LORETTO, Pa. – Saint Francis University football announced the addition of 27 players in a loaded 2023 signing class. 25 on the student-athletes signed their National Letter of Intent on the Feb. 1 National Signing Day, while two signed prior to the day.
 
"We welcome all these young men to the Red Flash football family. This signing class is a dynamic, well-rounded group of student athletes that will add immediate value to our university and football program," said head coach Chris Villarrial. "I would like to thank my staff, and all of those who helped in this process. We addressed many needs and will add competitive depth for the 2023 football season. I compliment our staff in signing some of the best student athletes locally, statewide, and throughout our primary recruiting territory."
 
DaMario Crawford | DB | 5-10 | 170 | Erie, Pa. | Cathedral Prep
Crawford recorded 130 total tackles and 10 interceptions during his career and was a two-time all-state selection. During his senior season, he recorded 50 total tackles and two interceptions. He intends to major in Marketing at Saint Francis.
 
"DaMario possesses the characteristics we look for in our safeties. He has excellent ball skills, instinctively reacts to the football, and tackles well in space," said defensive coordinator Scott Lewis. "Further, his high football IQ will allow him to contribute to our defensive secondary. We are very excited that DaMario is joining the Red Flash family."
 
Keondre DeShields | WR | 6-3 | 200 | Uniontown, Pa. | Laurel Highlands
DeShields was a team captain at Laurel Highlands, where he recorded 46 receptions for 668 yards and seven touchdowns during his senior year. He was an all-state and all-conference selection and conference champion. The Honor Roll student intends to major in Sports Management at Saint Francis.
 
"Keondre is a big, tough and physical wide receiver with a ton of athleticism. He's an explosive multi-sport athlete that can dominate the competition," said wide receivers coach Brian Wright. "His size and ability to go get the ball will make him a great target for our quarterbacks. I'm excited to get him here and start working with him."
 
Marcus Fennell | OL | 6-2 | 305 | Pittsburgh, Pa. | Upper Saint Clair
Fennell was a four-year varsity player who let the way for 2,265 total rushing yards and 28.7 points per game in his career. He was first team all-conference as a tackle his senior season and second team all-conference as a guard his junior season. The National Honors Society student plans to major in Aeronautical Engineering at Saint Francis.
 
"Marcus is a big and strong offensive linemanyfrom the WPIAL," said offensive line coach Ryan Wilson. "He will be a great fit in our program and we are excited to be able to keep him close to home and add him to the family."
 
Chase Haught | OL | 6-2 | 290 | Frederick, Md. | Oakdale
Haught is a three-year letter winner who recorded the most career tackles by an interior defensive lineman in school history. He was a three-time All-County First-Team recipient and regional champion. Haught intends to major in Physical Therapy upon his arrival to Saint Francis.
 
"Chase is an athletic and explosive offensive lineman that we were fortunate to have join us at the mid-year," said coach Wilson. "He will bring versatility to our room and I am looking forward to being able to work with him immediately this spring."
 
Blye Hill | DB | 6-3 | 165 | Waldorf, Md. | Mount Saint Joseph
Hill recorded 22 pass breakups and two interceptions during his career, which included 13 breakups and one interception his senior season. He was a 2019 MIAA Champion with Mount Saint Joseph. An honor roll student, Hill intends to major in Cyber Security at Saint Francis.
 
"Blye is along, rangy, and as athletic as we have seen," said secondary/special teams coach Elven Walker IV. "He will add tremendous depth, length and versatility to a very talented group of defensive backs."
 
Jeff Hoenstine | QB | 5-10 | 185 | Martinsburg, Pa. | Central Martinsburg
Hoenstine had 689 completions for 10,196 yards, 146 passing touchdowns and added 1,738 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns. Two-time 3A PA Player of the Year, three-time first team all-state, two-time Altoona Mirror Player of the Year and one-time Altoona Mirror Male Athlete of the Year. Central Martinsburg went to two state final fours and was a three-time district champion during his career. The National Honor Society student intends to major in Exercise Science at Saint Francis.
 
