Positional Breakdown: 2024 Athletes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are a ton of athletes in the class of 2024 for a couple reasons. First, there are a ton of players who showcase really strong tape and production on both sides of the ball to the point where they could potentially play either at the next level. Second, there are multiple guys who have the physical stature and athleticism to play multiple positions not just for their current teams but even at the next level. Last, there are a lot of guys who play positions that they will not play at the next level due to their size limitations, while those players project as guys who can play college football they will have to switch positions at the next level but showcase the skillet and ability to do so. Since there are so many athletes to cover we wrote about 16 guys as opposed to the usual 8-10 for these positional breakdowns. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>The Top Guy</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["241127"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='241127' first='Josiah' last='Brown'] is one of the best athletes in this class because he truly might have the best athleticism in the state. Brown has elite speed, not just elite for the HS level but elite speed for the college level and that is a big reason he has some major DI recruiting interest and has had it for a while. Brown is listed as an ATH because he is an impactful player on both sides of the ball as a safety and WR. Brown has the instincts and physicality that make him a really solid safety prospect where his elite range and speed in coverage are traits that will easily translate to the next level. Brown is also a solid tackler and shows good aggressiveness coming downhill and making plays. On offense, Brown is a dangerous threat with the ball in his hands and can make plays after the catch with ease. His speed and quick twitch ability to cut and reaccelerate is something that not many opponents can contain. Brown is also a really solid blocker as a receiver and showcases a good motor on plays where the ball is not coming his way. Although Brown is one of the most impactful player already in this class he can get even better. This fall Brown and Holy Trinity move up a class meaning tougher competition which everyone in New York is excited to see. On a more skillset basis, I would love to see Brown get the opportunity to showcase stronger route running ability and a more diverse route tree than the screen, slant, fade routes that we see from him so often.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6413460815e2f"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Ten Players To Watch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["451483"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The reason why there is a u0022might have the best athleticismu0022 next to Brown is because [player_tooltip player_id='451483' first='Ja'Meer' last='Thomas'] is that strong of an an athlete. Thomas has elite speed and has perhaps the most dangerous cutting ability in the state. Thomas plays mostly on offense but is the type of player who you will find ways to feed the ball. Out of the backfield, in the return game, as a receiver, Thomas gets the ball in multiple different ways and is a playmaker in space. Thomas has so many reps where he goes nearly untouchable either for touchdowns or out of bounds while being pursured by multiple defenders. As a receiver, Thomas has really strong ability to track balls down field and make difficult catches on long throws. Thomas also is a really solid route runner where his quickness and ability to make very precise cuts helps him create seperation. Thomas has speed over everyone but adding some more physicality to his game in terms of blocking or breaking tackles would give him some more diverse tape. And while most of his talent is showcased on offense he does have some really impressive plays at CB where he is a little raw in coverage but athleticism and ball skills make him dangerous to target.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["253487"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='253487' first='Jameer' last='Reeder'] is fairly limited by his size in terms of playing at the next level but is easily one of the best football players in this class. There are not many players who can have such an impressive impact on both sides of the ball like Reeder does. Reeder is arguably the most consistent player on a team that is loaded with top recruits. Reeder plays like one of the strongest players in the class and as a running back breaks through tackles so easily and can gain extra yards by keeping his lower half working. Reeder also has the agility and speed to make quick cuts in traffic and break runs for longer runs. On defense, Reeder is a physical tackler who reads the game really well. He uses his quickness to get around blockers and can even shed blocks of bigger lineman using his strength. Reeder is a good tackler and has a nose for the ball. The biggest question about Reeder is not the skills he displays on tape because he really shows it all but just at what position he projects at the next level. I think he has the athleticism to be impactful as a 3rd down back at the next level or even maybe as a slot corner/OLB on defense at the next level.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["342711"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='342711' first='Matthias' last='Lighten'] is one of the most explosive WR/CBs in this class. Lighten is a really good route runner and does a good job of creating seperation at all three levels of the defense. Lighten does a good job of using his speed and twitch to create space down the field. When the ball is in the air Lighten does a really good job of tracking it and getting in the best position to make the catch. This is especially true along the sidelines and endzone where Lightens awareness of where he is on the field is elite. Lighten also has very reliable hands and can make difficult catches on a routine basis. As a defensive back Lighten is a really solid corner who mirrors receivers well but can cover guys with his head keyed in on the quarterback. Lighten also is not afraid to adjust in coverage and break to the ball on his instincts. At the catch point, Lighten does a good job of being physical and breaking up passes even being one of the better ball hawks in this class. Overall, Lighten has a really solid impact on both sides of the ball but could continue to add a more physical nature to his game. Lighten is a solid tackler and blocker but could showcase more physical dominance to round out his skillset.