2024 Class Rankings: Key Observations Part 1
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In this article, we recognize some of the key areas where the 2024 class has its strongest marks. Here are some key observations from the 2024 class rankings. DEFENSE DOMINATES THE RANKINGS The defensive side of football dominates the rankings.…
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Continue ReadingIn this article, we recognize some of the key areas where the 2024 class has its strongest marks. Here are some key observations from the 2024 class rankings.
DEFENSE DOMINATES THE RANKINGS
The defensive side of football dominates the rankings. With 6 players in the top 10 whose primary position is on the defensive side of the ball. These players are Vaboue Toure Vaboue Toure 6'0" | 185 lbs | ATH Irvington | 2024 State NJ of Irvington, Recent Rutgers commit Kaj Sanders Kaj Sanders 6'2" | 180 lbs | DB Bergen Catholic | 2024 State NJ of Bergen Catholic, Adrian Laing Adrian Laing 6'1" | 170 lbs | DB Paramus Catholic | 2024 State NJ of Paramus Catholic, Willy Love of Camden Eastside, UGA commit Jordan Thomas Jordan Thomas 6'6" | 265 lbs | DL Don Bosco | 2024 State NJ of Don Bosco and Meikhi Cuttino Meikhi Cuttino 6'3" | 200 lbs | ATH Paramus Catholic | 2024 State NJ of Paramus Catholic
The defensive positions are also the ones that are dominating the top 100 s there are:
- 7 linebackers in the top 100
- 9 defensive linemen in the top 100
- 13 defensive backs in the top 100
This is a welcomed sight for me, especially when you go up and examine higher levels of football. The defensive side more and more seems nonexistent due to the rules. But as the defensive prospect get better we may start seeing a much-needed shift in these trends.
DEEPEST POSITIONS IN THE RANKINGS
ATHs:
Players who are highlighted as athletes are in one of the deepest positions in this class. Highlighted by many defensive athletes which should be a separate category for them, they were all grouped together for the purpose of this exercise.
Players like Micah Ford Micah Ford 6'1" | 205 lbs | ATH Tom Rivers North | 2024 State NJ , who is not only a dual-threat running back, but a standout safety with uncanny athleticism. He recently committed to the University of Standford for running back, but safety and linebacker are all real possibilities for him the next level.
Recent Syracuse commit Braheem Long Braheem Long 6'0" | 170 lbs | ATH Camden | 2024 State NJ is an underrated player in this class who has the ability to play corner, safety, or wide receiver.
He is listed at 6’0 170 but he has a long frame, good football instincts, and solid ball skills on the defensive side of the ball.
Marcus White Marcus White 6'0" | 190 lbs | ATH Hillside | 2024 State NJ is a player that hasn’t been getting much buzz. The standout track athlete is 6’0 190 pounds and is the best mover in the class.
In terms of footspeed, acceleration, and agility there’s an argument for maybe two other players in Emmanuel Ross and Toure, but of the total package White has it.
In addition to him being one the best ball-hawking safeties in the state. With over four interceptions on the season and two going-for scores.
Offensive Line:
OFFENSIVE LINE
The offensive line came in second with 13 offensive in the top 100 and 11 prospects in the top 50.
Nyier Daniels Nyier Daniels 6'8" | 300 lbs | OL Bergen Catholic | 2024 State NJ who recently committed to UGA is one of the standout linemen in this class.
At 6’7 300 pounds, he is a punishing run blocker and has one of the better get-offs I’ve seen in this class. However, I need to see more from him in terms of true pass sets and pass protection, but the way he can move at his size is special.
Highlights
Aidan Lynch Aidan Lynch 6'7" | 290 lbs | OL Mount Olive | 2024 State NJ , a Virginia Tech commit is the best all-around lineman in the class. At 6’7 285, in terms of pass blocking, run blocking, and measurables he checks almost every box.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Wide receivers take the cake in terms of the number of players represented in the rankings.
Over 20+ wide receivers represented in the rankings and 7 in the top 50.
Emanuel Ross Emanuel Ross 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR Red Bank Catholic | 2024 State NJ is the top wide receiver in the class with his combination of size, speed, explosiveness, and athleticism. There aren’t many players who move like Ross with or without the ball in his hands. In addition, with his ability to be a game-changer as an outside corner his positional versatility is unmatched in this class.
The University of Stanford commit has the potential to be one of the top prospects to come out of New Jersey.
Highlights
Evan Brooks Evan Brooks 6'4" | 195 lbs | WR Old Tappan | 2024 State NJ has the highest growth potential of any wide receiver in the state right now. At 6’3 165 pounds Brooks is a beast in contested catch situations and showcased that in the championship game.
Although Brooks currently doesnt hold an offer I’m fully expecting to have an improved and dominant season and have the offers pouring in.
Tareq Council Tareq Council 6'3" | 170 lbs | WR Toms River North | 2024 State NJ is another interesting prospect with tremendous growth potential. Having saw this young man play on more than one occasion he’s a tall and long receiver at 6’3 170 and is dynamic as a deep threat and with the ball in his hands.
Also, he has serious potential as a deep safety as he can cover much ground and has great range patrolling on the back end. Lastly, he also offers some special teams value as a kick return. Council is still uncommitted and hold offers from school like WVU, Maryland, and Coastal Carolina.