"Jeff throws with precise accuracy and great anticipation," said offensive coordinator Marco Pecora. "He also has the ability to create plays off schedule off any type of throwing platform. Jeff is an elite multi-sport athlete that will bring leadership and competitive stamina to our team."
 
Johnny McGhee | WR | 5-10 | 175 | Pittsburgh, Pa. | Mount Lebanon
McGhee was a starting wide receiver for Mount Lebanon when they won a 6A State Championship.
 
"Johnny is an excellent wide receiver that is very well coached and can run and separate from defenders and catches the ball consistently," said coach Wright. "He gets the most out of his opportunities to make plays. He's an extremely dedicated and hard-working student athlete, and I am looking forward to seeing what he can do at Saint Francis."
 
Campbell Melzer | DB | 6-0 | 180 | Wexford, Pa. | North Allegheny
Melzer was a three-year letter winner at North Allegheny High School. He recorded 132 tackles and four interceptions in his high school career. He was recognized as a first-team All-Conference safety and a second-team All-State safety. Melzer intends to major in Communications at Saint Francis.
 
"Campbell is our kind of guy," said coach Walker. "Athletically gifted, a fearless tackler, with great instincts. Campbell will develop to be a special player on and off the field at Saint Francis."
 
Corey Melzer | DB | 6-0 | 185 | Wexford, Pa. | North Allegheny (Lehigh)
Melzer was a three-year player at Lehigh after he deferred eligibility at Penn State in 2019. During the 2022 season, Melzer's best, he recorded 24 total tackles, 19 solo, two tackles for loss and one pass defend.
 
"Corey adds great experience to our secondary," said coach Walker. "A three-year starter at Lehigh and playing a multitude of positions in the back end, Corey will be prepared for the Northeast Conference. He is set to join his younger brother Campbell in his final seasons of eligibility"
 
Balaam Miller | DL | 6-4 | 290 | Buffalo, N.Y. | Saint Francis
Miller recorded 110 tackles and six sacks during his high school career. He was an all-Western New York selection and a district champion. He intends to major in Mechanical Engineering at Saint Francis.
 
"Balaam has been a productive player as both an interior lineman and an edge player," said defensive line coach Tom Rogish. "He comes from a great program and will add immediate depth to the Red Flash defensive front."
 
Manny Miller | OLB | 6-2 | 225 | Altoona, Pa. | Altoona
Miller was a two-year captain at Altoona High School where he recorded 146 solo tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 20 sacks and 41 quarterback hurries in his career. He was a two-time All-State 6A, three-time all-conference and three-time all-county selection. Altoona was a District 6 Champion during his junior season. Miller intends to major in Business Administration at Saint Francis.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Manny to the Darkside," said coach Bruni. "He is a talented edge rusher whose relentless attitude and effort is evident throughout his tape. Manny will be a great addition to our outside linebacker room."
 
Alex Paylo | DL | 6-0 | 230 | South Park, Pa. | South Park
Paylo was a two-time letter winner at South Park High School. He recorded 30 tackles and three and a half sacks in his high school career. Paylo intends to major in Marine Biology at Saint Francis.
 
"Alex was a late bloomer in the WPIAL," said coach Rogish. "He is a great effort and technique player and should fit into the Red Flash tradition of defensive linemen."
 
Sam Penna | WR | 5-9 | 160 | Johnstown, Pa. | Richland
Penna comes to Saint Francis as a wide receiver after he recorded 1,000 receiving yards, 14 receiving touchdowns, 611 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns in his career. He was selected all-state, all-LHAC, all-area quarterback and all-area defensive back in his career. Richland was a three-time District 6 Champion and two-time conference champion. The High Honor Roll and National Honors Society student intends to major in Psychology at Saint Francis.
 
