Ben Coryea, a 5‑foot‑9, 195‑pound running back from Saratoga Springs, New York, has officially joined the University at Albany Great Danes football program as a preferred walk‑on. The move caps a high school career that saw him eclipse 2,500 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns, guiding his team to the Class AA state championship game.
Coryea's path to the collegiate level was anything but straightforward. An initial scholarship offer vanished when UAlbany opted not to retain head coach Jared Ambrose, leaving the prospect of a Division I spot in doubt. The situation shifted when Tom Perkovich, the new running backs coach, extended a preferred walk‑on invitation, giving Coryea a fresh opportunity to prove himself.
A Recruiting Roller‑Coaster
The recruitment narrative was further complicated by geographic moves and a series of coaching changes. Coryea, who also competed in track to sharpen his speed, described the process as "weird," noting the need to adapt quickly while maintaining focus on his development.
Despite the uncertainty, Coryea remained steadfast in his decision to forgo a scholarship offer from Stonehill College. He cited the chance to work under Perkovich and the welcoming environment created by his future teammates as decisive factors. "I felt wanted," he said, recalling how coach Karl Mofor made him feel instantly at home.
Coryea now looks to follow in the footsteps of former walk‑on Griffin Woodell, whose success he admires. He emphasizes that his ultimate impact will hinge on relentless work ethic and the willingness to seize every opportunity on the field.
The Great Danes open training camp in July, where Coryea will vie for a spot in the backfield alongside established players. While the competition is fierce, his high school record and proven resilience suggest he could become a pivotal contributor for the team.