University of Delaware Athletics
Blue Hens Ink Eight During Early Signing Period
12/16/2020 7:46:00 AM | Football
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware football program and head coach Danny Rocco have secured eight signees on the first day of the early signing period Wednesday.
While covid-19 made it impossible to host recruits on campus, the Blue Hens' coaching staff found creative ways to make the incoming class of 2021 feel at home.
"This year's process was unlike any other because of the necessary covid protocols and I just want to thank our administration for their support through all of this," Rocco said. "Fortunately, we were able to build off a really great 2020 class and this is a really talented group. We were in on most of them early and when we first put our list together, all of these guys were on that list. We had a few particular areas we wanted to focus on and we are happy with what we were able to do."
Information on the signing class can be found below.
Matt Carlino (TE / 6-5 / 230 / Ardmore, Pa. / The Haverford School)
WHY DELAWARE?
"I chose Delaware because of everything it has to offer: A rich football tradition, excellent education, and the state of the art facilities."
HIGH SCHOOL
Three-year starter and team captain as a senior
Versatile player, used in both the rushing and passing game
Played an abbreviated senior season due to covid-19
Caught 13 passes for 126 yards as a tight end
Also a member of the basketball team
PERSONAL
Matthew "Matt" Dominick Carlino (car-LEE-no)
Born September 6, 2002
Parents are Pamela and Dominick Carlino
Has a sister, Isabella
Uncle Brad Scioli played football at Penn State and for the Indianapolis Colts
Ty Davis (S / 6-3 / 190 / Mount Laurel, N.J. / Lenape)
WHY DELAWARE?
"The family ties, the fantastic program, the CAA, my connection with the coaching staff and the beautiful field and facilities."
HIGH SCHOOL
A second-team All-State selection at defensive back and first team All-South Jersey performer
Helped Lenape reach the No.1 public school ranking in New Jersey
Three-year starter, playing both defensive back and wide receiver as a senior
Compiled seven interceptions, five forced fumbles and five defensive touchdowns in his career
Had 330 receiving yards and four scores on offense
Also played second base on the baseball team
Honor Roll Student
PERSONAL
Tyler "Ty" Ora Davis
Born Feb. 27, 2003
Parents are Donna and Don Davis
Has a sister, Cami
Mother attended University of Delaware and father played football at West Virginia
Looking to major in business
Rakim Lamarre (WR / 6-2 / 210 / Woodbridge, Va. / Potomac)
WHY DELAWARE?
"Delaware stayed active in recruiting me. It is an outstanding program and close to home."
HIGH SCHOOL
A two-year varsity starter at wide receiver
Two-time team captain
Selected to first team All-District at wide receiver
Named second team All-Region
PERSONAL
Rakim Sa'eed Lamarre
Born Jan. 30, 2002
Interested in nutrition sciences
Pete Melle (DL / 6-2 / 260 / Dallas, Texas / Dallas Jesuit College Prep)
WHY DELAWARE?
"Being from Texas, I didn't know much about UD until I was recruited. I had a lot of people contact me who had a relative or friend who attended UD. They all said they loved the campus and got a great education. From a football perspective, I was immediately impressed by the coaches, we had a lot of great conversations about the program and the defensive strategy. I was also really impressed with the program's winning tradition and the amazing new facilities. I really liked meeting some of the players (virtually) and felt their commitment to being the best. This all got me fired up to be a part of the Delaware family."
HIGH SCHOOL
A second-team All-District 6A performer in 2019, reaching the 6A Regional finals in Texas
Has 50 tackles in the 2020 regular season, eight tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
Recorded 61 tackles as a junior with eight tackles for loss and an interception returned for a touchdown
A two-year varsity stater on the defensive line and a team captain as a senior
Also competes on the rugby team
Honor Roll student
PERSONAL
Peter "Pete" John Melle (mel-LEE)
Born March 28, 2003
Parents are Julia and Chris Melle
Has two younger brothers, Michael and Bo
Father played Rugby and mother was a simmer, both at Xavier University
Grandfather, Mel Melle played football at John Carroll University
Looking to major in business
Ryan O'Connor (QB / 6-3 / 190 / Easton, Md. / Easton)
WHY DELAWARE?
