University of Delaware Athletics
Dynamic Group of Defensive Standouts Highlight 2018 Delaware Football Recruiting Class
12/20/2017 5:02:00 PM | Football
NEWARK, Del. -- University of Delaware football head coach Danny Rocco announced his second recruiting class during the early signing period on Wednesday as 14 high school standouts signed the NCAA National Letter of Intent to attend Delaware on scholarship and join the Blue Hens football family next fall.
Rocco introduced a recruiting class that includes seven linebackers, two offensive linemen, two cornerbacks, one defensive linemen, one wide receiver, and one quarterback. The class included student-athletes from five nearby states, including eight from Pennsylvania, two from Maryland, two from New Jersey, one from Delaware, and one from Virginia. Additional high school standouts are expected to sign during the late signing period in February.
This year's recruiting class was heavy on the defensive side of the ball, particularly at the linebacker position where versatility is the hallmark of the group. Five of the 14 signees attended camp at Delaware this past summer.
“I am a fan of the early signing period,” said Rocco of the new system that now allows recruits to sign during a three-day early period in December. “We were able to secure the vast majority of our class now instead of having to wait through the month of January. We signed 11 recruits who live within a three to three-and-a-half hour radius and I am very appreciative of that fact. We can do a lot within our state and within our region. We set out to get a better balance in our roster as well. It was really important for us to work back to a balance, which is why we have a higher number of defensive players in this class. We have a number of linebackers coming in who are versatile and can give us a lot of flexibility in our 3-4 defense. We focused hard on bringing in guys who can play different positions on defense.”
Delaware lost 18 seniors from Rocco's first team that went 7-4 and narrowly missed an NCAA Tournament berth this past fall. The Blue Hens will begin spring drills in April leading up to the annual Blue-White Spring Game tentatively set for Saturday, May 5 at Delaware Stadium. Delaware will host six games at Delaware Stadium this fall, including matchups vs. Rhode Island (Aug. 30), Lafayette (Sept. 8), Cornell (Sept. 15), Elon (Oct. 13), Towson (Oct. 27), and Villanova (Nov. 17). The schedule will include four teams that advanced to the NCAA Tournament this past season, including a road game on Sept. 22 at national finalist North Dakota State.
Season tickets for 2018 Delaware Football will go on sale in January. Current season tickets members will receive renewal forms shortly after the new year. Those fans interested in becoming a new season ticket member can go online to www.bluehens.com and click on tickets for more information.
Game times and dates for annual events, including Homecoming and Parents & Family Weekend, will be announced in the spring.
Below are biographies of the recruits:
STEVON BROWN • 6-3 • 230 • Offensive Line • Glen Burnie, Md. (Archbishop Curley HS)
High School: Projected to play guard at Delaware • standout lineman at Archbishop Curley High School for coaches Sean Murphy and Sean Sandora • two-time All-Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association selection as an offensive lineman • named to the 2017 Baltimore Touchdown Club Super 22 Team • team captain as a senior • also played basketball and was a member of the track & field team • honor roll student.
Personal: Stevon Jemar Brown • born Jan. 11, 2000 • son of Leshondra D. Gulley • cousin, Demond Brown, was a standout slotback for the Navy football team in 2012-15 • plans to major in physical therapy • favorite NFL team is the Pittsburgh Steelers.
JOHNNY BUCHANAN • 6-0 • 215 • Linebacker • Brick, N.J. (St. John Vianney)
High School: Standout linebacker and running back at St. John Vianney High School for head coach Derek Sinisky • played freshman football at Brick Township High School before moving to St. John Vianney • led SJV to three-year record of 31-3 with three straight conference titles • two-year captain and team Most Valuable Player • earned All-State honors as both a junior (2nd team) and senior (1st team) and was also a two-time conference Defensive Player of the Year and two-time all-division selection • All-Metro as a senior • had 130 tackles, four sacks, and an interception on defense and rushed for 1,400 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior • had 145 tackles, three interceptions, and rushed for 500 yards and 13 touchdown as a junior in 2016 • honor roll student • member of Catholic Athletes for Christ .
Personal: Johnny Christian Buchanan • born July 25, 1999 • son of John and Melody Buchanan • oldest of four children • plans to major in business or sports medicine at Delaware • father played football at Rutgers • great uncle, Joe Auer, played in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins • cousin, Collin Olsen, currently plays running back at Florida International • active volunteer at a veteran's home in his area • favorite NFL team is the Washington Redskins.
