LORETTO, Pa. – Saint Francis University football announced the addition of 13 players to the signing class of 2025. The student-athletes signed their National Letter of Intent on Dec. 4 as part of the early signing period.
"Signing day is a cornerstone of our program's future. It is the process of countless hours of hard work by our staff, the families, and most importantly, these young men who have chosen to trust us with their development." said head coach Chris Villarrial. "Today, we celebrate their commitment, not just to football, but to becoming part of something bigger. We are building a championship culture, and these players are the foundation of what is to come.".
Hunter Albright | OL | 6'5 | 315 | Hollidaysburg, Pa. | Hollidaysburg Area
Albright comes to Loretto from Hollidaysburg Area. He was a member of a Hollidaysburg team that went 13-1 in 2024 and only fell in the PIAA 5A Championship quarterfinals.
"Hunter [Albright] plays with an edge and nastiness that every offensive line coach is looking for." offensive line coach Cullen Casey said. "I am excited for the energy and attitude he will bring to the group.".
Josiah Bryson | RB | 5'9 | 200 | Stafford, Va. | Colonial Forge
Bryson rushed for over 1,000 yards in his junior season at Colonial Forge and has helped the Eagles to a 10-3 record this season. Bryson earned First Team All-District and Second Team All-Region honors while at Colonial Forge. He won a regional championship with the Eagles.
Bryson also ran track for Colonial Forge and is a member of the honor roll. He intends to major in sports management at Saint Francis.
"Josiah is a talented young back who has good vision and cuts well." said running backs coach Josh Hutchinson. "He is a dynamic player when he gets the ball in his hands. I look forward to watching him grow as a running back here at Saint Francis."
Kevin Evehe | OL | 6'6 | 305 | Randallstown, Md. | Randallstown High School
Evehe comes to Loretto as an All-County selection at left tackle and is a regional champion with Randallstown High School. He intends to major in business.
Evehe was a team captain for the Rams. He is a multi-sport athlete as well, lettering in basketball at Randallstown in addition to football. Evehe has been an honor roll student in high school.
"Kevin is a mountain of a man who will help us protect the blindside of the quarterback for years to come." Casey said. "His ability to compete both on the field and in the classroom made him a perfect fit for the Red Flash family."
Anthony Gengarella | DB | 5'10 | 175 | Germantown, Md. | Northwest High School
Gengarella was an All-District and All-Conference selection in his junior and senior seasons at Northwest High School. He led the Jaguars in tackles during both seasons and won letters in all four years at Northwest.
Gengarella has also lettered in track and field as a sprinter. He has been on the honor roll every semester of his high school career. He intends to major in business at Saint Francis.
"Anthony is an all-around athlete who continued to make plays for Northwest in all three phases of the game." said defensive coordinator Jacob Craig. "We look forward to continuing the success had by Northwest defensive backs here at Saint Francis.".
Hunter Giacomo | S | 5'11 | 190 | Charleston, W. Va. | George Washington High School
Giacomo was a team captain for George Washington and a three-time First Team All-Conference selection for the Patriots. Over the course of his career, Giacomo has started 46 games, recorded 365 total tackles, three interceptions and a defensive touchdown.
Giacomo has added 62 catches for 852 yards, 1,594 all-purpose yards and 13 total touchdowns.Giacomo has earned three letters in baseball at George Washington and is a member of the National Honor Society. His father, Butch, played college football at the NAIA level. Giacomo intends to major in business administration at Saint Francis.
"Hunter [Giacomo] has consistently been ranked as one of the top linebackers in the state of West Viriginia." Craig said. "The combination of his willingness to fit the run and his athletic ability is why we are excited to work with him at safety.".
Lukas Gilland | WR | 6'1 | 190 | Mineral City, OH | Sandy Valley High School
Gilland hauled in 141 catches for 2,400 yards and 32 touchdowns at Sandy Valley. He had 3,250 all-purpose yards. Gilland was a three-time All-State selection as a receiver and a four-time all-county selection as a defensive back.
Gilland also earned three letters in basketball and two letters in track and field. He was an All-District selection in basketball.
Nate Hampton | OL | 6'3 | 290 | Lake Arbor, Md. | DeMatha Catholic
Hampton arrives at Saint Francis after four years at DeMatha Catholic. He was a member of a Stags team that went 10-1 in 2024 and won the WCAC Championship. Hampton helped DeMatha make the WCAC Championship Game in each of his final three seasons.
