Tyrese Brandon made his mark at Northampton as one of the program’s legendary running backs.

Next fall, he’ll move to another position where he can be an impact player for a new program.

Brandon will be among a handful of Konkrete Kids who will be extending their career in college next fall, as he will be playing wide receiver for East Stroudsburg University.

Wide receiver/defensive back Jared Russell will be playing at Kutztown University next fall, wide receiver/defensive back Spencer Cole will be at Moravian, and lineman Dario Walnock - who is first in his class - will be at Carnegie-Mellon.

Brandon set school records for most touchdowns in a season (25), most rushing TDs in a career (40) and most receptions in a career (85). During this past season, Brandon rushed for 984 yards and 14 touchdowns and also caught 38 passes for 724 yards and 10 scores.

He is optimistic about eventually producing similar numbers.

“I picked East Stroudsburg, and I’ll be playing wide receiver for them for the next 4-5 years,” said Brandon. “(Head) Coach (Jim) Terwilliger and the rest of staff made it so welcoming to me. I felt like I was home, but I wasn’t.

“Coach Terwilliger is a great coach. He sleeps, breathes, and lives ESU football. He loves coaching young men reach their full potential. I’m excited to see how the next four or five years will be playing under him.”

Russell, caught 47 passes for 825 yards with 13 touchdowns this season, quickly realized Kutztown would be a good fit. He finished third all-time on the receiving list with 73 catches for 1,186 yards and 15 touchdowns, finishing two career touchdowns behind Brandon.

“I really enjoyed the campus, and I know a lot of ex-players,” said Russell. “The coaches made it clear that they wanted me there. They have had a great program the past four years.

“I know I have to earn my spot, and I not sure whether I’ll be playing offense or defense. I have to go to a camp soon, and I should find out. But I know it was the right choice.”

Yet, Brandon soon won’t forget the imprint he and his teammates left on the program, as they helped the team to its first conference title since 1997.

“It was awesome,” said Brandon about his experience. “I’m glad to see Northampton football getting back into the conversation as one of the top football programs around the area.

“It was great to see the community come out every Friday night and support us. We also build bonds and relationships with teammates and coaches, and it was fun. I wish I had a few more years left for those Friday nights.”

Neither will Russell.

“I felt I gave it my all, and did everything I could,” said Russell. “I am proud of what we accomplished. We had a losing record my first two years, and we are thankful for Coach (Kyle) Haas who turned it around for us.”

Haas expects Brandon, Russell, and the rest of his recent graduates to perform well at the next level.

“We are excited about Tyrese, Jared, Spencer, and Dario will have the opportunity to compete at the next level,” said Haas. “They expressed how comfortable they felt with their selections of their college choice.

“I look forward to watching them grow over the next four years, and we are thankful for everything they’ve done for our program at Northampton. They will be missed.”