Rochester’s 6 Players to See in 2023

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are getting closer and closer to the weather starting to warm up, and soon the beginning of the season will be here. That is why it is time to check out my latest list of high school football players to watch in the fall of 2023. These players had some impressive film that I had the luxury to check out, and so can you below!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["527734"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":676104,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eRecently I wrote an article about a talented OG/C/DT from Canandaigua Academy High School named Chase Williamee. Now, this is his 6'0”, 180-pound brother in u003ca href=u0022https://prepredzone.com/player/drew-williamee/u0022u003eDrew Williameeu003c/au003e, who is the QB for the same Canandaigua high school. Drew spoke to me about how his brother and himself go to workouts together and do whatever they can to make each other better for the improvement of the team. That same team only had 3 starting seniors graduated this past year and Chase believes it is their year to get the entire job done when it comes to winning the state championship.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eDrew was a sophomore this past season where he threw for 1,756 yards and had 20 TDs to only 4 INTs. The pure arm talent on Drew flashes, especially when it comes to his natural arm strength to push the ball deep down the football field. It is like it takes no effort for Williamee to make rocket 40–50-yard throws on target. When a play breaks down in front of Drew, he has the talent to escape the pocket, conduct a read on a receiver creating a route adjustment, and then making a critical throw in tight coverage. u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eSpeaking of making tough throws in tight coverage, the pure passing accuracy from Williamee in short, intermediate, and deep range on the football field excelled on his tape. Numerous times he was able to fit a ball into a tight window that glazed by a defender grasp. In addition to Drew's accuracy inside the pocket, he was also able to make a lot of impressive throws on the run. Being off balance and making accurate throws with his feet not set was a pure talent that Drew has, any many QBs do not. u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eOne of the strongest traits that Williamee has is that he has a very good feel for the pass rush around him. Drew knows how to step up into the pocket, and gets the ball out of his hands before the defender closes in. Very cool under pressure, making many throws to receivers in stride even when a defender was draping down on him. Even in the red zone, the improvisations skills to make a play happen for a TD was on que for this young man. It will certainly be a treat to see Williamee play in his junior year for Canandaigua this season. u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003e Tu003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003ewitter: @DrewWilliameeu003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eInstagram: @drew_williameeu003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eHudl Profile:u003c/spanu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/profile/13546084/Drew-Williameeu0022u003e u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003ehttps://www.hudl.com/profile/13546084/Drew-Williameeu003c/spanu003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fe9ddc2ea93"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13546084/638004fa578f030954744e75' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fe9ddc2eaf7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":673859,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1210237' first='Gavin' last='Horton']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Webster-Schroeder High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eThe nimble [player_tooltip player_id='1210237' first='Gavin' last='Horton'] is a 5'6”, 141-pound WR/SS who is a player that puts his body on the line for his team. Horton may not be the biggest player, but certainly was able to produce big time plays for Webster-Schroeder High School during this past season. When it comes to the 2023 season, Gavin wants to help his team win a sectional championship badly. When it comes to Horton's personnel goals, he is aiming to have an 800-yard receiving season and get on more college coaches' radars. Having the chance to continue an academic and an athletic career at the next level would mean the world to Horton.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eThe pure speed, and quickness stood out tremendously when it came to Horton playing the receiver position. Gavin was used on jet sweeps and end around's numerous times on film. In those plays, the rare athletic ability to weave in and out of traffic stood out. The able to gain the edge quickly on the defense to the outside allowed Horton to pick up huge amounts of yardage for his team.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eOver at the SS position, Horton was able to jump many routes and make huge interception returns for his team. One of those INTs was even a long pick 6 out running many offensive players in the process. Gavin's quick feet in coverage would constantly reflect in putting himself in the proper position to make a play on the football. The endless amount of pursuit to go after the ball carrier from the opposite side of the field stood out and is what you want in your back end defenders.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eTwitter: @GavinHorton08u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eInstagram: @gavinhorton08u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eHudl Profile:u003c/spanu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/profile/15774460/Gavin-Hortonu0022u003e u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003ehttps://www.hudl.com/profile/15774460/Gavin-Hortonu003c/spanu003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fd4d7c8646e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15774460/637c1f844deaef0a343973a4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fd4d7c864ee"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":673865,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Drew Thurley","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Pittsford Mendon High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eDrew Thurley is one quick, aggressive, and powerful defensive end and offensive linemen at Pittsford Mendon High School that showcased his passion of playing the game of football throughout his tape. Standing in at 6'1” and weighing 215-pounds, Drew was a force in the trenches where his pure athletic ability stood out. Thurley was even athletic enough to play some snaps at TE. What was outstanding to see was Thurley is versatile enough to rush at the 2, 3, 4, and even 5 techniques as a DE. No matter where Thurley lined up, his pure ability to cause havoc throughout the trenches was evident.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eDu003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003euring the situations where Drew was rushing the passer, the speed and pure strength coming off the LOS was incredible to see. The natural quickness and agility to split the gaps to make a huge defensive play jumped off his film. Thurley was able to effectively drive the opposing offensive linemen backwards and his ability to draw double teams was evident numerous times when rushing at the QB. Thurley has very active hands, and the motor to want to win any matchup. Plenty of times, Drew would just swipe and swim by blocks effortlessly on his way to getting to the ball carrier.  u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eNow on the offensive line, Drew plays at the LG spot and the pure aggressiveness stood out tremendously here. Being able to come off the snap and bring so much power to just stick to the defender for multiple seconds was one of Thurley's biggest strengths. Rarely was Drew ever beaten in a one-on-one situation where he was straightly overpowered. For the upcoming 2023 year, Thurley wants to hone in on his skills even more on defense as well as being an even more valuable part of his teams' offense. This was one fun player to watch, and I am thrilled to see how Drew ups his game even more in 2023.  