and Coach Marinelli offered me a full scholarship.”

As impressed as the coaches were with Murawski on their visit, UConn returned the favor when he officially visited Storrs. “I chose UConn because when I went on my official visit, I fell in love with the school, the culture, and everything they have to offer.” The independent schedule was also appealing. “When I heard about UConn being Independent, I thought ‘great we are going to be playing some big boy football.’ Sure enough, that’s what we are doing. The games I am most excited for are Michigan, and Army. Those schools have powerhouses of teams and I can not wait to play against them.” Like many of the other Class of 2022 recruits, Ben has been in contact with many current Huskies. “I have talked to a bunch of the players at practices, and over the phone. We always talk about how we are going to make a huge impact as the 22′ class and start to bring back Connecticut football.”

It can be common for players making the jump to FBS football to struggle with the spotlight. That shouldn’t be a problem for Ben, as he’s already gone viral in a video showing off his athleticism, throwing down some dunks at STM. In fact, it was even written about in BroBible. I asked Ben how that kind of athleticism can translate to success on the O-line. “So from playing basketball, I learned a lot about foot speed when moving your feet and staying in front of a defender. I bring that special talent to the O-line because it has helped me be able to move my feet and stay in front of guys on the outside.”

Ben has made his way to CT from PA, but home is where his favorite football memory resides. “My favorite football memory was beating Pennridge in the state semi finals because that was when I finally got my name out. Another favorite memory was transferring to STM. I didn’t think coming to a prep school 4 hours away from home would help me get to where I am today.”

As always, the interview concluded by asking Ben what he would like to say to UConn fans prior to his arrival. “UConn, just be ready to see me work while our QBs and throwing touchdowns and our RBs are getting a ton of yards while they run behind me. The Pancake house is officially open in the Fall of 2022.”

Many thanks to Ben for taking the time out to answer some questions. If you haven’t already, give him a follow on Twitter at @murawski_ben and welcome him to UConn Nation!

Getting to Know New Transfer Brandon Bouyer-Randle

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Seemingly out of nowhere, Jim Mora and staff received a commitment from former Michigan State Spartan and Texas Tech Red Raider Brandon Bouyer-Randle. Bouyer-Randle, a linebacker from Battle Creek, Michigan, will immediately add a veteran presence to a very young UConn locker room. Bouyer-Randle, a 4 star recruit by 247 in 2016, had offers from Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Indiana, Kent State, Miami (OH), Minnesota, NC State, Toledo, and Western Michigan. At MSU, Bouyer-Randle played in a total of 30 games over the 2017-2019 seasons, totaling 31 tackles, six TFL, 4.5 sacks, and two forced and recovered fumbles. At Texas Tech, he played in 19 games over the 2020-2021 seasons, totaling 52 tackles, two TFL, and one sack.

Bouyer-Randle’s main recruiter was LB Siriki Diabate, and his main message, was of course, there is something special being built in Storrs, the Husky Revolution. Specifically, they need impact players to come in and play right away, which was attractive to Bouyer-Randle. He will join fellow P5 transfer, Marquez Bembry from Kentucky, as impact transfers at linebacker to go along with UConn veterans Jackson Mitchell (11th nationally in tackles in 2021), and Ian Swenson. Of the current players he’s been able to speak with so far, an interaction with another P5 transfer, Ta’Quan Roberson of Penn State, stood out. “Coming from Penn State, he likes the vibes and what’s being built at UConn. The message from the program is we need to establish a winning culture.”

Most of the recruits I’ve spoken with are excited about the P5 games on the schedule in a general sense, but Bouyer-Randle was a part of some fierce rivalries as a member of MSU. So naturally, there is one game he is most excited about. “Michigan. Being able to play in the Big House again, and channel my inner Spartan dawg hate for the Maize and Blue. Didn’t think I’d have the chance to play against them again, so I’m pumped about that.” Sticking with B1G moments, Bouyer-Randle’s favorite football memory came in that conference. “Penn State in 2017. Was 1 on 1 coverage downfield with Saquon Barkley and broke up a pass on 3rd down. Or big fumble recovery vs Michigan to swing the momentum of the game.”

