Former FSU Quarterback Ballin' Out With University Of New Haven

AJ Duffy’s journey has been one full of rises and falls. 

The former four-star prospect was compared to Bo Nix by 247 Sports, and played at the powerhouse IMG Academy for his senior year of high school. Duffy was a true four-star when he left for college, and overall one of the best quarterbacks in the country being ranked 39th on ESPN300 and 3rd nationally amongst fellow quarterbacks by ESPN.

Duffy began his collegiate career with FSU, being a redshirt freshman behind eventual New York Jets draftee Jordan Travis. The Florida native would only have two completions and a touchdown in seven attempts with FSU, all of which coming in 2022. Although Duffy did not attempt a pass in 2023, he did have three rushing attempts totaling 5 yards.

Leaving FSU post-2023, Duffy went to San Diego State to be an Aztec for 2024, but would not see any playing time. Being one-and-done in California, would see Duffy enter the transfer portal for the second time, committing to New Haven on January 17th, 2025.

At the time of Duffy’s commitment New Haven was classified as a division II program and had former UCLA quarterback Parker McQuarrie as their projected starter. UNH suddenly announced their immediate transition to D1, parted ways with their best head coach in program history and lost their projected starter via transfer all within the span of 14 days.

New Haven was then faced with an odd situation at quarterback, which ended up seeing Duffy win the starting job, marking the first time in his collegiate career that he was named starter.

Now through the first four games of the season, Duffy has led the New Haven Chargers to an even 2-2 .500% record, winning two-straight after starting the season 0-2. The 6-foot-2 standing gunslinger has completed just over 55% of his passes for 1,006 yards, with 10 TDs and 4 INTs. 

Duffy's most recent outing, which was the Chargers home opener vs. D2 SVS saw him go 19-for-34 passing with 266 yards, 4 touchdowns and a pair of interceptions. His 266 passing yards was the most since the season opener back in late August, where we saw Duffy throw for 377 yards.

New Haven’s debut season as a division I football program has undoubtedly been boosted by Duffy’s football IQ and an overall buffed offensive line. The Chargers went 8-3 last season which saw them win the NE10 and make the playoffs, which would later feature a quick exit.

New Haven currently stands at 2-2 and are yet to play a conference game.

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