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["521430"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='521430' first='Daniel' last='Picart'] is one of the most prolific players in New York based on production and is one of the most powerful ball carriers in this class. Picart can play RB or WR and has elite breakaway speed. One of the hardest players to bring down Picart dominated in nearly every game he played this season. Picart does not have elite lateral agility or the ability to make quick cuts often, instead Picart is one of the most direct runners in the state. When Picart has the ball it is about north and south and when he gets moving arm tackles don't even slow him down. Picart is a solid receiver where he uses his speed and strength to win and create seperation on his routes. Picart also is a solid DB where his awareness and athleticism shine.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["528469"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='528469' first='Donald' last='Jones'] is a QB/RB/WR/CB/S type of player that wherever you put him on the field he will perform. Jones is a really solid defensive back where his mental processing of plays is routinely helping him jump routes and make plays. Jones is a solid tackler but in coverage he shines and is able to stay in-stride with wide receivers while also maintaining eyes on the QB and the ball. Jones plays with solid physicality and is willing to disengage blocks attempt to make big hits. On the offensive side of the ball, Jones is a dangerous threat with the ball in his hands and can get it in a multitude of ways. Jones is explosive through the hole on the interior and uses really get vision to find open running lanes. Jones as a receiver runs solid routes but is most dangerous after the catch where his quick cuts and lateral agility make him difficult to tackle. Jones lacks size to play some positions at the next level but he is a baller and plays the game with great intelligence.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["521438"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='521438' first='Thomas' last='Bacon Jr'] has some elite physical traits and it starts with his length. At 6-4, Bacon Jr can make contested catches and high point the football consistently. Bacon Jr plays both WR and TE for Long Island Lutheran and at this size it is easy to see his projection as a receiving first tight end at the next level. However, Bacon Jr has really good athleticism so if adding size is not in the plans his ability to be a deep threat as a receiver can translate too. Between his speed and ability to make those difficult catches Bacon Jr is a really solid prospect on the offensive side of the ball. On defense played safety where his length and range made it tough for QBs to target his area. Bacon Jr was a solid tackler and does a good job of closing in on the ball to make plays. Bacon Jr has good ball skills where he can create turnovers and even be a threat on the return. Overall, Bacon Jr is a really solid prospect on both sides of the ball. This season, to take the next step Bacon Jr will have to dominate at one of his positions and take that jump from showcasing good reps on film to dominant reps on film.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["450619"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='450619' first='Terrence' last='Pendergrass'] has a really unique skillset where as a running back he showcases good speed, really good vision, and patience. Pendergrass is a strong runner who runs through arm tackles and does a really good job of maintaining his speed through arm tackles. Pendergrass is a very north south runner and hits the hole hard and does a good job of using his eyes to find the best running lanes. On defense, Pendergrass is a very physical linebacker that has lined up in multiple alignments. His burst of the LOS and strong wrap up of ball carriers allow him to make plays in the backfield. Pendergrass can line up off the ball but on the edge is where his speed and quickness shine. Pendergrass can get off blocks but could also add some more strength to his game to be more consistent when engageing with offensive lineman.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["592724"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='592724' first='Travis' last='Carlucci'] is a really dangerous player on both sides of the ball. On defense, Carlucci has a nose for the ball and always finds ways to get involved in plays. He has good closing speed on the ball and takes really good angles in pursuit. Carlucci is really good coming downhill and making plays around the LOS where his motor is a huge part of his game. In coverage, Carlucci has the athleticism to have really solid range in coverage and is a really solid tackler preventing yards after the catch. Carlucci on offense is dangerous whenever he has the ball. He can be impactful at QB/RB/WR or as a returner. As long as the ball is in his hands his motor, strength, and speed create a ton of positive plays. Carlucci is really solid vision finding running lanes but he is best at using his speed and strength to run through tackle attempts while maintaining speed. Carlucci is a dangerous player with the ball in his hands and he can get it in multiple different ways.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["351231"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='351231' first='Dyrell' last='Howard-Dolson'] is a powerful runner who has solid speed but runs with physicality more than anything else. Howard-Dolson is so tough to bring down because he has a thick and powerful lower body that always keeps moving. As a running back Howard-Dolson showcases solid agility and short area-burst but it is his power which helps him win. Howard-Dolson is also one of the best pass blocking athletes or running backs in this class due to his ability to anchor and make powerful blocks with his upper body. On the defensive side of the ball, Howard-Dolson's size and physical play make him a really solid defensive end. On the edge Howard-Dolson is quick off the snap and does a good job of making a powerful initial punch to offensive lineman. As a pass rusher, Howard-Dolson has solid bend around the edge and can finish plays in the backfield. Overall, Howard-Dolson does need some more consistency on both sides of the ball but the flashes are there and Howard-Dolson could rise up high in our rankings with a strong senior season.