"Sam is a superb football player and athlete from the local area that does it all for his team," said coach Wright. "He comes from an outstanding football program at Richland High School, and he knows how to win. He's a tough guy with a team first attitude and outstanding work ethic. He has the versatility and quickness to be an excellent slot receiver for us. I'm excited to work with him."
 
Giuseppe Pennolino | LB | 6-1 | 195 | Highland Mills, N.Y. | Archbishop Stepinac
A three-year varsity player, Pennolino recorded 106 tackles, six tackles for loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception in his career. He was a one-time CHSFL Player of the Week selection. An honor roll and National Honors Society student, Pennolino intends to major in Business at Saint Francis.
 
"Giuseppe is a fundamentally sound football player. He plays with great technique and finds the football naturally," said coach Lewis. "He will be a great addition to Saint Francis University both academically and athletically. We are very fortunate to add him to the Red Flash football family."
 
Weston Pick | LB | 6-1 | 220 | Montgomery, Pa. | Montgomery
Pick was a four-year varsity player who recorded 393 total tackles and 34 tackles for loss in his career. He set a single-season school record with 175 tackles and a single-game record with 27 tackles. Pick was a two-time all-state and two-time NTL Defensive Player of the Year selection. The Distinguished Honor Roll student intends to major in Finance at Saint Francis.
 
"We are excited to announce the addition of an instinctive linebacker like Weston to our team," said coach Bruni. "He is a versatile player who has the ability to play inside or rush the passer from the outside. He will be a great addition to the team."
 
Jake Rama | QB | 6-2 | 185 | Springfield, Pa. | Springfield
Rama went 321-of-487 with 3,863 passing yards and 43 touchdowns to become the leading passer in Springfield football history. He was a second team all-central and two-time honorable mention all-central selection. Rama intends to major in Business and Education at Saint Francis.
 
"Jake has an extremely quick and efficient release," said coach Pecora. "He understands how to throw people open and has great spatial awareness on the football field. Jake's best football is ahead of him and we are excited to get him locked in."
 
Gavin Rembert | LB | 5-11 | 220 | West Orange, N.J. | West Orange
Rembert was a team captain who was selected first team all-conference. He intends to major in Exercise Physiology at Saint Francis.
 
"We are pumped up to welcome Gavin to the program," said coach Bruni. "He was a mid-year signee from East Coast Prep that is a physical and instinctive player who will be a great addition to our team."
 
John Shuster | OLB | 5-11 | 190 | Windber, Pa. | Windber
Shuster was a 1,000-yard rusher in three consecutive seasons at Windber. He was a three-time all-conference, three-time all-area and two-time all-county selection.
 
"We are excited to welcome John to our football program. He is an extremely talented athlete from Windber, where he was dominant on both sides of the ball this year," said coach Bruni. "His versatility is shown throughout his tape and he will be a great addition to the defense."
 
Joe Skule | TE | 6-2 | 225 | Clifton, Va. | Centreville
Skule was recognized as an All-State defensive end and All-District tight end during his time in high school. His brother Justin is in the NFL and was drafted in the sixth round of the 2019 draft. Skule intends to major in Business at Saint Francis.
 
"Joe is a dynamic athlete that is physical, plays with a high motor and has great ball skills," said tight ends coach Zach Morehead. "We're very excited to have him and know he will add value and depth to the tight end room."
 
Omari Smith | OL | 6-4 | 255 | Midland, Pa. | Beaver Area
Smith was a four-year letter winner and team captain the past two years. He was a first-team all-conference tackle and offensive lineman in his last two seasons. Smith intends to major in Psychology at Saint Francis.
 
"Omari is a long and athletic tackle that will provide us with range on the edge," said coach Wilson. "He is a competitive young man who will fit into the room well. I am looking forward to seeing what he will become as he develops physically."
 
Ben Sosnowski | K | 6-1 | 190 | Hollidaysburg, Pa. | Hollidaysburg
Sosnowski was a three-year letter winner at Hollidaysburg High School.  He had made 11 field goals in his high school career along with being six for six his senior year. He was recognized as a 5A All-State kicker this past season. Sosnowski intends to major in Exercise Physiology at Saint Francis. 
 
