CONTACT: Adam Sopris, a.sopris@hvcc.edu, 518-629-7898 or 518-416-2137
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Friday, February 5, 2021

The Hudson Valley Community College football team and head coach Don Jones have announced the addition of 16 new student-athletes who have signed a NJCAA National Letter of Intent to join the football program in the Fall 2021 semester. 

The signing class of 2021 featured students from seven states throughout the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast regions, including four from both New York and New Jersey. 

"In spite of the recent challenges from COVID-19, I am proud that our program was able to put together such a wonderful class," said Coach Don Jones. "Credit goes to the assistant coaches whose tireless efforts on the recruiting trail paid huge dividends. We look forward to continuing our recruiting process looking for more #MenofTroy!" 

Nathaniel Richardson
Susan Wagner High School (Staten Island, N.Y.)

Nate is a 6'2" wide receiver who was a three-year varsity starter at Susan Wagner in New York City. He is tall with a great catch radius and uses his body well to box out defenders. Nate will be able to use his length and athleticism to contribute as a player at HVCC. His twin brother, D'Vonte, is also committing to the HVCC football program.

D'Vonte Richardson
Susan Wagner High School (Staten Island, N.Y.)

D'Vonte is a 6'2" athlete from Susan Wagner in New York City. He has the ability to compete at both quarterback and wide receiver for the Vikings. D'Vonte is a great runner and is comfortable throwing from the pocket and on the run. His twin brother, Nate, is also committing to the HVCC football program.

Darrion Kimball
Milford High School (Milford, N.H.) 

Darrion is a 5'8, 165-pound defensive back. He had 15+ tackles and was all-state cornerback for Milford. He played both sides of the ball and is a very versatile player with a lot of speed. He will arrive ready to compete in the fall and lead his teammates.

Jalen Sanderson
Port Huron High School (Port Huron, Mich.

Jalen, a 6'1, 290-pound offensive guard, was a three-year starter and helped pave the way for the Big Reds of Port Huron, who earned back-to-back district titles for the first time in school history. He has good feet and can move well for his size.

Dominic Smith
Port Huron High School (Port Huron, Mich.)

Dominic is a 6'3, 340-pound offensive tackle from Port Huron High School. He was a two-year varsity starter with two years of playoff experience, including one District Championship.

Tyree Dantzler
Oakland Mills HS (Columbia, Md.)

Tyree is a 5'10, 265-pound defensive tackle and center who started one way on defense as a junior He had 34 total tackles nine tackles for loss and 5 sacks, one fumble recovery and 1 forced fumble. He helped a lot and had a big role for his team's defense. He had the ability to stop the run and rush the passer and compete hard for HVCC on the defensive side of the ball.

Christopher Alabanzas 
Cherry Hill High School West (Cherry Hill, N.J.)

Chris, a 6'1, 325-pound defensive lineman, had 14 tackles, five tackles for loss, and a sack. He played as a two-way starter and is very versatile on the line. Alabanzas will help improve the Vikings run defensive in 2021.

Alex Pawliczak
Goshen Central High School (New Hampton, N.Y.)

Alex is a speedy 5'10, 175-pound wide receiver and possesses quality top end speed and short area quickness. He has reliable hands to fit perfectly in the Vikings offense as a slot receiver. Pawliczak was a two-sport athlete as he was also a member of the Goshen baseball team.

Niles Cleveland
St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Louisville, Ohio)

Niles is a 6'2, 255-pound defensive end and offensive lineman, who was a two-way starter for the Knights. He was third on the team with 43 tackles and led the team in both tackles for loss (14) and sacks (7). He also was responsible with two defensive touchdowns, both coming off of strip sacks in the end zone. Offensively, he played all five positions on the line. He is athletic enough to protect on the outside, yet powerful enough to create seams on the inside gaps. Niles is a powerful defensive end who uses great hand placement. Niles will have an opportunity to compete right away at HVCC Inside or Outside on the Defensive Line.

Charles Stewart
Cherry Hill High School West (Cherry Hill, N.J.)

Charles is the kind of player that you can count on. He is committed to doing whatever is necessary to complete the task at hand and get the job done. His teammates can count on him on and off the field.

Chase Thornton
Beaver Falls High School (Beaver Falls, Penn.)

Chase is a dedicated young man who so far has done all he can to get himself to the next level. Chase will be signing with HVCC to build upon his already great foundation and body of work. He is maintaining a 4.0 in his senior year, working on his football craft and now following in the footsteps of his dad by attending Hudson Valley. He believes that there is a greater purpose for his life and has posted a banner that states "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the lord, plans to prosper". He also has his own quote, "I'm a dreamer. I have to dream and reach for the stars, and if I miss a star then I grab a handful of clouds." – Mike Tyson. From the short time we have gotten to know Chase we can understand that he is someone who will come ready and put in the work necessary to succeed at this level and beyond. 

Tyler Jones
Beaver Falls HS (Beaver Falls, Penn.)

Tyler is a 5'10" 195 lbs. Hybrid Safety who was a two-way starter and four-year Varsity player who helped lead Beaver Falls HS to a PA class 2A WPIAL Conference Championship in 2020. As a Senior, he filled up the stat sheet with 95 tackles, 3 INTS, 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. His play on the field earned him selection to the PA class 2A First-Team Defense. Tyler will bring a great deal of leadership to HVCC, both on and off of the field, as well as help boost an already strong secondary.

Additional Members of the National Signing Day Class of 2021

Angelo Cioffi
Columbia High School (East Greenbush, N.Y.)

Kyle McGinnis
Wallkill Valley Regional (Hamburg, N.J.)

Jethro Pierrevil
Frank H. Morrell High School (Irvington, N.J.)

Omari Hopkins
Bishop McDevitt high school (Harrisburg, Penn.)

Vikings Signing Day – By State

New York – 4

New Jersey – 4

Pennsylvania - 3

Michigan - 2

New Hampshire - 1

Maryland - 1

Ohio - 1