Building Momentum
CJ RISSMILLER
Class of 2027
LINEBACKER
March 2026
CJ Rissmiller, a standout versatile athlete, has recently earned an offer from Kent State making it his second FBS Division I football offer. His first Division I offer came from Old Dominion back in January. Originally from York, Pennsylvania, Rissmiller currently attends Woodberry Forest School, a prestigious private high school located in Virginia. Rissmiller started playing football at the age of 7, and said his favorite thing about playing football was scoring touchdowns. When he was asked how the moment felt about getting an offer from Kent State, he said, “Receiving the news felt amazing, kind of felt like I was in a movie.”
Rissmiller earned an All-State selection this year after being an honorable mention last season. When he was asked how it felt to earn an All-State selection, he said, “All-State was an expectation nearing the start of this season. The amount of work that was put in before and them giving me honorable mention last year made me take it a little personal. So it was more of an expectation I had for myself.”
His versatility on the field is clear as last season he played a wide variety of positions. His wide range of positions included Safety, Defensive End, Inside and Outside Linebacker, Cornerback, Fullback, Running Back, Wide Receiver, and various special teams roles.
Rissmiller’s team first mentality separates him as a player. When asked what message he wants college coaches to know, he emphasized his willingness to contribute in any way possible. “College coaches should know that if there’s any spot they need me to play, I will play it with no complaints.” Rissmiller emphasized his commitment and dedication by adding, “I’ll do anything to help the team out and stay committed to the program. Anybody who has me has a versatile ace that they can utilize at any time.”
Rissmiller made sure to give credit to the people and programs that helped him along the way making sure God received his first shout out. “I wanna shout out God first, AFL, Coach Cregger, Coach Kingsley, my parents, Jared Young, my head coach at Woodberry Jackson Matteo, Duke Sherrell(DC), Johnnie Martin(Flow).” Rissmiller referred to AFL and the CAP Program as a second family, “AFL and the CAP program have been nothing but a blessing and truly a second family to me that pushes me as well.”
He made sure to give special shout outs to Coach Stoner, and his former teammate and recent IUP commit Trevor Lee. “I also want to give Stoner a special thanks for him inviting me and accommodating my needs every time without asking. I also want to give credit to Trevor Lee for being my ride or die and pushing me to my limits every day to be better.”
CJ Rissmiller’s journey is just beginning. With his talent, versatility, and commitment, he’s determined to make a meaningful impact both on the field and in the classroom as he continues his football and academic career.
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