Long Island/New York City 2025 Offseason Watchlist Part 2
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It’s time for part two of my watchlist consisting of 2025 prospects from New York City and Long Island. Both areas are filled with elite players across the board and with summer coming up very soon, these are some players…
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Continue ReadingIt’s time for part two of my watchlist consisting of 2025 prospects from New York City and Long Island. Both areas are filled with elite players across the board and with summer coming up very soon, these are some players that can make a statement in the recruiting circuit
Riddick is one of the more intriguing prospects on Long Island for this class. During his sophomore year he stepped up at linebacker for Long Island Lutheran. He was an All League player and a key piece to the Crusaders defense. He had a high football IQ at linebacker, showing his ability to stop the run and sniff out short passes. When you watch Riddick play, his versatility jumps off the page. He has the athleticism to be a terrific run stopper but he was very impressive in pass coverage. Riddick will put on more weight which will make him effective whether its at LB or if he plays in the secondary. His open field tackling was one of his best traits in his arsenal, but during camps when he covers running backs in 1v1 drills, he will be a standout player and certainly catch coaches attention.
The silky smooth receiver is starting to gain more and more recognition. Fresh off of a visit at Syracuse, Brooks will be one of Long Island’s most sought after wide receivers. He formed great chemistry with star quarterback Joseph Filardi Joseph Filardi 6’1″ | 185 lbs | QB Half Hollow Hills West | 2025 State NY all throughout his sophomore year. Brooks is one of the most complete receivers in the state for the 2025 class. He wasn’t only the top receiver in stats for Hills West, he was the most reliable. He has a great pair of hands and he hauled in tons of passes. He stands at 6 foot 1 and he has the ability to get up and high point the ball well. What really made him stand out was the ability to separate consistently. Against better teams on his schedule he continued to own his matchups. It’ll be a must watch at camps and showcases when he gets his opportunity to go against elite cornerbacks.
Highlights
Despite a shortened sophomore season, it’s no secret that Cabrera will be a must watch guy during the summer. He has a very high ceiling to be an elite safety at the next level. He has a nose for the ball and incredible instincts. He reads the quarterback’s eyes and is able to make bone crushing tackles in the open field. The athletic defensive back is already receiving plenty of attention, Syracuse, Missouri and Temple are among the schools that have already offered him. Watch out for him to go against some big name players and potentially receive even more power 5 offers. He has the playmaking ability to be one of the best defensive backs in the northeast and he’ll be a difference maker for Curtis in the fall.
Highlights
Vaughdrea Johnson
Vaughdrea Johnson
The Bruins took a massive leap from 2021 to 2022 and a big part of it was the play of Johnson. He improved so much during his sophomore year, the sky’s the limit for the 6’4 180 pound quarterback. With already good size, it was impressive the arm strength and running ability he brought along with it. He helped revolutionize this Baldwin offense in the playoffs with his ability to take off and do it himself. He has some shake in his game as he made defenders miss in the open field and he was able to move the chains with his feet. I think it’ll become much more dangerous when he gains more strength and he’ll be able to be a physical player. He went against some solid passing rushing teams and it didn’t alter his ability to complete passes.
Already off to a terrific start to the offseason, McGregor is a player that could make a serious name for himself by the end of the summer. He will be a force in 1v1 reps thanks to his elite footwork. Smaller defensive lineman who utilize their agility and speed will have a tough time with Mcgregor. He has quick feet and is one of the stronger lineman in this class. It was his first year on Varsity as a sophomore in the toughest league in New York, he made tons of strides throughout the year and the development is only going to continue. His high motor is always something that sticks out and it will show this summer. His junior year will feature some matchups with some of the best defensive lineman in the Northeast.
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Gerard Sheehan
Gerard Sheehan
The 2025 linebacker was a pivotal piece to a Monsignor Farrell junior varsity team that captured the AAA Championship. The JV division In the catholic league is the best junior varsity competition in the state. It had a combination of some of the best 2025 and 2026 prospects in New York. Sheehan easily fit in as one of the best linebackers in the league. He was a natural run stopper and looked like an old school Farrell linebacker. He brought physicality and energy when he was on the field. He was able to bring down bigger backs, while being able to chase down and keep up with shifter players. Sheehan rose to the occasion by having a huge championship performance against Chaminade as he always found the ball carrier. Expect him to add on to his 5’11 175 pound frame this offseason.