Bouyer-Randle will be a super veteran on this team, with a career spanning over five seasons. It’s no secret that UConn has been young, among the youngest teams in the nation. Bouyer-Randle is looking forward to the challenge. “I’m definitely a veteran, and will probably have the most experience of anyone on the team. I feel like I can lead by example on how to carry yourself and how to prepare for competition.”

As always, the interview ended with what he wants to tell UConn fans ahead of his arrival. “UConn fans, I’m bringing my 100% to every game.”

A big thank you to Brandon for taking the time out to answer some questions. If you haven’t already, give him a follow on Twitter at @BouyerRandle and welcome him to UConn Nation!

Getting to Know New Commit: Prince Samuels

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On the heels of Norwalk’s Camryn Edwards’ commitment, UConn received a commitment from a second in-state player in Windsor HS’ Prince Samuels. Samuels, a 6’5 205 LB, and a dual-sport athlete playing basketball for the Warriors, also had interest from Syracuse, Iowa, and Illinois. He began his career at The MacDuffie School in Granby, MA, before transferring back home to Windsor HS. Samuels helped lead the Warriors to the CIAC playoffs, including an upset victory in the semis over St. Joseph, before falling to Maloney in the Class L final.

Samuels took an official visit the last weekend of January, and final recruiting weekend before Signing Day, and came away impressed. “The energy was amazing all throughout the visit, and I knew this organization was the one for me.” Samuels joins Victor Rosa of Bristol, and Cam Edwards of Norwalk as CT public school signees along with several from CT prep schools. “Being from CT, it means a lot that I can play for UConn. To be able to represent where I’m from through my physical abilities and play on the field is an honor & privilege. I’m glad I can put my best foot forward and go all out on that field in front of such a loyal fan base. I do believe that recruiting for other players from CT is going to continue. There’s a lot of talent in CT and every kid from here wants to put it on the map. And so do I.”

Samuels is excited about the independent schedule he’ll play able to play as a member of the Huskies. “I became really excited when I saw the schedule for the upcoming season. I’m looking forward to playing everyone. The whole season is an opportunity to show how much this program has turned around.” He’s also had opportunities to speak with other commits and current players about the program. “I’ve talked to a few of the current players and we’re all excited to get on the field together and get to work. We only see a bright future ahead of us.”

As mentioned earlier, Windsor upset St. Joseph of Trumbull in the Class L semifinals. That experience was Samuels’ favorite football memory. “Whoever won, plays in the state championship. Down 31-13 at half, came back second half and won 35-31. Hell of a game.” Samuels led Windsor with 70 tackles, 21 of those for loss, and 14 of those were sacks.

What would Samuels say to UConn fans ahead of his arrival? “Uconn fans, I’m excited and can’t wait to get on the field and give all the energy I can give. Every game is going to be a war and it’s great to know that this program has the best fans supporting us. You can expect my best when it’s game time.”

Thanks as always to Prince for taking the time out to interview. If you haven’t already, give him a follow on Twitter at @PrinceSamuels7, and welcome him to UConn Nation!

Getting to Know New Commit: Camryn Edwards

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New HC Jim Mora and his staff have continued staying busy on the recruiting trail, nabbing a commitment from in-state 6’0 170lb RB/DB Camryn Edwards. Edwards, the New Haven Register’s player of the year from Norwalk, CT and Norwalk HS, will be joining the Huskies as a DB. Edwards rushed for 1,666 yards on 192 carries and 23 touchdowns, leading the Bears to a 7-3 record, losing only to New Canaan, Darien, and Staples. He also amassed 314 yards and 5 touchdowns on 11 receptions. On the defensive side of the ball, Edwards totaled 40 tackles, 2.5 for loss, including one sack, and 3 INTs. Edwards’ final three were UConn, URI, and CCSU.

Being from Connecticut, being able to play at the FBS level for his home state is not lost on Edwards. “I have visited UConn multiple times, I love it there. Even when I was a little kid, I told myself I wanted to play D1 football here one day.” He joins Victor Rosa of Bristol as one the lone public school players from Connecticut to commit so far, but he is confident that others will join. “I think other CT natives will join. Once you get here, you’re gonna know it’s home.”