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["307380"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='307380' first='Tyler' last='Martinovich'] plays quarterback at Brighton not because he is a prolific thrower but because you would not want any other player to touch the ball on every play. Martinovich is an elite athlete with long strides and really solid breakaway speed. He has a solid arm and can make the throws you expect but where he really changes the game is with his legs. Martinovich is a great runner and his ability to make quick cuts and get by defenders in just one or two steps makes him hard to tackle. Martinovich is not fast but defenders routinely take poor angles to tackle him because he is able to accelerate so quick. On the defensive side of the ball Martinovich is a solid cornerback who showcases solid range, length, and mirroring ability. He likely will play on the offensive side of the ball at the next level so his DB tape is not a huge factor in his evaluation. On offense Martinovich is a little behind the top tier of quarterbacks in this class in terms of his ability as a thrower but as a runner he could be the best. He could end up playing WR at the next level because of how elite he is as an athlete but if QB is the goal more consistent throws from the pocket would what I want to see this fall because we already know what Martinovich can do as a playmaker outside of the pocket.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":10,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6413460815ffb"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Sleeper Prospects To Watch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["451421"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='451421' first='Jason' last='Brunson Jr'] is a really solid WR/TE/S/LB prospect who showcased really good film on both sides of the ball but in limited production. Brunson Jr was a very consistent player for CBA-Syracuse and played a key role on both offense and defense. Brunson Jr plays with great physicality and his size is one of his best traits at both his positions. Brunson Jr could take the next step on both offense and defense this season by showing more consistent play at a very high level instead of the flashes we saw this past season. Brunson Jr could play multiple positions at the next level so setting himself a part this season at one of them could give us a stronger feel on his projection at the next level.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["527844"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='527844' first='Nasir' last='Patton'] has elite speed and the type of twitch that is so tough to tackle. Effective as a WR/CB/KR/PR Patton can do it at all the skill positions. Patton is a dangerous YAC threat and does a really good job of finding open running lanes through traffic and on returns. As a route runner Patton does a good job of using his ability to change of direction to create seperation at all three levels. Patton has really solid hands and can make catches at all three levels of the field. On defense, Patton is solid at mirroring players in coverage and his burst help him close in on the ball. Patton has really solid ball skills and does a good job of getting his head around to make plays on the ball. Overall, Patton shows flashes of being a great player and with his ability creates highlight plays. Taking the next step will be showing he can perform at his best with large volume and become the focal point of the Rush-Henrietta offense this season.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["528268"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='648838' first='Evan' last='Dean'] is a really solid prospect for Canisius and is one of their best offensive playmakers this fall. Dean is a solid receiver that runs quality routes and is a threat after the catch. Dean is a solid athlete but has good explosiveness out of his breaks. Dean can provide good value after the catch and does a good job of maintaining his balance through tackle attempts. On defense Dean is good physical tackler, he is solid in coverage and does a good job of limiting yards after the catch. Dean is solid on both sides of the ball but I think his best play comes on offense. Dean needs to display more consistent ability to make plays at all three levels as a receiver instead of just in the short area of the field and on longer passes. Adding that intermediate level creating seperation and yards after the catch there will round out his game well.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["627193"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='627193' first='Michael' last='Wheat'] is another athlete on this list who excels at about four different positions. On offensive, Wheat played a lot of QB where he was always a threat with the ball in his hands. Wheat is very elusive and does a good job of avoiding tacklers. Throwing the ball, Wheat showed some consistency throughout the season and throws a solid deep ball. His value on offense comes more as a runner where his quickness and cutting ability make him a consistent big play threat. On defense, Wheat is a really solid defensive back who could play multiple positions in the secondary. Wheat is a physical tackler and does a good job of being a factor in the run game down hill. Wheat is solid in coverage where he reads the game well and showcases really solid ball skills.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["527843"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='527843' first='Luke' last='Fliss'] is a WR/CB for Pittsford who shows a very well rounded skillset and really solid athleticism. Fliss is really solid in coverage where he does a good job of staying in-stride with receivers. He does need to improve his ball skills on the defensive side of the ball when he is not facing the LOS by getting his head around and tracking the ball but when he can work forwards is a very dangerous defenders. Fliss can read the quarterback well and showcases his best work in zone or off coverage. On offense, Fliss is a really solid big play threat and has the speed and wide catch radius that makes him easy to throw too. Fliss has really reliable hands and does a good job of making difficult catches. Overall, Fliss is a really solid player but I would like to see him expand his success as a receiver beyond his dominance on slant and fade routes.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64134608160ef"} /-->