"I chose Delaware because I'll be able to play college football on a big stage while receiving a great education. I love the campus and facilities, and I have a great relationship with my coaches. I wanted to play in a program that I knew would compete for championships at a high level, and that's what Delaware offers. It's also close to my hometown, so my family and friends can make it to the games. I just felt like overall UD was where I needed to be to be successful and reach my goals."
HIGH SCHOOL
A three-year varsity starter at Easton High School
The School's all-time career touchdown passes record holder with 52 (and counting)
A two-time all-conference performer and earned all-state honors as a junior
Has thrown for over 4,000 career passing yards and rushed for over 300 with 60 career touchdowns
A two-time team captain
Also plays short stop on the baseball team and is a wing on the basketball team
Led a mission trip to North Carolina in 2019
Member of National Honor Society and elected Student Government President
PERSONAL
Ryan Gerard O'Connor
Born Oct. 4, 2002
Parents are Ann and Jim O'Connor
Oldest of six children - has four brothers and a sister
Mother was part of the crew team at Syracuse
Uncle Tom Catena was an All-Ivy League performer at Brown
Steven Rose Jr. (DB / 5-11 / 195 / Reading, Pa. / Malvern Prep)
WHY DELAWARE?
"I had a great connection with the coaches, it's close to home, great academics, brand new facilities and they send players to the pros."
HIGH SCHOOL
A two-year starter at Malvern prep at safety and running back
Served as team captain during the 2020 season
Selected to the 2019 All-Area and All-Conference teams
Compiled 65 tackles and rushed for 900 yards with 10 touchdowns in 2018
An All-Academic team honoree
Honor Roll Student
PERSONAL
Steven Todd Rose Jr.
Born May 14, 2002
Parents are Angela and Steve Rose
Has four siblings
Father played football at Delaware State from 1986-1990
Shane Thrift (DB / 6-0 / 165 / Pittsburgh, Pa. / Gateway)
WHY DELAWARE?
"The coaches recruited me very hard and built a relationship with me like no other school. Also the academics are great!"
HIGH SCHOOL
A two-year starter at corner back and wide receiver at Gateway Senior High School after a pair of seasons at Seton La Salle High School
A four-year selection to the all-conference team
Helped Gateway to a 9-3 record and a WPIAL Championship as a junior
PERSONAL
Shane Aubray Thrift
Born Aug. 15, 2002
Parents are Lisa and Ellis Thrift
Older brother Brenon was a defensive lineman at West Virginia
Cousin Javyon Thrift is a safety at West Virginia
Looking to major in business or criminal justice
Noah Williams (OL / 6-6 / 300 / Warrenton, Va. / St. Frances Academy)
WHY DELAWARE?
"Even though we could only meet over Zoom and by phone, I enjoyed talking with the coaches and felt they would be supportive. They sent so many handwritten notes. I believe I will be able to contribute quickly and be an asset to the team. The new facilities are amazing and top notch. When I first visited, I felt comfortable and at home in the town of Newark and walking around the campus. While I am not entirely sure of my major, UD offers strong programs in the options I am considering."
HIGH SCHOOL
A starter at right tackle his senior season at St. Frances Academy
Previously, three-year starter across the offensive and defensive lines at Kettle Run High School
Helped his team to a 10-2 record and postseason appearance as a sophomore
Also played three seasons of basketball
Honor Roll Student
PERSONAL
Noah James Williams
Born March 25, 2003
Parents are Linda and Burl Williams
Has a brother, Zachary
Looking to major in business at the University of Delaware
Ticketing updates and attendance policies will be determined and communicated at a future date if Delaware Athletics is permitted under University, state and local government rules/regulations to have fans attend games in the spring of 2021. Click here to sign up to stay up-to-date with Delaware Athletics.
Season tickets for fall of 2021 are available now. Current season ticket members can renew their seats through their online ticketing account. Anyone interested in becoming a season ticket member can explore seats by clicking here. Season tickets start as low as $72 per seat. Multiple payment plan options are available.
