Super Football Conference: Class of 2024’s Super DBs
In this article:
North Jersey’s Super Football Conference (SFC) features some nationally recognized teams, but perhaps more so any other conference in the nation, has some serious depth in terms of quality of teams. Each of these teams features standout prospects in their…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingNorth Jersey’s Super Football Conference (SFC) features some nationally recognized teams, but perhaps more so any other conference in the nation, has some serious depth in terms of quality of teams. Each of these teams features standout prospects in their own right.
Today we begin our analysis of the SFC’s top returning players for the 2023 season. We start with a group of DBs who graduate in 2024.
The Pascack Broncos had an outstanding season, going 8-1 and concluding the season with 6 straight shutouts while allowing only 20 points the entire season. The 6 foot 180lb stallion that led their defense was LB Jordan Morrell Jordan Morrell 6’0″ | 180 lbs | LB Pascack Hills | 2024 NJ . Morrell made 61 tackles, while slashing 28/291/4 TDs on the ground. Morrell was recognized as a DB for postseason honors, hence why he is on this list.
Morrell does a very nice job following the QBs eyes when he drops back. The is able to read and react, finding a crease through the LOS to close in and make a play. Further, this allows him to be in position to make plays on any cutbacks. He will flow, square-up, and tackle. Morrell can generate more stopping force when tackling by being lower and consistently driving his legs.
After an incredible season, specifically on the defensive side of the ball, Pascack is counting on Morrell to lead and duplicate what they already have proven they can do.
Although he plays for the Bulldogs, this DB is a total ballhawk. Passaic County Tech has benefited from the services of CB Javon Tyrell the last few years. At 6’1″ 185lbs this twitchy defender, who also plays basketball, made 48 stops (1 for a loss), 3 Ints, 1 FF, and 13 PBUs last fall. He contributed 17/173/2 as a receiver as well.
Tyrell typically plays off the ball between a 6-8 yard depth. This enables him to see passing concepts develop in front of him. It also allows him to consistently jump routes and get his hands on the ball many times. Tyrell also trusts his “make-up” speed. This is shown as he likes to play in a trailing position to make a play on the ball. He also does a nice job of taking the air out of receivers’ area to catch the ball, by leveraging his body position to squeeze them between himself and the sideline. He also flies up in run support and to tackle short screens. College coaches watching Tyrell’s film would love to see his versatility (press coverage, lining up in slot) and how he comes off blockers in run support.
Apparently Bulldogs can fly. Tyrell is living proof of that as he flies all over the field on every snap, making plays seemingly at will.
The Kennedy Patterson Knights had a season they only wish to grow from. However, a bright spot during their season was the play of safety Anthony Thomas Anthony Thomas 5’8″ | 135 lbs | DB Patterson Kennedy | 2024 NJ . He was credited with 13 carries for 97 yards, 8 tackles (5 solo), and converting two, two-point conversions. Given his reported stats and game film, I suspect they are incomplete.
Often, Thomas finds himself rolled down at the LOS in run support. When playing back, he knows to get his hands up in the passing windows, creating more than a few tipped pass opportunities. He can run with the best of them in coverage and has a tendency to play the hands of receivers’ rather than the ball. I would love to see Thomas be a bit more physical with blockers along the perimeter. This will mitigate against big plays up the alley when on defense.
However they preform next season, Thomas is a key part of the turnaround that Kennedy Patterson wishes to accomplish. Stay tuned to find out how it goes.
Update: The Lion known as Chaas McCoy Chaas McCoy 5’11” | 180 lbs | DB West Orange | 2024 State NJ has climbed the mountain. He has transferred to West Orange High School and is now a Mountaineer.
Original post: Lions are the mighty kings of the jungle. However, it is foolish to cast any doubt on lions in the pack that might appear smaller than the rest. Perhaps the most fierce lion from Pope John’s pack is the 5’11” 170lb CB Chaas McCoy Chaas McCoy 5’11” | 180 lbs | DB West Orange | 2024 State NJ . Last fall McCoy made 42 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 sack, 2 Int, 1 FF, 1 FR, and 1 punt block.
The first thing that popped was that McCoy reads pass concepts well. He makes quick breaks on the ball and is able too because he plays a team game – he trusts his teammates behind him to be in the right position and has faith that the scheme will take plays away. Playing off the ball also helps McCoy break on the it as well – especially undercutting/underneath routes, which he seems to anticipate very well. Tackling is another strength of McCoy. He comes in low and delivers ideal form tackles. When blitzing or playing the run, he is twitchy to the point where he will rip inside and trust his quickness to beat either linemen or perimeter blockers to their inside gap, then reposition to stop the bounce. Press- and slot-coverage clips are something I think would boost his film a bit more in the eyes of college recruiters.
With another offseason under his belt, I would not be surprised if McCoy turns a number of jumped routes into picks, and thus climbs college recruiting boards by leaps and bounds.
The Pequannock Panthers have a nice toy to play with on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Coming in at 6’1 and 181lbs is DB/WR Andrew Rivera Andrew Rivera 6’1″ | 160 lbs | DB Pequannock | 2024 NJ . Statistically, Rivera was only credited with 1 interception on the season, but his tape shows that he was much more active than that. Rivera also plays basketball for the Panthers.
Rivera is often rolled down to the defense’s second level. He shows the passion and desire to want to pursue and make every single tackle as quickly as possible. He sheds blocks effectively en route to the ball carrier. When Rivera cannot get off of a block, he manages to get his gap-arm free and either impede the ball carriers progress or make the tackle himself. As a receiver he does a nice job pushing up field, creating a cushion, and then coming back to the ball for a quick pitch-and-catch on the curl. He also comes up victorious when playing jump balls. From a defensive perspective, he should look to keep his feet moving through contact for immediate stops.
What I enjoy most about Rivera is how excited he is to be playing the game of football. He is constantly cheering, clapping, and rooting after plays. His enthusiasm is contagious and acts like a tinder to the rest of the team.