u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eTwitter: @drew_thurley u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eInstagram: @drew_thurley u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eHudl Profile:u003c/spanu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/profile/15800364/Drew-Thurleyu0022u003e u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003ehttps://www.hudl.com/profile/15800364/Drew-Thurleyu003c/spanu003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fd4d7c865c9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15800364/63c70535664b1c171c8a30e6' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fd4d7c865fd"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":673931,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Noah Bonnell","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Brighton High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eNolan Bonnell is a 6'0”, 150-pound LB that has been playing football and baseball since the age of 5. This past year, Bonnell was on the JV football team for 7 games in 2022. In the 7 games on JV, Nolan led his team in tackles with 67 tackles. For the rest of the 2022 season, Nolan finished on the varsity level with Brighton High School playing in both their sectional games as a sophomore. u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eThroughout Nolan's film, his pure athleticism was screaming off the charts. Constantly, Bonnell was flying from sideline to sideline and making big time tackles for a loss, and majority were in the backfield. That explosive trait to get to the ball carrier so u003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003equickly was shown greatly on RB pitches and quick out routes to the backs. The pure u003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eaggressiveness to purse and chase at a high level was clear for Bonnell.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eThe willingness to put his head down and lower his shoulder through the contact on the ball carrier was clean u0026amp; précised. This is a LB that does not shy away at attacking with aggressiveness and speed. Constantly, Nolan would be flying u003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003earound, and shedding through block attempts at a high rate. The pure amazement by Nolan's ability to shoot into gaps to make tackles behind the line of scrimmage was fun to see. Nolan is a LB that can play on the inside and u003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eoutside, even being an impactful force blitzing at the QB. u003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eFor his junior year, Bonnell wants to lead his team in tackles in 2023 and win a Section V title with Brighton. Two goals that Bonnell and his team certainly can accomplish by the end of next season. u003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003e u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eTwitter: @NolanBonnellRHPu003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eHudl u003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eProfile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/4706229/Nolan-Bonnellu003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fd4d7c866c9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/4706229/633df4237bd2a0027894f138' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fd4d7c866fd"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["527837"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":676089,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eIf you are looking for a playmaker that will give every last grain of sweat they have, then you have found it here with u003ca href=u0022https://prepredzone.com/player/john-harding/u0022u003eJohn Hardingu003c/au003e from McQuaid Jesuit High School. John is a 5'9”, 175-pound RB/WR that ended his 2022 season putting up monster stats such as 2,070 all-purpose yards with 25 total TD. Harding does not just excel on the field, but in the classroom as well having a 3.3 GPA. For the upcoming season John had 1 goal on his mind and that is to win states for not only himself but for his teammates as well. u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eAt the RB position, Harding does not go down easy or rarely on first contact. This is a back that was able to confidently and consistently break numerous tackles on any given rush attempt. The pure home run threat ability to take any run to the house for six was put on full display throughout John's tape in 2022. The elusive ability to burst/slip through the smallest holes with defenders present, even without getting knocked off-balance was impressive to see. Defenders had so much difficulty trying to even touch Harding because he is so fast in changing his directions. So many times John was able to stop on a dime to make someone miss. u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eThat is not just it when it comes to Harding's talent on the football field. Even at the WR ability, the pure ability to make plays with the ball in his hands is electric. Time after time, John was able to produce a large amount of YAC on quick outs or screens. There is such a large volume of plays to utilize this type of player at. There is so much quickness and speed to get up field to score for his offense. It was so hard to keep Harding off the field because he has so much talent that he can even return kicks. This is such a special playmaker that all 11-men on defense were chasing after John the majority of the time on film. u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eTwitter: @john_harding_RBu003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eInstagram: @johnny_football3u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eHudl Profile: u003c/spanu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/profile/15635890/John-Hardingu0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003ehttps://www.hudl.com/profile/15635890/John-Hardingu003c/spanu003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fd4d7c867ec"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15635890/6380deecda52a70b002d86c4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fe9ddc2ee47"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":676147,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Khalid Bawa-allah","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Rush Henrietta High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eAn incredible story here with this 6'1” DT from Rush Henrietta High School that is originally from Africa! Khalid Bawa-allah weighs 245-pounds and is incredibly fast with his hands at the first point of contact. Being able to come off the line and deliver with such fast moves granted Khalid early separation to get by his blocks. This is a very athletic DT that wasted no time getting around his blocks and did it consistently.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eThere was so much finesse and quickness in Bawa-allah's pass rush moves that interior offensive linemen who are not dominantly athletic to keep up with Khalid really had a tough time being able to control him. This is a DT that can line up over A and B gaps and cause nightmares in both run/pass situations. Khalid has tremendous flexibility and balance to slip by his blocks so rapidly. One of the most used pass rush move in Bawa-allah's tool box was a quick rip move. u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eFor this season, Khalid spoke to me about how he wants to become the best defensive player and best DT in Section V. To get offers and interest from colleges to play the game of football would mean the world to him. 2023, will look bright for Bawa-allah if he keeps his mind on the prize. u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eTwitter: @Khxlid2024u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eInstagram: @Khxlid_bau003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eHudl Profile:u003c/spanu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/profile/16925318/Khalid-Bawaallah/aboutu0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003ehttps://www.hudl.com/profile/16925318/Khalid-Bawaallah/aboutu003c/spanu003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fe9ddc2eee1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16925318/6331baf2e97a1203dc7a1506' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fe9ddc2ef08"} /-->