For the latest on the Delaware football program, follow the Blue Hens on Twitter @DelawareFB and Instagram @DelawareFootball, and like "Delaware Football" on Facebook.
While covid-19 made it impossible to host recruits on campus, the Blue Hens' coaching staff found creative ways to make the incoming class of 2021 feel at home.
"This year's process was unlike any other because of the necessary covid protocols and I just want to thank our administration for their support through all of this," Rocco said. "Fortunately, we were able to build off a really great 2020 class and this is a really talented group. We were in on most of them early and when we first put our list together, all of these guys were on that list. We had a few particular areas we wanted to focus on and we are happy with what we were able to do."
Information on the signing class can be found below.
Matt Carlino (TE / 6-5 / 230 / Ardmore, Pa. / The Haverford School)
WHY DELAWARE?
"I chose Delaware because of everything it has to offer: A rich football tradition, excellent education, and the state of the art facilities."
HIGH SCHOOL
Three-year starter and team captain as a senior
Versatile player, used in both the rushing and passing game
Played an abbreviated senior season due to covid-19
Caught 13 passes for 126 yards as a tight end
Also a member of the basketball team
PERSONAL
Matthew "Matt" Dominick Carlino (car-LEE-no)
Born September 6, 2002
Parents are Pamela and Dominick Carlino
Has a sister, Isabella
Uncle Brad Scioli played football at Penn State and for the Indianapolis Colts
Ty Davis (S / 6-3 / 190 / Mount Laurel, N.J. / Lenape)
WHY DELAWARE?
"The family ties, the fantastic program, the CAA, my connection with the coaching staff and the beautiful field and facilities."
HIGH SCHOOL
A second-team All-State selection at defensive back and first team All-South Jersey performer
Helped Lenape reach the No.1 public school ranking in New Jersey
Three-year starter, playing both defensive back and wide receiver as a senior
Compiled seven interceptions, five forced fumbles and five defensive touchdowns in his career
Had 330 receiving yards and four scores on offense
Also played second base on the baseball team
Honor Roll Student
PERSONAL
Tyler "Ty" Ora Davis
Born Feb. 27, 2003
Parents are Donna and Don Davis
Has a sister, Cami
Mother attended University of Delaware and father played football at West Virginia
Looking to major in business
Rakim Lamarre (WR / 6-2 / 210 / Woodbridge, Va. / Potomac)
WHY DELAWARE?
"Delaware stayed active in recruiting me. It is an outstanding program and close to home."
HIGH SCHOOL
A two-year varsity starter at wide receiver
Two-time team captain
Selected to first team All-District at wide receiver
Named second team All-Region
PERSONAL
Rakim Sa'eed Lamarre
Born Jan. 30, 2002
Interested in nutrition sciences
Pete Melle (DL / 6-2 / 260 / Dallas, Texas / Dallas Jesuit College Prep)
WHY DELAWARE?
"Being from Texas, I didn't know much about UD until I was recruited. I had a lot of people contact me who had a relative or friend who attended UD. They all said they loved the campus and got a great education. From a football perspective, I was immediately impressed by the coaches, we had a lot of great conversations about the program and the defensive strategy. I was also really impressed with the program's winning tradition and the amazing new facilities. I really liked meeting some of the players (virtually) and felt their commitment to being the best. This all got me fired up to be a part of the Delaware family."
HIGH SCHOOL
A second-team All-District 6A performer in 2019, reaching the 6A Regional finals in Texas
Has 50 tackles in the 2020 regular season, eight tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
Recorded 61 tackles as a junior with eight tackles for loss and an interception returned for a touchdown
A two-year varsity stater on the defensive line and a team captain as a senior
Also competes on the rugby team
Honor Roll student
PERSONAL
Peter "Pete" John Melle (mel-LEE)
Born March 28, 2003
Parents are Julia and Chris Melle
Has two younger brothers, Michael and Bo
Father played Rugby and mother was a simmer, both at Xavier University
Grandfather, Mel Melle played football at John Carroll University
Looking to major in business
Ryan O'Connor (QB / 6-3 / 190 / Easton, Md. / Easton)
WHY DELAWARE?