AUSTIN HAVERSTROM • 5-11 • 170 • Wide Receiver • Keswick, Va. (Monticello HS)
High School: Standout in football and lacrosse at Monticello High School • served as captain for both teams • three-year starter at wide receiver, cornerback, and kick returner in football for head coach Jeff Lloyd • second team All-State selection as a wide receiver as a senior in 2017 • all-region as a wide receiver and all-district as a receiver, kick returner, and cornerback in 2017 • All-Central Virginia and All-Jefferson District as a junior and all-conference punt returner as a sophomore • as a senior, averaged 18.4 yards per catch (589 total yards) and scored six touchdowns, intercepted two passes, and averaged 38.5 yards on kick returns with two touchdowns • as a junior, had 962 all-purpose yards, averaged 15.8 yards per reception, and scored six touchdowns while adding 33 tackles and two interceptions • as a sophomore, had 542 all-purpose yards to go with 24 tackles and two interceptions • three-year starter as a midfielder and faceoff specialist in lacrosse for coach Tucker Tapscott • had 55 goals, 72 assists, 313 groundballs, and won over 70 percent of his faceoffs for his career • member of the jazz band.
Personal: Austin Kenneth Haverstrom • born Sept. 3, 1999 • son of Richard and Lois Haverstrom • mother is a lawyer who earned her law degree from Villanova • takes inspiration from his younger brother, Troy, who has cerebral palsy • grandfather, Kevin Haverstrom, played college baseball at Manhattan College • enjoys making music in his spare time • favorite NFL team is the New York Giants.
JUSTIS HENLEY • 5-11 • 165 • Cornerback • North Wales, Pa. (North Penn HS)
High School: Three-year starter at cornerback and wide receiver at Philadelphia suburban power North Penn High School for head coach Dick Beck • led team to three-year record of 35-7 and three conference championships • team went 14-1 and won the district title in 2016 • served as team captain as a senior • two-time All-State, all-area, and all-conference selection at cornerback • nominated for the Mini-Maxwell Player of the Year Award • tallied 1,016 receiving yards, scored eight touchdowns, and intercepted eight passes as a junior in 2016 and had 917 receiving yards, 16 touchdowns, and eight interceptions as a senior in 2017 • honor roll student every year.
Personal: Justis Ty Henley • born Jan. 2, 2000 in Philadelphia • son of Keith and Marcetas Henley • one of five children, including a pair of older twins • plans to major in business and minor in journalism • aspires to become a sports broadcaster • enjoys playing basketball in his spare time • favorite NFL teams are the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns.
JORDAN MORRIS • 6-2 • 280 • Defensive Line • Burlington, N.J. (The Hun School)
High School: Two-year standout defensive tackle at The Hun School in Princeton, N.J. for head coach Todd Smith • enjoyed an outstanding post-graduate season in 2017 as the team went 8-1 in 2017 and was ranked No. 5 in the state among prep schools • team captain • selected as the Times of Trenton All-Area Prep Player of the Year and Prep Lineman of the Year • named first team All-MAPL • recorded 39 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and five sacks as a junior in 2016 when he earned all-area honors • team went 8-0 in 2016.
Personal: Jordan Thomas Morris • nickname is “Juicy” • born Aug. 12, 1999 • son of Jerry and Sylvia Morris • one of four children • enjoys fishing, dancing, and boxing in his spare time • favorite NFL team is the Philadelphia Eagles.
ROBERT NACHTMAN • 6-3 • 290 • Offensive Lineman • Pennsylvania Furnace, Pa. (State College Area HS)
High School: Three-year letterwinner and two-year starter on offensive line at State College Area High School for head coach Matt Lintal • led teams to three-year record of 29-8, including a 10-3 mark in 2017 when team was district runner-up • served as team captain as a senior in 2017 • earned 6A first team All-State honors as a senior • two-time All-Mid Penn Conference selection • nominated for Mr. Pennsylvania Player of the Year award • averaged seven “pancake” blocks per game as a senior • high honor roll student throughout career • earned team's Stephen J. Suhey Memorial Award for demonstrating excellence in Ability, Sportsmanship, Self-Discipline, Determination and Loyalty • will enroll at Delaware for the spring semester and take part in spring drills.
Personal: Robert Michael Nachtman (“nakt-man”) • born Dec. 21, 1999 • son of Jim and Tina Nachtman • youngest of three children • both parents are graduates of Penn State • father is the assistant athletic director for media and video production at Penn State University • mother is a nurse • plans to major in biology with a minor in psychology • would like to become a physical therapist • favorite NFL teams are the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins.
