Top Section V Football Players
This is my list of some of the top players at multiple position’s entering this season at the Section V level. All of these players below, I have had the luxury to scout their game. I feel that these are…
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Continue ReadingThis is my list of some of the top players at multiple position’s entering this season at the Section V level. All of these players below, I have had the luxury to scout their game. I feel that these are some of, if not the top players at their respected positions coming into this season. I am expecting each one of them to make a lot of noise this year and to help lead their teams to multiple victories.
This is truly one of, if not my favorite football player that I have scouted this year.
Nazhier Wilson
Nazhier
Wilson
6’0″ | 220 lbs | LB
Monroe | 2024
State
NY
is a one of a kind, do-it-all player that you have to watch the tape that he produced this past season for Monroe High School. Wilson was tremendous on both sides of the football where he plays the RB and LB position for Monroe.Starting off at the RB spot, the pure home run speed was such a valuable skill that Wilson was able to show at a confident level when outrunning defenders for 6. Multiple times, a hole would appear, and the acceleration was off the charts when bursting through the running lane. What was even more impressive to see was the contact balance and willingness to put his head down to drive for extra yardage. The burst, jump cuts, physicality, and vision when operating right off the handoff truly is what separates Nazhier as a RB from others.Now when it comes to the LB position, this is where the versatility shows even more with Nazhier. The speed and aggressiveness to get behind the LOS to make explosive tackles for loss really was a major standout. The strength, intensity, and physicality when attacking blocks or ball carriers separates Wilson from a lot of LB’s at his level. As I stated prior, the ability to read and react in a play is one of the most valuable skills within Wilson’s toolbox. Last time I scouted Wilson, I even stated that I will not be surprised if he wins defensive player of the year because the raw talent is just off the charts. When I spoke to Wilson, he stated that his goals are to lead Section V in tackles, rushing yards, to win states, and to be an even more impactful leader for his teammates.
Twitter: @nazhier_wilson
Instagram: @Wilsonnazhier
Hudl Profile: http://www.hudl.com/profile/15992856
This is going to be a huge year for
Zymier Jackson
Zymier
Jackson
6’1″ | 175 lbs | QB
East | 2024
State
NY
in 2024 as he is entertaining into his senior season for East High School. Jackson has all the natural talent at the QB position to excel at a dominate level for his football team. This is a tremendous leader for this East team that has high goals that they want to hit this year. Defenders had a really tough time trying to tackle Jackson on the football field. This is a true dual threat QB where he can make anyone miss in space with his legs when a play breaks down. When it comes to the natural arm talent that is on Jackson, it is one of the major reasons why I have him as a top player entering into this season. Quarterbacks who can push the football deep down the field, on an accurate basis leads to a lot of success for any football team. Having that extreme arm talent flashed all last year for Zymier and the expectations for that arm accuracy will continue to show this fall. Expectations are super high for Jackson, but I expect him to make a ton of big-time plays for his team. As stated in my prior report, the first time I looked over this young man’s tape, the ability to operate inside the pocket with clean footwork, and being able to extend plays with his legs was key. Being able to make throws on the run was a major stand-out and allowed his WRs to make big plays. Jackson accomplished so much this past year when he was named a first-team all-star and AGR. Under the leadership that is shown by Jackson, East high will have the chance to win any football game that they are in this coming season. Such a great football player that is at the top of my list.
Twitter: @Zymierjackon2
Instagram: @zymierjackson5
Highlights
One of my favorite players coming into this season is
John Harding
John
Harding
5’9″ | 175 lbs | RB
McQuaid | 2024
State
NY
from McQuaid. This is a true do-it all football player that can make any big time play for his offense. This past year, John had 2,070 all-purpose yards with 25 total TD. The will and drive to not go down on first contact was shown at a high level all over this young man’s tape. Having that elite contact balance is a huge factor for John and paid a tremendous number of dividends when gaining every extra yard. When this running back was in open space with any defender, the talent and play making ability to break that defender down was off the charts. So many times, Harding was able to put on even the most sudden move and the defender was lost in his tracks. Having that straight home run threat ability at the RB spot truly helped Harding’s team in a big way, especially early in downs. Being able to escape from tackles in small spaces is only going to separate Harding from a lot of RBs in Rochester. One of the most important pieces is Harding is also effective in the passing game. Being that 3-down RB has become a popular trait around the country; and what is even more exciting is that Harding does have experience at the WR position as well. When you turn on the tape, the quick screens, slant routes, and quick outs allowed Harding to show off his YAC ability when operating at the WR spot. Oh, but that is not all! In addition to all the juice at both the RB and WR spots, John can also return kickoffs. This is going to be one of the most exciting players to watch this coming season, and I cannot wait to see it.
Twitter: @john_harding_RB
Instagram: @johnny_football3
Hudl Profile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15635890/John-Harding
Adam Ruffalo Adam Ruffalo 5’11” | 160 lbs | ATH Victor | 2024 State NY is my #1 ranked WR coming into this season. Ruffalo had one heck of a monster season last year when he broke Victor High School’s all-time single season record in both receptions and receiving yards. Additionally, Adam ended the season with 10 TDs, and contributed on the opposite side of the football as a safety by leading his team in interceptions with 4. Also, on the defensive side of the ball, Adam ranked 4th on Victor in tackles.
