New England Show Days Notebook: The Taft School, Avon Old Farms

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>The Taft School </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Dara Adeyemi","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2023","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'7u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"The Taft School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The eyes of most in attendance fell on the shoulders of a 2023 prospect, surprisingly enough. That 2023 kid, hardly looked like one in person. Dara Adeyemi was showcased along with his old teammates at the 45-minute Taft showcase. Coaches and media flocked to see the 6'7 giant work his pass-rushing skills against Taft's offensive linemen. His actual reps left some meat on the bone, as the basketball-talent-turned-football prospect is still learning the ins and outs of the game. A rock-solid 6'7, 235 pounds, Adeyemi had potential suitors drooling at his potential. With obvious reasoning behind it. Unlocking this kid's potential could be a recruiting difference-maker for those willing to take a chance on the kid.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646a8cb5d9417"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/WavveyDA/status/1658331642426015746?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/WavveyDA/status/1658331642426015746?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["404253"],"_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":"Oustanding overall performance out of [player_tooltip player_id='404253' first='Gunnar' last='Watson'], a Taft backer who might be due a rankings boost. Excellent in coverage, would have come away with numerous interceptions covering wideouts and tight ends who could be deemed much more athletic than he is. Brains behind his brawn, [player_tooltip player_id='404253' first='Gunnar' last='Watson'] displayed a great ability to key on routes concepts as they were happening. He might not scream overt athleticism, yet his ability to flash coverage skills and of course, clog running lanes, should have him in top ten LB conversations moving forward.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646a8cb5d945b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["790761"],"_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":"Can't wait to get this kid ranked. Probably the best overall performance at the showcase. 5'10 back with wideout hands and separation skills. Truly meeting the u0022ATHu0022 requirements, the former Illinois prospect was lights out at WR and DB, matching up with all types of prospects and winning all afternoon long. Incredible body control throughout his routes, both at the LOS and at the top of his route. Spectacular use of leverage, often toying with inexperienced DBs. Great overall balance allowed Crews to accelerate off the line at 100mph and break down to a complete stop and change direction. DB reps were exemplary. Great, strong overall hands too. Very impressed.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646a8cb5d949b"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/AndreCrews6/status/1658588136077680640?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AndreCrews6/status/1658588136077680640?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='839839' first='Rostand' last='Olama']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"The Taft School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Here's a new name that grabbed my attention. His build at DB intrigued right away. 6'3, possibly 6'4, long legs and arms, weighing in at 190 pounds, cut, and defined frame. Rostand u0022Rou0022 Olama competed and attempted to cover all types of offensive weapons. Big targets, small weapons, Olama was tasked to show off what he could do against a range of builds. At 6'3, we all wanted to see how that frame moved in space, how'd he use his size to his advantage.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646a8cb5d9515"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='839981' first='Ozzy' last='Diallo']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"The Taft School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Another big DB The Taft School is deploying. 6'3, 185, numerous winning reps in press coevrage at the showcase. Diallo's a two-way prospect, projecting him to see reps at both DB and WR. Very physical throughout his reps early on, he's going to have to prove he can run with speed down the sidelines. Excited to see some tape out of the young man down the line, a future ranking is likely. Formerly out of Yonkers, New York.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646a8cb5d95d2"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["421065"],"_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='421065' first='Gilbert' last='Kimrin'] was as advertised. The freshman passer is still seasoning his craft and has a way to go in terms of solidifying his place on our rankings. That being said, Kimrin flashed natural arm talent in front of college coaches. He flashed the ability to target weapons downfield, hitting kids in stride or letting speedy wideouts run underneath his throws 40+ yards downfield. I know Kimrin can be more accurate overall, especially when targeting the middle of the field. Solid in timing routes that broke towards the sideline, again, flashing arm strength. Excited to keep watching the young man work.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646a8cb5d9614"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["437026"],"_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":"Beefy, overt power. Has muscles in damn near every limb of his body. Powerful and explosive hips that spring him out of his stance. Way further along in technique than I expected when seeing him at the UC Report, same goes for this showcase. The young man is putting on impressive weight, he must be a fun watch in the weight room. A top-five overall prospect in his class, Okeleke looks well beyond his years, oozing confidence with tape to back up said confidence. I'm expecting Jude to have another dominant year inside for The Taft School.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646a8cb5d9654"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/duvaljr/status/1658275818651435010?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/duvaljr/status/1658275818651435010?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["801239"],"_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":"Again, most of the eyes were on Dara Adeyemi, deservedly so. Yet, [player_tooltip player_id='801239' first='Will' last='Palmer'], a reclassified prospect out of the Cheshire Jr. Football program, won the majority of the reps against the 2023 PG. His debut ranking on our 2026 lists should show how excited we are about the young man's potential. Obvious room to grow in both stature and technique, Palmer still projects as a potential D1 prospect down the line.