Division Returners: NJIC Patriot
In this article:
Cole Hughes Cole Hughes 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Park Ridge | 2024 State NJ POS QB CLASS 2024 Cole Hughes Cole Hughes 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Park Ridge | 2024 State NJ School: Park Ridge Cole…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingCole Hughes Cole Hughes 6’2″ | 205 lbs | QB Park Ridge | 2024 State NJ earned first team all division as a QB, but his big playmaking abilities extend onto the defensive side of the ball as well. The Park Ridge athlete ran for over 1250 yards and passed for over 1000 yards as well. Cole has a very strong arm and can put a lot of zip on the ball. He is an even more impressive passer than you would expect. And when the ball is in Cole’s hands, he essentially takes the form of a power running back. He rolls over defenders and shed tackles with ease.
Defensively, Cole is a big hitting safety that is built like a linebacker. He is a true run stuffer and a reliable guy to have at the goal line to blow up the play. Cole is extremely valuable on both sides of the ball for his team, and is sure to do great things this season. Recently committed to Lehigh, Cole has one more year to wow New Jersey.
Nasir Owens
Nasir Owens
Nasir Owens is a hard nosed runner that is built like a bulldozer. The St. Mary’s 2025 RB runs with determination each and every play. Nasir is the type of ball carrier that runs low to the ground and keeps his legs churning. He has extremely strong legs, making it very difficult for defenders to get a clean tackle on him. Nasir will have a ton of opportunities in 2023 as he should amass a high number of carries as the every down back for his team.
Kledji Elezaj
Kledji Elezaj
Kledji Elezaj is one of the division’s scariest pass rusher to go up against. With 52 total tackles and 8 sacks in 2022, Kledji played aggressively in both the run and pass game and tormented any player unlucky enough to get within his grasp. Kledji is quick to the backfield and pounces out of his stance to beat the lineman to the edge. He stays low as he rounds the corner and fights to get to the quarterback. Kledji is extremely good with his hands as he shakes off blockers and gives himself enough space to make a play on the runner. QBs won’t be too thrilled to go up against him in 2023 as we may see him accumulate double digit sacks.
If you’re looking for a runner to go full tilt as soon as the ball is snapped, Luke Macfie Luke Macfie 6’0″ | 190 lbs | DB Park Ridge | 2024 NJ is your guy. With 1105 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in 2022, Luke became on of the most highly rated players within the division. Luke is a very talented runner that is not going to stop after first contact. He runs with a full head of steam as it takes a whole team to bring him to down the ground. Luke utilizes his quick acceleration and jump cuts to make his way through traffic very well, and he also has enough speed to break away from would be tacklers pursuing him in open space. Luke has received interest from Springfield College and Middlebury, but I am sure a lot more interest will come once the 2023 season begins.