On Thursday, April 6, 2017, Souderton seniors Nick Blessing, Shane Day, Koby Khan, Andrew Stein and Brandon Taragna were recognized for committing to continue their football careers at the collegiate level. To view photos of the event, please visit the Photo Gallery.
Nick Blessing – Widener University (Football)
Major: Criminal Justice
Final list of colleges: Widener, Delaware Valley
Reasons for choosing Widener: “It has a great Criminal Justice program that offers a five-year Master’s program and allows me to double major in Criminal Justice and Psychology. The football program has a very impressive work ethic, along with outstanding accomplishments. The coaching staff aims to develop close relationships with the players, which is vital to having success. The school itself is not too big, which is something I was looking for. The distance from my home is also not far, so my parents and family will be able to attend my games.”
What was the progression that led you to playing football at the collegiate level? “When my senior season ended, I was not ready to give up the game. I created a strong relationship with my team and developed an attitude that allows me to push myself beyond my limits, and that’s something I didn’t want to lose going to college. Widener came to the school to talk to some of the guys on the team about playing. I had already been accepted and continued to communicate with the coaches. They invited me to an overnight and more tours of the university and gave me more insight on the program itself.”
Coach Ed Gallagher says: “Nick Blessing ended up being a captain for us and
worked really hard. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to play and found the right fit for him, and he’s really excited that he’s going to go get a chance to play and continue his education at Widener.”
About Nick:
Favorite food: Eggs
Favorite movie: Friday Night Lights
Favorite music: Rap
Shane Day – University of New Haven (Football)
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Final list of colleges: New Haven, Wilkes, Western New England University
Reasons for choosing New Haven: “It was one of the few D2/D3 colleges that had football and engineering. I can take more classes and credits on track for the engineering program. It’s a decent size school with many co-op opportunities, and it’s close to a city campus.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in football at the collegiate level? “I have been playing my sport ever since I was five years old, and it has become a big part of my life to where I could not see myself going through college without football. College football was always a far-fetched idea and a big dream of mine, but I never believed it was possible. Then, sophomore year I attended a UPenn football camp and was asked to come back on a personal prospect tour and also was recruited by Johns Hopkins after a USA football camp.”
Coach Ed Gallagher says: “I know Shane had been looking at a bunch of schools for engineering and eventually committed to New Haven after whittling his list. They’re not sure if they want him to play on offense or defense. He brings a different skill set from wide receiver to safety and even with some growth could be an outside backer again.”
About Shane:
Favorite food: Steak & Eggs
Favorite movie: Remember the Titans
Favorite music: Chance the Rapper
Koby Michael Khan – Slippery Rock University (Football)
Major: Engineering
Final list of colleges: Slippery Rock, Kutztown, Shippensburg
Reasons for choosing Slippery Rock: “Financial reasons.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in football at the collegiate level? “My whole life I’ve wanted to pursue my lifelong dream and that’s playing in the NFL. Anything that helps me come closer to achieving my lifelong goal.”
Coach Ed Gallagher says: “Koby Khan committed to Slippery Rock to play running back. He set several records for us this year as a running back, and I know they’re really excited at Slippery Rock to get him as a bigger style back in their offensive scheme.”
About Koby:
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite movie: Remember the Titans
Favorite music: Rap
Andrew Stein – Moravian College (Football)
Major: Business/Marketing
Reasons for choosing Moravian: “Internship possibilities, location, great academics and the football team.”
What was the progression that led you to playing football at the collegiate level? “I thought about it after my freshman year because I love my sport. The recruiting started this year when coaches started to meet with coach Gallagher, and I kept getting called down to his room.”
Coach Ed Gallagher says: “Andrew Stein has been a great leader for us over the past several years, and I look forward to seeing him play at Moravian. He was a first team all-league defensive end this year, but also played extremely well at guard on offense. I've known the Moravian coach for over 30 years, and I'm excited to see our first player from Souderton (since I've been here) get the chance to play for him.”
About Andrew:
Favorite food: Cheesesteaks or anything Italian
Favorite movie: Saving Private Ryan or American Sniper
Favorite music: “Whatever is on the radio.”
Brandon Taragna – Wilkes University (Football)
Major: Accounting
Final list of colleges: Wilkes, Misericordia, Moravian
Reasons for choosing Wilkes: “The school was close to home, the campus was very welcoming, and it felt like home. I felt I would be a good fit for the program, and the campus was in a great area.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in football at the collegiate level? “I started thinking about playing football in college when I was a little kid. The recruiting process started my senior year once the season was over.”
Coach Ed Gallagher says: “Brandon Taragna looked at a bunch of different schools before settling on Wilkes University. He was a utility player for us this year in the secondary and as a running back, so he definitely brings a different skill set that could serve him well when he gets to Wilkes University.”
About Brandon:
Favorite food: Chicken Parmigiana
Favorite movie: The Hunger Games
Favorite music: “Anything that’s on the radio.”
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