DREW NICKLES • 6-3 • 235 • Outside Linebacker • Upper Black Eddy, Pa. (Palisades HS)
High School: Projected to play outside linebacker at Delaware • four-year starter at tight end and three-year starter at linebacker at Palisades High School for head coach Kevin Ronalds • led team to 14-1 record, the district title, and a berth in the state quarterfinals as a senior in 2017 • team went 8-4 and advanced to the district playoffs in 2016 • started 49 career games • earned first team 3A All-State honors in 2017 • three-time all-league tight end and two-time all-league on defense • two-time Morning Call and Easton Express All-Area selection • two-time team captain • named team's Defensive Player of the Year three times • caught 19 passes for 391 yards and six touchdowns and added 64 tackles (21 TFL), 15 sacks, two caused fumbles, and two blocked punts in 2017 • had 12 catches for 194 yards and two touchdowns and added 67 tackles (18 TFL), 10 sacks, and four caused fumbles • 2016 NFF Scholar-Athlete • member of the Key Club and German Club and an honor roll student all four years.
Personal: Andrew Aaron “Drew” Nickles • born Nov. 30, 1999 in Mineola, N.Y. • son of Aaron and Beth Nickles • plans to major in business at Delaware • enjoys playing basketball, camping, fishing, and boating in his spare time • favorite NFL team is the New York Giants.
MATT PALMER • 6-0 • 192 • Linebacker • Doylestown, Pa. (Archbishop Wood HS)
High School: Standout linebacker at Archbishop Wood High School for head coach Steve Devlin • led team to a combined record of 34-5 over his final three seasons • team went 12-2 and won the state 5A title in 2017, went 11-2 and won the state 5A title in 2016, and posted a 11-1 record and advanced to the state playoffs in 2015 • earned first team All-State 5A honors as both a junior and senior • two-time All-Catholic League selection.
Personal: Matthew B. “Matt” Palmer • born Dec. 10, 1999 • son of Gary and Karen Palmer • has not decided on a major at Delaware.
ANTHONY PAOLETTI • 6-2 • 195 • Quarterback • Broomall, Pa. (Marple-Newtown HS)
High School: Three-year standout at quarterback at Marple-Newtown High School for head coach Chris Gicking • one of the top quarterbacks in Delaware County history • two-time team captain • earned first team All-State honors as a senior in 2017 and second team All-State honors in 2016 • two-time All-Delaware Country and All-Central League selection • led team to three-year record of 28-9 and state playoff appearances in 2015 and 2016 • Delaware County's all-time leading passer with 7,048 yards and 73 touchdowns • threw for 1,883 yards and 15 touchdowns as a sophomore, 2,793 yards and 33 touchdowns as a junior, and 2,372 yards and 25 touchdowns as a senior • also played basketball for head coach Sean Spratt • four-year honor roll student • earned Delaware County Scholar-Athlete Award and congressional district scholar-athlete award • student ambassador.
Personal: Anthony Albert Paoletti (“pay-oh-letti”) • born Aug. 24, 1999 • son of Anthony and Suzanne Paoletti • second of four children • mother is a nurse • plans to major in business with an emphasis in finance at Delaware • aspires to a career in business or real estate • enjoys playing basketball and weightlifting in his spare time • favorite NFL team is the Philadelphia Eagles.
NOAH PLACK • 6-2 • 206 • Outside Linebacker/Defensive Back • Bridgeville, Pa. (South Fayette HS)
High School: Four-year standout and two-year starter as a tight end and linebacker at South Fayette High School for head coach Joe Rossi • two-time All-State selection, earning first team honors at tight end in 2017 and second team honors at tight end in 2016 • three-time all-conference selection • team captain as a senior • team's defensive Player of the Year in 2017 • caught 52 passes for 935 yards and 13 touchdowns and recorded 75 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and six sacks in 2017 • caught 35 passes for 679 yards and 10 touchdowns and posted 54 tackles, five TFL, and two sacks in 2016 • had 48 tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions as a sophomore in 2015 • also played forward in basketball for head coach David Mislan • honor roll student.
Personal: Noah Thomas Plack • born June 8, 2000 • son of Ken and Suzanne Tallerico • mother is a teacher and father works in sales • has a younger brother and a younger sister • plans to major in exercise science at Delaware • would like to pursue a career in physical therapy • favorite NFL team is the Pittsburgh Steelers.
AMONTE STROTHERS • 6-2 • 180 • Cornerback • Homestead, Pa. (Steel Valley HS)
High School: Three-year standout defensive back and wide receiver at Steel Valley High School for head coach Rodney Steele • led team to a three-year record of 36-3 • team went 15-0 and won the Pennsylvania state AA title in 2016 and posted an 11-1 record and advanced to the state quarterfinals in 2017 • earned second team All-State honors by Pennsylvania Football News in 2016 • selected to the Pittsburgh Tribune WPIAL All-Star team as a senior • two-time all-conference selection.
