Football Welcomes 23 to the Incoming Class of 2029
5/5/2025
Brown head football coach James Perry ‘00 has announced the Bears’ 23-member incoming Class of 2029. The incoming class features eight offensive players, 13 defensive players and two specialists from 17 states plus Ontario.
“I am excited to welcome the class of 2029,” Perry said. "It is a talented group of student-athletes and I know they are hungry to get to campus and compete. Recruiting is a team effort, so I would like to extend a thank you and congratulations to our entire staff for their efforts."
Eddie Battista
OL – 6'4 – 285 – Fulton, Md. – Our Lady of Good Counsel
Before Brown: Second Team All-WCAC as an offensive lineman…2024 Rivalry Scholar Athlete Award…2024 Xaverian Leadership Award…Member of the team that captured the 2023 WCAC championship title…Two-time Academic All-American…Two-time selection as the Varsity Highest Class GPA Award…2023 Xaverian Leadership Award…2024 SWAT Team Captain…Also played baseball (pitcher) at our Lady of Good Counsel…Served as the Good Counsel Student Body President for two years…Two-time recipient of the Good Counsel Student Leadership Award…2022 Good Counsel Religious Achievement Award.
Personal: Son of Jean and Stephen Battista…Has three siblings, Aloysius, Michael and Sophia…Aloysius plays baseball at St. Mary’s College and his mom is a member of the Hall of Fame at UMBC where she played softball…Did not play tackle football until the age of 16.
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown University for the unique opportunity to compete at a high level in the historic Ivy League while receiving a world-class education.”
Sam Brackney
OL – 6'2 – 285 – Sewickley, Pa. – Pittsburgh Central Catholic
Before Brown: Three-year starter as a center at Pittsburgh Central Catholic…2023 first team all-conference selection…National Honor Society member.
Personal: Son of Jennifer and Christopher Brackney…Has two brothers Max and Zach, and a sister Ella.
Why Brown?: “The culture of excellence at Brown exceeded every other school that recruited me. It is something I have always dreamed to be a part of.”
Ian Browne
DB – 5'11 – 190 – Del Mar, Calif. – The Bishop's School
Before Brown: Two-time First Team All-Coastal League honoree in football…2024 Second Team All-Coastal League honoree for baseball…Recipient of the 2025 San Diego School Sports Association Scholar Athlete Award.
Personal: Son of Julie Oh Browne and Matthew Browne…Has a sister Lila who played field hockey at Dartmouth and UConn…Also has a brother Eli.
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because it gave me the unique opportunity to receive an amazing education while also playing Division I football in the beautiful city of Providence.”
Nick Chao
DL – 6'2 – 290 – Marietta, Ga. – Pope
Before Brown: Played on the defensive line and as a tight end at Pope High School…Named the region lineman of the year in 2024 after finishing with 54.0 tackles, 8.0 TFLs, 6.0 sacks, and added 153 receiving yards and two touchdowns…Earned first team all-region honors as a junior in 2023 after posting 72.0 tackles, 14.0 TFLs and 5.0 sacks...Also named to the ScoutSmarts All-Academic Team as a junior in 2023.
Personal: Son of Carissa and Tomas Jorge Chao…Has two sisters, Ava and Grace.
Why Brown?: “Brown is a place of high academic achievement that encompasses me as a person. I fit right in, and my visits have confirmed that for me. The people and community surrounding the college gives me a sense of home.”
Airiz Coleman Bey
DB – 5'10 – 165 – Warren, Ohio – Warren G. Harding
Before Brown: Starred as a defensive back, receiver and returner at Warren G. Harding High School…All-American Conference and All-Trumbull County selection…Academic All-Ohio honoree…Also played baseball where he earned Second Team All-American Conference and All-Trumbull County honors while being named the team’s Defensive Player of the Year…Member of the National Honor Society and International Honor Society…Accepted into the Congress of Future Medical Leaders.
Personal: Son of Airiz and Raan Lovejoy Coleman Bey…Comes from an athletic family with many extended family members having competed at the collegiate and professional levels.
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown to become successful in sports and in life.”
Sean Connell
ATH – 6'2 – 190 – Honolulu, Hawaii – Punahou School
Before Brown: Played both football and competed in track and field at Kaiser High School…Competed as a sprinter in track and field and set the state record in the 400m dash…Class valedictorian, ranking first out of 290 students.
Personal: Son of Steve and Fumie Connell…Has two siblings, Casey and Emily…His father is a member of Harvard’s Class of 1981.
