Football Hosts Spring Game Friday Night; New Coaching Staff In Place
On the eve of the annual Blue-White Spring game for the two-time defending NEC champion Central Connecticut State football team, head coach Adam Lechtenberg announced promotions and additions to the Blue Devils coaching staff. The 2025 NEC Champions will receive their rings following the spring game festivities.
Joining the staff this spring are Jamario McClendon, Jon Gonte, Kai Gill and Steve Raymond.
The Blue Devils will host their spring game, beginning at 6:00 pm on Friday at Arute Field. Following the on-field activities the 2025 NEC Champions will receive their championship rings.
Abbott Burrell will continue as the safeties coach, while taking on the role of Defensive Pass Game Coordinator.
Charles Williams adds the role of defensive run game coordinator to his current responsibilities as special team's coordinator, defensive line coach and NFL liaison.
Aaron Mershman has been elevated to serve as the program's recruiting coordinator, while coaching the offensive line.
Canaan Brooks is the Blue Devils running back and specialist coach and takes on special team's quality control for the coming season.
McClendon comes to CCSU after a season at New Mexico State University and takes over as cornerbacks coach. Additionally, he will serve as the program's on-campus recruiting coordinator and community service liaison. McLendon coached safeties and nickel's at NMSU, after a two-season stint at Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he coached corners.
Conte joins the staff after spending the past three seasons on the sideline of his alma mater, Nichols College. He will serve as the Blue Devils tight end coach and assistant video coordinator. Conte coached on the defensive side of the ball at Nichols and served as recruiting coordinator.
Gill, the Blue Devils new wide receiver coach, comes to Central having spent the past two seasons at a co-offensive coordinator at St. Thomas More Prep School. In that role he helped 10 student-athletes earn roster spots at the Division I level.
Raymond will serve as special assistant to the head coach and director of football strategy and analytics.
