Mooney Signs Letter of Intent to Play For Assumption College

He stands at 6-foot-2 and 296 pounds. In his senior year at , he was a Boston Herald Preseason All-Star, a Middlesex League First Team All-Star, and All-Middlesex Conference All-Star. He was the leader of the defense and caused havoc for opposing quarterbacks. He was scouted by Division I schools such as Bryant, UMass and Boston College, but senior Chris Mooney won't be taking his talents to those schools, but instead will head to Assumption College next year.

There were many underlying factors on the school Mooney chose, but he wanted to go to a school where he knew he would fit in.

“I was fortunate to be offered Division I scholarship opportunities, however, Assumption was the right fit for me," Mooney said. "The academic reputation of the school was the biggest factor. Also, the coaching staff particularly head coach Cory Bailey are building a great football program there."

Mooney knows it will be a tough adjustment adapting to the style of play at the collegiate level, but he is up for the challenge.

“One of the biggest differences is that I will only be playing on one side of the ball," Mooney said, referring to his time at Stoneham playing both offense and defensive line positions. "This will allow me to focus all of my efforts on playing defensive line, as opposed to high school where I had to play several positions and never came off the field."

To stay in shape in the offseason and to get ready for next season, Mooney takes a different approach than other players by participating in Thai boxing.

“I train in Muay Thai which gives me an edge by building flexibility, quickness, and overall conditioning," Mooney said. "I also go to a local gym on a daily basis with a good friend of mine, Brandon Johnson, who is also a Middlesex League senior lineman for ."

Although Mooney is ready for the next chapter in his football career, he does hold some special memories playing for the Spartans.

“My best memory of Stoneham High football was when I was able to go out and participate in the coin toss on Thanksgiving Day (senior year) with my brother Eric Mooney who is currently a sophomore," Mooney said. "It was a special moment for me and my family. I was really glad Coach (Dave) Pignone allowed us to do that."

Mooney looks forward to contributing right away next season. He knows coming in as a freshman he will need to learn the new playbook and get used to his new teammates, but he is eager to get started.

“My goal is to earn my way onto the playing field as soon as possible," Mooney said. "I'm hoping to contribute toward building a successful and winning team. I have tremendous faith in the coaching staff to get everyone up to speed."

Mooney begins the next stage of his life as an Assumption Greyhound. He will be living away from home and making his own decisions and he knows his responsibilities as a collegiate athlete.

“I'm not concerned about getting into trouble as I have met several upperclassmen football players during my official visit and overnight stay," Mooney said. "I'm certain that they will work hard to make sure that the football players stay on track and making good decisions."