Andrew DeGirolamo | Mansfield Ma

Q: Can you tell me a bit about your background and how you got into football?

A: I was born into a football family. My grandfather played football at Boston College. Almost all of my cousins played football from their youth up through high school along with my brothers. My oldest brother currently plays football at Bridgewater State University. I have been surrounded by football for my entire life and I always wanted to be able to play when I was younger. My father has been the defensive coordinator for my high school for numerous years as well so he has shown me what football is all about.

Q: What other sports or extracurricular activities are you involved in at school? How do they complement your football skills?

A: I have been a varsity starter for the lacrosse team during my freshman, sophomore, and junior years, earning multiple awards. I have been on the varsity basketball team my sophomore and junior year as well. Outside of sports I started up a volunteer tutoring group for high schoolers to help tutor middle school students and created a fundraiser my sophomore year to support the fight against colorectal cancer.

Q: What position(s) do you primarily play, and how did you come to choose those positions?

A: Freshman year I started out as a running back, outside linebacker, defensive end, and kick/punt returner. Now I have changed into more of a hybrid tight end and split end. I didn’t really get to choose my positions but I have always felt that offense is my strength because when I have a combination of size and speed which creates mismatches for defenses.  One of the common themes I have heard throughout the recruiting process is that coaches like my wide catch radius.

Q: Can you describe your playing style and strengths on the field?

A: My playing style is unique because not many people can do what I do. As a tight end, I am able to block an interior d-lineman as well as a d-end and line backer. As a split end, blocking safeties and corners is mostly my job because it is harder for them to get around me due to my frame. In the passing game I am physical off the line and that is what makes me hard to cover in man to man coverage. When I recognize that the defense is in zone I use my finesse to find the gaps throughout the defense. My strengths on the field include catching deep passes due to my athletic ability and my big frame along with being able to block anyone on the field. 

Q: What areas of your game are you currently working to improve?

A: The most important area of my game that I am currently working on is my foot speed and route running. Once I become a more consistent route running and my foot speed gets better, I feel that I will be more marketable to college coaches.

Q:How do you maintain your physical conditioning during the season and off-season?

A: During the season, I lift at least three times a week to make sure that I don’t lose any of my strength, but I don’t overdo it, so I am not sore for my games on Fridays. Off-season is six days a week of lifting and two days a week of conditioning. Since I do my lifts before school at 6 am, I have time to do whatever I need to do after school. After school, I will have practice for my other sports, which include basketball and lacrosse. After a practice in the offseason, I stay at the field and work on different areas of my game. Foot speed and route running with my quarterback is usually what we focus on the most. 

Q: What has been your experience with recruiting so far?

A: This recruiting process has been fun for me to be able to see all of the Spring Practices and Spring Games that I have been invited to. I have had a lot of communication with many different schools in different areas. Although I have fun seeing all of the new schools and areas that I could potentially play at, I do get nervous because I am still just a 16 year old touring college.

How many colleges or universities have expressed interest in you, and which ones have stood out?

A: I have had approximately 20 schools reach out to me regarding football throughout all divisions.  The Army really stood out as I had a great visit with Coach Loose at my high school.  Attending the spring game at Syracuse and meeting with the coaches was very cool.  I could tell they had had a good read on me based on my film.  Attending a spring practice at Boston College was really cool. What an amazing campus!  My grandfather played football for BC so that added a little something extra.  I had a great visit at Marist’s spring practice and met with the staff.  They really made me feel welcome and showed great interest.  I really liked their campus and location from NY city.  I like URI a lot and had a good visit during their spring game.  My visit to Cornell was great.  Outstanding campus and high academics.  They made a great presentation.  I have been in communications with the Dartmouth College staff and am looking forward to getting up there in a couple weeks.  I had a great visit at Bentley University during spring practice.  The staff was great and expressed a high interest in me.  I really like their business school and proximity to Boston.  The Bowdoin College staff has expressed real interest as well and I am trying to work out a time to go visit.    

Q: What factors are most important to you when considering a college program?

A: To me, the culture of the program is very important. I want to be a part of a team that wants to win as badly as I do and is willing to put in the work that I do. I also don’t want to just be around kids who only focus on football and completely ignore school.  I want to succeed on the field but also in the classroom.  I understand football will end for me some day and I want to maximize my time and experiences at the academic level as well to prepare me for life after football.

Q: Have you taken any official or unofficial visits to potential schools? If so, which ones and what was your impression?

A: I have been on unofficial visits to Syracuse University, University of Rhode Island, Boston College, Bryant University, Cornell University, Marist University, and Bentley University. The ones that had the biggest impact on me were Cornell, Marist , Bryant, University of Rhode Island, and Bentley because they showed that they have an interest in me as an athlete and a student.  All the schools throughout this process have made me feel welcome.

Q: How have your coaches and teammates influenced your recruitment process?

