15 N.J. 8th Grade Prospects Rutgers Should Start Recruiting Now

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Across the country there are "The Have's" and "The Have Not's" when it comes to football talent in various states. Luckily, New Jersey is one of "The Have's" with the amount of players that come out of the state. It's an obvious statement that if the Rutgers Scarlet Knights could keep some of the homegrown products from the Garden State home, this program would become a real Big10 contender significantly quicker. Here's a look at 15 prospects that are only in the eighth-grade (class of 2027) that Rutgers should start recruiting right now. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_630e602e3ea0e","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["431426"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"- A two-sport athlete who also excels in Basketball as a Power Forward.rnrn- Big, strong kid built much like the NBA's Zion Williamsonrnrn- Playing Tight End/Defensive End for the Silk City Elite this yearrnrn- Every bit of 6-foot-3 and 230-solid pounds","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_630e61373ea0f","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["344093"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"- Gifted Running Back with a special blend of speed and patiencernrn- Put together well at 5-foot-9 and 160-poundsrnrn- Playing for Silk City Elite this yearrnrn- Older brothers Elijah (Army) and Malik (Sacred Heart) both played D1 football","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_630e617c3ea10","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["379050"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"- Versatile athlete that can play Wide Receiver, Defensive Back, Linebacker and Running Backrnrn- Thick, powerful lower body and corresponding strength  at 5-foot-10 and 160-poundsrnrn- Has played for East Orange Jaguars and Brick City Lions during youth careerrnrn- Has camped on campus for Rutgers already","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_630e61a53ea11","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["431243"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"-Really good looking two-way prospect at Running Back and Linebackerrnrn-A sideline-to-sideline tackler on defense as an Outside Linebacker.rnrn-Fast, aggressive violent-playing style on both sides of the ball. Should see significant increase in carries this seasonrnrn- Plays for Glassboro Midgets Youth Football","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_630e62083ea12","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["205460"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"-Widely thought of as the top Quarterback prospect in New Jersey in the class of 2027rnrn-Recruitment has loosely started already. Has taken unofficial visits to Rutgers, Michigan, Clemson and Penn Staternrn-Will take unofficial to Syracuse for their home-opener against Louisvillernrn-5-foot-11, 180-pound thick frame. Comparable to mix of Donovan McNabb and Ben Roethlisberger","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_630e64523ea13","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["431467"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"- The perfect body type for a big play Wide Receiver just beginning 8th gradernrn- Stands a lean 6-foot-3 and 165-poundsrnrn- Plays for Silk City Cardinalsrnrn- Homerun threat with a very similar build and playing style to Randy Moss","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_630e67af3ea14","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["431476"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"-Potential and ceiling are a mile high when it comes to what he could becomernrn-Fantastic Offensive Line frame to work with. Long limbs with nimble feetrnrn-Stands a lean 6-foot-3 and 235-pounds, playing Offensive Tacklernrn-Plays for Silk City Elite","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_630e6a8e3ea15","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["431488"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"- Wide Receiver/Defensive Back type right now that is just starting to come into his ownrnrn- The younger brother of 6-foot-4 Edge, Denis Jaquez. Denis will see significant PT this year at Syracuse as a freshmanrnrn- Plays for the Eastern Vikings (Vorhees, NJ)rnrn-Right now is around 5-foot-9 and 150-pounds. Older bro grew 5+ inches between 8th grade u0026amp; freshman year","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_630e6ac13ea16","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["216110"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"-Has put on a ton of good weight over the last calendar year and is up to 6-foot-1 and 195-poundsrnrn-Fast, aggressive and strong as an Edge rusherrnrn-Has also played QB during his youth career and is pretty athleticrnrn-Has already camped at Penn State, Rutgers and Temple among others","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_630e6bfb3ea17","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["379065"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"- Athletic Quarterback at 5-foot-10 and 150-pounds that can move around very wellrnrn-Throws a beautiful ball and makes it look effortless, even in distressrnrn-Has played Defensive Back in the past, but dual-threat Quarterback looks to be his best position going forwardrnrn-Plays for Piscataway youth program, which is based only minutes from the Rutgers campus","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_630e6c5e3ea18","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["379045"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"- Lightning quickness and speed for only starting his eighth-grade yearrnrn-Plays for the Brick City Lions, a program with a lot of roots in the Rutgers programrnrn-At GameChangers combine at Rutgers last spring, won overall MVP and Fastest Manrnrn-How tall he gets will dictate his future. Athletically he's as good as it gets in NJ for 2027","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_630f5b21ab9ea","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["415328"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"-Heard is one of the nation's premier 2027 prospects at this point. Already holds offers from Georgia u0026amp; West Virginiarnrn-Younger brother of class of class of 2023, 3-star West Virginia commit, James Heardrnrn-Strong, physical and about as well-conditioned as any prospect, any where, in any classrnrn- Versatile athlete that can play Wide Receiver, Running Back, Linebacker or Defensive Back","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_630f5b3cab9eb","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["415073"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"-Really exploded onto the scene last year in the Gridiron Access Spring Leaguernrn-Could be top Running Back in New Jersey for the class of 2027. Complete player that can stay on field in all situationsrnrn-Plays with Heard, Nitz and Jaquez on same youth teamrnrn-Getting looks from top prep schools in Philadelphia (Roman Catholic u0026amp; St. Joe's Prep) and in New Jersey","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_630f5b5aab9ec","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["426571"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"-Right now, probably the best 2027 player in New Jersey that I have seenrnrn-Stands 6-foot and 155-pounds. Phenomenal body control and hands as a Wide Receiverrnrn-Oldest brother Keon is a freshman at Michigan. Middle brother Amari is a 2026 prospect with five offersrnrn-Plays on the same Glassboro Midget team as [player_tooltip player_id='431243' first='Davon' last='Barr']","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_630f802f90cbc","name":"acf/evaluation-block","align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_630f8084468c1","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["432324"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"-One of the smoothest Wide Receivers in the state at this pointrnrn-Natural pass-catcher who frames ball's nicely and catches away from his bodyrnrn-Does a little bit of everything at the Receiver position. Can open it up vertically or keep the chains movingrnrn-Should be the go-to target for [player_tooltip player_id='205460' first='Kahden' last='Davis'] on the Air Sports Group (ASG) 14U team this yearrnrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /-->