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LYNN — Classical’s football standout Maurice Sequeira Jr. is moving on to the NCAA Division 1 Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
After weighing his options earlier this spring, the Rams senior committed to join Central Connecticut State University on the gridiron this fall.
“I had a couple other schools interested,” Sequeira said. “UMass Amherst, I got accepted to Bryant, Stonehill, Assumption, but Central Connecticut stood out the most. When I went to visit I stayed the night, went out to eat, met some of the players and talked to coaches and it went really well.”
Right from his first time meeting with his new teammates and coaches, Sequeira started to feel at home with the Blue Devils.
“I thought it was a good first impression,” Sequeira said. “I could tell right away this was a group of guys that enjoy the game and have a love for football like myself. Right from the start it was already like being one of the players and they treated me like one of their own which was great.”
Sequeira didn’t start playing football for Classical until his sophomore year but he hit the ground running and quickly realized he could continue to play at a high level at the next level.
“When I started my sophomore year that was when I realized I could do something with this and be productive with the sport in college,” Sequeira said.
A two-way starter for the Rams, Sequeira became a staple in multiple roles, especially on the defensive side of the ball for head coach Brian Vaughn.
“He was an edge defender and on offense played in multiple spots at wide receiver.” Sequeira said. “But defense is where he made his name. He’s a real hybrid athlete and schools love that. He played outside linebacker primarily but he can move around a little bit.
“He has been a solid two-way player for us since his sophomore year and he’s big and athletic,” Vaughan said. “Again, college recruits love that. He has great size and a good frame.”
Vaughan, along with Sequeira’s teammates at Classical, helped shape him into the player he became on the field.
“The coaching staff at Classical was amazing,” Sequeira said. “Coach Vaughan and my dad have actually been friends for a long time now. When I first came in he treated me like he had known me and we already had that relationship. He’s a great coach and he makes you work hard every day at anything you do. Since he took over the program really changed a lot for the better.
“Playing with my teammates was fun,” Sequeira said. “When I went in my sophomore year I hadn’t played with my class. But right away it felt right and it was just fun being on the field with them.”
For Vaughan having a player like Sequeira move on to an FCS school, and more importantly further his education, is a testament to the program he and his staff continue to build at Classical.
“That’s huge for the program,” Vaughan said. “Since I’ve been here we take pride in getting guys on college rosters and we’ve been fortunate enough to continue a bunch. We’re excited for Maurice. He has that type of talent as a player where we all always thought he could play at the next level.”
Off the field Sequeira will study business management while he hopes to help the Blue Devils, who are coming off a Northeastern Conference title in 2019, however he can.
“I want to get a good education and graduate with good grades,” Sequeira said. “When it comes to the team I just want to help us win however I can. I want to be the best I can be for an amazing team.”
