Season Preview: Upstate NY Underrated Players
In this article:
There are some under the radar players that will be ready to go this season in the upstate New York region. These players are ready to improve game by game to help their teams win this season. These may not…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThere are some under the radar players that will be ready to go this season in the upstate New York region. These players are ready to improve game by game to help their teams win this season. These may not be the top players at their school, but certainly they have the under the radar talent to make an drastic impact.
Quante Gillians
Quante Gillians
This is a freak of nature at the DE position with Quante Gillians from Aquinas Institute High School. Gillians is such an explosive DE that will get after opposing QBs in the blink of an eye. Quante spoke to me about how he hates to lose more than he likes to win. Doing whatever it takes to win and to be known as one of the best football players to come from the upstate NY area is a goal that Gillians wants to achieve. By the end of Gillians high school career, he wants to be a Section V champion.
In addition to the DE spot, Gillians has had some experience at TE. The bread and butter for Quante really comes at the DE spot. The ability to lean the corner and rush with so much speed was on full display for Quante. So many times, Quante was able to use a quick swipe move and dip around the OT to record a sack. OT’s had a tough time trying to control Gillians speed at first touch. I loved the versatility of being able to rush from either side of the line and Quante even was able to utilize a quick spin move to fool opposing linemen.
The 6’5” frame that Gillians had showed up tremendously in his ability to knock down intended passes at the LOS. For this upcoming season, Gillians has a laundry list of goals that he is aiming for. Those goals include having double-digit sacks, being in the top 5 in the state for QB hurries, becoming the best pass rusher in NY, to win a sectional championship, to make it on AGR, and be in the running for DPOY. Lots of talent in this young man’s game which is so fun to watch!
Twitter: @QuanteGillians6
Instagram: @quante_gillians
Hudl Profile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16548077/Quante-Gillians
Jamar Frison
Jamar Frison
Jamar Frison is an RB and DB from Pittsford Mendon High School that is ready for the upcoming season. Frison is a senior that stands in at 5’10” and weighs around 180-pounds. When it comes to this upcoming season, Jamar wants to go back to sectionals with his team and win it all.
Turning to Frison’s play on the football field, the acceleration at the point of attack is what shined when operating at the RB spot. Additionally, being able to come up in run support at the DB position really is what helped his defense against the run game. Jamar did tell me that he does have some experience playing at OLB spot, and that experience showed in his aggressiveness to attack any ball carrier.
Jamar told me that one of his favorite things about football is lifting. The action of lifting helps translate over to the field. Frison talked about how this off-season he is taking lifting more seriously, and he is hoping it makes him a better player on the field. Jamar is fighting for more play time this year, and he is excited to get back on the football field for Pittsford Mendon.
Twitter: @jamfrison
Instagram: @jfrisonn
Hudl Profile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15901707/Jamar-Frison
You talk about a big strong-armed QB for his age, then you need to watch Will DiMarco Will DiMarco 6’0″ | 205 lbs | QB McQuaid | 2025 NY play QB for McQuaid High School. DiMarco stands in at 6’0” even but weighs in at 210-pounds. Will has 3 brothers and played football with his older brother last year. Speaking of last year, Will averaged 300 yards per game, and he is looking to continue that success over to this year. Ending the year in a State Championship is a big goal for DiMarco and is a height he wants to overcome when the fall comes around.
The ability to operate inside the pocket was a huge part of Will’s game. I was very impressed by Will’s ability to stand strong in the pocket and deliver deep throws down the field. The footwork that was put on display was very good for Will’s age. A few of those throws were made with excellent accuracy where DiMarco dropped the ball right into the bucket. There were no such issues with DiMarco throwing over the middle of the field, and he was able to deliver passes with remarkable velocity. Many times, Will was able to fit a ball right into a tight window for his receiver to make a play.
Even if a play would break down, Will does have the ability to extend a play with his legs. One play he was able to storm right out of the pocket, pick up a first down, and took a big hit in the process. A very confident QB and he will have a big year for McQuaid.
Twitter: @willdimarco80
Instagram: @will_dimarco
Hudl Profile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13315094/Will-DiMarco
Jeffery Logan
Jeffery Logan
Standing in at 5’8” and weighing 176-pounds, Jeffery Logan is a shifty WR and RB for Aquinas Institute High School. Additionally, Logan has also had some playing experience at the LB spot. Most of the snaps on tape for Jeffery came at the RB position. Getting more attention from college programs this fall is a big point that Jeffery is trying to achieve.