"I chose Delaware because I'll be able to play college football on a big stage while receiving a great education. I love the campus and facilities, and I have a great relationship with my coaches. I wanted to play in a program that I knew would compete for championships at a high level, and that's what Delaware offers. It's also close to my hometown, so my family and friends can make it to the games. I just felt like overall UD was where I needed to be to be successful and reach my goals."
HIGH SCHOOL
A three-year varsity starter at Easton High School
The School's all-time career touchdown passes record holder with 52 (and counting)
A two-time all-conference performer and earned all-state honors as a junior
Has thrown for over 4,000 career passing yards and rushed for over 300 with 60 career touchdowns
A two-time team captain
Also plays short stop on the baseball team and is a wing on the basketball team
Led a mission trip to North Carolina in 2019
Member of National Honor Society and elected Student Government President
PERSONAL
Ryan Gerard O'Connor
Born Oct. 4, 2002
Parents are Ann and Jim O'Connor
Oldest of six children - has four brothers and a sister
Mother was part of the crew team at Syracuse
Uncle Tom Catena was an All-Ivy League performer at Brown
Steven Rose Jr. (DB / 5-11 / 195 / Reading, Pa. / Malvern Prep)
WHY DELAWARE?
"I had a great connection with the coaches, it's close to home, great academics, brand new facilities and they send players to the pros."
HIGH SCHOOL
A two-year starter at Malvern prep at safety and running back
Served as team captain during the 2020 season
Selected to the 2019 All-Area and All-Conference teams
Compiled 65 tackles and rushed for 900 yards with 10 touchdowns in 2018
An All-Academic team honoree
Honor Roll Student
PERSONAL
Steven Todd Rose Jr.
Born May 14, 2002
Parents are Angela and Steve Rose
Has four siblings
Father played football at Delaware State from 1986-1990
Shane Thrift (DB / 6-0 / 165 / Pittsburgh, Pa. / Gateway)
WHY DELAWARE?
"The coaches recruited me very hard and built a relationship with me like no other school. Also the academics are great!"
HIGH SCHOOL
A two-year starter at corner back and wide receiver at Gateway Senior High School after a pair of seasons at Seton La Salle High School
A four-year selection to the all-conference team
Helped Gateway to a 9-3 record and a WPIAL Championship as a junior
PERSONAL
Shane Aubray Thrift
Born Aug. 15, 2002
Parents are Lisa and Ellis Thrift
Older brother Brenon was a defensive lineman at West Virginia
Cousin Javyon Thrift is a safety at West Virginia
Looking to major in business or criminal justice
Noah Williams (OL / 6-6 / 300 / Warrenton, Va. / St. Frances Academy)
WHY DELAWARE?
"Even though we could only meet over Zoom and by phone, I enjoyed talking with the coaches and felt they would be supportive. They sent so many handwritten notes. I believe I will be able to contribute quickly and be an asset to the team. The new facilities are amazing and top notch. When I first visited, I felt comfortable and at home in the town of Newark and walking around the campus. While I am not entirely sure of my major, UD offers strong programs in the options I am considering."
HIGH SCHOOL
A starter at right tackle his senior season at St. Frances Academy
Previously, three-year starter across the offensive and defensive lines at Kettle Run High School
Helped his team to a 10-2 record and postseason appearance as a sophomore
Also played three seasons of basketball
Honor Roll Student
PERSONAL
Noah James Williams
Born March 25, 2003
Parents are Linda and Burl Williams
Has a brother, Zachary
Looking to major in business at the University of Delaware
Ticketing updates and attendance policies will be determined and communicated at a future date if Delaware Athletics is permitted under University, state and local government rules/regulations to have fans attend games in the spring of 2021. Click here to sign up to stay up-to-date with Delaware Athletics.
Season tickets for fall of 2021 are available now. Current season ticket members can renew their seats through their online ticketing account. Anyone interested in becoming a season ticket member can explore seats by clicking here. Season tickets start as low as $72 per seat. Multiple payment plan options are available.
For the latest on the Delaware football program, follow the Blue Hens on Twitter @DelawareFB and Instagram @DelawareFootball, and like "Delaware Football" on Facebook.
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