Top NYC 2023 Recruits To Watch This Fall

As the 2022 High School Football Season approaches, we turn to the 2023 recruiting class and what players may potentially breakout in their Senior seasons. We will look at five prospects who could make some serious waves this fall in New York City. We will strictly look at players from the five boroughs of New York City and Long Island without expanding outside of those geographical parameters. These players all have the chance to potentially end this season being recognized as top players in New York City. DL [player_tooltip player_id="232917" first="Tyriq" last="Blanding"] (2023) | 6-3, 270lbs | Christ The King The highest ranking recruit listed, Blanding, is perhaps the most notable commit in NYC as he is headed to Penn State after his commitment in June. Blanding wreaked havoc in opposing teams’ backfield last season, showing as a constant threat both in the run and pass game. With the versatility to line up both at defensive tackle and defensive end for Christ The King, Blanding is one of the most valuable defensive players in New York City. Although Christ The King struggled last season, Blanding could have such an impact that may not be the case this fall. DL [player_tooltip player_id="229890" first="Dillan" last="Fontus"] (2023) | 6-5, 260lbs | Canarsie Fontus has one of the best builds for a defensive end in New York City. Fontus is long, standing at 6-5; he backs his length with superior strength with his 260lb build. Fontus has the ultimate physical package for a defensive end at the next level. Although Fontus primarily sees his success from overpowering smaller offensive linemen, I was surprised by his quickness off the ball. Fontus showed on his tape that he routinely is the most active defensive lineman at the snap. Fontus rarely gets out powered, but even when he comes up against even strengthened opponents, he uses his hands very well to shed blockers.  Currently, uncommitted Fontus teased a commitment date through his <a href="https://twitter.com/dillanfontus1/status/1548436264751288320?s=20&amp;t=T9hXFw-57Cpg_ARXPu_cog">Twitter account</a>. Fontus has a list of power five teams looking for his commitment this summer. 247Sports Crystal Ball’s prediction currently has him headed to Maryland. DE [player_tooltip player_id="233618" first="Jalil" last="Smith"] (2023) | 6-5, 230lbs | Abraham Lincoln Smith is a game-changing defensive end with really intriguing physical tools. With a long and lean frame, Smith uses his wingspan, winning at the point of attack with his arms. While he has not displayed significant power or strength, he has some of the best hands of any defensive lineman in New York City. Smith tends to do most of his work with his upper body, meaning he is not utilizing the power he can generate from his legs. A recent Syracuse commit, Smith has some of the best defensive end skills I have seen. If he can maximize his physical ability with those skills, he will be a force to be reckoned with. S/DB [player_tooltip player_id="231157" first="Ian" last="Strong"] (2023) | 6-4, 190lbs | St. Anthony’s Strong is my pick on what player could take the most significant step forward this fall. Strong has incredible length for a defensive back. Additionally, some of his tape showed solid awareness of the field. Last season, Strong made plays at both Safety and Corner because of his ability to read the play as it develops. St. Anthony’s seems to move Strong all around the defense, showcasing his vast skill set. Strong is committed to Rutgers and held offers from non-power five schools such as Army West Point and Stony Brook. I would not be surprised to see Strong shoot up rankings this fall. Although it may be too late for any teams to jump in after Strong hinted he might enroll early for The Scarlet Knights. QB [player_tooltip player_id="233616" first="Vincent" last="Cajano III"] (2023) | 6-3, 205lbs | Erasmus Hall Cajano III is unranked on most major scouting platforms as of now. However, after this fall, that may have to change. Cajano led Erasmus Hall to an undefeated season last year, registering over 1,000 yards passing and 20 touchdowns. Cajano has one of the best deep balls of all the quarterbacks in New York City, and he has such great loft and touches on his throws. Cajano has to work on creating more plays. When protection often breaks down at the high school level, quarterbacks are often expected to create positive plays. Cajano has shown he can sit in the pocket and let it sling; if he can start to make positive impacts on broken plays, then he will not only take the next step but be able to finally put together a highlight real that could garner some real attention. Cajano visited UCONN, but it seems that no commitment is looming, meaning a big season could be the key to Cajano taking his talent to the next level. &nbsp;