When quarterback Jacob Dolegala made his first career start for Central Connecticut, the true freshman threw for just 93 yards in a 38-9 loss. Fast forward four years, 8,129 passing yards, 48 passing touchdowns and one Northeast Conference Championship later, Dolegala has cemented his place in the school’s history.

As Dolegala’s college career ends, he leaves Central holding numerous school and conference records. He now holds the record for most passing yards and passing touchdowns in school history. He is also just the fifth player in NEC history to pass for more than 8,000 yards.

Despite ending his career with a loss to Duquesne, Dolegala says he has no regrets.

“I’ve been through a lot on this field,” Dolegala said, “I’m going to cherish every memory I’ve had here, it was a great four years and I wouldn’t have done it any other way.”

Prior to coming to Central, Dolegala had to battle through a shoulder injury that forced him into attending a prep school. With the injury limiting his appeal, Central was the only school to offer him a scholarship.

Dolegala remains grateful that the Blue Devil coaching staff took a chance on him.

“I’m just very lucky,” Dolegala said, “I’m blessed the coaches thought I was good enough to play here. I think I made the most of this opportunity.”

When the six-foot-six-inch quarterback first committed to CCSU, head coach Pete Rossomando said he was impressed with his arm and his ability to make any throw necessary. After spending four years in Rossomando’s system, the coach says he couldn’t have asked for anything more from Dolegala.

“I can never say enough about Jake, he’s been one of the greatest I’ve ever coached, not only as a player but as a person, he’s just a joy to be around,” Rossomando said, “He exemplifies what it is to be a Blue Devils football player. I’m so proud of him and I know he’s probably going to go to the NFL.”

During Dolegala’s tenure at CCSU, the team won their first NEC championship since 2010. Despite not playing in the team’s Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoff game, Dolegala says the run to the playoff is something he’ll never forget.

However, while he’ll remember the games and memories he made on the field, Dolegala says he is proudest of the connections he made with his teammates.

“I can’t be prouder of these guys,” Dolegala said, “Those are my guys until I die, those are some of my best friends, they play their tails off all the time, I can’t thank them enough.”

With Dolegala’s departure, the Blue Devils will be tasked with finding a new starting quarterback next season. After spending four years in the role, Dolegala thinks he set the blueprint for whoever wins the job.

“I think I did a half-way decent job here, I think I’ve set a guideline for these younger quarterbacks coming up that they can follow,” he said, “I want those guys to go above and beyond of what I did, and I think they can.”

Even with the change of quarterbacks, Dolegala thinks the Blue Devils will continue to be winners going forward.

“My class and the class before mine started to build a winning culture, these guys need to keep the bond,” Dolegala said, “They have plenty of talent on this team and they just have to keep doing what we were doing. I think these guys will be just fine.”

Four years ago, Jacob Dolegala entered CCSU as an unheralded prospect eager to make his mark on the program. While his career may be over, he has left his mark both on the field and in the record books, in addition to the connections he has made with his teammates and coaches.