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University of New Hampshire Athletics
Photo by: Rich Pettigrew
Football Inks Nine Recruits on Signing Day
12/3/2025 3:44:00 PM | Football
DURHAM, N.H. – University of New Hampshire football head coach Rick Santos announced Wednesday that nine student-athletes have signed a commitment to join the program for the 2026 season.
| Player | Pos. | Ht. | Wt. | Hometown | High School |
| Devin Boles | DE | 6-3 | 240 | Londonderry, N.H. | Phillips Exeter Academy |
| Elijah Burnley | DT | 6-4 | 280 | Cheltenham, Pa. | Cheltenham |
| Brooks Connors | RB/LB | 6-2 | 230 | Easthampton, Mass. | Williston Northampton |
| Josh Cruz | DB | 5-10 | 170 | Rahway, N.J. | Bergen Catholic |
| Trey Grant | WR | 6-2 | 190 | New Bedford, Mass. | Tabor Academy |
| Joey Johnson | TE | 6-3 | 240 | Ashburn, Va. | Stone Bridge |
| Travis Parsons | DE | 6-4 | 245 | West Hartford, Conn. | Kinsgswood Oxford |
| Kaden Silton | QB | 6-1 | 200 | Westford, Mass. | Worcester Academy |
| Ty'Meere Wilkerson | RB | 6-1 | 200 | Berwick, Pa. | Berwick |
Head coach Rick Santos, overall recruiting class
"Our staff did an incredible job identifying, evaluating, and building relationships with this year's class. In a recruiting landscape that changes daily, our coaches have continued to adapt, work relentlessly, and bring in young men who fit the culture and standard of UNH football. This group is talented, tough, high character, and committed to competing for championships. We believe this class will elevate our program and build on the foundation of excellence that has been established in Durham."
Devin Boles
Devin Boles, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound defensive end from Londonderry, N.H.
Boles was a standout throughout his high school career at Phillips Exeter Academy with an impressive resume. He is a two-time First Team All-State linebacker, All-Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Northeast Prep All-Conference Defensive Lineman, and was his team's MVP and Rookie of the Year. Boles finished his career with 25 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks.
Boles was a standout throughout his high school career at Phillips Exeter Academy with an impressive resume. He is a two-time First Team All-State linebacker, All-Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Northeast Prep All-Conference Defensive Lineman, and was his team's MVP and Rookie of the Year. Boles finished his career with 25 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks.
What Coach Santos Says
"Devin is one of the most complete defensive players in New England. His toughness, motor, and ability to disrupt plays jump off the tape. He's explosive off the edge and plays with a physicality that fits perfectly with how we want to play defense. His production, leadership, and consistency speak for themselves. We believe Devin has the potential to become a dominant force on our defensive front, and we're thrilled to keep another elite in-state player home in New Hampshire."
Elijah Burnley
Elijah Burnley, a 6-4, 280-pound defensive tackle from Cheltenham, Pa.
He attended Cheltenham High School and has been a force in the middle his entire career. Burnley wrapped up his high school run with 50+ tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks.
He attended Cheltenham High School and has been a force in the middle his entire career. Burnley wrapped up his high school run with 50+ tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks.
What Coach Santos Says
"Eli is a powerful interior defensive lineman who changes the line of scrimmage the moment the ball is snapped. His size, strength, and natural ability to anchor the run make him a true difference-maker inside. He plays with a relentless attitude and is one of the best run-stoppers we evaluated this cycle. Eli brings toughness, maturity, and a blue-collar work ethic to our defensive line room. We're fired up to welcome him to the UNH family."
Brooks Connors
Brooks Connors, a 6-2, 230-pound running back/linebacker from Williston Northampton in Easthampton, Mass.
Connors is one of the best athletes in New England. He was named First Team All-State in New Hampshire and earned multiple All-NEPSAC honors. Across his career, he rushed for over 2,500 yards (7.0+ yards per carry) and 35 touchdowns, while adding 88 tackles and 13 tackles for loss on defense. He was also a force on special teams and played every meaningful snap for his team.
Connors is one of the best athletes in New England. He was named First Team All-State in New Hampshire and earned multiple All-NEPSAC honors. Across his career, he rushed for over 2,500 yards (7.0+ yards per carry) and 35 touchdowns, while adding 88 tackles and 13 tackles for loss on defense. He was also a force on special teams and played every meaningful snap for his team.
What Coach Santos Says
"Brooks is one of the most versatile and productive players in New England. He's a dynamic athlete who can impact the game on offense, defense, and special teams. His toughness and competitive spirit stand out in everything he does. Brooks has elite playmaking ability with the ball in his hands and is equally physical on defense. His all-around athleticism makes him a perfect fit for our culture. We're incredibly excited to bring him into our program."
Josh Cruz
Josh Cruz, a 5'-10, 170-pound defensive back from Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, N.J.
Cruz had a standout senior season as a team captain, earning Second Team All-Division honors while posting 70 tackles, three sacks, one interception, and two forced fumbles. He is highly regarded for his leadership and character on and off the field.
Cruz had a standout senior season as a team captain, earning Second Team All-Division honors while posting 70 tackles, three sacks, one interception, and two forced fumbles. He is highly regarded for his leadership and character on and off the field.
