Mensah Receives First D1 Offer

Ethan Mensah

Class of 2027

DEFENSIVE END

April 2026

After just two years of playing football, Ethan Mensah has gone from an unknown prospect to a Division I recruit.

Mensah, a student of Northeastern High School, only began playing the sport during his sophomore year of high school, and recently received his first Division I offer from Stony Brook, a moment he said “felt euphoric.”

When Mensah was asked how it felt to have a Division I football program like Stony Brook show interest in him, he admitted, “It’s a lot of pressure, but it means the world to have these opportunities and this newfound attention.”

Despite his limited experience, Mensah has quickly developed a reputation for himself by being a hard worker committed to improving every day.

Mensah does not believe in the word can’t. “I’m a quick and easy learner. The word ‘can’t’ doesn’t exist to me,” he said. “Trying is the only option. I’m working every day to get better and reach my ceiling.”

Mensah believes schools are getting more than just an athlete. “They’re going to get a dependable workhorse,” he said. “Someone who won’t shy away from competition or a challenge.”

Mensah also gave credit to those who have supported him along the way, including teammates he plays with at Northeastern Steven Hutchins and Aiden Cebula. “They deserve as much spotlight as I have gotten,” he said.

A key factor in Mensah’s exposure has been his involvement with AFL and their CAP program, which has helped him gain traction and attention in the recruiting process. 

“The AFL/CAP program has done incredible things for me,” Mensah said. “From bettering myself mentally and physically to getting my name all across the country. Attention I couldn’t dream of getting alone.”

Mensah emphasized how quickly things changed. 

“From sophomore to junior year, not a single coach knew my name or was interested in me,” he said. “AFL gave me the opportunity to show coaches what I can do and who Ethan Mensah is in an extremely small amount of time. It’s legit, no doubt.”

With his first Division I offer now secured, Mensah’s recruitment appears to be gaining momentum, marking a significant milestone in his football journey.

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