WEST HAVEN, Conn. – The Phil Steele publication has announced its yearly Preseason All-NEC Teams as well as its 2026 NEC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.

New Haven's AJ Duffy (St. Augustine, Fla./Rancho Verde) was named Offensive Player of the Year, coming off a season in which he was at or near the top of every major passing category in the NEC, despite playing only 10 games. Duffy's performance last season included 200 completions on 337 attempts, totaling 2,399 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and a 59.4% completion rate, with a quarterback rating of 134.8. He also contributed on the ground with 44 carries for 218 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 5.0 yards per carry.

The 2026 NEC Preseason First Team features an impressive lineup that includes Duffy, Zaon Laney (Hoboken, N.J./Rahway), and Liam Quigley (Berkeley Heights, N.J./Govenor Livingston).

Zaon Laney (Hoboken, N.J./Rahway), who appeared in four games, made a significant impact with 51 carries for 346 rushing yards, achieving an average of 6.8 yards per carry and scoring four touchdowns. Additionally, he recorded three receptions for 19 yards. Kicker Liam Quigley (Berkeley Heights, N.J./Govenor Livingston) successfully completed 10 out of 12 field goal attempts and converted 31 out of 33 extra-point attempts.

The Second Team features Brodie Williams (West Memphis, Ark./Academies of Jonesboro High School) and Joe Fragale (Succasunna, N.J./Roxbury). Williams, a defensive standout, recorded 34 solo tackles, 33 assisted tackles, totaling 67 tackles, along with 8.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three interceptions, two pass breakups, two quarterback hurries, one forced fumble, and two touchdowns. Punter Joe Fragale (Succasunna, N.J./Roxbury) executed 41 punts for a total of 1,446 yards, averaging 35.3 yards per punt, with the longest being 51 yards. He landed eight punts inside the 20-yard line and had 17 fair catches, including two punts of 50 yards or more.

For fans and stakeholders eager to follow the action, tickets for the 2026 season can be purchased at newhavenchargers.com/tickets. To catch the Blue & Gold in action this fall, the full schedule is available at https://newhavenchargers.com/sports/football/schedule.