Unheralded: Top Starters from the BBC’s Liberty Gold Division
Many across the country consider New Jersey a football talent laden state. Every year we produce top-end college ballers who, deservedly, gardener up much national media attention. However, this talent helps push and cultivate a huge crop of strong, smart,…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingMany across the country consider New Jersey a football talent laden state. Every year we produce top-end college ballers who, deservedly, gardener up much national media attention. However, this talent helps push and cultivate a huge crop of strong, smart, and dynamic football players who often are unheralded.
Today we sing their praises. Here are some of the area’s top under-the-radar talents going into the 2023 season. If slept on, these players can break games open.
There are certain players who serve as the heartbeat for their team. These players often deliver big in a multitude of capacities to help their team win. This what the 5’8″ 160lb ATH Alexander Bosch Alexander Bosch 5’9″ | 150 lbs | WR Woodbridge | 2024 State NJ is and does for his Woodbridge Barrons.
Playing a little bit of RB, wildcat back, WR, and S, Bosch rushed 80 times for 455 yards and 7 TDs; he caught 40 passes for 655 yards and 8 TDs; he made 65 tackles, intercepted 2 passes and had 2 passes defended; and he also returned the ball 16 times for 354 yards and 1 TD. This totals to 1464 total yards and 16 total TDs.
Bosch does an exceptional job playing the ball when thrown to him and also tracking the ball’s flight in the air on deep passes. I would describe his speed as “nifty.” He does a great job changing speeds and manipulating subtle movements to find creases in the defense, get open, and leave opponents in the dust. Be also has shown to make catches through contact. I am curious to see how Bosch fairs when facing press coverage.
Albin Castano Perez
Albin Castano Perez
In the midst of a retooling, the Perth Amboy Panthers have a breakout MLB in Albin Castano Perez. Measuring in at 5’8″ 170lbs, Perez broke into the varsity lineup during the 2021 season as a freshman. He only became more efficient during his 2022 sophomore campaign.
Across just 7 games, the Panther’s defensive leader totaled 62 tackles, 4 TFL, and 1 FF. What I like most about Perez is how he is a leverage tackler. This technique makes him a sure tackler – which is matches the amount of force he tackles with too. He can comfortably read his keys as well, evidenced by the number of times he shoots the backside window to make plays. Perez will rack up even more tackles as he improves his pursuit angles. I also want to see some clips of him in pass coverage to get feel for his sense in space and covering eligible targets.
Te’quan Thomas
Te’quan Thomas
The Linden Tigers offensive performance was paced by their dual sport QB Te’quan Thomas. The 6’0″ 170lb junior set the tone for the Tigers on his way to 689 passing yards, 4 TDs, and 4 Ints. He was devastating on the ground, rushing 130 carries fro 1184 yards and 13 TDs. He also rushed for 100 yards-or-better in eight of the ten games he played.
Thomas hits his top foot speed in a hurry. This allows him to absolutely smoke less athletic competition. He does a nice job looking off defenders before he scrambles, and makes the correct decision when running read option. When Thomas throws the ball, his athleticism is on full display. He can make throws on the run and even throw across his body to the left. He has demonstrated the ability to put touch on the ball when necessary and is willing to take a hit as he steps up in the pocket to make throws.
The Linden Tiger’s offensive attack goes as Thomas does. Similarly, it will expand and explode as Thomas levels up and improves going into his senior season.
Nic Straile
Nic Straile
Off the heels of an outstanding season, where many offensive superlatives were earned, the Colonia Patriots were led defensively by sophomore LB Nic Straile. In only 8 games this season, Straile made 57 tackles, 10 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FF, 1 FR, and 2 passes defended. He measures in at 5’9″ 170lbs.
Straile is a highly versatile defender. He played mostly as a traditional LB, but also appeared as a standup DE at times. He also was seen lining up covering the slot as well. He does a nice job setting the edge for the defense, rarely allowing ball carriers to get outside of him and forcing runners back inside where the pursuit is coming from. He does a solid job playing the correct assignment when faced with passing concepts. To improve upon an already impactful season, Straile will benefit from a big offseason in the weight room.
Logan Ramos
Logan Ramos
Logan Ramos was another road grader for the 2022 Colonia Patriot’s potent attack. Coming in at 6’2″ 262lbs, there is no lack of size and power when running behind Ramos.
What I saw was that given his height and weight, Ramos bends very well. This allows him to play with leverage when drive blocking. He also uses opponents leverage against them, allowing them to go the direction they so choose if it is away from where the ball is going.
Ramos is a collegiate-sized linemen, with high upside, who I certainly want to see more of this coming fall.