Battle at the Beach: IMG vs. St. Joseph’s

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An inside look at the first nationally televised game of the season that is set to kick-off on ESPN2 this August 26th in Ocean City, NJ!! Now, let's take a closer look at some of the top prospects from both teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>IMG ACADEMY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 6'0 185 QB - [player_tooltip player_id='740798' first='Jayden' last='Bradford']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='740798' first='Jayden' last='Bradford'] led the Ascenders to an 8-1 overall record last season, and, after losing the opening game, he quarterbacked IMG to eight straight victories. In the final game of 2022, Bradford threw for 3 touchdowns to secure the upset victory over the #1 ranked and previously undefeated St. Frances Academy. Bradford played winning football all season long, and he demonstrated that his dual-threat ability will translate well to the college game. He uses his legs very well to pick-up 1st downs in short yardage situations, and he's also a fantastic scrambler who can throw accurately on the run. My prediction is that [player_tooltip player_id='740798' first='Jayden' last='Bradford'] throws for more than 1,500 yards and 20 TDs in 2023, and the Battle at the Beach will be the first opportunity of the season for him to showcase his next level talent. I have no doubt in my mind that [player_tooltip player_id='740798' first='Jayden' last='Bradford'] will have a huge game against St. Joseph's Prep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="https://t.co/cBzrdTBCmV">https://t.co/cBzrdTBCmV</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 5'10 195 RB - [player_tooltip player_id='404033' first='Jerrick' last='Gibson']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While many Ascender ball carriers will see action, the top spot in the IMG Academy backfield most definitely belongs to [player_tooltip player_id='404033' first='Jerrick' last='Gibson'] in 2023. Gibson ran for 608 yards and 8 total touchdowns last season, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if he doubles those numbers this Fall. The 5 star prospect recently narrowed his top five school choices down to: Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, Florida, and UMiami. It's clear that [player_tooltip player_id='404033' first='Jerrick' last='Gibson'] is one of the most coveted running back recruits in the nation, and his commitment will be one of the most highly anticipated in the nation next year. St. Joseph's run defense has a lot of work cut out for them when they face [player_tooltip player_id='404033' first='Jerrick' last='Gibson'] and the Ascenders' offensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="https://t.co/8uQ8qIKQHg">https://t.co/8uQ8qIKQHg</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 6'4 275 DL - [player_tooltip player_id='110735' first='David' last='Stone']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='110735' first='David' last='Stone'] Jr is a 5 star defensive line prospect and Under Armour All-American who recently ranked in the top five on the ESPN 300 for his class. At 6'4 275, Stone is a formidable force at this level, and, more often than not, there's very little that the opposition can do to stop him. His speed is extremely elite for his size, and he breaches gaps and sheds blocks in a stifling manner at the line of scrimmage. As a tackler, once he has his hands on the ball carrier then the play is over. It's that simple. There's a reason [player_tooltip player_id='110735' first='David' last='Stone'] is one of the most sought after defensive line recruits on the IMG roster, and it's because he's a game changing player for any program at the next level. He will most certainly be looking to start off his season on a high note against St. Joe's this August.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="https://t.co/3tV0i5gRHy">https://t.co/3tV0i5gRHy</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 6'4 295 OL - [player_tooltip player_id='749030' first='Kaden' last='Strayhorn']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='749030' first='Kaden' last='Strayhorn'] will lead the charge upfront on the offensive line this season for IMG. He opens up the running game in a huge way for ball carriers such as [player_tooltip player_id='404033' first='Jerrick' last='Gibson'], and, with his size and athleticism, he also protects the backfield efficiently. When asked about Alabama head coach Nick Saban, Strayhorn said, “I've been talking to him since I was in the 8th grade.” It's clear that greatness recognizes greatness, and [player_tooltip player_id='749030' first='Kaden' last='Strayhorn'] is most definitely one of the elite OL prospects in his class. I believe that he'll dominate the line of scrimmage for IMG which will lead to huge performances from IMG's playmakers such as QB [player_tooltip