By Dillon Flanigan
Sports Editor
By Matt Cain
Contributor
Although the NFL Draft buzz centers around a few big-name athletes, the Owls also have three prospects making noise: Joe DiGello, E’Lijah Gray and Keith Ridley. All three recently attended Pro Days ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, aiming to raise their profiles.
“That small 1% that make it out of college to the professional level. If you’re good enough, they’re going to find you. With the temperament that those three have and have the chance to go put themselves in front of these scouts that they did and the pro days like, that’s all they can ask,” Interim Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Rob Eggerling said.
To gain more exposure, they participated in Pro Days hosted by larger schools. In the New England region, smaller programs like the university often get overlooked when it comes to NFL prospects. Bigger schools like the University of Connecticut offer more visibility and that is exactly the opportunity quarterback Ridley seized after Yale University did not hold theirs.
Ridley attended UConn’s Pro Day, continuing a football journey that has seen its fair share of highs and lows.
“If I was at Boston College, they would have their own Pro Day,” Ridley said. “Being at Southern Connecticut State and a DII school, we don’t have our own Pro Day. That’s just how it is—there aren’t many eyes on our conference or on that level of football.”
Ridley’s football story began like many others—just playing with friends. But over time, the game grew on him and he emerged as a top prospect in high school. He originally committed to Boston College as a tight end but saw limited playing time. Seeking a fresh start, Ridley transferred to Bryant University and made a pivotal change: switching back to quarterback.
That move paid off.
At Bryant, Ridley was the backup for three seasons. His performance at quarterback was limited, however he drew serious attention—especially from scouts keeping an eye on the Southern Connecticut region.
As an Owl, Ridley picked up right where he left off, leading the NE10 in completions, passing yards and yards per game. In a quarterback class that is stacked with talent, his path to the next level is uncertain—but far from closed. While he may not hear his name called during the draft, Ridley has all the tools to earn a spot as a priority undrafted free agent and prove himself at the next level.
“Coach did an amazing job reaching out to UConn and giving me and Joe DiGello, the linebacker for Southern, an opportunity to go in and compete,” Ridley said. “And it was an awesome, awesome experience.”
From the backfield, Gray brings game-breaking speed and explosiveness to the field—traits that have helped him emerge as one of the universities’ most dynamic playmakers.
A versatile athlete, Gray lined up all over the field during his college career—wide receiver, return specialist and mainly in the backfield. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways did not go unnoticed and like his teammates, Gray made sure to capitalize on the opportunity to showcase his talent at a larger school’s Pro Day.
After three seasons at Merrimack College and dominating, the running back transferred to university and cemented his legacy as an Owl. In 2023, Gray led the NE10 in rushing yards and carries, giving him an all-conference first team nod and a year later, rushed for over one thousand yards.
While his NFL journey remains unwritten, Gray’s speed, work ethic and playmaking ability give him a real shot, whether that is through the draft or as a highly coveted undrafted signing.
“If you ever get to know the kid, he lights up a room, yeah, his personality is infectious,” Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach John Wiess said.
Just like Gray, DiGello is a very impactful player on and off the field. From pass coverage to stopping the run, he can do it all.
Joe DiGello is the kind of player who does not need to say much—his play speaks for itself. A leader on and off the field, the Amity native has built a reputation as one of the most reliable and hard-nosed defenders in the NE10.
“He kind of just went back to being who he was, obviously the players respected him as a player and obviously his work ethic off the field. I saw him trying to do a lot and then he realized that he just had to be himself,” Eggerling said about the linebacker’s growth over the last five seasons.
DiGello’s blue-collar approach and relentless motor have made him a favorite among coaches and a name that is starting to circulate in NFL scouting circles. With no Pro Day at the university, DiGello took his talents to UConn’s Pro Day along with Ridley, attending a regional Pro Day at a bigger program to get in front of scouts.
For the universities’ big three, the road to the NFL hasn’t been paved with national attention or primetime matchups. It has been built through grit, growth and a relentless belief in their abilities. Coming from a Division II program like the university, they have had to fight for every rep, every look and every ounce of respect.
Each of them has found their own way to stand out—whether it is Ridley commanding the offense with poise and power like a general, DiGello leading a defense with heart and hustle or Gray making electric plays in space