I asked Edwards his thoughts on the independent schedule, and he gave a response I had not heard before. “I’m looking forward to playing Alabama and Auburn.” No word yet on if there are plans for those games, but I like the attitude nonetheless.

Edwards has been in contact with some of the current Huskies. “Every one of them sound determined and ready to go with Coach Mora. They told me they’re changing the program around and would love for me to join. I’m happy that I’m part of changing the program around.” As Edwards will be joining the Huskies as a DB, he mainly communicated with Coach Spanos and Coach Hilliard (DBs coach), but has communicated at some point with the entire staff.

As always, ended the interview with asking what Edwards would like to say to UConn fans. “I WANT TO TELL THEM THEY ARE GETTING A HARD WORKING MAN THAT WILL GIVE THEM 100% ALL THE TIME AN THEY ARE GETTING A DOG!!!!”

Thanks so much to Cam for taking the time out to answer some questions and if you have not already, give him a follow on Twitter @cbg_cam3 and welcome him to UConn Nation!

Getting to Know New Recruit: Justin Joly

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Just before Early Signing Day (December 15th), UConn received a commitment from Iona Prep’s Justin Joly. A 6’4 215lb WR, Joly will join a talented UConn receiving corps, with Matt Drayton and Cam Ross returning from injury, and 2021 breakout performer Keelan Marion. Joly won several awards in New York this year, including First Team All-County, All-League performer, and was 1st in the state in receiving yards (1,033 yards on 67 catches for 10 TDs, and 362 rushing yards for 3 TDs. Joly was originally committed to Delaware, but decommitted after the coaching change there. He had received offers from Monmouth, Rhode Island, Sacred Heart, Maine, New Hampshire, Richmond, Stony Brook, and Albany.

Joly went on an official visit to UConn December 10-12, and committed the next day. While on his visit, he felt welcomed right away. “The way they talked to me, not trying to rush me into anything, they felt like my extended family. Just amazing, and the whole environment was just fun to be around.” It was a busy weekend in Storrs, and unfortunately, Joly wasn’t able to meet with Coach Mora. “I had met Coach Marinelli, he gave off a great first impression. I felt comfortable around him and it wasn’t awkward at all.” Although he didn’t get to meet with Coach Mora on his visit, they had spoken before. “I love his energy. I can tell he’s excited about the program and has a great plan for the Huskies.” The current players feel similarly to Coach Mora. “They say the program is in great hands with the new coaching staff. As long as we do what’s instructed and listen up, we can do great things.”

Like many of the other commits, the independent schedule is appealing to Joly, although there aren’t any specific games he is looking forward to. “I’m excited for every game we play. Each team we get to play in the near future is a battle test, and the brotherhood that we build will show how far the program has come.”

Joly’s favorite football memory came this year, as Iona Prep won the state championship. “The experience in and of itself, and all the emotions that were shared, it felt amazing to see everyone happy, from freshmen to seniors. The joy that we had and the coaches’ faces were priceless. Just a great way to finish off my senior year.” UConn fans will be hoping to see that kind of joy in the very near future.

As always, we closed the interview by asking what Joly would like to tell UConn fans ahead of his arrival. “For me, I gotta say that you’re gonna have fun watching on the field and be ready to have a great upcoming season, as not only me but the class of ’22 students will bring their hearts out and play like it’s our last game.”

Thanks so much to Justin for taking the time out to answer some questions, and if you haven’t already, go ahead and give him a follow on Twitter @justinj_24, and welcome him to UConn Nation!

Getting to Know Commit #5: Derek Spearman

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After a wave of decommitments with the coaching change, HC Jim Mora received his first commitment from in-state product, Derek Spearman. A 6’4″ 215 S/DB/ATH from Charlotte, NC but attending Loomis Chaffee in Windsor, CT. Previously committed to Princeton, Spearman had offers from Georgetown, Purdue, FIU, UAB, FAU, Dartmouth, Yale, Columbia, Nebraska, Penn, Southern Miss, Brown, UMass, Memphis, and Miami.

