Top Ten Uncommitted Players in New York
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We already saw the early signing period come and go and a bunch of players from New York either announced their commitments or made official their long-standing ones. With the 23′ recruiting cycle beginning to wind down we take a…
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Continue ReadingWe already saw the early signing period come and go and a bunch of players from New York either announced their commitments or made official their long-standing ones. With the 23′ recruiting cycle beginning to wind down we take a look at who are some of the most talented uncommitted players remaining in New York. Many of these guys hold several offers, some notable as FBS offers and some are still looking for their first opportunity. Either way, they remain uncommitted and all have the talent to play not only at the next level but with FCS/FBS potential.
Christopher Jean Christopher Jean 5’9″ | 185 lbs | ATH University Prep | 2023 State NY is one of the most electric playmakers in New York, mainly a backfield weapon for UPrep Jean had 1245 rushing yard, 13 TDs, averaging 9.7 yards per carry. Jean has elite speed and his ability to make tacklers miss either in the open field or in tight spaces. Jean’s best attributes are his elite acceleration and quickness which makes his quick cuts and dead stop and go type of moves so difficult for tacklers to contain. Jean also is a strong defender and is great open field tackler. Jean’s strong Senior season has led to a bunch of recognition in the Northeast. Offers from Southern Connecticut State, Lincoln, Lock Haven, Buffalo (PWO), Gannon, Glenville State, Charleston (WV) many of which Jean has gotten this season showcase his strong performances.
As far as how Jean projects at the next level I think it is mostly dependent on where he ends up. His strongest position on tape is as a playmaker out of the backfield. Jean could hold a niche role as a playmaking RB that lines up more than just in the backfield or even potentially start off as a returner and a gadget player on offense. However, I think a more unique look into Jean’s tape is that he could excel as a slot corner at the next level. He has the ideal athleticism to match slot receivers and has shown to be a willing tackler. Jean likely would need more development on the defense side of the ball at the next level but he has the traits to really excel on defense.
I really think that Jean projects as an FCS or non-power 5 FBS player who can contribute in a niche role right away with development to a larger role as his career moves on. The athletic traits are there and the speed and quickness are some of the best in the entire state. Jean is starting to get some offers in but I think that there are a lot of schools missing out on a talent like this.
Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15590686/Chris-JeanrnTwitter: https://twitter.com/ChristoJ21rn*On January 14th Christopher Jean Christopher Jean 5’9″ | 185 lbs | ATH University Prep | 2023 State NY committed to Gannon University where he will be playing Defensive Back*
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Elijah Daniels Elijah Daniels 6’3″ | 185 lbs | WR Curtis | 2023 State NY is the best ball catching receiver in this class. Daniels is a highlight reel type of player and he consistently makes plays over talented corners in the PSAL. Offers from Lock Haven and Pace are the result of a incredible senior season and tape and we don’t think the interest stops their. Daniels has incredible size at 6-3, 185lbs with the length to compete at the next level. Daniels is elite at high pointing the football and coming down with contested catches. Daniels has great speed and has a fairly strong route tree for a player with his size. While Daniels most impressive plays come on fade routes from the outside I really liked the tape I saw when he was working from the slot. Daniels has really intentional and strong releases off the LOS and he does a good job of finding windows on crossing routes.
I rarely include tweets from players when talking about them but I want to showcase the type of treatment Daniels got from defenses this season. Check out the type of coverage Daniels had to face this season here.rnSo many teams played Daniels like this and he ended up with 1,400 all purpose yards and 14 Touchdowns.
Daniels has the chance to play at the next level but I think there should be some more offers coming his way. I see Daniels as a really good FCS receiver who has the chance to make an impact early. Daniel has one of the most exciting senior highlights to watch and if his play gets in front of the right eyes I see a really bright future for Daniels.
Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16607240/Elijah-DanielsrnTwitter: https://twitter.com/elidaniels_
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Irvin Briggs IV Irvin Briggs IV 6’4″ | 260 lbs | DL Holy Trinity | 2023 State NY is one of my favorite 2023 defensive lineman in New York. Briggs IV is such a game wrecker and he contains such a elite combination of strength and quickness off the ball. At 6-4, 240lbs Briggs played a versatile role in a Holy Trinity defense that featured only three down lineman with reps both as a nose tackle and outside as a defensive end. Briggs IV was forced to often take on double teams and work through multiple blockers most of his reps. despite that Briggs IV had an incredible season getting into the backfield and making plays in both the run game and as a pass rusher. Briggs IV is was the 2021 AA2 NYCHSFL lineman of the year and awarded Lineman of the year for Holy Trinity this season. Briggs does a fantastic job of using his upper body strength to fight through blocks and has great timing off the ball. Briggs IV does a really good job of controlling interactions with other blockers and if he is not directly making tackles or hits his strength and dominance consistently affect plays. I was able to see Briggs IV multiple times this season and both times he stood out as one of the most dominant players on the field.
