Five Must Know 2028 Linemen From Dirty Jersey
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The saying goes, “no line, no shine”, and I understand that completely. In football, controlling the line of scrimmage is a must in order to come out on top. Here’s a look at five OL and DL prospects in the…
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Continue ReadingThe saying goes, “no line, no shine”, and I understand that completely. In football, controlling the line of scrimmage is a must in order to come out on top. Here’s a look at five OL and DL prospects in the class of 2028 from New Jersey, that dominate in the trenches. These eighth-graders are some of the top kids in the Garden State.
At first glance of lineman Daniel “Bear” Williams you think he’s a big kid. Then he forces a double take once the pads are on. “Oh he’s big, BIG! Size definitely plays a big part in his game, but please don’t shrink Mr. Williams game to just taking up space. This young man can play big as well. Over the spring I had the opportunity to watch him prepare in practice, then put on a show in the 3rd Annual The Heat Bowl in Delaware. I must admit I assumed right away that he would be an interior defensive lineman that would shut down the A gap without having to do much because of his size. Wrong again! Williams can play not just a one technique (shade center), but also be a dynamic three tech (shade outside guard). He uses his hands well and has a solid first step to redirect whatever is going on in the backfield. Offensively is where he really raised both my eyebrows. Yes he can go both ways too. The footwork and hand placement on his blocks were on point. He buried anything off the edge to keep his quarterback upright all game and did it with an attitude. If TCU freshman Brian Ramsey-Brooks can break the internet, so can “Bear”. I don’t forsee him weighing over 400 pounds out of high school but even if he tips the scale at 300 lbs., he will still be a playmaker that we will continue to talk about.
At 6’5 you do not have an issue seeing what is going on across the opposite side of the line of scrimmage. At 275 pounds the individual lined up in front of you should also feel your weight every time there is a collision. Watching CJ first hand during the In The Heat Bowl festivities was a pleasure to see size mixed with athleticism. He’s long and physical. This can be a deadly combination by not allowing opponents get inside his framework. Lineman 101 rules is to have good leverage and strike first to set the tone in the trenches. CJ has a lot of potential as mentioned in previous articles and it seems he’s growing more and more physically over the summer. If he continues to stretch, he could easily be top 3 D-Ends or Tackles in his class.
The Matawan Huskies have a OL/DL force in 6’3 260 Ramirez. He is consistently involved on both sides of the ball making plays. The hustle and grit is undeniable when tracking down ball carriers from the backside or letting quarterbacks feel all his body weight when getting up off them after a sack. It seems Elijah is most comfortable playing down the middle of his opponents, whether than get cute and pick a side to go around. He has heavy bones with a good amount of meat layered on top so he’s built to last. Seems like coachable kid who just wants to get better.
Mr. Rajgopaul represents the Brick City Lions who are the defending AYF National Champions from last year. This 6’2 250 pound offensive tackle is one to appreciate. He takes pride in his performance and has focused on being a complete player. Watch him in the run game cover up defensive lineman like cold food. He keeps his feet alive assuring his gap is open for business for the play to get off. In the passing game, he short sets with confidence in his technique which allows his quarterback to deliver the ball accurately without pressure. He has some ball players around him, but a lot of success comes from Mr. Rajgopaul’s dirty work.
Dai’Ryus can play multiple positions on the field at 6’1 240. Put a check mark next to DL, TE, LB, FB. Most notable is his production on the first line of defense. He is gifted with size and enough speed to make a lot of big men uncomfortable. Dai’Ryus is hard to block because he plays with low pad level and has such a powerful lower half that is hard to control. This year he should look like a man amongst boys as he continues to develop. Additionally, Dai’Ryus is a reclass that moves really well at tight end with good hands.