Ed O’Brien’s Stock Riser Update: NJ 2023 defensive prospects
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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. Amare Smith Amare Smith…
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Continue ReadingSeveral 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.
Amare Smith Amare Smith 6'2" | 195 lbs | LB Salem | 2023 State NJ | 6-1 | 185 | Defensive End | Salem
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.
Dante Vernieri Dante Vernieri 6'1" | 205 lbs | LB Donovan Catholic | 2023 State NJ | 6-1 | 205 | Linebacker | Donovan Catholic
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.
Dorian Williams Dorian Williams 5'11" | 180 lbs | DB Ewing | 2023 NJ | 5-11 | 180 | Cornerback | Ewing
Williams has accounted for 24 total tackles (ten solo) through six games this season.
Jayden Anderson Jayden Anderson 5'9" | 180 lbs | LB South Plainfield | 2023 NJ | 5-9 | 180 | Linebacker | South Plainfield
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.
Johnny Mink Johnny Mink 6'0" | 165 lbs | LB Haddonfield | 2023 NJ | 6-0 | 165 | Linebacker | Haddonfield
Mink has accounted for 82 total tackles (29 solo) in seven games this season. His team is currently 5-2.
Jorge Aquino Jorge Aquino 6'3" | 225 lbs | DL Bergenfield | 2023 State NJ | 6-3 | 225 | Defensive End | Bergenfield
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.
Kyle Hall Kyle Hall 6'0" | 170 lbs | ATH Rahway | 2023 State NJ | 6-1 | 180 | Cornerback | Rahway
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.
Stefano Montella Stefano Montella 6'0" | 215 lbs | LB West Morris | 2023 State NJ | 6-0 | 200 | Linebacker | West Morris
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.
Taylor Siciliano Taylor Siciliano 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Clayton | 2023 State NJ | 6-0 | 200 | Linebacker | Clayton
Sicilliano is credited with 88 total tackles and fix sacks through six game this season.
Zach Chostaka Zach Chostaka 5'10" | 205 lbs | LB Northern Highlands | 2023 State NJ | 5-10 | 205 | Linebacker | Northern Highlands
Chostaka has made 83 total tackles (54 solo) in seven games for an undefeated Northern Highlands football team (7-0).