Briggs IV recruitment is open and I think he can be a huge difference maker for several northeast programs. The way he stands out on the field in person is something that not many players can replicate what Briggs IV does on the field.
Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13579983/Irvin-Briggs-IVrnTwitter: https://twitter.com/Briggs_IVrn*Irvin Briggs has since picked up offers from Stony Brook and Albany*
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Another Holy Trinity stud Andre Kirton Andre Kirton 5’9″ | 170 lbs | ATH Holy Trinity | 2023 State NY was a part of a three headed monster of playmakers from the wide reciever position for Holy Trinity. Kirton was alongside Rutgers commit Dylan Braithwaite Dylan Braithwaite 5’10” | 175 lbs | WR Holy Trinity | 2023 State NY and top 24′ player Josiah Brown Josiah Brown 5’11” | 175 lbs | WR Malverne | 2024 State NY in one of the fastest offenses in New York. Kirton was often overlooked this season because of the talent in that position group but when you get to see Kirton play it is easily understood that he also is an electric dominant playmaker who belongs at the next level. Kirton has a really nice route tree in the short passing game and he does a great job of creating yards after the catch. Kirton can be a very effective route runner from the slot and has the speed to be a dangerous deep threat regardless of where he lines up. Kirton also could be a valuable player on special teams both with and without the ball in his hands.
If Kirton has anything working against him it is his size at 5-8, 170lbs however if you watch him play you can easily envision a role for him at the next level regardless of size. His athleticism and speed alone is something that most players at the next level don’t have and his ability with the ball in his hands is proven to be dangerous on any rep. Kirton’s recruitment is open and his athleticism alone should help get him to the next level.
Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15817940/Dre-KirtonrnTwitter: https://twitter.com/IamDreKirton
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Carmello Michel Carmello Michel 6’3″ | 305 lbs | OL Erasmus Hall | 2023 State NY was the most exciting guard to watch in New York this season. Michel was a part of a dominant Erasmus Hall offensive line that has several players who should be headed to play at the next level. Michel is easily one of the most recognizable of the group. Michel has picked up offers from Merrimack, Navy, and Army during this season. Over the summer Michel got offers from New Hampshire, Bryant, Central Connecticut State, Sacred Heart, and Bowling Green. Michel remains uncommitted but a decision could be looming for the star guard from Brooklyn.
Michel is a mauler, he finishes blocks strong and does a great job of driving guys down the field. Michel has elite strength and for only weighing 305 seems like he has the strength of a player 320+. Michel not only has the power but he has the finesse you want to see in a guard. Michel does a good job of connecting with defenders in space or at the second level and is really efficient with his hand movement. Michel is incredible as a run blocker and consistently shows dominance on his reps.
Michel is a really solid pass protector who sets a strong base, however, with limited reps on longer dropbacks due to the power run offense that Erasmus Hall plays we don’t have a bunch of reps to go off of. However, considering the traits that Michel has and the limited action he has shown in that pass protecting situation he easily could be developed into a very strong pass blocker on the interior. Michel is sporting a bunch of offers but I would have to think that the academies could be really big players in his recruitment. Michel could pick up some late interest as more teams look into this years dominant Erasmus Hall offensive line.
Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15990163/Carmello-MichelrnTwitter: https://twitter.com/CarmelloMichel
Interest this summer from Bryant, UCONN, Buffalo, and Syracuse and Bowling Green had Precious Ekeh Precious Ekeh 6’4″ | 285 lbs | OL Canarsie | 2023 State NY on our radar before the season even kicked off. With the opportunity to see him a couple times this season it is easy to see that Ekeh has a place at the next level. He is such an incredible blocker in space or as a lead blocker as a puller. Ekeh has really intriguing size as an interior offensive lineman at 6-4, 290lbs. Ekeh does not have the ideal weight you think of when you picture a guard at the next level but Ekeh is not lacking strength. I think that at the next level Ekeh could be subject to a position change across the line of scrimmage which should come with little to no issue with how refined Ekeh’s fundamentals already are.
Ekeh has a really natural athleticism which helps him stand out on the field and I think with the right coaching at the next level a team could really use that athleticism to a strong advantage across their offensive line. Ekeh has potential and his recruitment while be one of the most intriguing to watch as we get to the end of this recruiting cycle.
Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13681694/Precious-EkehrnTwitter: https://twitter.com/PreciousEkeh13
JT Krivinskas JT Krivinskas 6’1″ | 205 lbs | LB Archbishop Stepinac | 2023 State NY was the best linebacker I was able to see live this season. Krivinskas was the Archbishop Stepinac’s defensive player of the year and his stats alone are incredible. 4 Sacks, 3 FF, 5 Hurries, and 137 Tackles which was good enough for first in the NYCHSFL and averaged out to 12.5 tackles per game. Krivinskas was the leader of a really impressive Archbishop Stepinac defense and is one of the stand out prospects on the field when you watch Stepinac play. Krivinskas has elite size at 6-1, 220lbs and another season of elite play has led to offers from Lock Haven, Wagner, Sacred Heart, and Merrimack. Krivinskas is so well rounded as a player and it shows on tape when you see him contributing on every down in every way.
