Tajon Vassar & Legacy Northeast Continue Big Spring
Doherty Memorial (Worcester) Athlete Tajon Vassar ’19 is one of the most explosive gridiron stars in Massachusetts. The 5-foot-8, 170 lb. athlete did a little of everything for Doherty this season, whether it was running the ball, receiving or playing defensive back, Vassar was everywhere on the football field.
During his (2017) junior season Vassar rushed for 1,300 yards and 19 touchdowns, while also hauling in 23 passes for 352 yards.
“Our season last fall was great,” Vassar told Mass Prep Stars “We ended up going 9-2 and came up just short to St. John’s Shrewsbury in the playoffs, who had a perfect season. I feel like both losses were definitely winnable games and it gives us some areas to improve on going into senior year (2018).”
The offseason has been busy for Vassar, as he has seen his recruitment grow, playing for and working out with Legacy Northeast. We chatted with Vassar, as he filled us in on how his offseason has been going.
“My offseason has been going well,” Vassar said. “I have spent most of the time in the weight room getting stronger and talking with numerous schools about visits and camps. I currently have some visits planned aside from the ones I have already attended. With Legacy, I have been able to do and learn so much from position technique to just learning how to be more competitive. I feel like coach Mario Hines has pushed me to be the best I can be and be the leader I can be. It has really allowed me to be the player I am, while also having fun doing it.”
Vassar and the Legacy Northeast Air Force Travel Team traveled to the Midwest Tournament of Champions in Detroit, MI and Legacy Center earlier this Spring and performed well on the National stage, going 2-3 on the weekend and impressing many onlookers in attendance at the Midwestern 7-v-7 event.
On Day 1 – Legacy
- Lost 27 to 24 to Warrior Shield out of Denver, Colorado
- Won 18-6 to Junior Select out of Indiana
- Lost 50-18 to CTC (#1 seed in the tournament) out of New York
On Day 2 in the Single Elimination Tournament Style - Legacy
- Won 35-0 to KF out of Ontario, Canada
- Lost 9-0 to CTC out of NY (#1 seed)
All-in-all it was a strong performance, as two of their losses came from playing the No. 1 seed in the tournament.
“It took the guys some time to get accustomed to the overall level increase,” Hines said. “But once they did, they were locked in.”
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“It was great to be able to compete in Michigan because there was so much talent and it allowed us to see how we compared to kids from all around the country,” Vassar added.
Vassar’s play was recognized by coaches and scouts from across the country and he was one of the top performers for Legacy. He proved again why he is one of the top players in Massachusetts, as he was uncoverable during the tournament and showed the top end speed that is needed to be considered an FBS prospect.
Other Top Legacy Performers for the weekend
Devaun Ford ’19 Mashpee - Ford excelled and also confirmed his top-level ability against national talent.
David Robinson Jr. ‘19 - WR – Boston English
Jay Brunelle ’20 - WR - St John's Shrewsbury
Chonlee Cine ’19 – LB/DB – Everett
Robby Riobe ’19 DB - Everett.
Matt Severance ’19 - DB - Lynn English
Khari Johnson ’19 – DB/WR - Catholic Memorial
Leonard St. Gourdin ’19 – DB - Malden Catholic
Nashaun Butler ’19 – WR - Lynn Classical
Chris Canal ’20 - WR – Hopkinton
Jylun Spence ’20 – LB - Newton South
Will Adam ’19 - DB - Lawrence Academy
Daron Bryden ‘21 - QB – Bloomfield (CT)
Another highlight of the trip, were visits to the University of Michigan (pictured below) and Eastern Michigan University. The players were impressed all around.
“It was great to go on this trip with Legacy,” Chonlee Cine said. “I never thought in my life I would meet Jim Harbaugh.”
“It was great to have this experience,” Will Adam said. To be able to represent Massachusetts against the talent from around the country was amazing. I am excited for our upcoming tournaments.”
“It was really a great experience,” Robby Riobe said. “It really showed that we matched up well against the talent from all over the country and it made me hungry for more.”
“I am proud to have gone out of state and gone to work,” Khari Johnson said. “This experience adds to my sky-high confidence! Shout out to Eastern Michigan, and Michigan for outstanding vibes!”
Legacy will go back to work starting tomorrow, as they host the Battle of the East Coast at Dexter School in Brookline.
They will also be back with their 7-v-7 League in May.
Spring Schedule
April 21st, Battle of the East Coast tournament: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dexter School, Brookline, MA
April 28th/29th, Philly’s Finest Tournament: Coatsville, PA.
May 11th/12th, Toronto 7v7 Tournament: Toronto, Canada
Legacy Northeast also had a successful Winter 7 v. 7 League season and Showcase earlier this month
Tri-State Championship Top Plays
— Legacy Northeast Football (@LegacyNE7v7) March 15, 2018
Plays 5️⃣-2️⃣@LegacyMI_FBall @Legacy_Recruit @XenithFootball pic.twitter.com/pU5DTDjIOj
Tri-State Championship Top Plays
— Legacy Northeast Football (@LegacyNE7v7) March 15, 2018
Plays ��-6️⃣@Legacy_Recruit @LegacyMI_FBall @adidasFballUS @XenithFootball #WeSetTheStandard pic.twitter.com/ia4Fxq1t6x
Legacy Northeast: The Showcase
— Legacy Northeast Football (@LegacyNE7v7) April 1, 2018
Over 150 of New England’s top athletes showed up to put in work in front of colleges/prep schools from across the region.
We Set The Standard@LegacyMI_FBall @LegacyMI_FBall @XenithFootball @xosdigital @JD_XOS @adidasFballUS @TOCAshton247 pic.twitter.com/l7IUAfQt0z
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