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646a8cb5d9694"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>Avon Old Farms</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["399297"],"_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":"Watching [player_tooltip player_id='399294' first='Dante' last='Reno'] earlier that morning really opened up my eyes to what elite quarterbacking looks like up close and personal. Samaj Jones and Stone Saunders provide a taste of elite quarterback play in Pennsylvania. Seeing Georgia commit [player_tooltip player_id='399297' first='Ryan' last='Puglisi'] for the first time provided a similar reaction. Otherworldly mechanics and release that make all the next-level throws that much easier to complete. Effortless spin to his throws, incredible hip torque, all combined with refined feet allow Puglisi to keep his eyes focused on where he needs to go with the football. Quarterback play at its finest. Puglisi, along with Cheshire Academy's [player_tooltip player_id='399294' first='Dante' last='Reno'], set the bar in the Northeast.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646a8cb5d96d7"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JonathanWholley/status/1658574890063077376?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JonathanWholley/status/1658574890063077376?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["399298"],"_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_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646a8cb5d9757"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["140376"],"_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_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646a8cb5d9857"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["404659"],"_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":"Keshawn Adams, [player_tooltip player_id='404659' first='Kharon' last='Craig'], and new addition [player_tooltip player_id='849282' first='Kristian' last='Strong'] served as Puglisi's targets on the day. As you can tell by their rank, it doesn't get much better in terms of weapons to throw to than [player_tooltip player_id='623122' first='Keke' last='Adams'] and [player_tooltip player_id='404659' first='Kharon' last='Craig']. Adams, ranked as the top DB in his class, Craig, recently placing one spot away from ranking as the top overall prospect in his class, Puglisi had consistent talent at his disposal. The newer name that created a bit of buzz among college coaches was [player_tooltip player_id='849282' first='Kristian' last='Strong'], a Post-Grad previously suiting up for Cardinal Newman HS. Multiple offers came Strong's way after his impressive performance at TE/WR at the showcase. Although his profile suggests he's a LB, this kid is going to see a ton of targets at TE, a position he's likely to carve out a real role this Fall. Easy open-field strider. Great build that is going to absorb physicality with ease, especially from any DBs attempting to thwart him at the LOS. 6'4.5, 230 pounds with exemplary grades. I'm quickly becoming a big fan of the young man.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646a8cb5d98d7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["623117"],"_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_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646a8cb5d9717"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["308529"],"_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":"Doesn't sit right that a specimen like [player_tooltip player_id='623117' first='Benedict' last='Umeh'] ranks where he ranks. It's a testament to how special the rest of the class is, especially considering how deep the DL class is among 2024 graduates. [player_tooltip player_id='623117' first='Benedict' last='Umeh'] blew me away in terms of size. Again, my first time seeing the young man up close. There isn't a bit of baby fat to his name, all this to ensure he's in top shape this coming Fall. I'm excited to see where he eventually lands along a future Power 5 defensive line.rnrnHad my first glimpse at the newly acquired [player_tooltip player_id='846201' first='Derrick' last='Brown Jr.'], formerly out of Charlotte Christian Academy. Unfamiliar with football in the Carolinas, yet I imagine the number of DLs that rival this kid's potential are few and far between. 6'3, 225, arguably a more chiseled stature than Umeh, Brown showed off a bit more bend and flexibility in drills in comparison to Umeh. Umeh blends power and speed well, whereas Brown is going to be a tough matchup to handle if he gets the get-off around the edge that he's used to.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646a8cb5d9817"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/AOF_Football/status/1658278121949261825?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AOF_Football/status/1658278121949261825?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["404299"],"_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_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646a8cb5d9796"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["234307"],"_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_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646a8cb5d97d7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["721148"],"_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":"An elite trio of linemen here. [player_tooltip player_id='404299' first='Jack' last='Hines'] has every right to the top lineman spot in his class. [player_tooltip player_id='721148' first='Owen' last='Aliciene'], Hines' counterpart tackle currently ranks as the top offensive lineman prospect in his respective class. The two behemoths churned up turf with every knee drive. Incredible specimens at work, just the right guys to attempt to block Umeh and Brown. I'd kill to watch some of these in-season practices where iron sharpens iron each evening. There wasn't too much picking apart Hines and Aliciene's games at this event, moreso marvelling at their impressive abilities.rnrn[player_tooltip player_id='234307' first='Zachary' last='Gluckman'] isn't 6'7, yet the awesome center moved impressively well. Explosive hips with powerful limbs, all wrapped up in a seriously athletic build that suits the spectrum of talent on this unit. Very surprised colleges aren't throwing money at this young man, at least FCS schools. Syracuse and Boston College have recently extended PWOs to the IOL.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646a8cb5d9897"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic/status/1658225133608218625?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic/status/1658225133608218625?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->