Football Welcomes 28 to the Incoming Class of 2028
5/7/2024
Brown head football coach James Perry ‘00 has announced the Bears’ 28-member incoming Class of 2028. The incoming class features 13 offensive players, 13 defensive players and two specialists from 16 states.
"I am excited to welcome our 28 student-athletes to Brown," Perry said. "I look forward to them coming to campus and know they will make great additions to the University and our locker room. Recruiting is a team effort, so I would like to extend a thank you and congratulations to our entire staff for their efforts in recruiting another amazing group. I look forward to seeing them on campus in August and keep building on the momentum we've created the last few years."
OFFENSE
Mark Banbury
OL – 6-2 – 290 – Pittsburgh Pa. – Upper St. Clair H.S. – Phillips Exeter Academy
Before Brown: Two-time all-conference selection as an offensive lineman…Two-time all-conference selection as a defensive lineman…National Honor Society member.
Personal: Son of Lisa and Matthew Banbury…Has a sister Katie, and three brothers Matt, Luke and John…His brother Luke plays football at Cornell (Class of 2025)…His father played football at New Hampshire…His brother Matt played quarterback at Hamilton College…His grandfather and six uncles all played college football.
Why Brown?: “Brown has been my dream school for years. When the opportunity presented itself to be able to attend this university and play football, it was a no brainer for me. The combination of academics and athletics is unmatched.”
Matt Childs
RB – 6-0 – 200 – Medway, Mass. – Milton Academy
Before Brown: Two-time TVL All-Star…Two-time Metro West All-Star…Three-time Herald All-Scholastic…Two-time Boston Globe All-Scholastic…Two-time ISL All-Star…One-time All-NEPSAC selection…In 32 games over four seasons, rushed for exactly 5,700 yards, including three seasons of at least 1,300 yards, with 59 touchdowns.
Personal: Son of Tracey and Richard Childs…Has one sibling, Riley.
Why Brown?: “High academics and athletics, and close to home.”
Will Currid
QB – 6-2 – 195 – Cross River, N.Y. – Archbishop Stepinac
Before Brown: Graduated as the Archbishop Stepinac program’s all-time leader in pass completions, attempts and passing yards…Was 519-for-780 for 1,926 yards and 69 touchdowns over his four-year career…Helped lead his team to a conference championship title in 2023…Named a LoHud Super 11 Finalist…National Honor Society member.
Personal: Son of Kristin and Michael Currid…Has a younger brother, Brady.
Why Brown?: “It is a great school for academics and athletics.”
Trevor Foley
WR – 6-3 – 200 – Mansfield, Mass. – Mansfield H.S.
Before Brown: Division II All-State selection…Two-time Hockomock League All-Star…Finished his career with 93 catches for 1,699 yards and 25 touchdowns…Also played basketball.
Personal: Son of Amy and Chris Foley…Has an older brother Brendan, and two younger siblings, Declan and Sophia.
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown University because it is everything you can look for in a college and more. Elite academics and athletics, and as added bonus close to home.”
Jadon Garza-Pender
TE – 6-4 – 235 – Houston, Texas – Lamar H.S.
Before Brown: Two-time Houston ISD First Team Offense honoree…THSCA First Team Academic All-State honoree as a senior…Two-time Academic All-District honoree…AP Scholar…National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar and National African American Recognition Program Scholar…Also played basketball (power forward).
Personal: Son of Devon and Jennifer…Has one sibling, Daylon.
Why Brown?: “It was the best fit for me academically and athletically.”
Pearson Hill
WR – 5-7 – West Haven, Conn. – Choate Rosemary Hall
Before Brown: Three-time Prep Nationals All-American…Named the Founders League Player of the Year in 2023.
Personal: Son of Cadesha and Richard Hill.
Why Brown?: Chose Brown for the Open Curriculum, diversity, the football program and its location in the state of Rhode Island.
Nolan Lazor
QB – 6-5 – 200 – Vernon Hills, Ill. – Vernon Hills H.S. – The Lawrenceville School
Before Brown: All-conference and academic all-state honoree in both football and basketball…Football Leadership Award recipient…National Honor Society member.
