NORTH ANDOVER — Ayden Pereira isn’t the only former Central Catholic football star hoping to make a big statement on the gridiron for Merrimack College this fall.
Three of his Pereira’s former high school teammates — linebacker Sean Mercuri, running back Matthias Latham and punter Mike Ryan — appear ready for increased their playing time.
A year ago, the expectation was that Mercuri would follow in the footsteps of his brother, former Merrimack tackle machine Michael Mercuri, and be one of the more physical players on the field. That didn’t happen as the injury bug limited him to playing in just one game.
After healing up, Mercuri went into this spring season ready to compete for a linebacker spot, but the injury bug returned as he tore the labrum in his left shoulder.
“I didn’t get the surgery,” he said. “Instead, I just worked on strengthening it all summer. I feel good and there really haven’t been any problems.”
At 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, Mercuri is expected to be in the linebacker rotation as well as a main figure on special teams.
“Sean is a tough, tough kid. The last few practices have been good for him. He’s been making some plays and getting to the ball a little bit more,” said head coach Mike Gennetti. “He’s a very steady, quiet guy, who goes about his business. He doesn’t ask for a lot, doesn’t need a lot but has a tougher road due to his injuries. It’s great to see him practicing every day and we’re starting to see that development that we were hoping for. Just to get Sean to this point is huge.”
Latham (5-10, 190) played in three games last fall, carrying the ball three times for seven yards with a touchdown. The junior is expected to be the team’s third down back and should get more carries and catches out of the backfield, while providing pass protection for Pereira.
“I’m super excited. We have a great running back room. Last year we lost (Jermaine Corbett), who was a stud, but we have some good guys here and I’m excited to have the chance to grow with this group. We’re going to put on a show,” said Latham. “We’re excited to see how we will all do and that’s a great part of being in this group. If someone gets into the end zone, we’re all there to celebrate with him. That’s what it’s all about.”
Another junior, Ryan, of Haverhill, takes over the kicker/punting duties.
“It’s about field position, so I want to do the best I can for our team and put us in the best position to win every weekend,” he said. “Coach G always does a good job of getting us right and I think we’re going to be a good squad this year. The players and our coaching staff are bought into it, so I think we can be pretty good.”
The fifth local on the team is sophomore wide receiver Nick Almanzar, also of Haverhill, who will be out all season with an injury.
“I tore my ACL (in my left knee) and had surgery two months ago. It’s a nine-month recovery, so I plan on being ready for spring ball and next season and ready to contribute to the team,” he said.