Jared Martino- Linebacker, Graduate Student 

Jared Martino started at UMass before going to Independence Community College in Kansas. He then went to Missouri State Southern University to play Division II football. While there, he stopped playing football until he had an itch to get back out on the gridiron.  

While also trying to finish his degree, he went to Framingham State University and had a good season, getting 12 sacks and two interceptions in nine games. With one season of eligibility left, he hit the transfer portal.  

Originally from Walden, Massachusetts, Martino chose CCSU due to its proximity to home and connections with Central’s defensive coordinator, Ron DiGravio.

“I knew Coach DiGravio for a while,” Martino said. “So, I kind of felt that sense of comfort. And then being able to be close to home. My parents are only two hours away, so being able to have my family out for every game is huge for me.” 

So far, Martino feels very welcome and looks forward to his place with the team. 

“Everyone has welcomed me with open arms,” Martino said. “We are a young team, so being able to add a guy like me who’s had experience and is a little older. I think that my style fits well with them on the field. Then off the field in the locker room, I think I add that mentor kind of vibe, so I think I gel perfectly with the team.” 

In looking ahead to the next season, Martino has his sights set on making the most of his final season. 

“I came from a DIII school last year, so being able to play Division I football,” Martino said. “And then, like I said, having my family out there for all the games and being able to compete at the highest level possible every single week. It’s the last ride, so I’m excited to go out with a bang.” 

Tristan Armstrong- Linebacker, Graduate Student 

Tristan Armstrong spent four years at UMass. The Covid-19 pandemic shut down his first season, gaining back a year of eligibility. Then, in his last year, an injury took him out for the season, giving him two years of eligibility. Now, with Central, he has one thing on his mind. 

“It’s win time, and I wouldn’t have come here if I didn’t think that was the case,” Armstrong said. “I feel like these guys know how to win, and I’m ready to be a part of it.” 

Armstrong feels strongly about the team and what they are capable of.  

“It seems like everybody wants to win,” Armstrong said. “Everybody shows up to the meeting 15 minutes early. I think with the new guys we got coming in, we can really develop a culture.” 

Armstrong said he would love to step up as a leader but doesn’t want to step on anyone’s toes to do so. 

“I would love to do that if the guys would let me,” he said. “I am a fifth-year guy, and I’ve been around the way. I got to make sure I’m doing the right thing in every aspect to lead by example and then hopefully guys will follow.”  

Jayvis Rayside- Defensive Back, Graduate Student 

Jayvis Rayside had a full scholarship at Bryant University. He lost his freshmen season to the pandemic and then started three full seasons there. He intended to finish his career there but wasn’t offered a scholarship for his grad year. Without it, he decided to enter the portal. Rayside was talking to a few DI schools but almost went to play DII. 

“I was talking to Central, but they weren’t showing a lot of love,” Rayside said. “Out of nowhere, they hit me up. I went on a visit. They said they’d give me a full ride, and that’s about it.” 

Rayside knows that the transfers are here for a reason. He has experience playing Northeast Conference teams and looks to bring that knowledge to Central. 

“I know that all the transfers are all coming in to play a role,” Rayside said. “I do think I’ll be able to come in and play a pretty big role. At the same time, I think they want us to build and mold this program.” 

For Rayside’s final season, he said he wants to go all out. 

“I’m trying to go crazy for my final season,” Rayside said. “I want to give it my all, giving more than I have before.” 

Brady Olson- Quarterback, Junior 

Brady Olson spent two years at UMass before entering the transfer portal. He got a lot of help from his uncles, who knew coach Adam Lechtenberg and ended up choosing Central. So far, he has enjoyed Central. 

“I’ve met so many guys that I think are going to be very beneficial to our success next year,” Olson said. 

In looking ahead, Olson feels the team has a lot of potential for the next season and is very excited. 

“One thing that the coaches really touched on is that everyone is coachable, and everyone wants to work,” Olson said. “We are all excited, and there’s hype around this season. I’ve got a great sense of what they are about, and hopefully, I can contribute to that.” 

There are multiple quarterbacks on the roster, but Olson hopes to earn the starting position.

“Coming in as a transfer, you want to win the starting job right away, but earning respect and making as many friends and meeting new people as I can to earn that respect is just as important to me in terms of winning this job,” Olson said.