Dan Villari

Dan Villari was born and raised in Massapequa, N.Y., with his parents (Tim and Maria) and grew up as a quarterback (he also loved lacrosse). As a senior in 2019, he was an all-state captain and helped lead Plainedge High School to a 12-0 record and the school’s first Long Island Class III state title. A three-star quarterback recruit, he initially committed to Fordham, before several FBS programs showed interest during his senior year. Once C.J. Stroud signed with Ohio State, Villari became Plan B for Jim Harbaugh and Michigan. His time in Ann Arbor lasted two years before he transferred to Syracuse and moved to tight end. Villari is a smooth route runner and good-sized target, with the hand strength to play through contact. He improved his blocking quickness and balance into engagement, although he tends to fall off contact in that area. Overall, Villari went from being an ungraded prospect before the season to a favorite among several area scouts, because of his toughness and athletic urgency as a pass catcher.