2023 Players to Know On Defense: Part 1
Continuing on our previous piece here, we will look at some of the top 2023 Defensive players in the state of New York. Again, this is in no particular order, and we will have multiple segments on each side of…
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Continue ReadingContinuing on our previous piece here, we will look at some of the top 2023 Defensive players in the state of New York. Again, this is in no particular order, and we will have multiple segments on each side of the ball.
Tayvon Nelson Tayvon Nelson 6'2" | 190 lbs | DB Canarsie | 2023 State NY DB Canarsie
Nelson is an elite do it DB for Canarsie. Physically he has the length that the next level loves, and he is versatile enough to dominate at Safety or Corner. He can be lined up anywhere in the secondary and dominate. When he comes up to press, he has the arm length and physicality to jam WRs instantly. When he plays off or catch, he is fluid and can make just about any adjustment on the ball, and he displays the ball’s skills to punish bad passes with picks. Tayvon has the natural ball hawk instincts where he can come off of routes and makes plays in different areas. Besides just the cover skills Tayvon Nelson Tayvon Nelson 6'2" | 190 lbs | DB Canarsie | 2023 State NY is a sure tackler and comes up fast in run support. He already holds over double-digit offers from the likes of Ole Miss to Tennessee.
Tyriq Blanding Tyriq Blanding 6'3" | 275 lbs | DL Christ The King | 2023 State NY DL Christ the King
If you love watching DL work their craft, turn on Blanding’s film. He has the fastest, most aggressive hands out of all the Defensive Lineman I have seen so far. Tyriq gets an extension out the gate and knocks back any OL in his way. He moves the line of scrimmage consistently with his aggressive style of play, and he can dominate at DT or DE. I think Tyriq Blanding Tyriq Blanding 6'3" | 275 lbs | DL Christ The King | 2023 State NY is built for a 3 tech because of his power and quickness, making him a matchup problem for any opposing Guards. He doesn’t just run by or shoot gaps, but Blanding knows how to shade and leverage half a man when he needs to, or he can fire with extension and push-pull his way into the backfield. So far, Blanding has offers from some big-time programs like Oregon and Michigan, among others.
Catrell White Catrell White 5'10" | 170 lbs | DB Erasmus Hall | 2023 State NY DB Erasmus Hall
White is the prototypical shutdown corner that everyone wants. He is physically fluid and a craftsman. His technique at corner is second to none in the state, and he is the guy that you have lined up on a #1 WR and just let the best man win. For context, White gets to match up against D1 level WRs in the PSAL, and he dominates. Catrell White Catrell White 5'10" | 170 lbs | DB Erasmus Hall | 2023 State NY is fully comfortable playing off and he can eliminate space quickly not allowing separation at the top of routes. He can line up against any type of WR and proved he could outmuscle a bigger WR in 50-50 situations. His name will continue to rise across the nation as he continues his off-season work against talented national prospects. So far, White has offers from Akron, Bowling Green, and Stony Brook, and this number will only continue to climb.
I look forward to watching him compete against some talented WRs in the All-Northeast showcase in May.
Christopher Jean Christopher Jean 5'9" | 185 lbs | ATH University Prep | 2023 State NY ATH University Prep
Jean is a top Athlete that dominates on either side of the ball, just like Jeremiah Colclough Jeremiah Colclough 5'9" | 175 lbs | ATH Erasmus Hall | 2023 State NY from Erasmus Hall. I am writing about him on defense and his ballhawk ability at Safety. Christopher can play over the top as a center field eraser or line up 1 on 1 with any WR displaying his sticky coverage ability. His physicality allows him to insert on run fits, and he is a sure tackler. Jean also can play in an overhang capacity allowing him to make plays in the run or pass game from a hybrid role. At the moment Christopher Jean Christopher Jean 5'9" | 185 lbs | ATH University Prep | 2023 State NY has to be one of the best players without an offer. He is a D1 talented Athlete who brings a ton of variety potential as a player.
Dillan Fontus Dillan Fontus 6'5" | 260 lbs | DL Canarsie | 2023 State NY DL Canarsie
Fontus has the physical measurables for an elite national-level DL. His length allows him to get hands-on first when attacking OL, and he has the size and strength to overpower OL. His size makes him a good candidate as a strong side DE or even a 4i type of player in any Tite/Mint front variations as he can hold the point of attack and has the frame. In addition, his burst is a strength, and he gets off the ball quickly. He is already a special player, but if he keeps improving his hip flip ability and overall bend along with consistent, aggressive arm extension into opposing OL, I think he can propel himself into the national upper tier of DL. He already has over a dozen offers from the likes of Penn State, Ole Miss, and Pitt, to name a few.
Miles Mcgoy Miles Mcgoy 6'2" | 160 lbs | DB Curtis | 2023 State NY DB Curtis
Mcgoy is a physical DB that also plays against top NY competition consistently. He has the length that the next level loves, but he also shows excellent body control and air judgment, allowing him to make plays on both sides. He is an effective tackler, and he gets off of WR downfield block almost instantly. Miles gets into the pockets of WRs and makes it extremely difficult for any separation to occur. His positioning leads to good breaks on the ball, and his WR experience shines in these situations. Even when he plays WR, he can produce wins against some top talented DBs. Miles Mcgoy Miles Mcgoy 6'2" | 160 lbs | DB Curtis | 2023 State NY at the moment has offers from Bowling Green, Army, and Fordham.