2025 Class Rankings: Key Observations
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As the 2025 Rankings have dropped. Some key observations are unique about each set of rankings. Here are the key observations from the 2025 Rankings update. CLEAR AT THE TOP Ja’elyne Matthews NJ #2 OL #1 HEIGHT 6'6" WEIGHT 300…
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Continue ReadingAs the 2025 Rankings have dropped. Some key observations are unique about each set of rankings. Here are the key observations from the 2025 Rankings update.
CLEAR AT THE TOP
Almost everywhere you look Ja’elyne Matthews Ja’elyne Matthews 6'6" | 300 lbs | OL Toms River North | 2025 State NJ and Quincy Porter Quincy Porter 6'4" | 195 lbs | WR Bergen Catholic | 2025 State NJ are the consensus two best players in the 2025 class. And if you ever get the pleasure to watch these two young men play you see why.
Matthews is a big and athletic 6’7 300 pound offensive tackle who has every physical trait you want out of a top offensive line prospect. In terms of size, arm, balance, footspeed, and the ability to pass protect in true pass set situations Mattews can do it all and he’s a lot more polish than given credit for.
My only criticism of Matthews is that he hasn’t been challenged by anyone of note. So we don’t get to see how to adjust to adversity, but all tools are there, and its no question that he’s the number one prospect in this class.
Porter is much different as he burst on the scene late in the season last year, in the biggest games. He showed that at 6’4 195 pounds he can win in a multiplicity of ways. From consistently winning in jump ball and 50/50 contested situations. To winning with deep speed and route running, Porter showed that he can be the total package at wide receiver.
Power 5 colleges took notice of what he did down the stretch. Quincy earns offers from UGA, Tennessee, Alabama, and Penn State. Quincy has clearly separated himself as WR1 in this class.
ELITE WIDE RECEIVERS
If a college is looking for a wide receiver, this is in the class in New Jersey to get one. One of the things that’s great about the wide receiver position is the are many ways to get the job done and there’s a flavor for everyone.
If you need a shifty route runner Dez Jones Dez Jones 5'11" | 175 lbs | WR DePaul Catholic | 2025 State NJ from DePaul Catholic is your guy. His combination of elusiveness and route running makes him a solid option who has a plan on winning in most situations.
If your thing is acrobatics and spectacular catches. Micheal Thomas III Micheal Thomas III 6'1" | 180 lbs | WR Donovan Catholic | 2025 State NJ and Sahyne Degraffereidt are up your alley. Thomas can do a little bit of everything but he excels in contested catch situations, He holds offers from Michigan, Penn State, and Rutgers.
Degraffereidt is a newcomer and his catches have made it onto SportsCenter. I once wrote that he has the same measurables as Odell Beckmah and subsequently, he received an offer from LSU the next day. Sahnye has the most upside of any receiver in the class because has elite traits. He holds offers from Maryland, LSU, and Penn State.
Last and certainly not least, the most electrifying player in South Jersey Lotzeir Brooks Lotzeir Brooks 5'11" | 170 lbs | WR Millville | 2025 State NJ is your speed guy. Brooks has the speed to be dangerous with the ball in his hand in the open field. The challenge for Brooks is continuously improving his route running.
LOADED AT DEFENSIVE BACK
Highlights
As a result, this class is also loaded at the defensive backfield positions. As with the wide receivers, the defensive backs are just as deep and talented. Headlining the class with Jahmir Joseph Jahmir Joseph 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB St. Joes Regional | 2025 State NJ from St. Joes Regional. Who’s a corner who can be solid in man and zone and has the operating ability of solid recovery speed.
Naiim Parish and Deshawn Stewart Deshawn Stewart 6'2" | 185 lbs | DB DePaul Catholic | 2025 State NJ are some of the more tested cornerbacks in the state. Naiim Parrish Naiim Parrish 5'11" | 185 lbs | DB Bergen Catholic | 2025 State NJ is a cornerback with an all-around skillset who can cover and tackle he reminds me of Antoine Winfield. In addition, Stewart can turn and run and has excellent ball skills while playing the ball in the air.
Then you have Gaines and Dorilas who have the size and physical traits to be good at their positions but still need time to develop but are solid prospects.