Loomis had a successful season, going 9-1 in the NEPSAC, a performance that led to their HC getting hired by UMass. This season was also Derek’s favorite football memory. “We went from 1-8 to 9-1 and won a New England Championship thanks to Coach Jeff Moore, who puts us in positions to succeed. I can’t wait to do the same with Coach Mora!” And there are more Spearmans to come! Derek’s younger brother, Jaiden, a member of the class of 2024, was offered by the Huskies, so stay tuned.

Coach Mora has made getting people excited about the future of the program a cornerstone of his first couple weeks on the job, and that enthusiasm led to a commitment. “The whole program, coaches, staff was excited for the future. The love that they showed to me and my family was genuine. Coach Mora explained his vision for my future, and it was top notch.” Mora has also made recruiting CT a priority, and so far that has meant recruiting heavily at CT’s many prep schools. Mora’s pedigree can leave an impression. “Coach Mora was an NFL coach, and a great college coach who took the time to meet us at LC (Loomis Chaffee). You can’t help but feel like you matter to him and the program when that happens.”

UConn’s first season as an FBS Independent didn’t go well on the field, ending with an 1-11 record. But there is still excitement about the schedules that have been put together thus far. “You get to play on a national level every game. There is no specific team I’m looking forward to playing because like coach said we plan to win all of them.”

On his official visit, Spearman was paired up with LB Jackson Mitchell, another CT product, and who had the 11th most tackles nationally this season. “He is excited about the future of the program that Coach has laid out.” Also on the visit, he was in contact often with Coaches Dalton Hilliard (DB Coach), and Coach Mora. “They both made me feel like family. Coach Hilliard laid out the plans for his secondary and I’m excited.”

I always end every interview by asking what each recruit would like to say to UConn fans ahead of their arrival. “I would like to tell the UConn fans that they are getting a hard working talented athlete that is going to make an impact as soon as I set on the field. I would also tell them I am coming to earn that Husky Pride.”

Many thanks to Derek for taking the time out to answer some questions. If you haven’t already, give him a follow at @derek_spearman2 and welcome him to UConn Nation!

Official Visit Recap with Victor Rosa

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It was a busy recruiting weekend in Storrs, as new HC Jim Mora had his first full weekend to have recruits visit. In all, there were twelve official visits, which spurred four commitments (although two were committed to the previous staff, then recommitted). One of the visitors was someone who had already committed, and had no second thoughts. This visitor was 2021 Connecticut Player of the Year Victor Rosa, from Bristol, CT. Victor graciously recapped his busy weekend.

“The visit last weekend was an amazing experience. I personally took that official very seriously to meet the new coaching staff and start my in depth relationship with them. The new coaching staff and Coach Mora are what sealed the deal for me with UConn. They believe in me and I believe in them, not only me but this future team. We are building a monster and will turn this program around. This weekend was filled with information and just great time spent with the recruits, families and coaches. We got to experience what life is like outside of football with the current players on the team, dorms, activities outside of football etc. Was a very family felt weekend and I believe all of the recruits and commits felt the energy. A lot of commitments occurred over the weekend and Mora and the coaching staff are just getting started. Change is coming for sure, this new coaching staff is an amazing group of coaches and I can’t wait to get to work and learn from them.”

Getting to Know Commit #14: Victor Rosa

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UConn landed one of the biggest fishes in the class of 2022 in Bristol’s Victor Rosa. A 5’11 187 ATH for Bristol Central, Rosa chose the Huskies over offers from Boston College, Air Force, Army, Columbia, Dartmouth, Fordham, Maine, Navy, New Hampshire, and Yale. That offer was surely set to grow, as Rosa impressed during camps at Boston College, Clemson, and Florida. A member of former Husky RB Stanley “Stack” Williams’ Supreme Athlete program, Rosa is rated as the 2nd best player in CT, behind Loomis Chaffee’s Alessandro Lorenzetti, a Michigan commit.

