NAUGATUCK — Naugatuck High outside linebacker Jayden Anderson is trading in his garnet and gray for blue — as in Blue Devils.
Anderson signed Feb. 6 to play football for Central Connecticut State University on a full scholarship.
Anderson also visited Southern Connecticut State University and the University of New Haven, but he said it was Central where he felt at home.
“When I went over there for a visit, they made me feel like family,” he said.
Anderson, who was named to the All Iron Defensive team in 2018, was a key part of a Naugatuck defense that posted six shutouts last year and helped lead the Greyhounds to a 9-2 record and the Class L state quarterfinals.
“Obviously he’s a good football player, or we wouldn’t be signing today (Feb. 6), but more importantly he’s a great person, and he’s come really long way as a young man and prospered in our program,” Naugatuck head coach Dave Sollazzo said.
Anderson said he’s received plenty of help from his extended family at Naugatuck High along the way.
“They just pretty much gave me everything I needed,” he said.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Anderson is slated to play outside linebacker at Central, though he said coaches have told him if he gets big enough he may slide down to defensive end. No matter where he plays — outside linebacker is more fun he says — Anderson said he just wants to do the best he can and represent the school.
The Blue Devils, who went 6-5 last season, play in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision. Sollazzo, who has coached at the highest levels of college football, said Anderson has tremendous upside at the collegiate level and that’s what Central sees in him.
“He’s got a chance to be a really, really good football player,” Sollazzo said.
At the Division III level, Woodland will boast a pair of athletes. Edit Krivca, a 2018 All-State and two-time All-NVL selection as a running back and defensive back, will play at Springfield College. Joe Shea, a two-year starter at tight end and defensive end, is headed to Western New England University.
“Both are hardworking on the field and in the classroom,” Woodland coach Chris Moffo said. “Their efforts over the past four years have allowed them these great opportunities. These schools are getting two great young men.”
Kyle Brennan contributed to this article.