Why Brown?: “After visiting Brown, I felt at home and the coaches and students welcomed me as if I were already a student there.”
Drew Crabtree
K – 6'0 – 185 – Brentwood, Tenn. – Ravenwood
Before Brown: Finished his high school career with 202 points and graduated as the No. 2 leading scorer in program history at Ravenwood High…Two-time all-region selection…Named a 4.5 Star Kicker by Kohl’s Kicking and Chris Sailer Kicking…2022 Kohl’s Kicking First Team All-American for the Class of 2025…Mentored and coached in high school by former NFL kicker, David Akers…National Honor Society member and four-time Principal’s List honoree…Also played soccer for the Tennessee Soccer Club and the Nashville United Soccer Association.
Personal: Son of Leslie and Chris Crabtree… His father played soccer at Elon…Has an older brother Sean who plays soccer at the University of Alabama.
Why Brown?: “The sense of community and companionship here is something I never experienced at other schools. The way everyone at Brown is there for each other and does things together not just within the football team, but in the school as a whole, is something that stood out to me tremendously.”
Nolan Daly
DL – 6'4 – 230 – Plainfield, Ill. – Nazareth Academy
Before Brown: ESCC and CCL All-Conference selection…Also competed as a thrower in track and field…Academic all-state selection…Member of the National Honor Society and the Investment Club.
Personal: Son of Amy and Daniel Daly…Has two sisters, Rosabella and Jeniya.
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because it truly felt like home. It was a combination of the people, the location, the prestige, and the Open Curriculum.”
Tayden Ferguson
WR – 6'3 – 200 – Eau Claire, Wisc. – Eau Claire Memorial
Before Brown: Two-time team captain and academic all-state selection out of Eau Claire Memorial High School…Earned first team, second team, and honorable mention all-conference honors during his career…Graduated as the program’s all-time leader in receiving yards…Two-time team captain and three-year varsity starter…Also played PrepStar 7x7 Football, coached by former NFL QB Jeff Blake…Also a member of the basketball team that captured the 2024-25 conference title, and ran track where he was a part of the school record holding 4x200m relay team.
Personal: Son of Yonna and Erik Ferguson…Has a sister, Marlee.
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because it provides me with the unique opportunity for extremely high academics while playing competitive DI football. The connection with the coaching staff, players and the feeling of being on campus was what made this an easy decision and one I am grateful for.”
Xavier Hazard
WR – 6'2 – 185 – East Providence, R.I. – Middlesex School
Before Brown: Three-sport athlete at Middlesex School in Concord, Massachusetts in football (wide receiver/safety), basketball (guard) and track (jumps/hurdles)…Earned All-ISL and All-NEPSAC honors in both football and basketball.
Personal: Son of Doliesha and Dion Hazard…Has three siblings, Savannah, Shaniah and Dion.
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because it was an amazing fit for me and also offered me a great education. I will also be close to home.”
Carson Hill
WR – 6'0 – 180 – West Haven, Conn. – Choate Rosemary Hall
Before Brown: Selected as the 2024 Founders League Offensive Player of the Year…First Team All-NEPSAC and All-Founders League honoree…Dean’s List student…also competed in basketball, track and wrestling.
Personal: Son of Cadesha Prawl and Richard Hill…His brother Pearson is also a member of the Brown football team (Class of 2028)…Has an older sister, Caydance.
Why Brown?: “It felt like home, from the coaches to the players when I would visit. I enjoy the Open Curriculum and the opportunity to delve into education that actually interests me instead of structured classes.”
Nate Hohlfeld
DL – 6'3 – 240 – Lithia, Fla. – Newsome
Before Brown: First Team Western Conference Federal Division selection as a tight end…Named the team’s Offensive Player of the Year as a senior in 2024…As a senior in 2024, tallied 4.0 sacks and one forced fumble while hauling in 22 catches for 241 yards and four touchdowns…Finished with 20 catches for 256 yards and two touchdowns as a junior in 2023…National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society member…Earned the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship.
Personal: Son of Patricia and James Hohlfeld…Has a brother Aidan.
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because it provides me with an opportunity to receive an elite education along with playing the sport I love.”
