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AJ Hairston Announces Commitment to Merrimack University

by Matt Rothman January 16, 2026

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Monarch High School's Star Quarterback AJ Hairston Makes College Pick

A.J. Hairston. {Top Shot Media}

AJ Hairston, a 2024 graduate of Monarch High School, has officially announced his commitment to Merrimack University.

Hairston enjoyed a highly successful high school career with the Knights, winning three District Championships. He completed 472 passes for 8,098 yards and 77 touchdowns, while also rushing for 769 yards and 14 scores. He earned All-County honors three times and was a two-time All-State selection before beginning his college career at the University of Massachusetts.

As a freshman, Hairston appeared in four games, completing 40 of 73 pass attempts for 480 yards and five touchdowns. His season included a 75-yard touchdown pass against the University of Georgia and a rushing touchdown. As a sophomore, he played in 10 games, throwing for 957 yards and four touchdowns.

Hairston now heads to Merrimack University, joining a program that won four games last season, highlighted by victories over Saint Anselm College, Central Connecticut State University, Robert Morris University, and Fordham University.

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Matt Rothman

Matt Rothman is a 2018 graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University receiving his bachelor’s degree in journalism and then graduated from the University of Florida as a graduate student.