New York Freshman Friday II
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The second installment of Freshman Friday, a quick hit article on five freshman prospects from New York. Some of these guys are already Varsity mainstays while a few are still trying to breakthrough. Regardless of their role last season and…
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Continue ReadingThe second installment of Freshman Friday, a quick hit article on five freshman prospects from New York. Some of these guys are already Varsity mainstays while a few are still trying to breakthrough. Regardless of their role last season and this season, these players are laying the ground work for New York’s class of 2026.
Jarrett Serate Jarrett Serate 6’1″ | 285 lbs | DL Curtis | 2026 State NY is a prospect you absolutely need to know in the class of 2026. At 6’1, 280 pounds Serate already fits size requirements for FBS/FCS schools as only a freshman. Serate has elite upfield burst and quickness of the snap. Serate does a good job of using lateral agility and good hands to win and shed blockers. Serate can win with strength or speed and his ability to finish runners in the backfield make him a playmaker on defense. Serate can absolutely make some improvements to his game in order to get to that FBS level.
Tano Auriuso Tano Auriuso 5’11” | 200 lbs | LB Aquinas | 2026 State NY is one of the top young linebackers in the State. The Freshman was a FB/TE/LB for Aquinas and showcased solid skills on both sides of the ball for AQ. Auriuso only has offensive film on his hudl but go to the other defenders on Aquinas’ hudl and we can watch plenty of Auriuso tape. Auriuso has a very thick base and he uses lower body strength to stall blockers in space, his ability to shed is really solid and he shows solid discipline as a linebacker. Auriuso is a good strong backer, but some quickness could be added to his game in order to round out his skillset and make him a threat dropping into coverage.
Ali Farhat Ali Farhat 6’6″ | 275 lbs | OL New Dorp | 2026 State NY already has elite tackle size and length at 6’6 and while he still is raw as a pass blocker he showed several extremely promising traits this season. First, Farhat knows how to use his length, keeping defenders at a distance and being able to use his length to prevent speed rushers from winning outside. Farhat also has good power in his hands and showed he can send guys to the ground using mostly his upper body. Farhat does need to engage his lower half into his blocks more often to generate more power and work on his footwork and foot speed. Farhat has the physical traits and shows the flashes of being a top player in the class of 2026. One of the highest ceilings in the state for sure.
Troy Beeman Troy Beeman 6’1″ | 230 lbs | DL Waverly | 2026 State NY is a versatile 2026 who showcases good quickness and hands at the point of engagement as a defensive lineman. Beeman had a solid season for Waverly where he finished 6th on the team in tackles as a DT. Beeman follows in his older brother Ty Beeman’s steps and as Ty graduates Troy will have to replace some of Ty’s top production last season. Troy showed he can be a playmaker on defense. As an offensive guard Beeman may be a little undersized but he does a good job of using his athleticism to win at the second level and as a lead blocker when pulling. I project Beeman as a defensive lineman at the next level but as only a freshman could add on weight and strength and develop on both sides of the ball.
I saw Jayden Melendez Jayden Melendez 5’10” | 165 lbs | WR Moore Catholic | 2026 State NY play in the CHSFL AA1 Final this past fall and although all season Melendez did not have a huge role for Moore Catholic the athleticism and promise is there. Melendez did not see the field often due to Moore Catholic’s deep group of playmakers at WR/DB. With a few graduations this year Melendez should be in line for more work this season. Melendez as really good quickness and burst. Melendez can be one of the those all around threats on the field who can play multiple positions on offense and win with the ball in his hands. As a defender Melendez showed in some of his youth/middle school tape that he has good ball skills and is willing to be a physical presence as a defender.