Prospect NYS and FAM Sports Section 1 Showcase
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I was able to attend the Section 1 Prospect NYS and FAM Sports Showcase a couple of weeks back. In this piece, I will feature some players who jumped out from the two-day event. This event was a first of…
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Continue ReadingI was able to attend the Section 1 Prospect NYS and FAM Sports Showcase a couple of weeks back. In this piece, I will feature some players who jumped out from the two-day event. This event was a first of its kind in the Northeast as it featured multiple camera angles for every competition rep, and not only that, but the Offensive and Defensive Linemen battled in shoulder pads and helmets, giving a realistic feel in a camp setting. Brian Hawkins said, “We wanted to set the bar high for a camp setting where lineman could get a natural environment with helmets and shoulder pads.”
I want to thank Brian Hawkins with Prospect NYS and Frank Langella with all the FAM Sports staff for giving me all access and providing ample film from the event.
Luke Green Luke Green 6'1" | 250 lbs | DL Pelham | 2023 State NY DL 2023 Pelham
I watched Green for just about every rep, and he was impressive. He was a dominant interior DL during the showcase and showed a mixed bag of moves as he consistently won reps with a high volume of work. He got off the ball and immediately had a move planned; it was a swim or spin, and if his first move didn’t work, he was able to counter instantly, leveraging what the OL was giving him. In addition, Luke Green Luke Green 6'1" | 250 lbs | DL Pelham | 2023 State NY showed complete versatility as he lined up on the edge showcasing his athletic ability out of a two-point stance. Besides good hand placement, I was impressed with how he could flip his hips from various angles and at any moment of the rep showing legit athleticism and coordination.
Owen Boland Owen Boland 6'4" | 240 lbs | DL Carmel | 2023 State NY DL 2023 Carmel
This is my second time seeing Boland in person competing. The first was at the All-Northeast Showcase, but he competed on the Offensive Line. For the Section 1 event, he competed at DL, and I feel this was an excellent move for him. Owen has length, and he was able to utilize the edge during competition; this is where I believe he is the most natural as he attacks the outside shoulder and can run the bend. He also does have interior variety as he is a strong player and continues to get upfield. As he continues to progress, he will have to get better with violent hand placement to run a variety of setups with push-pulls, etc., but he has the tools and will only get better.
Devant Webster Devant Webster DL Irvington | 2023 NY DL 2023 Irvington
Devant was probably the most athletic DL that I witnessed on both days. He appears as a natural tweener, and I could see him as an odd front OLB with his athleticism. Webster was fast off the ball where his athleticism took over, but he also displayed good technique with how he attacked half a man. The competition allowed him to line up all over the line, and he notched impressive wins when he went inside. His quickness inside is dangerous; he works his hands and hips in unison, showing coordination and attention to detail. As an undersized DL, he did an excellent job of keeping hands off him and the OL off balance.
Peter Rinello Peter Rinello 6'2" | 305 lbs | OL Harrison | 2023 State NY OL 2023 Harrison
When I first saw Rinello, I for sure thought he was an interior OL, and I believe he lines up as Guard for Harrison, but he impressed me playing outside at Right Tackle. Being bumped out playing in space is not easy, especially for players who are used to being insulated inside, but the powerful Rinello was able to show his versatility. He did a good job cutting off instant inside moves, and if a defender committed inside, he would wash them down effectively. When his hands were on first, he was usually successful and could anchor down. But, like most OL, the moment his shoulders were turned, he got into trouble on some reps. Going against some of the quicker edge guys, I was impressed that Rinello bounced out and didn’t shy away from being put on an island. I think he is a natural fit inside but can bounce out if needed. His exposure to the speed players will only help for this coming season and the next level.
Alex Gecaj Alex Gecaj 6'2" | 200 lbs | DL Putnam Valley | 2024 State NY DL 2023 Putnam Valley
Gecaj was another edge player that displayed his athleticism consistently when competing. He was an instant threat inside, where he showed swim moves on multiple occasions but also deployed outside moves and was able to turn his hips on the outside. His quick first step in or out allowed him to deploy the counter quickly and effectively. Once he develops more hands-on moves where he can long arm, push-pull, etc.,n he will be a dangerous well-rounded threat. His overall athleticism will give him plenty of options on how he can attack you.
Mike LaRusso Mike LaRusso 5'8" | 165 lbs | WR Albert Magnus | 2023 NY WR 2023 Albert Magnus
The talented LaRusso is another player that made it up to Albany a couple of months back for the Prospect NYS – All Northeast Showcase. Mike LaRusso Mike LaRusso 5'8" | 165 lbs | WR Albert Magnus | 2023 NY is flat-out fun to watch at WR. Seeing receivers who take the craft seriously and display technical aspects is a sight to see; Mike is one of these players. His releases were smooth and efficient when pressed, and when a DB played off, he didn’t waste any time getting upfield and attacking space. He was able to get separation at the stem and even on underthrown balls and made adjustments that allowed him to make the catch. I expect a dominant season out of the exciting WR.
King Saint Fleur King Saint Fleur 5'11" | 160 lbs | DB North Rockland | 2025 State NY DB 2025 Albert Magnus
I thought King had one of the best performances, especially for such a young player. The talented DB was in the WR’s pockets all day, and he played like a crafty Senior. He never appeared rattled or out of place. He is a fluid cover player and looked dominant, lining up pressing and playing off in catch. Any moment of separation, he quickly closed, showing his awareness and ability to make a play. Seeing a young DB looking and leaning was impressive as he always knew where the WR was. I think he will be a big-time player at DB for Alber Magnus.
JP D’Inverno JP D’Inverno 6'1" | 200 lbs | WR Blind Brook | 2023 NY WR 2023 Blind Brook
D’Inverno displayed overall ability at WR and had an impressive showing. He was able to get behind defenders, consistently showing his speed. When pressed, he didn’t waste time and was able to get clean releases. I liked that he could stack DBs and make in-air adjustments on some underthrown balls. He is a good mix of being smooth and sneaky strong as he was able to attack and win close contested catches.