Rochester’s 8 Players to See in 2023
In this article:
These 8 players all had very strong seasons this past season but are looking to make some more noise for their football teams. Check them out below and come see them play this upcoming fall! Adam Ruffalo NY #255 ATH…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThese 8 players all had very strong seasons this past season but are looking to make some more noise for their football teams. Check them out below and come see them play this upcoming fall!
Adam Ruffalo Adam Ruffalo 5’11” | 160 lbs | ATH Victor | 2024 State NY is a two-year starter on varsity for Victor High School and plays both ways on the team. Additionally, Adam can return punts and kickoffs. This past season, Ruffalo was the receptions and yards leader for his team. Adam broke Victor High School’s all-time single season record in both of those categories and ended the year with 10 TDs. What is even more amazing is Ruffalo led his team in interceptions with 4 and was 4th on the team in tackles from the safety position. Operating at the WR position was like fine art for Ruffalo. This is a WR that was very effective running out at the boundary or even inside in the slot. The ability to run such fluid routes deep down the field allowed Adam to break open so many big time plays for his team. Ruffalo was able to run outstanding post, go, corner, in, fade, and hitch routes. The consistency to make catches in traffic with a DB draped all over him showed the elite talent that Ruffalo has. Most importantly, the YAC ability was probably the best trait that Adam has. Being able to outrun the entire defense and even special team’s unit showed up so many times on tape. Even at the safety position, Ruffalo was making incredible plays. Adam was able to jump routes for INTs, lay his body on the line with diving pass break-ups, and come out of nowhere to make freakish tackles in space. The goal for Ruffalo in 2024 is to win the sectional and state championship with his fellow teammates. Twitter: @AdamRuffaloInstagram: @adamruffalo_Hudl Profile: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16716466/633edd5c5ef7780aec70aeaa
The two words to define the play that Jahyleen Quick Jahyleen Quick 5’9″ | 175 lbs | ATH Spencerport | 2024 State NY from Spencerport High School produced would be control and commanding. There were so many wow plays that stood out when watching Quick play at the RB and OLB position for his Spencerport team. Between shooting into gaps to make diving tackles on the ball carriers and then translating over to squeezing through the smallest lanes to make positive gains for his team was striking to watch. The smarts and intelligence to even breakdown a play as it unfolded in coverage was brilliant to see for a player of Jahyleen’s age. The versatility to rush effectively with his hand in the dirt in a 3-point stance or standing up was shown at great lengths as well.When Quick spoke about himself, he stated that he is a coachable and hardworking athlete who does what he can to be successful on or off the football field. That success he is aiming for this year, he wants to help him in making the All-County First-Team and All-AGR.What I loved the most about Jayleens play was the speed and motor that he brings when attacking every play. Those two components were very evident when Quick was operating at the OLB position. Being able to come off the LOS and make big-time TFLs put his defense/team into excellent situations to be aggressive was key. Flipping to the RB spot, being able to slip by defenders to pick up hard-earned yards through the A and B gaps was consistent. A strong football player to see for this Spencerport team.Twitter: @jahy_quick Hudl Profile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15709022/Jahyleen-Quick/highlights
This is a 15-year-old name Femi Koumassou Femi Koumassou 6’3″ | 225 lbs | OL East | 2025 State NY from East High School that is a physically big football player standing in at 6’4” and weighing in at 225-pounds. Femi plays at the LT spot and additionally can play on the defensive line. When it comes to the upcoming season, Koumassou wants to make First Team All American, go undefeated, and be the number one ranked team in New York State.
I was incredibly shocked by the pure athleticism that Koumassou possess at the LT spot. The ability to get up field and to find a block was amazing to see. The ability to get into the second level to create a block was very evident when quick screens were made. On one play, Koumassou was able to create a block on a DB 10–15 yards down the field. That ability to move and to create space was also very impactful on pull-action blocks. Femi made so many great jumps, being able to pull at a fast rate and find a defender to block was super beneficial to the ball carrier behind Koumassou.
The physicality just pops on tape and shows up tremendously in goal-line situations. The pure passion and will to want to pancake the defender in front of Femi was showcased throughout. In the run game when making reach blocks, Femi does a fluid job of staying in front of his block and driving them to the boundary. Opening more space was a go-to for Koumassou. There is no doubt that this will be one fun LT to watch in years to come and when he gets the chance to play at the next level.