A: My coaches and teammates haven’t influenced me on the choices I make in my recruiting process because they only support the decisions I make. I do not keep my teammates up to date with my recruiting process all the time because I don’t want to seem like I love talking about myself.  We have plenty of kids at Mansfield who are being recruited at all levels and we all support each other throughout our journeys.  

Q: Who are the main people involved in your recruiting decisions (coaches, family, mentors)? How do they assist you?

A: The main people involved in my recruiting decisions are my parents, my recruiting Coach Isaac Hadac, and my head football Coach Michael Redding. My parents are the ones who make it so I can go on all of these visits and explore different colleges. They are always willing to help me out with whatever I need. My recruiting coach, Isaac Hadac, is a huge help getting me in the heads of college coaches and trying to get their attention on me. He has set me up with multiple coaches and makes this process feel a little bit lighter. My current head coach, Coach Mike Redding, makes time for me to talk to college coaches during the off-season in school.

Q: Have you had any memorable interactions with college coaches during your recruiting process?

A: I can honestly say that all the coaches I have met have been great.  Each coach is unique and it is really fun and interesting learning about them and their programs.  I appreciate their honesty as I am always looking for feedback to improve my game.

Q: Have you received any scholarship offers so far? If yes, can you tell me about them?

No, I have not received any scholarship offers yet.

A: What timeline are you looking at for making your college decision? Are you leaning toward any specific schools?

A: I’m just enjoying the process right now and trying to focus on academics and getting bigger, stronger, faster.  Keeping up communications with coaches is important to me and I want all prospective coaches to know me as a person.  I’m hoping schools see the value in having a high character student athlete who can play.  The scholarship piece is something I try not to focus on.  I can only focus on getting good grades and improving each day.  I don’t have a timeline.  I’m taking things one day at a time.  I wouldn’t say I am leaning towards any particular school.  However, I do want strong academics and high level competition on the field.

Q: What do you think separates you from other recruits in your position?

I believe that I am a student athlete that truly loves the “TEAM” culture and will do whatever it takes to be successful.  I would hope that coaches see the value in a person who excels in all facets of the game, within the classroom, and in life.  On the field, I am able to block anyone on the field when I am needed to, run crisp routes, and use my big frame, big catch radius, and athletic ability to make plays with or without the ball.  I want a great education and work hard in the classroom.  Outside of academics and athletics, I have always been involved within my community.  Lastly, I possess the leadership qualities which I feel schools will be looking for.

Q: How do you balance academics and athletics? What is your GPA and course load like?

A: School is and will always be my number one priority. I am always staying after school to get extra help from my teachers so I don’t fall behind. I have a strict schedule in the off-season which really allows me to balance sports, workouts, school, and social life. During my Junior Year, I am taking three Advanced Placement, full year courses(college level classes) and averaging over an 80 in all of them. My GPA as of now is a 3.7 but after this school year ends it should bump up to at least a 3.8.

Q: What are your goals, both academically and athletically, for this year?

A: Academically, I am hoping to earn my way into the National Honor Society because I have been working extremely hard in the classroom.  Athletically, I am looking forward to my senior seasons and hope to make long tournament runs.  Lastly, I am hoping college coaches recognize what I can bring to their programs and to receive offers to play football at the next level.

Q: What do you hope to achieve in college besides playing football?

A: Earning a degree which will help me in life after football is goal #1.  I’m looking forward to being on my own and experiencing all that college has to offer. I want to meet new people, create new relationships and bonds that will last a lifetime.   

Q: Why do you believe you are well-suited to contribute to a college football program?

A: I believe that my work ethic is what sets me apart from others.. I am willing to go to events early and stay late. I will do whatever it takes to create a mindset throughout the team that continuous improvement and winning are the main goals.  I strive for excellence in all I do and feel my work ethic is on display at all times.

Q: What motivates you to play football, and what drives you to succeed?

A: My family has always been a football family. I have been surrounded by this sport ever since I was a baby. I fell in love with football at first sight. The biggest thing that drives me to succeed in football, and in life in general, are all the small little daily battles which are necessary to achieve the main goals.  I love being a part of something bigger than myself.  Being surrounded with like-minded people, who have the same goals, all working in the same direction has always been something that I enjoy.  

Q: If you had to give one piece of advice to younger players looking to get recruited, what would it be?

A: I would say to not be nervous when trying to get recruited. You need to have confidence when you are trying to get recruited because you will even play better if you have confidence.  Always be yourself and nothing more.  Coaches can see through illusions which are created on social media.  Also, don’t be afraid to make a mistake when talking to a coach. I was hesitant to message coaches but once I finally did, I got messages back and I actually started to build relationships.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t asked about?

A: I really appreciate you taking the time to have me answer your questions.  Not only for me, but for all the guys out there trying to realize their dreams of playing at the next level.  Thank you so much!