Krivinskas has great speed to chase down ball-carriers in the backfield and has the strength to get of blocks from interior offensive lineman. He does a really good job of playing with his instincts but not being overaggressive as a linebacker. Krivinskas also is solid in pass coverage and uses his eyes really well to track quarterbacks movement and throws. Krivinskas is an ideal middle linebacker and if he does not play right away at the next level has the motor and skillset to be a core-4 special teams player early on.
Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13526364/JT-KrivinskasrnTwitter: https://twitter.com/JtKrivinskas
Highlights
Nikai Brown Nikai Brown 5’11” | 185 lbs | WR Canarsie | 2023 State NY is one of the most dangerous deep threats available in this recruiting cycle from New York. Brown got some serious interest over the summer from Pittsburgh, Temple, and Bowling Green and followed that up with a really strong season. Brown is an incredible route runner and is so good at using his routes and speed to create massive separation down the field. Brown does a great job of adjusting his shoulders and routes to open spaces down the field giving his quarterback the best chance to be successful on long throws. Brown could easily be one of the most dangerous wide receivers without the ball in his hands in this class. The refined route runner, speed, and ability to change direction without losing that speed are all elite. However, when it comes to the catch point Brown is also really dangerous. Brown has a really solid catch radius and does a good job of tracking deep throws. There are several occasions where Brown will get himself open then have to adjust his path to a play at the best possible catch point. An underrated trait Brown has is that he does not let the ball sit up and travel to him allowing defensive backs back into the play, Brown will go and attack the ball at best available catch point. That may mean Brown high pointing the football or using his body to shield defenders off to get the catch over his shoulder.
Nikai Brown Nikai Brown 5’11” | 185 lbs | WR Canarsie | 2023 State NY has positional versatility as he lined up both on the outside and as a slot receiver for Canarsie. He also showed that he can be a factor on shorter routes and in the screen game in addition to being one of the best deep threats in New York.
Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14141541/nikai-brownrnTwitter: https://twitter.com/nikaibrown_1
The best available tight end in New York Bodhi Ogg Bodhi Ogg 6’3″ | 215 lbs | TE Archbishop Stepinac | 2023 State NY has secured some solid offers recently since the season ended. Stony Brook, Lock Haven, and Wagner all have offered opportunities for the tight end from Archbishop Stepinac. Ogg is a really solid athlete and at 6-3, 210lbs has a really lean build for a tight end. Ogg had a breakout year as a pass catcher with 46 catches, 531 yards, and 5 touchdowns. Ogg has impressive versatility as he lined up as a true tight end and often split out as a slot receiver or out wide. Ogg has shown that he can also be a threat after the catch. Ogg has really good speed and is able to beat defensive backs down the middle of the field both with his route runner and after he has the ball in his hands.
Ogg also has a bunch of really solid blocking reps. Ogg can make blocks lined up anywhere and really excels as a lead blocker in space. Ogg is a little slim at 210 so he struggles with much bigger defensive lineman but often he can old his own against defensive ends and linebackers. Ogg also should be utilized at the next level as more of a receiving threat which plays into his skillset. Ogg is the best remaining tight end available in New York and with the recent interest from local programs Ogg could pick up another couple big schools before he makes his decision.
Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15620169/Bodhi-OggrnTwitter: https://twitter.com/bodhi_ogg
Highlights
Another mainstay on the Archbishop Stepinac defense Wayne Coleman Wayne Coleman 6’2″ | 275 lbs | DL Archbishop Stepinac | 2023 State NY has been fantastic this season, you could argue that most of the talent on the Stepinac defense was in the back seven however the way Coleman played this season that may be a myth. Coleman’s season was such a success he picked up a huge offer from UCONN just as the new year began. Coleman also had an offer from Central Connecticut which he earned early this season. Coleman had 81 Tackles, 10 Sacks, 9 TFL, and 16 Hurries. At 6-2, 300lbs Coleman has elite size for the FBS/FCS level. He is a really refined and built 300lbs and has incredible strength which he does a fantastic job of utilizing.
Coleman not only has the strength and the size but he moves incredible well, especially against mobile quarterbacks. Coleman understands the importance of containing athletic quarterbacks and does a fantastic job of impacting plays by containing QBs to stay in the pocket or by matching their athleticism to the sideline. Coleman is so fundamentally sound that I have seen him pass up an attempt at a difficult sack for a more important job of containing the quarterback allowing his other lineman or secondary to finish the play. Playing within his responsibilities is something that Coleman does so well. Often double teams in the run game Coleman does a great job of maintaining control of his gap(s) and forcing ball carriers to his linebackers or ends.
If you want an example of just how incredible Coleman’s size and athleticism are just look how he performed on this Kickoff, a play (Courtesy of Brian Hawkins and NextGen Prospect) that 300 pound players usually are on the sidelines for.
Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13431821/Wayne-C-ColemanrnTwitter: https://twitter.com/Wayne_Coleman43