At the RB spot, the ability to cut in and out of lanes for Logan was clear. Being able to have that vision to see a lane even on the outside C or D gaps did show on tape for Jeffery. The contact balance to stay on his feet when engaging defenders was key, especially near the goal line for Logan against McQuaid. On one play Jeffery was able to lower his shoulder and drive a defender over for extra yardage, so there is physicality shown in his game. Logan was even used on special teams when it came to the kickoff return unit.
Now when it comes to the upcoming year, Logan wants to end the season with 8 TDs, and 700 yards. When it comes to the defensive side of the football, averaging 8–15 tackles is a mark that Jeffrey wants to hit.
Instagram: @j.logan15
Hudl Profile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18085450/Jeffery-Logan
Derrion Battle Derrion Battle 5’10” | 180 lbs | RB Aquinas | 2025 State NY is a passionate player that loves the game of football and has been working hard in the off season looking to improve his game. That hard work has been shown in football camps and 7v7’s that Battle has attended. After spending previous seasons at Irondequoit High School, Derrion now will be playing under coach Maurice Jackson at Aquinas Institute. Battle considers himself a Swiss Army knife type of player where he can line up at multiple positions.The majority of the reps that Battle produced on tape were routes coming out of the backfield as an RB, but certainly Derrion can play the WR position. I was impressed by the explosiveness and quickness that Derrion had coming out of his breaks. Being able to lose the DB quickly, provided plenty of space for the QB to operate to. Battle was able to run a very effective angle route that lost the DB at ease on one play. There has been a lot of interest thrown Derrion’s way after attending these camps this summer, but the most important goal that Derrion has for himself is to lead by example for his team. Being able to be a leader, so he and his teammates are successful on the football field is highly important to Derrion. Finally, Battle did tell me that he attends changing the community football training program, which shows me how much he cares about the game. A very hardworking player that will be a great addition for Aquinas this fall. Twitter: @Derrion585Instagram: @iamderrion
Highlights
Daeqwon Williams Daeqwon Williams 5'10" | 175 lbs | DL Wayne | 2025 NY
Daeqwon Williams Daeqwon Williams 5'10" | 175 lbs | DL Wayne | 2025 NY
Daeqwon Williams Daeqwon Williams 5’10” | 175 lbs | DL Wayne | 2025 NY is a 6’0”, 180-pound LB and FB that went to Lyons High School last year but now will be at Wayne Central High School this year to play with his older brother Elijah. Daeqwon lives with his aunt and uncle, and he has been playing the game of football since 6th grade. Playing college football is a dream for Williams, and he is willing/has put in the hard work to do so. In addition to the game of football, Williams also does track and field! Daeqwon ranked 36th in the state for jumping and 3rd in the section. When operating on the football field, the aggressiveness to get after the ball carrier showed up. Williams would be active in his ability to purist anyone with the football. The stamina and willingness to get low to secure a tackle was put on display in his tape. Being able to get more exposure around Daeqwon’s game this year is one of his top goals. Having that breakout year is what is on Daeqwon’s mind to help doing so. Helping his team fight their way to states is a top goal as well for Williams and will be fun to see in a few months. Twitter: @WilliamsDaeqwon Instagram: @d1daee1 Hudl Profile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16716669/Daeqwon-Williams/aboutNCSA account username is daeqwonwilliams20072058559
Frankie Burgess
Frankie Burgess
Frankie Burgess is a very intelligent and strong-minded football player at Aquinas Institute High School. Coming into this year, Burgess will be operating at the DE and OT positions. Burgess stands in at 6’0” and weighs 220-pounds. When it comes to being physical, Frankie enjoys the contact and will get after the opponent’s ball carrier. Frankie was able to blow by blocks to make a play on the ball carrier.
This is a very active young ball player that in addition to football, he plays basketball and is on the track and field team for Aquinas. On the track and field team, Frankie participates in discus, shot put, and runs the 100m race. Working out to keep his body in shape is key for Burgess. Frankie benches 225 pounds, squats 350 pounds, and can deadlift 375 pounds. Knowing the importance of staying active for the season helps in translating over to the success on the football field for Frankie.
For the upcoming school year, Burgess wants to maintain a 4.0 GPA in the classroom, and he wants to be a leader for his team. Having a bigger role on the field to contribute to wins and making explosive plays will be an emphasis for Frankie this year.
Twitter: @FrankBurgess08
Instagram: @frankburgess08
Hudl Profile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17389729/Frankie-Burgess