Downstate Classic: Pod 2 and Pod 3 Top Performers Part 2
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Checkout my second part of my top performers from Pod 2 and Pod 3 at the downstate classic. There were so many players in these pods and I featured a bunch of elite prospects that took advantage of all these…
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Continue ReadingCheckout my second part of my top performers from Pod 2 and Pod 3 at the downstate classic. There were so many players in these pods and I featured a bunch of elite prospects that took advantage of all these reps. Many of these guys will be must see players the rest of the summer. Check out these prospects that played well.
The youngster from Erasmus Hall was the talk of the camp. Harris is one of the best technical corners I’ve seen in the 2026 class in New York. His footwork was incredibly smooth as he was going step for step with some of the top upperclassman receivers in the state. His IQ is well above his years as he was consistently reading routes and making plays against explosive receivers
One of the best route runners I saw at the downstate classic. He made it look easy when it came to creating separation. His change of direction was extremely impressive as he sold where he was going and burned his defender going the other way. Even when the timing from the quarterback was off, he still found a way to come away with a few impressive grabs. He had some of the best IQ and got his body in the right position against defenders consistently to win reps.
One of the most athletic linebackers at the entire event. Horigan came away with multiple highlight reel plays at his position. He had a really impressive rep where he came away with an interception after reading the offensive players route perfectly. Despite playing at a smaller school, Horigan showed that he can compete with the big time players and he had some amazing reps against talented players. I loved his speed and physicality, the all state selection will have some eyes on him this fall.
Despite only standing at 6 foot, I thought Roberts was one of the top tight ends at the event. He was still able to be one of the most productive players and he displayed some great hands, especially during a rep where he hauled in a pass that was behind him. Roberts does a good job adjusting his body and coming down with a pass. He bursted past some players during his 1v1’s and overall he had a real solid day.
Another event where Hermanns really established his presence as one of the top quarterbacks, He easily had some of the most velocity on his passes. He was able to rip the ball quickly into the receivers hands. His anticipation was solid and he threw some terrific deep passes. One of his redzone reps was one of the best where he placed in a spot where only his receiver could get it. Hermanns is going to be an exciting player this fall.
I was excited to see the strong receiver against some fast and physical corners and Hart continued to perform well. After seeing him in person again, I’d say he has solidified himself as having some of the best hands on Long Island. His ball skills are tremendous as when it’s thrown in his radius, he’s coming down with it. He had an incredible leaping catch against the top defensive back at the event. When he took reps as a running back, he gave linebackers a major issue in the open field.
During his reps at the downstate classic, Pauletti had some of the toughest matchups but the big man answered the bell. The Iona Prep product showed amazing lower body strength in his reps. He did a good job maintaining his balance and had good footwork to keep up with his guy and then utilized his strength to have an efficient rep. During the stunts, he did his job and looked good in space.
Highlights
The edge rusher from Erasmus Hall was one of the most agile players in Pod 2. I was impressed with his get off and he made some of his matchups look easy. He has good size and he showed he can beat offensive lineman in multiple ways. Smith has gotten stronger and one of the more impressive traits he displayed was his explosiveness. He’s gonna be a good asset on an Erasmus hall defensive line that is incredible to say the least.
The 2025 prospect out of Erasmus Hall has amazing size at 6 foot 2 and the combination of being physical and rangy made him one of the most effective cornerbacks at the event. He was a beast in press coverage as he gave receivers a hard time with his strength. He has good speed keeping up with receivers on deep routes and when it came to jump ball’s, how lengthy he is comes into play. He has a ton of potential to make noise this season.
The big man from Sachem had a number of solid reps during the downstate classic. Playing the left tackle position, DiMenna did a tremendous job handling jis edge rusher and overpowering them as he kept them to the outside continuously. He has amazing size and he used his length to his advantage in some of his matchups.
One of the most consistent defensive backs in pod 3. It’s another Erasmus Hall defensive back and like most of the Dutchmen, Hercules had some of the best patience out of all the DB’s along with excellent technique during his reps. His eyes and ability to read the receiver helped him win several reps. There were times where he was completely glued to his receiver during his rep.