- November 22, 2024
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Matanzas wide receiver Noah Cundiff signs with the University of New Hampshire. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Noah Cundiff, center, poses with his family after signing: sister Hope, mom Michelle, dad Jeremy and sister Mia. Photo by Brent Woronoff
FPC linebacker Jason Browning is flanked by his family as he signs with Madonna University. Courtesy photo
Quarterback Preston Roberts wears a Tusculum ball cap and is joined by his family as he signs with the Pioneers. Courtesy photo
Rigens Andre signs with Gila River Junior College, a school in San Carlos, Ariziona. Courtesy photo.
The Flagler Palm Coast football team surrounds Rigens Andre, Preston Roberts and Jason Browning after the trio signed letters of intent on Feb. 2. Courtesy photo.
Matanzas linebacker Ezekiel Florida poses with family members after signing with Concordia University Chicago. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Noah Cundiff talks about choosing the University of New Hampshire. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Noah Cundiff goes over the pages with his mom and dad. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Noah Cundiff and Ezekiel Flores will continue their football careers in college. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Matanzas linebacker Ezekiel Florida poses with family members after signing with Concordia University Chicago. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Matanzas celebrates its two players who signed football letters of intent with a cake. Photo by Brent Woronoff
The clincher for Matanzas wide receiver Noah Cundiff in signing with the University of New Hampshire was the Wildcats’ new head coach.
Rick Santos reminds Cundiff of Pirates head coach Matt Forrest.
“He seems real true with his morals,” Cundiff said of Santos. “Coach Forrest always ends practice with a motivational speech. It made us feel we were working toward a purpose. I get those same vibes from Coach Santos.”
Cundiff was one of six Flagler County high school seniors to sign football letters of intent on Signing Day, Feb. 2.
Joining Cundiff at Matanzas’ signing celebration in the gym lobby was linebacker Ezekiel Flores, who signed with Division III Concordia University Chicago.
At Flagler Palm Coast, quarterback Preston Roberts signed with Division II Tusculum University in Tennessee. Linebacker Jason Browning signed with Madonna University, an NAIA school in Livonia, Michigan. And linebacker/H-back Rigens Andre signed with Gila River Junior College in San Carlos, Arizona.
Receiver/cornerback Trenton Williams signed with Highland Community College in Kansas. But since his decision was last minute and his family couldn’t attend the Bulldogs’ ceremony, he will be included in a future signing ceremony, FPC football coach Robert Paxia said.
“We have 10 more kids who will sign in probably the next couple of months,” said Paxia.
Cundiff had several offers from FCS teams. He chose one of the top FCS programs in the nation. New Hampshire has made the playoffs 16 times in FCS, formerly Division I-AA. The Wildcats, a member of the Colonial Athletic Association, made the playoffs 14 years in a row from 2004 to 2017.
They haven’t been to the playoffs since then, however. Santos was promoted to head coach after this past season, replacing his former coach, Sean McDonnell, who retired after 23 seasons.
Santos, New Hampshire’s all-time leading passer, won the Walter Payton Award in 2006 as the top offensive player in FCS. In a press release on the Wildcats' signing class, he said, “Noah is a dynamic playmaker who can impact a game at the receiver position and on special teams as a kick returner.”
Cundiff said after watching film of the team’s 2021 season during his official visit, he thought he would be a perfect fit.
“All they need is a wide receiver to make them a championship team. They don’t have a deep threat. I’m hoping I can be that threat.”
NOAH CUNDIFF, on signing with New Hampshire
“All they need is a wide receiver to make them a championship team,” he said. “They don’t have a deep threat. I’m hoping I can be that threat.”
Santos also believes the 6-foot-1, 180-pound Cundiff can be a difference maker.
In the press release, Santos said, “His big frame allows him to make contested catches in traffic. He also has the ability to make people miss in space. Noah is a complete wide receiver who will look to have an immediate impact.”
Cundiff caught 61 passes for 574 yards as a junior. During an injury-riddled senior season, he still caught 25 passes for 375 yards and scored six touchdowns.
Forrest said Cundiff’s talent was evident from the first day he stepped on campus, but he needed to learn how to push himself to reach his potential.
“During spring practice (last year), I literally had to kick him off the field,” Forrest said. “It was because of the little detail and extra things it takes to play at a high level. That was something Noah had to figure out. There is no doubt that when Noah gets to New Hampshire, he is only going to continue his climb. The sky’s the limit. He’s going to be as good as he wants to be.”
Flores said Concordia showed him “the most love,” texting him every day.
“Once I stayed on campus, it felt like home,” he said.
The 5-10, 200-pound outside linebacker said Concordia’s defense is similar to the Pirates' with a 3-2-5 scheme.
“They like to blitz off the end a lot,” he said.
“They were looking for more of a pro-style quarterback, and Preston fits that bill.”
ROBERT PAXIA, FPC coach on Preston Roberts signing with Division II Tusculum
Roberts split time at quarterback this season, passing for 929 yards and 11 touchdowns with six interceptions.
“They were looking for more of a pro-style quarterback, and Preston fits that bill,” Paxia said.
Tusculum head coach Jerry Odom tweeted about Roberts after his signing: “A QB from the 386 that can spin it. Football junkie who loves the game. Natural pocket presence with a strong arm. Welcome to TU Preston!”
Odom, who has deep roots in Florida, recruits heavily in the state. The coach played and coached at the University of Florida and before that played for his father at Merritt Island High School.
Browning led the Bulldogs with 81 tackles in eight games this season. He had 13 tackles for loss, five sacks and caused three fumbles.
“Madonna gave him a really good financial aid package,” Paxia said. “To me Division II and NAIA are pretty much the same level. They both offer scholarships.”
Paxia noted that Andre and Williams, who are headed to junior colleges, will have the opportunity to sign again in two years.
“I’m just excited that our kids have the opportunity to go to college and help themselves. Each kid picked a good home for them,” Paxia said.