"Nate is a glass eater." Casey said. "His physicality will show up in the run game, but he is able to redirect with quick hand placement in the pass game.".
Cameron Kiersch | LB | 6'0 | 220 | Danville, Pa. | Danville Area High School
Kiersch recorded 479 total tackles, 48 tackles for loss, seven sacks, eight interceptions and four blocked kicks over the course of his career at Danville Area. He was a three-time All-State and All-Conference selection as a linebacker and was named the Daily Item Linebacker of the Year. Kiersch won four District IV championships with the Ironmen and was a team captain.
Kiersch holds the Danville Area record for tackles in a season with 170 in 2024 and is second in school history in career tackles. He also lettered in Lacrosse four times and was a First Team All-District selection and named the Daily Item MVP in the sport.
Kiersch is a member of the National Honor Society and intends to major in physical therapy at Saint Francis.
"We are excited to welcome Cameron to the Red Flash family." said linebackers coach Ben Bruni. "Cameron is coming to us from a great program in Danville Area High School. Cameron is an extremely versatile linebacker who has a nose for the football. Cameron is great in coverage and an elite tackler and are pumped up to have him join our room."
Wyatt Maines | OL | 6'5 | 275 | Hollidaysburg, Pa. | Hollidaysburg Area
Maines was an All-District selection at Hollidaysburg Area and won district and sub-regional championships.
He also wrestled and ran track at Hollidaysburg Area and won the American Citizenship Award. Maines intends to major in business at Saint Francis. His sister, Brooke, is a sophomore on the Cheer team at Saint Francis.
"Wyatt brings a versatility to the offensive line that will pay dividends early in his career." Casey said. "He is a two-way player from Hollidaysburg and his athleticism and size will help bolster our group.".
Darian Nelson | DB | 6'1 | 190 | Pittsburgh, Pa. | Plum Senior High School
Nelson made 161 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, four interceptions and three forced fumbles at Plum. He registered seven sacks over his junior and senior seasons, as well as three field goal blocks.
Nelson is three-time First Team All-Conference selection for the Mustangs. He also lettered in track and field and basketball. He intends to major in global affairs at Saint Francis.
"Darian [Nelson] is an all-around athlete who played multiple positions on offense and defense for Plum this season." Craig said. "We're excited to see his athletic play in the secondary for years to come.".
Darian Slaughter | DL | 6'3 | 250 | Pittsburgh, Pa.| Plum Senior High School
Slaughter finished his career at Plum with 146 tackles, 35 tackles for loss and 23 sacks. Over his last two seasons, he forced five fumbles. Slaughter has earned a First Team All-Conference selection and a Second Team All-Conference selection while playing for the Mustangs.
Slaughter is on the honor roll at Plum and intends to major in Criminal Justice at Saint Francis. He also played basketball.
"Darian [Slaughter] is a big athletic lineman that played both offensive and defensive line for Plum." Craig said. "We're excited not only about his ability to rush the passer, but his ability to also be strong in the run game.".
Arison Walker | S | 5'9 | 170 | Aliquippa, Pa. | Aliquippa High School
Walker was a two-way player at Aliquippa, making 65 tackles, three pass breakups and two interceptions in his senior year. On the other side of the ball, he added 30 catches for 468 yards and seven total touchdowns. Walker was a First Team All-Conference selection on both sides of the ball and was also an All-State selection.
While at Aliquippa, Walker won three WPIAL championships and two state championship.
Walker is a member of the National Honor Society and is Class President for 2025. He intends to major in finance at Saint Francis. He also played baseball and basketball for the Quips.
"Arison joins our safety room coming from a historic Pennsylvania program. Arison played pivotal roles in all three phases at Aliquippa and we're excited for his future on defense and special teams moving forward."
Ky'Mir Williams | DB | 5'11 | 185 | Harrisburg, Pa. | Harrisburg High School
Williams comes to Loretto from Harrisburg High School. He was a part of a secondary that helped Harrisburg finish 11-3 overall and 8-1 in conference on the year. Willaims and the Cougars made it all the way to the PIAA semifinals in 2024.
"Ky'Mir is a ball hawk that flies around on the defensive side of the ball." Craig said. "He played a key role in the playoff push Harrisburg had this season and we're excited for his future at Saint Francis.".
The 13 student-athletes will join the Red Flash ahead of the 2025 season.