What Coach Santos Says
"Josh is a fearless defensive back who plays with outstanding instincts and physicality. He's a sure tackler, a smart football player, and someone who embraces contact. His leadership and competitiveness shine in everything he does. Josh brings a mentality and toughness that will elevate the defensive back room from day one. We couldn't be more excited to add a young man of his character and ability to our UNH family."
Trey Grant
Trey Grant, a 6-2, 190-pound wide receiver from Tabor Academy in Marion, Mass.
Grant emerged as one of New England's most dynamic wideouts, earning NEPSAC Honorable Mention All-New England and All-NEPSAC Class B First Team honors. He played a major role in Tabor's undefeated championship season and produced multiple explosive performances, including a 232-yard, four-touchdown outing versus Milton Academy.
Grant emerged as one of New England's most dynamic wideouts, earning NEPSAC Honorable Mention All-New England and All-NEPSAC Class B First Team honors. He played a major role in Tabor's undefeated championship season and produced multiple explosive performances, including a 232-yard, four-touchdown outing versus Milton Academy.
What Coach Santos Says
"Trey is one of the most explosive wide receivers in New England. He has elite ball skills, great body control, and the ability to turn any play into a touchdown. He dominated top competition and consistently made big plays in critical moments. Trey's confidence, leadership, and playmaking ability make him a perfect addition to our wide receiver room. We are thrilled to welcome him into the UNH family."
Joey Johnson
Joey Johnson, a 6-3 240-pound tight end from Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn, Va.
Johnson was a two-time team captain and two-time All-District selection. He recorded 315 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 15 receptions, while also adding three rushing touchdowns. He is known for his physical presence, leadership, and impact across multiple sports.
Johnson was a two-time team captain and two-time All-District selection. He recorded 315 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 15 receptions, while also adding three rushing touchdowns. He is known for his physical presence, leadership, and impact across multiple sports.
What Coach Santos Says
"Joey is a complete tight end who brings size, physicality, and a strong presence to the field. He is a powerful blocker and a reliable pass catcher who impacts the game in multiple ways. Joey's leadership and maturity stand out, and he plays the game the right way. He will make our tight end room better the moment he arrives. We're thrilled to have him join our Wildcat family."
Travis Parsons
Travis Parsons, a 6-4, 245-pound defensive end from Kingswood Oxford in West Hartford, Conn.
Parsons finished his senior year with 13.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. He earned First Team Evergreen and First Team All-New England honors and also excels on the basketball court.
Parsons finished his senior year with 13.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. He earned First Team Evergreen and First Team All-New England honors and also excels on the basketball court.
What Coach Santos Says
"Travis is an explosive edge defender who plays with great length and exceptional athleticism. He has a rare ability to affect the quarterback and disrupt plays in the backfield. His versatility and competitiveness make him a tremendous fit for our defense. Travis's growth potential is enormous, and we're extremely excited to add a player of his upside to our program."
Kaden Silton
Kaden Silton, a 6-1, 200-pound quarterback from Westford, Mass., finishing his career at Worcester Academy
Silton accounted for 104 total touchdowns, 6,576 passing yards, 2,483 rushing yards, and a 70% completion percentage. He is a two-time First Team All-NEPSAC and two-time First Team All-Evergreen selection.
Silton accounted for 104 total touchdowns, 6,576 passing yards, 2,483 rushing yards, and a 70% completion percentage. He is a two-time First Team All-NEPSAC and two-time First Team All-Evergreen selection.
What Coach Santos Says
"Kaden is an elite competitor and one of the most productive quarterbacks in New England. He's a true dual-threat playmaker with the ability to beat defenses with his arm and his legs. His accuracy, poise, leadership, and football IQ make him a perfect fit for our offense. We're fired up to have him leading our quarterback room for the future."
Ty'Meere Wilkerson
Ty'Meere Wilkerson, a 6-1, 200-pound running back from Berwick High School in Berwick, Pa.
Wilkerson broke the single-season rushing record with 2,845 yards on 224 carries (12.7 yards per carry) and set a school record with 40 touchdowns. He was a two-time WVC Offensive Player of the Year and finished as the sixth leading rusher in the nation.
Wilkerson broke the single-season rushing record with 2,845 yards on 224 carries (12.7 yards per carry) and set a school record with 40 touchdowns. He was a two-time WVC Offensive Player of the Year and finished as the sixth leading rusher in the nation.
What Coach Santos Says
"Ty is one of the most dominant running backs in the entire country. His combination of vision, power, and breakaway speed is special. He consistently takes over games and plays his best football in big moments. His physical running style and explosive ability make him incredibly difficult to bring down. We're ecstatic to add a player of his caliber to our offense and our culture."
These nine players join a UNH football program that has advanced to the NCAA FCS playoffs three times in four years under head coach Santos. The Wildcats earned an at-large bid to the tourney for the second consecutive year in 2025, finished with an 8-5 record and tied for third in CAA Football with a 6-2 conference record.
CLICK HERE to buy season tickets for the 2026 UNH football season.
These nine players join a UNH football program that has advanced to the NCAA FCS playoffs three times in four years under head coach Santos. The Wildcats earned an at-large bid to the tourney for the second consecutive year in 2025, finished with an 8-5 record and tied for third in CAA Football with a 6-2 conference record.
CLICK HERE to buy season tickets for the 2026 UNH football season.
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