Downstate Classic: Pod 4 and Pod 5 Top Performers Part 1
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Now we go to pod 4 and pod 5 of the downstate classic, and we saw some of the top lineman go to battle in pads and some more excellent skill players went to work. Checkout some of the top…
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Continue ReadingNow we go to pod 4 and pod 5 of the downstate classic, and we saw some of the top lineman go to battle in pads and some more excellent skill players went to work. Checkout some of the top prospects from these pods.
I was excited to see Reilly on his home turf and he flourished all afternoon. When defensive backs tried to play him in press coverage, it didn’t end well. Reilly had one of the best releases at the entire event. He immediately would create separation at the line of scrimmage which led to a number of easy catches. During his junior season I saw how well he tracked the ball and he displayed that ability in so many reps at the downstate classic. He quietly had one of the most productive performances
Out of all the cornerbacks I saw at the downstate classic I don’t think there was a player as dominant as Josira Andrews Josira Andrews 5’10” | DB Erasmus Hall | 2024 State NY . Out of all those amazing Dutchemn defensive backs he was ultimately the standout guy as he locked down every single receiver he went against. There were no linebackers in this pod so Andrews got a crazy amount of reps and he continued winning them thanks to the combination of physicality, IQ and technique. He was the most polished player in the pod and the intensity he brought was incredible
The big man from St John’s drew some of the tougher matchups and he stepped up. Wehbeh was one of the only players to give Blake Belin Blake Belin 6’2″ | 270 lbs | DL Cardinal Hayes | 2025 State NY any type of issues. The all league center dominated at his position as he strung together a bunch of impressive reps. He wasn’t as big as some of the other lineman but he had some of the best technical skills and his strength was up there with some of the bigger prospects.
Highlights
The Somers product made an argument as the top lineman in pod 5 when it came to production. He had the quickest first step and it wasn’t very close. He used his elite agility to absolutely smoke multiple offensive lineman that are highly ranked in the classes of 2024 and 2025 here in New York. His get off was one of the best I saw and he had incredible hand work in his reps and individual drills. He did it in several positions on the line and he showed why he had over 20 sacks last year, he’ll be one of the top edge rushers once again this season.
Highlights
The Cardinal Hayes quarterback had the strongest arm out of the group and I’d say he had the most impressive individual rep out of pod 4. He launched a beautiful pass well over 40 yards and timed it perfectly on the sideline. He had some consistency and was able to get the ball to his receivers very quickly. Belin had good anticipation and a great mentality during the showcase.
Highlights
It was another event where the Farmingdale product was the top route runner out of an impressive receiver group. From a technical standpoint, Gatchalian was super impressive. He created the most separation out of any receiver in this pod and he made relatively easy catches. He was one of the only player to have any type of success against Josira Andrews Josira Andrews 5’10” | DB Erasmus Hall | 2024 State NY . And despite being only 5’9, he looked good in the redzone and made some impressive contested catches against physical defenders.
He might not play for a big powerhouse high school, but Outlaw showed he belongs in the conversation with some of the best 2025 quarterbacks in the state. The all star baseball player showed that his arm talent is incredible. He could absolutely sling it as he had some great spots on some excellent deep balls. Outlaw also made some tough throws in tight windows all afternoon.
Belin had some of the best measurables at the camp with how big he was and he showed off the strength that came along with it. He had a good bull rush, but what makes him so good is the special type of athlete he is. The quickness and footwork he had was terrific and he had a couple of very impressive moves to defeat some solid offensive lineman.
Another class of 2025 prospect from Cardinal Hayes that seriously impressed. Mann is a stud, his measurables were some of the best having good size and he accompanied that with great athleticism and toughness. He went up against some defensive lineman that like to bull rush and he did a great job stopping them. Mann has good feet and he was always in front of his guy. He has a very high ceiling going into his second varsity season.