Twitter: @Femi_ koumassou
Instagram: @unknown_vill7
Hudl Profile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16772626/Femi-Koumassou
An amazing story and leader here with Jack D. Vickers from Spencerport High School. The maturity that Jack speaks with was very impressive to hear, and his parents should be very proud of the young man they raised. Jack spoke to me about how his teammates and him all have the mindset to develop by holding themselves accountable while not pointing fingers. Executing their “1/11th” as their football coaches have preached for years will help them get to where they want to go, which is Sectionals.Vickers will be entering into his senior season where he will be playing at a new position. Jack is going from playing as an FB in a doublewing offense to now playing as an H-Back in a new spread offense led by new head coach Brian Hugelmaier. Additionally, Jack plays the LB position where he was able to showcase his athletic ability at a confident level. Vickers made some diving INTS, and shoelace tackles that really made your eyebrows raise. When watching Vickers tape as an FB, what really stood out was the physicality. This is a true football player that is not afraid to lower his shoulder. Picking up those hard-earned yards to move the chains was a constant part of Jack’s game.Finally, Jack talked about how the Spencerport program that he loves and takes immense pride in, wants to produce his best season yet. It will be intriguing to see this new team and Vickers production on the football field this season. Twitter: @JackVickers30Instagram: N/AHudl Profile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15594614/Jack-Vickers
Nehemiah Brown Nehemiah Brown 5’10” | 200 lbs | LB Wilson Magnet | 2025 NY is a DE and OT from Wilson Magnet High School. Brown weighs 194 pounds and stands in at 5’9”. Nehemiah spoke about how much he loves the game of football, and his all-time goal is to play in the NFL. Brown also talked about how he is driven by his family, friends, teammates, and coaches to be the best overall player that he can be on every given down. Brown was able to show the versatility and athleticism he has when operating at both the DE and OT. This is a player that was utilized on special teams as well on the kickoff defensive unit. When placed at the OT spot, Nehemiah was even able to showcase his ability to make pull action blocks.For the upcoming season, Brown wants to make the all-star team, have 10+ sacks, and draw in more college attention to give himself an opportunity to play the game of football at the next level. A great quote that Brown stated to me is that he wants to be an example of that you can do whatever you want if you truly put your mind to it. Passion for the game is present here with Nehemiah.Twitter: @NehemiahB55_Instagram: @NehemiahNYC
Tyran Hoyte
Tyran Hoyte
Tyran Hoyte is an MLB and OG for Spencerport High School that wants to make a bigger impact on his football team this upcoming season. That Impact that Hoyte wants to make is leading his team to the playoffs and get a step closer to winning a sectional title for Spencerport High. Tyran spoke to me about how he is excited to work with a new coaching staff that is coming in and feels that they have a great overall team that can win a lot of games this upcoming season.
The majority of Hoyte’s snaps came at the MLB position where he was able to move around a lot pre-snap. That action to move around and line up in different spots to confuse the offense was shown by this young ball player. Fighting through his blocks or even being able to fire through the B-gaps without being touched to make a tackle behind the LOS was showcased. Tyran does a great job of fighting throughout plays even if he was not near the ball carrier to show off his tremendous motor.
Tyran was even used on the special team’s unit to help make tackles for his team. When given the opportunity to blitz and rush the passer, Hoyte did a great job of being balanced and rushing with some leverage. Being able to take those awkward pursuit angles and having the consistency to make tough tackles showed up on tape for this MLB. Great leader here for the new coaching staff to utilize.
Twitter: @TyranHoyte95410
Instagram: @Tyranh20
Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16230351/Tyran-Hoyte/about
Dominic Blekot
Dominic Blekot
When you talk about first step quickness off the snap of the ball, then you have to take a look at Dominic Blekot from Webster Thomas High School. Dominic is a 3-sport athlete but when it comes to football, he plays the DE and LT positions. Dominic has good size standing at 6’2” and weighing 230-pounds. When it comes to the upcoming football season, Blekot wants to be the best leader he can possibly be on and off the football field.
When rushing the passer or getting after the ball carrier in the run game, that first step quickness was a huge benefactor in the success Blekot would have. Blekot was able to get to the ball carrier so quickly he was able to force fumbles before the RB even had full grasp on the football. I was deeply impressed with Dominic’s ability to use a strong rip move and being able to dip to lean the corner when getting by/around his blocks. The motor to finish a play was on full display as well, even causing tipped passes and TFL’s.
Versatility is a big part of Dominic’s game as well. Blekot was able to rush the passer standing up in an OLB role, and with his hand in the dirt. Even at the LT position, the physicality stood out when driving opponents into the turf. Dominic is a true physical football player that has a lot of speed, confidence, and skill to play this game at the next level.
Twitter: @Dblekot59
Instagram: @dominic_blekot
Hudl Profile: http://www.hudl.com/profile/11949564
Anthony Johnson Anthony Johnson 5’7″ | 145 lbs | RB Cicero-North Syracuse | 2025 State NY is a QB at Edison Tech High School in the Rochester NY area. Anthony stands in at 5’10” and weighs 185-pounds. Johnson loves the game of football, and it is a big part of his life that he is hoping to keep being able to play down the road. In addition to football, Johnson also runs track and plays basketball. Keeping himself in shape is a big part of his success on the football field.Turning to the QB position, Anthony is a QB that is not afraid to take shots. Johnson has an above average arm that has a good amount of velocity coming off his throws. There were times when Johnson was able to hit his receiver down the field or even near the sideline into a tough spot. Giving his receivers a chance to make a play is an action that Anthony wants to produce. The ability to bail out of the pocket to extend plays was also evident in Johnson’s game. Coming into this year with Edison Tech, Johnson is aiming to have a scholarship be offered to him, wants to make AGR, and overall, he simply wants to become a better player. Being a player that shows a great work ethic and can inspire others is the type of player that Johnson wants to be.Twitter: @ant_hollywood3Instagram: @Anttt.HollywoodHudl Profile: http://www.hudl.com/profile/18413382