It’s Always Sunny on Staten Island - Key Florida Recruits Headline Another Strong Seahawk Class
If there’s one thing I can say comfortably about watching Wagner College, it’s that the program under Tom Masella is absolutely on an improving trajectory that has been more evident with every season. When I spoke to Coach last fall, he indicated that among other things, his staff has been able to recruit well to Wagner and raise the talent level. While some of that talent like WR Jaylen Bonelli has subsequently moved on, Wagner looks like it’s raised the floor again with its 2025 signing class. The Seahawks continue to stand out by aggressively recruiting Florida talent. They’ll end up with around 12 signees from the Sunshine State this season. They hit the north plenty, too- Wagner is still an NEC school, after all, and their roster makeup reflects it- but it’s part of their recruiting DNA to go to Florida.
Wagner’s not just unearthing hidden gems from down south. They also have been successful in winning recruitment battles in and out of conference. We’ve got the scoop on just a few of the notable wins from this year’s class.
Ryan Long, OL, Heritage HS (FL)
It’s no secret that Wagner hits Florida harder than most NEC programs, and Ryan Long is a prime example of that strategy paying off. The offensive lineman from Heritage High School had interest from Florida and Miami, even receiving a preferred walk-on (PWO) offer from the Hurricanes. Schools like Miami don’t hand out PWO offers unless they believe a player has Division I potential. Wagner head coach Tom Masella was in the neighborhood before Heritage’s game against St. Augustine and made sure Long left that conversation with an offer. Long accepted, and now he’s set to anchor the Seahawks’ offensive line in the coming seasons.
Uriah Maynard, RB, East Ridge HS (FL)
Maynard’s recruitment took a dramatic turn before landing in Wagner’s favor. Originally set to visit another NEC school, days after Maynard made that announcement, he received an offer from Wagner. He would eventually visit Wagner instead. The visit sealed the deal, and he committed soon after. The standout running back played against top-tier Florida competition and brings the kind of explosiveness that could translate well to Staten Island. With his ability to contribute early, Maynard is a name to watch in this class.
Austin Bailey, WR/DB, Paul VI HS (NJ)
Bailey’s recruitment was another major win for Wagner, as he picked the Seahawks over former NEC rival Sacred Heart and even held an offer from Syracuse. Recruiting services projected Bailey as a defensive back, but Wagner’s signing announcement listed both positions- suggesting that maybe they see him as more than just a one-position player. At 6'2", his size gives the Seahawks some options, whether he lines up at corner, safety, or even gets reps on offense.
Matt Mullins, TE, Canterbury School (CT)
At 6'4", 230 pounds, Mullins brings a combination of size and athleticism that should create mismatch nightmares for NEC defenses. He chose Wagner over offers from multiple NEC programs, reinforcing the Seahawks’ ability to win recruiting battles against conference foes. Whether as a red-zone target or a key blocker, Mullins has the potential to make a big impact. Despite how few high-impact tight ends are out there, the NEC has consistently produced good ones. Now, Mullins looks like he might be part of the next generation of NEC tight ends.