Personal: Son of Nicole and Bill Lazor…Has two siblings, Marin and Charlotte…His dad Bill has coached in college and the NFL for over 20 years and currently serves as a senior offensive assistant for the Houston Texans and was a quarterback at Cornell (Class of 1994).
Why Brown?: “I developed a very good relationship with the coaches and I really want to play for them. It's a great education and where I felt like I want to spend my next four years.”
Joey Pietrosante
OL – 6-4 – 280 – Bloomfield Hills, Mich. – Brother Rice H.S.
Before Brown: MHSFCA Division III First Team All-State selection…2023 Michigan AP Division 3-4 All-State Honorable Mention…Detroit Free Press All-North First Team honoree…Detroit News All-North First Team…Multi-time all-league honoree…MHSFCA Academic All-State…Was also a member of the lacrosse team.
Personal: Son of Julie and Judd Pietrosante…Has two brothers, Nicholas and Charlie, and a sister, Katie…His brother Charlie ’27 is also a member of the Brown football team.
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because of the combination of the academics and athletics it has and the standard Brown University has set for itself.”
Griffin Schutte
TE – 6-5 – 235 – Hopkinton, Mass. – The Rivers School
Before Brown: Three-sport athlete at The Rivers School including football (TE/DE), basketball and baseball (1B)…First Team All-Independent School League and First Team All-NEPSAC selection in football.
Personal: Son of Melinda Marchand and Stephen Schutte…Has one sister, Eleri.
Why Brown?: “The competitive athletics and academics as well as the football coaching staff.”
Beau Smith
OL – 6-4 – 260 – Brentwood, Tenn. – Lipscomb Academy
Before Brown: 2023 all-region honorable mention…2023-24 NFF Charles W. Hawkins Scholar-Athlete Award winner.
Personal: Son of Karmen and Toby Smith…Has two siblings, Lane and Abby.
Why Brown?: “I value academics highly and it is a place where I can continue to grow physically and mentally and compete on the football field.”
Demetri Tolliver
OL – 6-4 – 275 – Troutville, Va. – Lord Botetourt H.S.
Before Brown: Played football, track and field (throws), basketball (center) and lacrosse (D/M) at Lord Botetourt High School …Four-time all-district honoree, including three first team selections…Four-time all-region, including three first team selections…First team all-state (2022).
Personal: Son of Hanna and Elton Tolliver…Has one sister, Alina.
Why Brown?: “Brown University’s education, as well as atmosphere and various opportunities Brown has to offer.”
Billy Wheless
OL – 6-4 – 300 – Houston, Texas – Episcopal H.S.
Before Brown: Padilla Poll First Team All-State…Touchdown Club of Houston Lineman of the Year finalist…Touchdown Club of Houston Preseason All-Private School Team selection…Team was crowned SPC 4A state champions.
Personal: Son of Laura and William Wheless…Has two brothers John and Robert, and two sisters, Elizabeth and Madeline.
Why Brown?: “I loved the campus and the Open Curriculum.”
Caleb Yates
6-4 – 290 – OL – Moundsville, W.Va. – John Marshall H.S.
Before Brown: Played football and wrestled (heavyweight) at John Marshall High School…All-state honorable mention…Started on the offensive line in the OVAC All-Star Game…Ranked as the No. 3 offensive lineman in the state of West Virginia by PrepRedZone…Member of the 1500 lb. Club in weightlifting…Shadyside Lineman Challenge Bench Record (185 x 38)…National Honor Society and National Tech Honor Society member…Graduated in the top three percent of his class.
Personal: Son of Lynn and Walter Yates…Has two older sisters, Amy and Rachel.
Why Brown?: “I wanted to continue my athletic career while chasing my goal of being a mechanical engineer. As soon as I stepped on campus, Brown University felt like home.“
DEFENSE
Mason Baldic
DL – 6’2 – 260 – Milford, Mass. – Milford H.S. – Phillips Exeter Academy
Before Brown: at Phillips Exeter Academy: Played defensive line and fullback in football…NEPSAC First Team All-Defensive team selection…at Milford High School: Named the team’s defensive MVP, a Hockomock League All-Star, and a MetroWest Daily News All-Star…Also played baseball where he was a pitcher and outfielder…National Honor Society member…AP Scholar with Distinction…AP Capstone Diploma recipient.
