Wildcats Add Four on National Signing Day

DURHAM, N.H. – CAA Football and ECAC FCS Coach of the Year Rick Santos announced Wednesday the addition of four student-athletes to the University of New Hampshire football program's 2023 signing class, which brings the total number of National Letter of Intent commitments to 14 for this fall.

Football Signs 10 During Early Signing Period - Dec. 21, 2022

"We're very excited about the new additions to our team during the February signing period," Santos said. "We have added two proven winners at the quarterback position, a lockdown defensive back and an offensive tackle with elite upside. Each of the student-athletes comes from winning programs, and all are men of high character. This class will be the foundation for championships in the coming years. We look forward to getting these young men up to Durham and integrating them into our culture."

Here is a list of Wednesday's NLI signees, and a synopsis of each member:

Player	Position	Height	Weight	Hometown	Last School
Matt Festa	QB	6-2	205	Duxbury, Mass.	Duxbury
Dominick Laudicina	OL	6-6	270	Villanova, Pa.	Radnor
Matt Vezza	QB	6-0	190	Elmhurst, Ill.	York
Sean Webb	CB	6-0	175	San Diego, Calif.	Madison

Matt Festa is a 6-foot-2, 205-pound quarterback from Duxbury High School in Duxbury, Mass., who punctuated an incredible high school career by setting a Massachusetts record with six touchdown passes in a state championship game victory. Festa finished his career with 112 total TDs, 6,362 passing yards, 7,457 all-purpose yards and a 67.2% completion percentage. As a senior, his 50 TD passes ranked No. 1 in the state. The three-time league all-star capped his career as a starter with a record of 24-3 and was named the Boston Globe Player of the Year, tabbed to the New England Football Journal All-New England First Team. The unanimous league MVP was the recipient of the inaugural Bill Wilhelm Award as the South Shore's best high school football player.

What Coach Santos Says
"Matt is a proven winner and record-setting quarterback from the great state of Massachusetts. He is a tremendous leader and someone who inspires his teammates by his work ethic. His quick release allows him to get the ball out fast, and he is extremely accurate. He can make all the throws from the pocket as well as being a playmaker on the move. We're thrilled to add him to the UNH family, and he will make our QB room better."

Dominick Laudicina is a 6-foot-6, 270-pound offensive lineman from Radnor High School in Radnor, Pa. Laudicina was a two-year starter at both guard and tackle who totaled 51 pancake blocks, allowed only two sacks and six QB hurries in those seasons. In 2022, the All-League and All-County OL was chosen to play in the 2023 Delco Hero Bowl. Laudicina is also a decorated hockey player who was selected to the All-Delco Team in both sports.

What Coach Santos Says
"Dominick is a dominant, two-way lineman who has the ideal size and length we're looking for. He has great feet, violent hands and does a great job finishing blocks at the second level. Dom is a technician, and his fundamentals allow him to be an impact player in the run and pass game. We're thrilled to have him in Durham as a part of our family."

Matt Vezza is a 6-foot, 190-pound quarterback from York High School in Elmhurst, Ill. Vezza was a two-year starter who compiled 2,650 all-purpose yards and 27 TDs in his senior campaign when he was named All-State First Team and the West Suburban Conference Silver Division Player of the Year. Vezza led his team to the Class 8A state semifinals with a 12-1 record, which was the program's best record in its 102-year history. Vezza, who also letters in track, is an honor roll student and a member of the National Honor Society.

What Coach Santos Says
"Matt is a dual-threat QB who led his team to its best record in school history. He is a cerebral player who sees the field well and has the ability to throw people open. He is extremely accurate and can make every throw on the field. He has a knack for making plays when the pocket breaks down and has great vision to always find the open receiver. We're very excited he is a Wildcat and welcome him to the UNH family."

Sean Webb is a 6-foot, 175-pound cornerback from Madison High School in San Diego, Calif. Webb helped lead the Warriors to a 9-2 record and a semifinal appearance as a two-way starter at cornerback and wide receiver his senior season. The three-year letter winner is also a member of the basketball and track programs. He was an honor roll student all four years of his high school career.

What Coach Santos Says
"Sean is a dynamic playmaker who can make plays on both sides of the ball. We will be using his skillset at corner, where he has the ability to be a lockdown DB. He is smooth in his transition and is a ballhawk who is always around the football. Sean is a physical tackler and will be someone who will make an impact on special teams. We're very excited to add him to the UNH football family."

On Dec. 21, the Wildcats inked 10 players to NLIs during the early signing period - READ MORE

Player	Position	Height	Weight	Hometown	Last School
Jackson Downey	S	6-2	200	Marblehead, Mass.	Proctor Academy
Dylan Evans	WR	6-3	180	Orchard Park, N.Y.	Orchard Park HS
Joshua Farquharson	ATH	5-11	195	Brampton, Ontario	Saint James School
Kenyata Forbes Jr	DT	6-1	285	Chicago, Ill.	Kenwood Academy
Jordan Mcallister	OLB/DE	6-3	225	South Orange, N.J.	Seton Hall Prep
Elliot Meine	RB	5-10	200	Burke, Va.	Lake Braddock HS
Wakeem Page	WR	5-10	165	Erie, Pa.	Cathedral Prep
Luke Swaine	OL	6-4	297	Sebring, Fla.	Sebring HS
Logan Tomlinson	WR	6-3	205	Manchester, Conn.	Wesleyan University
Tavian Williams	CB	6-2	180	Wake Forest, N.C.	Wake Forest HS

About UNH Football
In 2022, UNH won a share of the CAA championship with a 7-1 conference record and went 9-4 overall, which included a victory over Fordham in the opening round of the NCAA Division I Football Championship. That marked the most wins and first playoff appearance since 2017, as well as the first CAA title and most regular-season wins since 2014.

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Wildcats Add Four on National Signing Day

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