Personal: Amonté R. Strothers • born May 8, 1999 • son of Michael and Latrice Strothers • has not decided on a major at Delaware.
ANTHONY TORO • 6-3 • 230 • Linebacker • Edgewater, Md. (DeMatha Catholic HS)
High School: Three-year starting linebacker and tight end at DeMatha Catholic High School for head coach Elijah Brooker • continues long line of outstanding UD recruits from DeMatha • served as team captain as a senior • team went 12-0 and won conference title in 2016, went 11-1 and won conference championship in 2015, and posted a 6-5 mark and advanced to conference playoffs in 2017 • after earning third team All-Washington Catholic Athletic Conference honors as a sophomore earned first team All-WCAC honors as both a junior and senior • caught 11 passes for 193 yards and three touchdowns as a senior • also played basketball and lacrosse • Dean's List and honor roll student.
Personal: Anthony E. Toro • born Jan. 12, 2000 • son of Shawn and Jennifer Toro • youngest of two children • has not declared a major but plans to earn a master's degree after undergraduate work • enjoys fishing and playing lacrosse in his spare time • favorite NFL team is the Washington Redskins.
LIAM TRAINER • 6-2 • 225 • Inside Linebacker • Glenside, Pa. (La Salle College HS)
High School: Three-year standout at linebacker and tight end at La Salle College High School for head coach Jack Steinmetz • led team to a three-year record of 23-13 • team went 9-4 and advanced to the state AAAA quarterfinals in 2015 • earned first team All-Catholic League honors at linebacker as both a junior and senior.
Personal: Liam Charles Trainer • born Jan. 16, 2000 • son of Joe and Moreen Trainer • oldest of three children • father, Joe, is the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for Delaware's Colonial Athletic Association rival Villanova • Joe served as head coach at CAA foe Rhode Island in 2009-13 and at NCAA II Millersville in 2005-07.
KEDRICK WHITEHEAD • 5-11 • 190 • Outside Linebacker/Defensive Back • Middletown, Del. (Middletown HS)
High School: Projected to play either outside linebacker or safety at Delaware • standout at linebacker, safety, and running back at Delaware state power Middletown High School for head coaches Mark DelPercio and Zach Blum (2017) • served as captain as a senior • four-year starter at linebacker and running back • led team to four-year mark of 41-8 • led team to state tournament all four years. • team fell in the championship final in 2014, 2016, and 2017 • two-time All-State selection at linebacker (first team in 2017) and running back • three-time all-conference selection at linebacker • rushed for 1,314 yards and 18 touchdowns and collected 71 tackles, four sacks, and two interceptions in 2016 • will enroll at Delaware for the spring semester and take part in spring drills.
Personal: Kedrick Charles Lamar Whitehead • born Nov. 20, 1999 • son of Jamina Whitehead • has an older sister • plans to major in sport management at Delaware • enjoys playing video games and reading in his spare time • favorite NFL team is the Pittsburgh Steelers.
UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE FOOTBALL RECRUITING CLASS OF 2018
| Name | Pos. | Ht. | Wt. | Hometown | High School |
| Steveon Brown | OL | 6-3 |
230 | Glen Burnie, Md. | Archbishop Curley |
| Johnny Buchanan | LB | 6-0 | 215 | Brick, N.J. | Saint John Vianney |
| Austin Haverstrom | WR | 5-11 | 170 | Keswick, Va. | Monticello |
| Justis Henley | CB | 5-11 | 165 | North Wales, Pa. | North Penn |
| Jordan Morris | DL | 6-2 | 280 | Burlington, N.J. | Hun School |
| Robert Nachtman | OL | 6-3 | 290 | Pennsylvania Furnace, Pa. | State College |
| Drew Nickles | OLB | 6-3 | 235 | Upper Black Eddy, Pa. | Palisades |
| Matt Palmer | LB | 6-0 | 192 | Doylestown, Pa. | Archbishop Wood |
| Anthony Paoletti | QB | 6-2 | 195 | Broomall, Pa. | Marple-Newtown |
| Noah Plack | OLB/DB | 6-2 | 206 | Bridgeville, Pa. | South Fayette |
| Amonté Strothers | CB | 6-2 | 180 | Homestead, Pa. | Steel Valley |
| Anthony Toro | LB | 6-3 | 230 | Edgewater, Pa. | DeMatha Catholic |
| Liam Trainer | ILB | 6-2 | 225 | Glenside, Pa. | La Salle College HS |
| Kedrick Whitehead | OLB/DB | 5-11 | 190 | Middletown, Del. | Middletown |
MEDIA INFORMATION: Contact Scott Selheimer | selheime@udel.edu | Office: 302-831-8007 | Cell: 302-562-5129