Henry Hurd
TE – 6'5 – 225 – Aspen, Colo. – Aspen
Before Brown: Four-sport athlete at Aspen High School…2024 Colorado Gold Helmet Finalist, which is "presented annually to the state's top football player, scholar and citizen"…2024 NFF & College Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete Award Winner…Two-time honorable mention all-state selection…Denver Post 2024 All-Colorado Football Team (HM)…Three-time all-conference honoree…Three-time first team academic all-state…Served two years as team captain…Graduated as the school’s record holder in numerous receiving categories (career, season, and single game records for receiving yards, TDs, and receptions) …Also played basketball where he was an all-state selection and a three-time all-conference selection, and helped his team to an undefeated state championship season as a sophomore…Also lettered twice in baseball and was a sprinter on the track team.
Personal: Son of Jenny and Tim Hurd…Has a sister Hailey who attends Harvard, and a younger brother Charlie…His mom is a Princeton alumna.
Why Brown?: “Fit! Brown is a perfect fit academically and athletically. I love the "Play Fast", pass heavy offense and Coach Perry's coaching philosophy.”
Eli Jones
RB – 5'11 – 190 – Grand Rapids, Mich. – East Kentwood
Before Brown: Ran for over 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior in 2024 at East Kentwood High School…MHSAA Division I All-State selection…All-region and all-conference honoree…MHSFCA Academic All-State honoree…National Honor Society member…Member of Sound Mind Body Organization.
Personal: Son of Anita and Kenny Jones…Has three brothers, Jeremiah, Stephan and Donovan.
Why Brown?: “The engineering program and the opportunity to play football.”
Chase Judge
DB – 6'1 – 185 – Cambridge, Ont. – Milton Academy
Before Brown: Competed as a receiver and defensive back at Milton Academy, and was also a sprinter on the track and field team…Two-time All-ISL (Independent School League) Honorable Mention selection…Winner of the team’s Coach McDonald Award…In track and field, he was a two-time All-ISL honoree, an ISL track and field MVP and earned All-NEPSAC honors…Before arriving at Milton Academy, he earned two All-Ontario honors for football, as well as Eastern Canada All-Star honors and named the Offensive MVP of the Canada Cup and the 519 Bowl…Also played and competed for the Cambridge Lions football program, Team Ontario Football, and Invictus Athletics Track and Field.
Personal: Son of Kara and Cliff Judge…Has a brother, Nolan.
Why Brown?: “The football team is like a brotherhood. I felt that at my official visit and when I went to the camp in the summer. I can see the coaches will bring out the best in me on and off the field. Education has always been something I’ve valued and the level of education I will receive at Brown will be unmatched.”
Mitch Mooney
DL – 6'2 – 235 – Pasadena, Calif. – San Marino
Before Brown: Two-sport athlete in football and basketball at San Marino High School…Three-time All-San Gabriel Valley honoree, including a pair of First Team selections…Named the league’s lineman of the year in 2024…Two-time team MVP…Earned honorable mention all-conference and honorable mention all-conference honors as a freshman in 2021…Also played basketball and earned honorable mention all-league honors as senior.
Personal: Son of Melissa Mooney…Has an older sister, Macy.
Why Brown?: “The Ivy League education and a great football program.”
Jack Morse
ILB – 6'1 – 215 – Dallas, Texas – Highland Park
Before Brown: Two-sport athlete in both football and lacrosse at Highland Park High School…Padilla Poll 5A D1 Defensive Player of the Year honoree…5A D1 District 7-5A Overall MVP…5A first team all-state…Second Team Dallas Morning News All-Area selection…6A District Defensive MVP…6A THSCA Super Elite Team…Finished his career with 359.0 total tackles (180 solo), 48.0 TFLs, 17.0 sacks, five interceptions, 11 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries…Presidential Service Award winner.
Personal: Son of Maryam and Michael Morse…His older brother, Sam played football at SMU.
Why Brown?: “How wonderful the coaches were at Brown and how the atmosphere in Rhode Island is second to none.”
Garrett Nichols
DB – 6'0 – 200 – Cedar Park, Texas – Naperville Central
Before Brown: Earned all-state, all-conference and two all-district selections…Voted the team’s Underclassman of the Year…Member of the National, Spanish, and Science National Honor Societies…Academic all-district.
Personal: Son of Cathy and Mike Nichols…Has a brother Grant who played rugby at Texas A&M.
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because I believe it is the best combination of elite athletics and academics. The administration prioritizes academic excellence while also placing strong value on athletics, consistently investing in athletic programs to support a well-rounded student experience.”
