University of Delaware Athletics
Blue Hens Add Seven on National Signing Day
12/15/2021 5:00:00 PM | Football
NEWARK, Del. - Head Coach Ryan Carty and the University of Delaware football program announced the addition of seven NLI signees at the beginning of the early signing period. The seven newest Blue Hens will join the program this fall as members of Delaware’s Class of 2026.
I couldn't be more excited about this 2022 Blue Hen class as each member embodies both the quality of player and person that we want to represent Delaware football. I've been able to connect with each of them and can't wait to get a chance to meet them in person on campus. They are going to be joining at such an exciting and important time in our team's journey. I'm certain that they will add to our talent and buy into our mentality and vision of this storied program.Head Coach Ryan Carty
Meet the Signees
Shuyab “Shoes” Brinkley
CB | 5-8 | 185
Philadelphia, Pa. / Mater Dei [Calif.]
High School: Played his first three seasons at Northeast High School before playing his senior season at Mater Dei in California … Earned First Team All-State honors as a junior and Second Team All-State recognition as a senior … Twice named Philadelphia All-Public School and was also named All-City as a junior … Helped lead Mater Dei to a No. 1 national ranking while leading the defense in tackles and interceptions … Helped lead Mater Dei to a Trinity League Championship and undefeated season in the 2021 spring season … Two-time Public League Champions at Northeast … Cousin, Curtis Brinkley, played football at Syracuse, ranking among the career leaders in several rushing categories, and played in the NFL for the Chargers and Bears.
Dominick Brogna
DL | 6-2 | 290
Bayville, N.J. / Bergen Catholic
High School: Was a four-year starter at Bergen Catholic, serving as team captain as a senior … Earned all-state honors three times and was a three-time all-league and all-county selection as well as a four-time all-division recipient … Helped lead Bergen Catholic to an undefeated record and a New Jersey state championship in 2021, as well as a No. 4 national ranking … A four-year starter on both sides of the ball, finished his senior season with 47 tackles, 14 TFL and 4.0 sacks … Also a four-year starter on the wrestling team … In the classroom, was a high honor roll student.
Thomas Chernasky
TE | 6-5 | 240
Moscow, Pa. / Western Wayne
High School: Was a three-year starter at Western Wayne High School, serving as a team captain as a senior … Named a two-time LFC Division 2 All-Star … Helped lead Western Wayne to a 2021 Co-District Championship … As a senior, finished with 13 receptions for 214 yards and two touchdowns in six games … A two-way player, also recorded 37 tackles, 5.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks and interception (returned for a TD), a forced fumble and a fumble recovery … Also blocked a field goal and blocked a punt … Also a two-year starter on the basketball team … In the classroom, earned first honors every quarter and was a member of the National Honors Society.
Isaiah Cherry
WR | 6-4 | 210
Woodbridge, N.J. / John F. Kennedy Memorial
High School: Was a First Team All-Area, All-Division, All-Conference and All-State wide receiver at John F. Kennedy Memorial … Cousin, Blaine Woodson, played defensive line at Delaware from 2013-17 … Cousin, Avery Ellis, played college football at Temple and cousin, Brandon Robinson, is a member of the Rhode Island football program.
Steven Demboski
OL | 6-3 | 267
Montvale, N.J. / Pascack Valley
High School: Was a three-year starter at Pascack Valley, serving as team captain as a senior … Earned First Team All-Conference and First Team All-County honors as both a junior and a senior … Helped lead Pascack Valley to a league championship as a sophomore … A standout two-way player, finished with 174 career tackles and 17.5 sacks … Had 14 tackles and 3.0 sacks in one game as a senior … Also a member of the baseball team … Older brother, Andrew, is a member of the football program at The College of New Jersey … In the classroom, was an honor roll student.
Gary Seigler
S | 6-0 | 180
Richmond, Va. / Benedictine College Prep
High School: Was a three-year starter and two-time captain at Benedictine College Prep … Earned VISAA All-State Honorable Mention honors in 2018-19 … Helped lead Benedictine to consecutive VISAA state championships (2018-19) and back-to-back runner-up finishes (2020-21) … Also a member of the varsity track & field and lacrosse programs.
Elijah Sessoms
TE | 6-3 | 245
Dover, Del. / Dover
High School: Was a three-year starter and two-time captain at nearby Dover High School … Earned First Team All-District, All-Class and All-State honor as a senior in 2021 after receiving First Team All-Class and Second Team All-State selection in 2020 … Helped lead Dover to a state semifinal appearance in 2021 … Also an all-conference member of the basketball team.
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