Three Athletes.
Three D1 Commitments.
One mission.
June 2026
The Collegiate Athletic Planning (CAP) Program continues to change lives, as three more student-athletes have officially earned the opportunity to continue their academic and athletic careers at the Division I level.
CJ Rissmiller will continue his football journey at Old Dominion University, while Ethan Mensah and Malik Cain have both committed to Monmouth University, marking another milestone for AFL, the CAP Program, and these young men. Although each recruiting journey was unique, one theme connected all three athletes: relationships, perseverance, and trusting the process.
For Rissmiller, the commitment represented a lifelong dream becoming reality.
"This commitment is something I've dreamed of since I was young," Rissmiller said. "I vividly remember Jared Young and I laughing about me going D1, and the first part of the caption saying, 'blessed to announce.' Now it's real, and my heart is fully set on Old Dominion."
As he prepares to join the Monarchs program, Rissmiller is grateful for the many people who helped him reach this milestone.
"I want to give a shoutout to God first," he said. "Russell Stoner and Coach Cregger and Coach Kingsley with AFL/CAP helped me with my recruiting and developed me in the weight room. I want to shout out Johnnie Martin for developing me mentally and physically in the Beast Mode program."
"I want to shout out to Mom, Dad, Jaime, and Jared Young for always taking care of me, driving me whenever and everywhere, feeding me, and making the best memories ever," Rissmiller emphasized.
Mensah's path looked much different. His recruitment accelerated rapidly, resulting in five offers in just four months before ultimately choosing Monmouth University.
This talented 2027 Defensive Lineman really caught the eye of Monmouth DL Coach Codey Cole who was impressed by Ethan at the Annual AFL All-American Mega Practice hosted in York, PA. Mensah praised Coach Cole for his approach to player development while also recognizing the impact CAP and AFL had on his recruitment.
“My D-Line Coach, Coach Codey Cole is ELITE,” Mensah said. “The Mega Practice is what certified that fact and how he approached giving coaching tips.”
For Mensah, committing to Monmouth University felt like the right decision from the moment he experienced the culture surrounding the program.
"The hospitality and love I felt from the team and staff, on top of the coaching being elite, made it an easy decision," Mensah said.
When asked about any advice he would give to younger athletes Mensah quickly responded with “For younger football players wanting to get recruited and play Division I football, they need to remember not everyone wants the best for them. They must surround themselves with people who care and consider their best interests.”
He finished up by saying, "I would like to shout out AFL and the CAP program, especially Coach Ben Cregger and Coach Russell Stoner," Ethan said. "They worked harder than me to make this happen."
Cain's recruiting journey was built on patience and consistency. After months of developing relationships with college coaches, he found the perfect fit at Monmouth.
"Monmouth felt like home," Cain said. "The coaches believed in me, the culture matched my values, and I knew it was the best place for me to grow not only as a player, but as a person."
Cain said the honesty and consistency of Monmouth's coaching staff separated the program from the rest and reinforced the importance of trusting the recruiting process.
"Trust the process, outwork everyone, and never stop believing in yourself," Cain said. "One opportunity can change everything."
Like Rissmiller and Mensah, Cain also made sure to thank God, his family, Coach Russell Stoner, Coach Knowledge, Coach Tobee, and everyone who supported him throughout his journey.
While each athlete's story is different, together they represent what the CAP Program is built to accomplish: developing young men, creating opportunities, and helping families navigate the recruiting process with honesty, relationships, and relentless effort.
These commitments are more than announcements, they are the result of years of work in the weight room, on the field, in the classroom, and behind the scenes. They also serve as a reminder to younger athletes that Division I opportunities are earned through consistent effort, patience, and surrounding yourself with people who genuinely want to see you succeed.
Congratulations to CJ Rissmiller, Ethan Mensah, and Malik Cain on achieving their Division I dreams. The work doesn't stop here, but this milestone reflects what is possible when preparation meets opportunity.
Their future is bright, and CAP is proud to have been part of each of their journeys.