Personal: Son of Paige and Jeff Baldic…Has a younger brother, Henry.
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown as soon as I stepped foot on campus for my visit. Learning about the Open Curriculum, and how I can design my own path, as well as the optimal distance from home, and the location in the city.”
Jeff Bandy
DB – 5-10 – 165 – Miami, Fla. – Christopher Columbus H.S.
Before Brown: Two-sport athlete at Christopher Columbus High School as a member of the football and track teams…Member of two state championship teams in football…National Honor Society member.
Personal: Son of Shawanna Aaron…Has four brothers and four sisters.
Why Brown?: “I fell in love with the campus and every one was super cool and I knew that was a place I would want to spend my college years.”
Alejandro Bello
DB – 5-11 – 180 – Orlando, Fla. – Timber Creek H.S.
Before Brown: Three-sport athlete in football, basketball and track and field at Oviedo High School…First team all-district selection…Finished his high school career with 84 solo tackles, four interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery…Regional champion in track and field and a district weightlifting champion.
Personal: Son of Gloria Castillo…Has two older brothers Roberto and Daniel, along with a younger sister, Camila.
Why Brown?: “The education can’t be beat and the coaches and players are all great people.”
Teo Casares
DE – 6-1 – 235 – Woodside, Calif. – Sacred Heart Prep
Before Brown: Second team all-league honoree…GSF Defensive All-Star...Finished his career with 76 total tackles, 8 TFLs and 14 sacks in 18 career games...Graduated as the Sacred Heart Prep career sack leader…Also a member of the wrestling team.
Personal: Son of Belle and Wences Casares...Born in Auckland, New Zealand.
Why Brown?: “Beautiful campus, happy people. I had an amazing time at one of the summer camps.”
Liam Fitzgerald
DL – 6-2 – 285 – Kenilworth, Ill. – New Trier H.S.
Before Brown: Two-time all-conference and two-time academic all-conference honoree out of New Trier High School…Two-time team Defensive Lineman of the Year…Served as a team captain in 2023…Also played basketball, baseball and track and field…Served as an Eagle Scout.
Personal: Son of Alison and William Fitzgerald…Has two sisters Margaret and Alma, and two brothers John and Patrick…His sister alma attends Yale and his mother was a member of the Yale swim team (1986-90)…His dad played basketball at Beloit College, and his uncle Tim Colby ‘84 played basketball at DePaul.
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because it is a top tier education and Coach Perry is flipping the Brown football program and changing the culture to be the best team in the Ivy League.”
Nathan Kunickis
LB – 6-3 – 225 – Lemont, Ill. – Lemont H.S.
Before Brown: Member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society…Member of the Future Business Leaders of America Club.
Personal: Son of Diana and Albert Kunickis…Has a sister Mykala, and a brother Albert.
Why Brown?: “Brown’s culture revolving around athletics and academics is something no other school has. I’m blessed to be able to contribute towards the success of the school in the future.”
Holden Lee
DL – 6-5 – 270 – Pasadena, Calif. – Oaks Christian School
Before Brown: Two-sport athlete in football and track and field at the Oaks Christian School…Named the team’s Defensive Lineman of the Year as a senior in 2023.…Honor roll student.
Personal: Son of Michiko and Ming Lee…Has one sibling, Emiko.
Why Brown?: “The freedom of the Open Curriculum system, feeling connected to the campus, and the connections I will make along the way are the reasons why I choose Brown University.”
Nathan Marsh
DL – 5-10 – 260 – Allen, Texas – Allen H.S.
Before Brown: Second team all-state and first team all-district selection…District 5-6A Defensive Line MVP…As a senior in 2023, finished with 81 tackles including 22.0 TFLs, eight sacks, two forced fumbles and 15 QB hurries…Served as a team captain…Second Team Academic All-State.
Personal: Son of Catherine Marsh and Cory Jackson…Has two sisters, Mackenzie and Alexa.
Why Brown?: “Attending an Ivy League University, such as Brown, will provide extensive networking opportunities with peers, learning from and interacting with prestigious faculty, and building a strong academic foundation setting me up for a successful future.”
Nas McLean
DB – 5-10 – 165 – Allentown, Pa. – Allentown Central Catholic
Before Brown: Two-sport athlete at Allentown Central Catholic…Also a member of the track and field team…All-area selection in football.