B. Hawk Okpokwasili IV
LB – 6'1 – 220 – Jersey City, N.J. – Deerfield Academy
Before Brown: Played football and basketball at Deerfield Academy…All-NEPSAC selection as a linebacker and winner of Deerfield’s Frank Dahowski Award, given to the player who has a love for the game, is the most emotionally invested in the team, and leads by hard work, determination, and grit…Honored with the Princeton Prize in Race Relations certificate of accomplishment.
Personal: Son of Nora Winge Simonsen and Bertram Okpokwasili III…Has a sister Sophia and brother Nathaniel…His uncle Nkem Okpokwasili played linebacker at Columbia.
Why Brown?: “I believed Brown would continue to allow me to grow and be the best version of my full self. I am not and have never been a one-dimensional person. I have always played football, done theatre, and wrote poetry. Not once have I put myself in a box, and at Brown, I will be able to chase fulfillment in everything I do. Not only this, but after visiting Brown, I have realized that it is a special place, and has the professors, coaches, people and opportunities for me to be successful; and I want to be successful.”
EJ Perez
DL – 6'2 – 280 – Greenwich, Conn. – Brunswick School
Before Brown: Two-time First Team All-New England selection…Three-time All-Founders League honoree, including two First Team selections…Brunswick School’s 2024 Language Award winner.
Personal: Son of Carolina and Emilio Perez…Has a sister Kayla, and a brother Jacob.
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because it is a place that allows me to explore all of my interests while also receiving a prestigious education.”
Aiden Smith
OL – 6'3 – 285 – Bel Air, Md. – Dematha Catholic
Before Brown: All-Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) selection…Helped lead the team to the WCAC title in 2024…Dematha finished the 2024 season ranked as high as No. 15 in one national poll.
Personal: Son of Gregory Smith Jr….Has an older brother Scott who played football at Towson.
Why Brown?: “Brown’s curriculum excites me because it allows me to explore my passion of economics and finance while shaping my understanding of the subject. Considering Brown’s renowned economics program, I know it will challenge me academically and open doors for my future. The environment at Brown also stands out to me because it encourages students to think beyond traditional boundaries and inspires them to create meaningful change. The Open Curriculum offers the flexibility to combine my interest in economics with other fields. This freedom will help me push my knowledge further and develop a meaningful understanding of the subject. The specific academic pursuit within economics is vast and will allow me to find something that is of interest to me. While I may not yet know which branch of finance or economics I'd like to pursue, Brown’s curriculum will allow me to explore and find what best suits my interest. With Brown having the resources that I need in its economics department, it is a no brainer that I will walk out of there with the proper education and connections I need to pursue my journey in life. I truly look forward to being challenged and growing as a person at Brown University.”
Evan Tarozzi
LB – 6'3 – 225 – New York, N.Y. – Xavier
Before Brown: Played linebacker and fullback at Xavier High School in New York City…Also was a power forward on the basketball team…Named the team’s Defensive MVP and served as team captain…Named the Roger McTiernan Family Scholar for Athletic Leadership.
Personal: Son of Lani and Marc Tarozzi…His father is a member of Brown’s Class of 1990…Has a brother Mick who plays soccer at Nichols College.
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because it offers the opportunity to play Division I football while getting a world-class economics and entrepreneurial education. From my first visit to Brown, I felt connected to the coaching staff and team culture.”
Carter Vaughn
OLB – 6'0 – 215 – Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – Choate Rosemary Hall
Before Brown: Played football for two years at Choate Rosemary Hall in Connecticut where he was a two-time First Team All-NEPSAC selection and served as a team captain for a program that finished both of his seasons undefeated… Awarded the 2024 Jim Fowler "Hustle" Award for Dedication and Enthusiasm…Spent the previous three years at Saratoga Springs High School where he was a two-time First Team 2AA All-Section honoree as a linebacker and led the team in tackles per game as a junior…Also played baseball and competed in track and field at Saratoga Springs.
Personal: Son of Laura and Chad Vaughn…Has an older sister, Madelyn.
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because of the coaching staff and the amazing opportunities involved with attending Brown. I believe Brown is the best fit for me because I enjoyed being around the coaches, and I could see myself adapting and becoming a better player at Brown. The Open Curriculum also played a factor in my decision to come to Brown, letting me explore different types of concentrations and classes. Brown was a perfect fit for me because I felt like I could be myself and excel as an athlete, but also as a hard-working and committed student.”
Brown will kick off the 2025 season at home on Saturday, September 20 against Georgetown. The full 2025 season schedule can be viewed here.
