Newton North alumnus Jason Riffe tackled all challenges at Bryant University
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Newton North alumnus Jason Riffe tackled all challenges at Bryant University
By Gethin Coolbaugh/Sports Correspondent
Jason Riffe was ready to tackle a new challenge after completing a very successful football career at Newton North.
He went on to tackle more than any player in Bryant University history. Riffe made 249 stops over four seasons for the Division I program in a record-setting career.
"Playing football at Bryant University was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had," said Riffe. "I am so thankful that head coach Marty Fine gave me the opportunity to be part of something special."
Riffe, a middle linebacker, finished his senior season with 108 tackles (9.8 per game), the most in a single season in Bryant history. Riffe had seven interceptions and set the single-game tackle record with 17.
He was named the team's Defensive Player of the Year, selected to the All-New England team and was a Second Team All-Conference All-Star for the North East Conference. Riffe was also invited to participate in the FCS Senior Scout Bowl, where he had an interception.
"Playing at Bryant has taught me so many valuable lessons that I will be able to carry into the real world," Riffe said.
At North, Riffe was a Bay State Conference All-Star in his junior and senior seasons as a linebacker and fullback.
"The main differences between high school and college football are the size and speed of the players," said Riffe. "The other big difference from high school to college is the commitment you must put into the game. We watch countless hours of film, and the preparation for games is very intense."
Another major adjustment for Riffe was that the preparation never stops.
"The offseason training is also very challenging in college," Riffe said. "We have winter runs three times a week at 6 a.m. and go through spring football in full pads. It is a year-round commitment."
Riffe still maintains relationships with his former North teammates, and he trained with many of them in the offseason.
"It was cool having my friends to train with in the summer," he said. "James McCarthy (Framingham State), Ryan McCarthy (Merrimack), Anthony Ambrosi (Cornell), Eddie Vachon (Stonehill), Khalel Pritchard (Bryant). All of us played together at Newton North, and still train together every summer and talk before every game."
For most collegiate athletes, graduation marks the end of their gridiron careers. But Riffe hopes to keep playing and ultimately become a coach.
"I am going to be doing a few pro days in the spring and hopefully continue my career in one of the many pro leagues offered," said Riffe. "When my career is done I would like to go to graduate school and become a football coach."
Even when Riffe is eventually forced to stop playing football, the lessons he learned from the sport will last him a lifetime.
"The game of football has taught me how to pursue my goals and dreams, and never give up," said Riffe. "If you work hard enough and keep a positive attitude you can achieve anything you want. Football has instilled the discipline and work ethic that I will carry with me in anything I do in life."