"Ben is a local kicker with a lot of talent and a strong leg," said running backs/special teams coach Josh Hutchison. "I look forward to watching him to continue to develop and improve in his craft here at Saint Francis and can't wait for him to get here."
 
Jordan Theodore | RB | 5-7 | 175 | Buffalo, N.Y. | Sweet Home
Theodore recorded 1,667 rushing yards in his career at Sweet Home High School. He was an All-Bee running back and All-Bee defensive player of the year. Theodore intends to major in Exercise Science at Saint Francis.
 
"Jordan is a talented running back with very good vision," said coach Hutchison. "He is a versatile player and can both run and catch the ball out of the backfield. "I look forward to coaching him and seeing what he can do here at Saint Francis."
 
Eyan Thomas | DL | 6-4 | 310 | Chichester, Pa. | Chichester
Thomas registered 207 tackles, 18 sacks, and seven forced fumbles in his high school career. He was recognized as an All-American defensive MVP along with being a first-team All-State player. Thomas intends to major in Business Management at Saint Francis.
 
"Eyan is coming off an MVP Performance at the All-American Classic in Orlando Fla.," said coach Rogish. "He has competed against great talent and is a versatile player with a motor that never stops."
 
Tanner Trybus | WR | 5-11 | 165 | Saint Benedict, Pa. | Cambria Heights
Trybus was a four-year letter winner at Cambria Heights High School. He tallied 1,556 rushing yards, 723 receiving yards, and 30 total touchdowns in his high school career. He was recognized as an All-State, All-Conference, and All-District player. Trybus intends to major in Cybersecurity at Saint Francis.
 
"Tanner is an extremely versatile football player that can line up and compete as a wide receiver or running back, and that fits well within our offensive scheme," said coach Wright. "He's a player that demonstrates the ability to get open and get yards after the catch. He's another excellent football player from the area that has an outstanding attitude and work ethic, and he will be a nice addition to our team."
 
Andrew Vines | DB | 5-11 | 190 | Raleigh, N.C. | Garner Magnet (Lackawanna CC)
Vines was a two-year player at Lackawanna College, where he played nine games and recorded 23 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one pass defend, two fumble recoveries and one blocked kick. In his high school career, he recorded over 200 tackles and six interceptions. He intends to major in History at Saint Francis.
 
"Andrew is dynamic defensive back that plays the game with relentless passion," said coach Lewis. "His versatility, knack for finding the football, and pop on contact is second to none. We are excited to add Andrew to our defensive backfield. He will be expected to contribute early and often in different capacities in our defensive structure."
 
Trey Weiand | WR | 6-4 | 190 | Mechanicsburg, Pa. | Trinity
 Weiand was recognized as an All-State, All-Conference, and All-District wide receiver while also being an Offensive MVP. Weiand intends to major in Physical Therapy at Saint Francis.
 
"Trey is a long, rangy wide receiver that demonstrates high energy, toughness and versatility on offense, defense and special teams," said coach Wright. "He is a multi-sport athlete that can run extremely well and provides super athleticism in everything he does. He has a tremendous upside to develop into an outstanding wide receiver for our offense."
 
Mekhi Workman | WR | 5-10 | 160 | Baltimore, Md. | St. Frances Academy
Workman played at St. Francis Academy, one of the top high school programs in the nation. He was an honor roll student and plans to major in Exercise Science at Saint Francis.
 
"Mekhi is a super talented football player that has excellent quickness and versatility that will allow him to excel in our offense," said coach Wright. "He comes from a great program in St. Frances Academy and is well coached. Mekhi has the ability to work in tight spaces and make defenders miss, and he can create a number of explosive plays. I'm excited to see him develop in our offense.

The 27 players will join the Dec. 21 signing class of eight players as Saint Francis looks to defend its NEC title during the 2023 season.