Personal: Son of Kelly Jordan and Nawal Wadud…Has three siblings, Khiyion, Akello and JahZara.
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because I love the environment and the opportunities it can present me.”
Chris Rossetti
LB – 6-1 – 210 – Westfield, N.J. – Westfield
Before Brown: Two-time all-conference selection as a junior and senior…Finished his career with 233 tackles, two sacks and a pair of touchdowns in 28 career games.
Personal: Son of Rosebeth and Chris Rossetti…Has a sister, Sophia.
Why Brown?: “I loved the football environment and the winning environment the coaches possessed combined with the amazing education I will be receiving.”
Will Schmitz
DE – 6-4 – 225 – Greenwich, Conn. – Brunswick School
Before Brown: Member of the football team at the Brunswick School that captured the 2023 NEPSAC championship…One of three seniors on the Brunswick football team that was selected to the Team Council…Also played basketball (PF) and lacrosse (M)...Served as team captain of the varsity prep lacrosse team for two years.
Personal: Son of Kristina and William Schmitz…Has three sisters, Caroline, Georgia and Elisabeth…Both parents attended Brown in the Class of 1995 where his father was a member of the Bears’ football team…His sister Caroline is a member of Brown’s Class of 2021.
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because of my interest in exploring many different academic areas through the open curriculum. I’m thrilled to be a part of Brown Football because of the team’s culture, great coaching, and commitment to excellence, as well as the opportunity to compete every year for an Ivy League championship.”
Marcus Sukkar
DL – 6-5 – 250 – Warwick, R.I. – Bishop Hendricken
Before Brown: Three-sport athlete at Bishop Hendricken in football, basketball and track and field…First Team Providence Journal All-State…First Team RI Coaches Association All-State…Division I Lineman of the Year honoree…First team all-division selection…Golden Dozen Award recipient…National Honor Society member.
Personal: Son of Robyn and Loubnen Sukkar…Has one sibling, Louby
Why Brown?: “The comradery of the team, campus, and community made me feel at home.”
Luke Weltens
DB – 6-0 – 175 – Bryan, Texas – Bryan
Before Brown: First team all-district selection as a safety…Team defensive MVP.
Personal: Son of Jennifer and Charles Weltens…Has a brother, Trey.
Why Brown?: “The love they showed for me was unmatched.”
SPECIAL TEAMS
Malcolm Flynn
P – 6-0 – 195 – Tempe, Ariz. – Corona del Sol H.S.
Before Brown: Three-year varsity starter at Corona del Sol High School…2023 first team all-region selection…2023 Tempe First Team All-City…2022 second team all-region…Graduated as the school’s all-time leader for career punt average…Averaged 41.0 yards per punt as a junior and 42.4 yards per punt as a senior…Downed 11 kicks inside the 20 in both his junior and senior seasons.…Also played baseball and threw the javelin on the track and field team…Member of the National and Spanish Honor Societies…Spanish Seal of Biliteracy…National Merit Commended Student.
Personal: Son of Michelle and Roger Flynn…Has two younger siblings, Mackenzie and Isaac…His father played golf and his mother ran track at Washington State.
Why Brown?: “Brown's high academic rigor, a professionally run football program with a great team culture, and a coaching staff that supports individual player development made Brown a perfect fit for me.”
Michael Pedrotti
LS – 6-2 – 200 – San Carlos, Calif. – Junipero Serra H.S.
Before Brown: Member of a team that was a three-time NoCal champions, three-time California Open Division state runner-up, and two-time WCAL champions.…Named Junipero Serra’s 2023 Special Teams Player of the Year…Zumba Club co-founder/president.
Personal: Son of Jennifer and Anthony Pedrotti…Has a brother Jack, and sister Elle.
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because of the world class education, and their tradition of great football. I also felt extremely welcomed by the staff I talked to, which is how I knew it was the place for me.”
Season tickets for the 2024 season are on sale now. Brown will kick off the season on September 21 with a trip to Georgetown and host Harvard in the home opener one week later on September 28. Season packages that include all five home games are available, as well as other benefits that are only available to season ticket holders. More information on season tickets is available here and fans can visit BrownBears.com/Football24 to purchase their season tickets today.
