January 25, 2006DeVito Featured on MSLCombines.comFrom MSLCombines.com IIt would be easy for Gene DeVito to be down and out after a knee injury cut his final season short. Luckily, this Stamford, CT, resident knows that everything happens for a reason. Coming into the 2005 season, the Trinity Catholic star receiver was projected as one of the top players in the state. The 6-2, 215-pounder can run, catch the ball and is an athlete who could easily play four positions (receiver, tight end, defensive end and running back) at the next level. While it appeared that his world was coming to an end in the sixth game of the season because of a knee injury, DeVito has actually used his faith and determination to turn this six-month rehabilitation process into a positive happenstance. His knee injury happened during the final play of the game against Joel Barlow High. “I was having a great year and doing all the things I needed to get to that next level,” said DeVito. “I have approached my rehab in the same positive manner that I try to look at all things.” Because his knee injury required surgery, many of the larger colleges started to back off, which is understandable, but my advice to these schools is to keep a close eye on DeVito’s progress. He was so gifted that even though he missed four games, in a year when his team finished 5-5, the writers and reporters who watch high school football in-state, felt strongly enough to put DeVito on the first team all-state squad as a receiver. DeVito finished the season with 22 receptions for 468 yards and six touchdowns in just six games. “That was a great thrill for me,” DeVito commented. “To miss four games and still make first team is an honor. While most have looked at his ability and already deemed DeVito as a D2 athlete, I completely disagree. Watching over 20 plays and seeing how he reacts as a football player, when he heals completely and finishes rehab, he absolutely needs to be looked at by a D1AA or low D1A school. Here are my reasons why: * On pass patterns, he uses his size, quickness (4.57) and the ability to run impressive routes. He also is nearly impossible to bring down on the first hit, and he can out jump most defensive backs, which gives him a tremendous edge. * At first look, he almost appears that he has the size of a tight end, but watching him run and catch, you’ll understand that this is a football player who makes plays- and I don’t care how big, fast and strong you are, if you cannot make plays, you will not succeed at any level. * I never totally rely on combine numbers as the measuring stick of a football player, but last summer DeVito ran a low 4.6 and had 24 reps of 185-pounds, making a quality showing at a local event that attracted youngsters from Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. While DeVito will be moving on, Coach Bryan Fox and the Crusaders are optimistic about the future. Here is a look at the top underclassmen on the roster. The Class of 2007 starts with running back Anas Koummal (5-9, 175) and quarterback Chris Hawthorn (6-1, 180). It also includes wide receivers Ryan Durken (5-10, 155), Kyle Galatro (5-11, 155) and Tim Clarion (6-0, 160). Offensive linemen Santiago Steele (6-0, 305), impressive Vinny Cortese (6-1, 210), Neil Gallagher (6-1, 205) and Mario Pirolozzi (6-1, 335) are all promising football players as well. On the defensive side of the ball, linemen Eric Stephens (6-0, 215), A.J. Nelson (5-9, 200), Cory Johnson (5-6, 200), Pat Collen (6-1, 220), and Anthony Kurche (6-1, 190) have shown they will be ready to lead for the 2006 season. Defensive backs Kyle Foti (5-10, 155) and Mike Romantello (5-6, 140) are both quality athletes as well. The Class of 2008 also has a number of players to keep an eye on. Athletes such as defensive back Brian Hubert (5-6, 125), linebacker Carlos Romero (5-7, 160) and lineman Brian Epp (5-10, 175) are all very good and will see more playing time next year. On offense, receivers Tyler Rombout (6-1, 145), Robert Dombrowski (6-3, 180), Brendan Garvey (5-7, 135) and John O’Leary, a promising 6-4, 180-pounder, will help fill the void left by DeVito. Linemen Giancarlo Simonetti (5-5, 150), Anthony Conte (5-10, 185), Conor McMorrow (6-1, 205) and Jose Zelava (6-0, 210) will need to work hard in the off season. Well, there you have it. A look at Stamford’s Trinity Catholic standout Gene DeVito and the program that will continue to flourish without his major contributions. See the original story on MSLCombines.com
 Big senior defensive tackle Vladimir Joseph swims by an offensive lineman in a 28-20 home victory over Fairfield Ludlowe on October 29, 2005. (CrusaderNation.net / Dana Maul)
 Junior defensive tackle Santiago "Teggy" Steele wraps up a Darien
rusher as his
 Junior center Cory Johnson prepares to snap the ball to fellow classmate
 The Crusader offensive line pushes Bassick around in the mud. The
Crusaders
 Senior wideout Rob Hawthorn races downfield to block as junior fullback
Eric Stephens
 2005 All-FCIAC East Offense Row 1, Left to Right: Eric Wells, Bassick; Willie Epps, McMahon;
Pete Raymond,
 2005 All-FCIAC East Defense Row 1, Left to Right: Joe Luchesi, Danbury; Greg Sabo, Danbury; James
Taylor, Danbury;
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