When you flip on the tape for Ruffalo at the WR spot, the pure ability to line up at the X, Y, or Z receiving roles was a major stand out. The route running ability that Ruffalo was consistently displaying opened up numerous big plays for his football team this past year. What I loved the most about Adam’s game is his ability to make contested catches in traffic and the work he produced after the catch. Having that ability to make extremely difficult catches with a DB draped all over his catching radius separates Ruffalo from a lot of players. The first time I scouted Ruffalo, I even stated that the YAC ability was a major standout and is his best trait at the WR position. Anytime, you have a WR that can make a 5-yard catch and then has a chance to outrun the entire defense for a TD shows that he is an extremely valuable weapon to have on your offense.
Ruffalo is one tuff football player that will do anything for his team. Constantly and confidently the number of times that Adam would lay his body on the line to make a big time play was shown. To win the sectional and state championship this upcoming season is a goal that Ruffalo can hit, but this truly is a player that has a bright future playing the game of football.
Twitter: @AdamRuffalo
Instagram: @adamruffalo_rnHudl Profile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16716466/Adam-Ruffalo
If you want to talk about one of the most important pieces on any football team, then you have to see Dallas Harris Dallas Harris 6’2″ | 285 lbs | OL University Prep | 2024 State NY . This is one of the most versatile offensive linemen that can play a variety of different positions for his team. Harris has experience playing at C and at the OT spots for University Prep Rochester. Harris was a 1st-Team AGR and made All-State in 2023 at his respected positions. Dallas is looking to repeat that same success over into 2024.
The pure power, control, speed, and balance at the POA with a defender in grasp was impressive to see on tape for Harris. There were not many defenders that were able to have much lift when rushing against Harris. Dallas has incredible power in the run game where he was able to work off multiple blocks on numerous plays for UPrep. What impressed me the most was his ability to keep his feet moving when drive blocking opponents. Many times, defenders were caught in a 10+ yard trap block into the second level of the defense, where they could not attempt a tackle on the ball carrier. Harris did an incredible job of overpowering the defender, even to the point to where pancake blocks were evident.
During the pass sets that Harris displayed, Dallas was rarely moved off-balance or backwards into the pocket. The ability to help out the OGs next to him even for a split second was a huge component of the game produced by Harris. Controlling your ground and being that brick wall is a huge way to describe the play by Dallas Harris Dallas Harris 6’2″ | 285 lbs | OL University Prep | 2024 State NY . This is one of the best offensive linemen in the upstate NY region, that will continue to protect QBs for years to come.
Twitter: @HARRISDALLAS223
Highlights
A Tasmanian devil type of football player that was relentlessly causing havoc in the backfield when operating at the DT position for Webster Schroeder High School. Noah Wittmer Noah Wittmer 6’0″ | 250 lbs | DL Webster Schroeder | 2024 State NY is a very quick moving DT for his size of 235-pounds and is not afraid to attack upon any offensive linemen in front of him. The pure ability for Noah to disengage his blocks with pure speed and actively violent hands was stunning to see on tape. So many blocks were beaten in a split second and granted Wittmer the chance to make a TFL or sack. Consistently getting behind the line of scrimmage to attack the ball carrier/QB was one of the biggest traits within Wittmer’s game.
As I stated the first time I watched Noah on film, he is a DT that can line up over the center in a 0 or 1 technique and still chase the ball carrier down for behind. Wittmer is one of those endless running motor DT’s that can make plays all the way into the D-gap for his defense. What was also a key component was the gap integrity to control his blocks and clog up running lanes. Not granting easy running lanes/holes is so critical when defending the run as an interior lineman. Two of the separating factors in Noah’s game are grit and willingness to fight at a high level in the trenches. It will be key for Wittmer to keep improving within each pass rush move that he has to translate into being a top pass rusher coming through the A or B gaps.
Any defensive player that can be a constant disrupting force at any position is going to have a drastic impact on their team, and that is no more than true here with Noah. This season will be a big one for Noah as he wants to be on the first-team AGR, be the class A1 defensive player of the year, and end the season with a championship win for Webster Schroeder.
Twitter: @Noahwittmer79
Instagram: @noahwittmer79_
Highlights
Now, you talk about a DB that can be patient but also physical on WRs, then
Justin Maier
Justin
Maier
5’8″ | 160 lbs | WR
Webster Schroeder | 2024
State
NY
is your type of DB. Maier is a 5’8” CB and WR for Webster Schroeder High School that made a drastic impact on his team last season. Even though Maier was a very effective WR, the awards this past season as a DB were impressive. Justin was named Class A1 All-Federation first-team DB and was an AGR honorable mention. This year Maier is aiming to make the AGR first-team, and I truly believe he can accomplish it. Touching on the WR spot, the majority of Justin’s biggest plays came out of the slot. Justin is one of those Y receivers that does an outstanding job working the LBs in the middle of the field. Last year, Justin ended the season with 6 TD’s. Running crisp routes is one of Maier’s biggest strengths. Selling defenders on double-moves and beating them with his pure acceleration was a major benefactor in producing positive gains for his offense. Improving upon that YAC ability will only allow for more major opportunities within Maier’s game.Now focusing back on the CB position, Maier was outstanding at recognizing and diagnosing routes run by opposing receivers. Being able to see a route unfold in front of him, and then attacking with elite ball skills was huge for Justin. When you watch the tape, Maier is one of those guys that is going to finish the play no matter what. Giving it your all and chasing down ball carriers down from behind is this kind of mentality that Justin has, and is inspirational to his fellow teammates. At the end of this past year, Maier ended the season with 2 INTs, had 56 tackles, and 3 TFLs. I truly believe that
Justin Maier
Justin
Maier
5’8″ | 160 lbs | WR
Webster Schroeder | 2024
State
NY
will be one of, if not the best DB this season. One of my favorite players I watched, and a true football player.
Twitter: @j_maier21
Instagram: @j_maier21
Hudl Profile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16277841/Justin-Maier