player_id='740798' first='Jayden' last='Bradford'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="https://twitter.com/EJHollandOn3/status/1651231388127854593?s=20">https://twitter.com/EJHollandOn3/status/1651231388127854593?s=20</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>ST. JOSEPH'S PREP</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 6'0 200 QB - [player_tooltip player_id='164520' first='Samaj' last='Jones']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Four star recruit [player_tooltip player_id='164520' first='Samaj' last='Jones'] is, in my opinion, the #1 overall QB prospect in the state of Pennsylvania. It seems like every play that he makes is highlight caliber, and he never goes down on first contact. Jones' mobility is absolutely electrifying, and his running ability will be a lot for the IMG defense to handle. Jones recently nailed down his top four school choices to: Oklahoma, Penn State, WVU, and Cincinnati. There's simply no denying the dynamic ability of [player_tooltip player_id='164520' first='Samaj' last='Jones'], and I believe that he will cement his status as an elite recruit with a superb performance against IMG Academy. If they do not already, scouts nationwide must know his name because, with the right development, [player_tooltip player_id='164520' first='Samaj' last='Jones'] will accomplish great things at the D1 level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2J3s58">http://www.hudl.com/v/2J3s58</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 5'9 185 RB - [player_tooltip player_id='377915' first='Kahseim' last='Phillips']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This upcoming season, [player_tooltip player_id='377915' first='Kahseim' last='Phillips'] will command the lead ball carrier role out of the backfield for St. Joe's. He will operate out of the read-option formation in tandem with his QB, [player_tooltip player_id='164520' first='Samaj' last='Jones'], most of the time, but you cannot sleep on Phillips' power running game. He's not an easy tackle whatsoever. His 40 time recently clocked-in at a 4.5 this offseason, so it's more than evident that he's ready to take charge of the primary responsibilities. Phillips already has D1 offers from programs like JMU, Towson, LIU, and there are certainly more to come. [player_tooltip player_id='377915' first='Kahseim' last='Phillips'] is in a great position to light up the stat sheets this season, and my prediction is that he will do exactly that in the season opener versus the Ascenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14976887/646ce558bed70c0bcc824dd7">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14976887/646ce558bed70c0bcc824dd7</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 6'0 185 WR - [player_tooltip player_id='142808' first='David' last='Washington Jr.']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The four star wide receiver, [player_tooltip player_id='141016' first='David' last='Washington Jr'], will be a primary target for [player_tooltip player_id='164520' first='Samaj' last='Jones'], and he will play a critical role in the offense against IMG. His defensive matchups will be difficult, however, Washington is such an elite receiver that if anyone can get the job done it's most certainly him. The Ascenders' DBs will have their hands full in this home opener, and I guarantee that if IMG sleeps on Washington and the St. Joe's pass catchers then they will regret it. This matchup features the best of the best on both sides of the ball, and [player_tooltip player_id='141016' first='David' last='Washington Jr'] is a prospect that every scout should have their eyes on during this game. He already has offers from Ole Miss, Michigan State, Oregon, Wisconsin, UVA, and more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="https://t.co/LxaWdU4sZf">https://t.co/LxaWdU4sZf</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 5'11 175 DB - [player_tooltip player_id='98507' first='Omillio' last='Agard']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='98507' first='Omillio' last='Agard'] is most definitely the top DB prospect on the St. Joe's roster, and he can prove just that with a lockdown defensive effort against a very elite IMG Academy receiving cops. Agard has been an essential defensive piece on both of the state championship teams during his high school career, and it will be no different this season. He recently narrowed down his top ten schools to: Alabama, Michigan, Georgia, Notre Dame, Clemson, PSU, Texas A&amp;M, UMiami, Tennessee, and South Carolina. Unfortunately, if you're a scout that is just now learning Agard's name, then, chances are, it's already too late. I cannot emphasize enough just how elite of a DB that [player_tooltip player_id='98507' first='Omillio' last='Agard'] is, and everyone must tune-in to watch him August 26th live on ESPN2!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="https://t.co/fKxT3g4Clw">https://t.co/fKxT3g4Clw</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->