Ed O’Brien’s Stock Riser Update: NJ 2023 defensive prospects

Several defensive prospects in New Jersey’s 2023 recruiting class have seen their stock rise since the last rankings update. These are players who have put up good numbers on defense over the first-half of the season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="183498" first="Amare" last="Smith"] | 6-1 | 185 | Defensive End | Salem</strong> Smith has accounted for 48 total tackles (11 solo) and six sacks through six games this season. He posted 10 total tackles (six solo) and recovered a fumble in a 30-13 win over Haddon Heights. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="218718" first="Dante" last="Vernieri"] | 6-1 | 205 | Linebacker | Donovan Catholic</strong> Vernieri has made 75 total tackles (8 solo) through six games. He made 13 total tackles (three solo) in a 36-19 win over Wall Township. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="218719" first="Dorian" last="Williams"] | 5-11 | 180 | Cornerback | Ewing</strong> Williams has accounted for 24 total tackles (ten solo) through six games this season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="218720" first="Jayden" last="Anderson"] | 5-9 | 180 | Linebacker | South Plainfield</strong> It’s hard to ignore Anderson’s production on the field. He has been one of the few bright spots for his team that currently has a 1-6 record. He has made 77 total tackles (30 solo) in six games this season. It’s good to see that Anderson is still playing hard despite the tough season that his team is having this year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="218721" first="Johnny" last="Mink"] | 6-0 | 165 | Linebacker | Haddonfield</strong> Mink has accounted for 82 total tackles (29 solo) in seven games this season. His team is currently 5-2. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="218722" first="Jorge" last="Aquino"] | 6-3 | 225 | Defensive End | Bergenfield</strong> Aqunio has been one of the top defensive linemen on the field of play in the state of New Jersey this season. He’s made 40 total tackles (31 solo), sacked the quarterback ten times, and has five quarterback hurries in seven games this season. Aqunio has had four games in which he made at least two sacks this season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="181900" first="Kyle" last="Hall"] | 6-1 | 180 | Cornerback | Rahway</strong> For the purposes of our rankings, Hall is listed as a defensive back. However, he’s had a strong showing on both sides of the football this season. Hall has made 66 total tackles (43 solo), including six tackles for a loss, in five games this season. He’s also caught 16 passes for 334 yards (20.9 yards per catch) and four touchdowns. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="215739" first="Stefano" last="Montella"] | 6-0 | 200 | Linebacker | West Morris</strong> Montella is listed as a running back but I had to make sure to give him his props on the defensive side of the football. He’s made 68 total tackles (23 solo) in six games this season. Montella has also carried the football 86 times for 608 yards amd seven touchdowns. His team is currently 4-2 this season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="146683" first="Taylor" last="Siciliano"] | 6-0 | 200 | Linebacker | Clayton</strong> Sicilliano is credited with 88 total tackles and fix sacks through six game this season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="218723" first="Zach" last="Chostaka"] | 5-10 | 205 | Linebacker | Northern Highlands</strong> Chostaka has made 83 total tackles (54 solo) in seven games for an undefeated Northern Highlands football team (7-0).