Listed as an ATH, Rosa says he is a WR/slot receiver. He can play a variety of positions, however, including starting as the Rams’ QB in 2019. He is fast, with a capital F, and that speed won him the 200 meter dash in this year’s Class L outdoor track and field championship. Like many of this year’s commits, Corey Edsall was the main recruiter. The message from Corey was “they are building something special, and turning the program around. I can make a very big impact once I get there!” UConn was offer number one for Rosa, and the persistence paid off.

Rosa’s commitment video was titled “Hometown Hero.” It’s important to him to get UConn back to where it used to be. “I’ve dreamed about going D1 all of my life. I was young, but my dad always reminds me of how great it was seeing UConn winning bowl games. I’ve always seen games all the time growing up throughout the years” (ed. note: I’m very sad/feeling old that HS seniors don’t remember the golden years).

Rosa hasn’t spoken much with current players, but he’s worked out with a few at Supreme Athlete. “Definitely going to talk to them more though as the time gets closer to form a stronger bond with all of them. Sounds like overall they are turning this program around and heading in the right direction.” Rosa has plans to continue to keep recruiting, specifically Kenny Soares, now at Avon Old Farms. From our friends over at Storrs Central, “Off the top of my head, I would love for my boy Kenny Soares to join the family and turn up with us,” he said. “ We could definitely do something special together and we need weapons like him. My message to guys like that is that we are building something here and turning this program around. Let’s make the move and make it official, let’s make a big name for yourself here together.”

Rosa, of course, is teammates with men’s basketball’s latest commit, Donovan Clingan. But this isn’t a package deal situation, as each one is looking to cement their own legacy. “The fact that Donovan and I are both going to UConn is awesome, but our decisions were not based on each other at all, whatsoever. We both grew up playing basketball together, and still do, and it’s a blessing to see us both succeeding in the sports we love.”

As always, to wrap things up, what would Rosa like to say to UConn fans on what he’ll be bringing to Storrs? “I’m a dawg, and I’m coming to work. I’ve been working at my craft and have had a love for the game ever since I was a baby. I plan to make a huge impact, and can’t wait to get to work with the UConn family.”

Big thanks to Victor for taking the time out. If you haven’t already, give him a follow on Twitter at @VRosa_ and welcome him to UConn Nation!

Getting to Know Commit #13: Xavier Brown

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ICYMI, UConn stayed hot on the recruiting trail, snagging commitment number 13 from the state of Texas in Xavier Brown. Brown, a 6’3 180 WR from Mesquite, TX, recently transferred to Cedar Hill, TX, but he gives the Huskies a tall deep threat in the receiving corps. A 3 star (5.5) on Rivals, Brown chose the Huskies over offers from Buffalo, Colorado State, Kansas, New Mexico, UNLV, and UTSA.

Brown was part of the crew that visited on Father’s Day Weekend. Unlike some of his peers, he did not announce his commitment, rather tweeting out he would be “back before you know it.” A vibe check on visit? “The vibe was great, made me feel like home right away. And they made it obvious they really wanted me and the feeling of being wanted is something you can’t pass up on.” Being from Texas, Corey Edsall is the main recruiter for that area, and according to Brown, would call every day to check in, see how recruiting was going. As for current players, Keelan Marion played a big part in Brown’s commitment. “That’s my guy, he showed love, and was totally honest about the school and the program on what they had to offer.”

Broken record time, but Brown is also a fan of the independent schedule. “It’s very interesting to me. I love to travel, and with their schedule being games all over the country, it gave me another reason to commit. And I really wanna see how the Clemson game plays out.” If Brown could add games to the schedule, “also want to see TX schools on the schedule so I can play back home in front of my people.”

UConn fans will be interested to know that Brown’s favorite football memory is one of domination. “Last year, I scored three touchdowns in a game off three catches for 180 yards. Basically scored every time I touched the ball.” And on what he would say to UConn fans? “Y’all are getting a dawg, and puts on a show every time I get on the field!”

Many thanks to Xavier for taking the time out to answer some questions. If you haven’t already, give him a follow on Twitter at @4XavierBrown, and welcome him to UConn Nation!