‘He bleeds blue and white,’ says Riverhead Blue Waves football coach Leif Shay of Maysonet

Riverhead’s Miguel Maysonet, the 5-10, 209-pound All-American, who led the Stony Brook Seawolves to a program record 10-win season in 2012, passed over in the 2013 NFL draft, was offered a contract by the Philadelphia Eagles less than an hour into his free agency Saturday night.

Maysonet spent the day as the guest of honor at a party hosted by family friends in Aquebogue (see story and photo slideshow), where he was surrounded by former teammates and coaches from Riverhead and Stony Brook.

“Miguel’s a better person than he is a player,” said Seawolves offensive coordinator Jeff Behrman. “And we all know what kind of player he is. What he was able to do for us physically on the field will always be remembered.”

“What NFL teams fail to realize is that Miguel is an every-down back,” said Behrman. “He should have an easy transition to the NFL. Miguel’s a quick learner, it shouldn’t be long until he makes a significant impact.”

His teammates at Stony Brook said they were sad to see him go, although they have memories to look back on.

His fullback for three years, Matt Faiella, remembers one play that will always stick with him.

“He was on kick return with Brock Jackolski and he was the lead blocker,” Faiella said. “And Justin Bethel, who played for Presbyterian College then and the Arizona Cardinals now, came running down the field to make a tackle. Miguel just cleaned him. I mean this was the loudest sounding hit I have ever heard in my life. Ever since them, I knew he was the real deal.”

Michael Bamiro, his roommate of three years, reflected on the first time meeting Maysonet.

“I was told that I would have a transfer from Hofstra rooming with me but I wasn’t sure when,” said Bamiro. “I came back home from winter break and there he was, sitting on my bed, without a shirt on, watching my TV. Classic Miguel. He became one of my closest friends.”

Maysonet finished his college career with 5,110 yards, 17th all-time in Football Championship Subdivision history. His 1,964 yards senior season was good for 11th all-time in FCS history while he scored a total of 23 touchdowns. He accounted for more than 100 rushing yards in a game six times and had three games with 200 or more yards in 2012.

Maysonet was named Big South Offensive Player of the Year for 2011 and 2012 and recorded 21 games with 100 or more yards and six games with three touchdowns. He is the only player in Stony Brook and conference history to score four times in two games, and one of only two players to score 20 or more touchdowns in a single season. Maysonet also owns school and conference records for career rushing yards (4,725), yards per game (127.7), touchdowns (53) and rushing attempts (695.)

In December, he finished second in voting for the Walter Payton Award, which goes to the most outstanding player in the FCS.

As a key player for the Riverhead Blue Waves, Maysonet rushed for 5,963 yards, scored 74 touchdowns and a total of 468 points. In his senior year, Maysonet rushed for 2,328 yards and scored 33 touchdowns, leading the Blue Waves to a perfect 12-0 season and the Rutgers Trophy. He was the 2008 Hansen Award winner, given to the most outstanding football player in Suffolk County. He was named to the All-New York State team in 2008, and to the All-Long Island and All-County teams in 2006, 2007 and 2008. He was also named Division MVP in 2007 and 2008.

Riverhead head coach Leif Shay said yesterday he will never forget what Maysonet did for the program.

“Everyone will remember Miguel for his accolades and accomplishments,” said Shay. “But what people forget was that he was an outstanding student too. He really set the right example for all the upcoming athletes. The kid just took care of business in the classroom.”

He even returns to Riverhead to give speeches, according to Shay.

“Miguel bleeds blue and white,” said Shay. “He’s a hometown hero. Kids look up to him.”

Bill Hedges, who coached Maysonet in both running back and linebacker drills in high school, got into a car accident Saturday morning but still made it to the party.

“I wouldn’t miss this,” said Hedges. “I’ve been in Riverhead 23 years, Miguel was one of the most grittiest and coachable players I have ever come to contact with. I wish him the best.”

Former teammate Tyler Gilliam called Maysonet “the definition of a dream chaser.”

“He showed me what hard work really meant,” said Gilliam. “He battled through adversity. He proved that you must persevere in order to succeed.”

Photo captions, from top: Miguel Maysonet, second from left, with the Riverhead Blue Waves football coaches. RiverheadLOCAL photo  by Peter Blasl. 

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