More Soph Bigs from the Big Central Conference
Big men: can’t live with ’em and can’t live without ’em. These unsung heroes in the game of football control the tempo and have the ability to complete take an opponent’s spirit away. Today we will take a closer look…
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Continue ReadingBig men: can’t live with ’em and can’t live without ’em. These unsung heroes in the game of football control the tempo and have the ability to complete take an opponent’s spirit away.
Today we will take a closer look at some of the sophomore big boys from New Jersey’s Big Central Conference. With a high standard of strong play already exhibited, we expect this class of linemen to only get better as juniors during the 2023 season.
AJ Perales
AJ Perales
The 2022 edition of the South Plainfield Tigers surprised many. The Tigers roared to 8-0 in the regular season, securing a playoff birth after going 2-8 the year prior. We can argue that much of their turnaround is connected to the emergence of 6’3″ 190lb DE AJ Perales.
Blessed with ideal size for a DE in any scheme, Perales made his presence felt all season long. In nine games, Perales tallied 77 tackles, 21 TFL, 2 sacks, and 20 QB hurries. Offensively from his TE spot, he pitched in with 3 catches for 13 yards and 1 TD. He also plays basketball for the Tigers too.
The film shows that Perales plays with speed, relative to his position, to attain his success. It all begins in his stance that allows him to explode into the backfield. All season long he has made a living squeezing down plays from the backside and making TFLs. He also demonstrates discipline in playing at an appropriate depth in the backfield. He is quick enough were he beats slower linemen to his gap when slanting. I am curious to see how he performs when teams run at him, as not many clips where shown demonstrating this. For a consistent pass rush he should continue to utilize his hips/hands.
As Perales goes, so does South Plainfield. Let’s see how both improve upon a strong 2022 season this coming fall.
Na’quavere Thomas
Na’quavere Thomas
The Manville Mustangs recently completed a strong season off the heels of breakout sophomore DE Na’quavere Thomas. A solid body at 5’10” 205lbs, Thomas busted through in a big way. Appearing in 10 games he made 80 tackles with 7 for a loss and 2 sacks; he also caused and forced 3 fumbles and blocked a punt.
Versatility is part of Thomas’ game. He alternated between DE and interior lineman depending on the package. He defeats reach blocks with consistency, constantly fighting to the outside. He also has a high football IQ, possessing enough wherewithal to attack the ball when his teammates stand up the ball carrier.
Thomas would benefit from refining his technique, locking out and shedding in particular. He often out hustles and out paces bigger linemen in front of him; however, if he adds his technique to that….watch out now.
With a rigorous offseason Thomas can lead the upstart Manville Mustangs to a deep playoff run this coming fall.
Luke Petterson
Luke Petterson
The Dunellen Destroyers were led by a young man in the middle – Luke Petterson. Measuring at 6’2″ 235lbs, Petterson has all the size you could ask for in an offensive guard.
Petterson’s film shows that he loves to get in your grill and take you for a ride. He plays defenders in close and has great hand placement, controlling their chest plate. That is, he latches on defenders with ease. This lack of separation makes it nearly impossible for defenders to shed blocks and make plays. He also is a fluid puller and his eyes are always correct – looking inside – as he pulls.
Entering his junior year I would love for Petterson to focus on his hand placement. As noted he latches onto defenders well. He will cease the battle for control with an improved base-drive and maintaining leverage on opponent’s chest plates. Maintaining control of defender’s chest plates with a squat-distance base will totally neutralize a defensive front.
Petterson set a relatively high bar for himself. Junior year will tell how much work he put in during the off season.
Ty Dunn
Ty Dunn
The South Hunterdon Eagles’ offense was paced by senior Bode Dunn; however, their offensive line was centered by his younger brother, sophomore Ty Dunn. This brotherly connection led the Eagles to a 6-2 record this last fall.
Older bro’s success was tied to that of little bros. The younger Dunn played center and was a fixture all season long. Gifted with size, Ty uses it to his advantage. He does a nice job back blocking for pulling guards and protecting their gap. Upon making contact, he delivers a strong jolt, making defenders pop back. He has also shown the ability to handle nose guards shaded on him, consistently winning that one-on-one matchup.
Dunn’s game can continue to grow as his feet continue to develop. Having faster feet will help with is positioning because he will beat defenders to the spot.
Benjamin Michaliszyn
Benjamin Michaliszyn
When you think Metuchen, you think Bulldogs – and that is exactly how Benjamin Michaliszyn likes to play. A bit of a smaller guard, Michaliszyn moves well and has a lower center of gravity that allows him to play with a high degree of leverage. He also plays LB.
In limited clips, Michaliszyn shows that he moves well as a guard – specifically when climbing to the second level. This allows him to “shadow” and obstruct defender’s pathway to the ball. Needless to say, he is a strong puller.
I want to see more of Michaliszyn this coming season and see how he continues to grow as a player.