VILLANOVA, Pa. – The beginning of the signing class for the Villanova Football Class of 2030 was announced on Wednesday as head coach Mark Ferrante revealed 13 scholastic players who will bring their talents to the Main Line. The class spans four states and seven position groups with five offensive and eight defensive players.
The signees announced on Wednesday include five scholastic players from each of Pennsylvania and New Jersey as well as two from Maryland and one from Connecticut.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Wildcats signed wide receivers Jasiah Brown (Morristown, N.J.) and Andrew Esposito (New Canaan, Conn.); offensive lineman Patrick Degnan (Shamong, N.J.); quarterback Nolan DiLucia (Venetia, Pa.); and running back Brandon Way (Lancaster, Pa.).
Defensively, the signees are defensive linemen Thomas Coates (Frederick, Md.) and Jackson Kraemer (Pittsburgh, Pa.); defensive backs Abu Fofana (Burlington, N.J.), Luis Martinez (Allentown, Pa.), Isaiah Selby (Teaneck, N.J.) and Jordan Taylor (Waldorf, Md.); and linebackers Colin Gurley (York, Pa.) and Donovan Linthicum (Millville, N.J.).
Below, in alphabetical order, are profiles for each of the 13 early signees to Villanova.
Jasiah Brown (Wide Receiver / Morristown / 5'10 / 170)
A two-way starter at Morristown High School, Jasiah Brown comes to Villanova with 2,547 career all-purpose yards. The 5-foot-10 New Jersey native was First Team All-Conference as a scholastic and will play receiver with the Wildcats.
Thomas Coates (Defensive Line / Urbana / 6'0 / 295)
Thomas Coates makes his way to the Main Line as a versatile lineman, starting both ways at Urbana High in Maryland. Coates led his team to the state quarterfinals, accounting for an interception on the defensive end.
Patrick Degnan (Offensive Line / Seneca / 6'4 / 285)
A multi-time all-county selection in New Jersey, Patrick Degnan will join the Wildcats as a 6-foot-4 offensive lineman. Degnan was a two-time all-division honoree and was also his team's MVP as a defensive tackle.
Nolan DiLucia (Quarterback / Peters Township / 6'2 / 205)
A top five all-time passing leader in the WPIAL, Nolan DiLucia brings a high level of pedigree to the VU quarterbacks room. DiLucia was selected First Team All-Conference three times for his play at Peters Township in addition to two all-state accolades.
Andrew Esposito (Wide Receiver / New Canaan / 6'3 / 185)
The Connecticut MaxPreps Player of the Year is becoming a Wildcat as 6-foot-3 receiver Andrew Esposito signed to Villanova. The New Canaan product was an all-state selection with nine touchdowns, adding two interceptions on the other side of the ball.
Abu Fofana (Defensive Back / Conwell Egan Catholic (Pa.) / 6'1 / 180)
Two-time All-Catholic honoree Abu Fofana joins the Villanova defensive backfield. The Conwell Egan product and New Jersey native accounted for 20 pass breakups and four interceptions in addition to 14 touchdowns.
Colin Gurley (Linebacker / Central York / 6'0 / 220)
Colin Gurley racked up over 100 tackles, 26 TFLs and 17.5 sacks as a linebacker at Central York. He earned a pair of all-state accolades in addition to two all-county nods as a versatile defensive weapon.
Jackson Kraemer (Defensive Line / Mt. Lebanon / 6'2 / 295)
A two-way starter at Mt. Lebanon, Jackson Kraemer accounted for 16 career sacks as a three-year varsity letterman. The 6-foot-2, 295-pound lineman from Pittsburgh also plays basketball for the Blue Devils.
Donovan Linthicum (Linebacker / Oakcrest / 5'10 / 215)
Donovan Linthicum put up over 380 total tackles as a linebacker in South Jersey, forcing four fumbles with 67 TFLs for Oakcrest High. Linthicum was named to the all-state team in addition to three First Team All-Conference accolades.
Luis Martinez (Defensive Back / Allentown Central Catholic / 5'10 / 190)
A weapon on both sides of the ball, Luis Martinez accounted for 40 tackles, a sack and three forced fumbles on the defensive side. The 5-foot-10 athlete was the team's Offensive MVP with over 590 yards on 31 receptions at Allentown Central Catholic.
Isaiah Selby (Defensive Back / Paramus Catholic / 6'0 / 175)
Isaiah Selby led his high school to its first state playoff appearance in nine years, accumulating 40 tackles and two forced fumbles as a defensive back. He was a two-way starter with wide receiver and safety experience at Paramus Catholic.
Jordan Taylor (Defensive Back / North Point / 6'0 / 175)
Another two-way starter became a Wildcat on Wednesday as cornerback Jordan Taylor was a First Team All-Conference and Second Team All-County selection at North Point. The Waldorf native racked up four interceptions in his junior year.
Brandon Way (Running Back / Lancaster Catholic / 5'9 / 190)
The Section Player of the Year rounds out the class in running back Brandon Way. The Lancaster Catholic product accumulated 1,500 total yards with 21 touchdowns, earning all-state honors during his career.
