It was announced on Friday evening that Anthony Repollet was heading to UConn to play football, adding to the twenty-five scholarship members of the 2018 recruiting class. Hailing from Hamden Hall Country Day School, Repollet will enroll as a preferred walk-on (PWO).

“I made the decision to play at UConn because I was extremely impressed with what they had to offer me athletically and academically,” he said on Saturday. “Their athletic facilities are second to none and no other school I visited compared to UConn. I have been a lifelong fan and growing up as a military brat, I remember watching UConn all over the country. They were willing to take a chance on me that no other FBS school was willing to give me.”

Repollet will come to UConn after reclassifying to the class of 2018, an opportunity given to him by Hamden Hall head coach Joe Linta.

“After playing my junior year at another school, Hamden Hall and Coach Linta allowed me to reclass and gave me an extra year, which allowed me to develop both as a player and a leader,” he said. “Coach Linta took a chance on me knowing I was an undersized linebacker and trusted me enough to put me in the middle of his defense.”

That opportunity allowed him to shine during his final year at the high school level, catching UConn’s eye. It’s a natural fit for Repollet, who has an affinity for Connecticut, having followed the UConn program closely. Being part of the Huskies program is an ultimate goal he set for himself and his career.

“Playing at this level for my home state is an accomplishment of a lifelong dream,” he said. “It is a great honor to be able to represent not only my state, but also my family.”

Repollet will indeed play linebacker with the Huskies, at least initially, adding that he is motivated and willing to contribute wherever the coaching staff needs him. When reviewing his film, multiple things stand out immediately, including his drive when he steps in-between the lines.

“My instincts and my passion for the game,” he said. “I make it very clear that I want it more than the competition.”

That drive and mentality translates to his aggressiveness as a tackler and his relentless pursuit of the football.

“I would agree with that,” Recollet said. “I play the game at a high speed and if I can’t make the play, I want to be near the ball.”

That mentality aligns with what head coach Randy Edsall is looking for across the roster and his addition will only add to the Huskies. His work ethic for the game is a testament for what football has meant to Recollet since he began playing at an early age.

“It has been a very important part of my life,” he confirmed. “I’ve played this amazing game since I was six years old and my love for it has grown immensely. It has taught me great lessons and has molded me into the person I am today.”

He also confirmed Edsall was a major factor in his decision to take the Huskies PWO offer.

“My impression of Coach Edsall and staff was that they were the most honest of any program that recruited me,” he said. “They told me from the beginning where I stood as a player and that’s all I could ask for from a program. I can’t wait to play for him and his coaching staff and help to bring UConn back to his glory days.”

MATT SCHONVISKY / SITE CREATOR