Standout Sophomores: NJIC Part I

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>NJIC is packed with some young talent. As you will see, the class of 2026 from the NJIC is making a huge impact on the field, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Not only are the players on this list talented, but they are all contributing to winning programs that are looking to make a push come playoff time. Be prepared to hear these names for the next few years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Becton Trio</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Becton not only has one dominant sophomore on the defensive side of the ball, but are loaded up with three. It is rare to have multiple sophomores starting on a successful team, let alone playing a big part in the success. However, Becton has three defenders from the 2026 class that have combined for 104 tackles so far this year and continue to get better each and every game. <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">[player_tooltip player_id='1002388' first='Everett' last='Bell']</span></strong>, <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Lucas Frank</span></strong>, and <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Patrick Lynch</span></strong> are no ordinary underclassmen. All three have made an impact in the backfield in the form of tackles for loss, sacks, or forced fumbles. Look for these three to continue the program's winning ways as they mature and gain even more experience over the next two and a half years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18299676/652212ed64e9e809fc56c7fc' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-652fe7c118d47"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Dylan Ferrara</span> Waldwick LB </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dylan is having one of the best statistical defensive performances a sophomore can have. One of the leading tacklers for Waldwick, Dylan has filled in as a reliable tackler in the middle of the field. He not only has the ability to fill the gaps and shut down the run, but also has the ability to turn and pursue runners for a sure tackle. With 53 tackles, 2 sacks, and 5 tackles for a loss on the season, Dylan will look to continue to have a huge impact as we get into the latter part of the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17786803/652af0b3ab9ce801ec987c5d' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-652fe7c118d73"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">[player_tooltip player_id='1529469' first='Michael' last='Napolitano']</span> Hasbrouck Heights ATH </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Making the most of his catches, Michael has already reeled in 4 receiving touchdowns as a sophomore and 193 yards to go with it. A reliable downfield threat, Michael has the quickness to run by would-be defenders, but also has the ability to find open space in the coverage and give his QB an easier target to throw to. Lining up in the backfield as well, Michael has the potential to take the hand off to the outside and dart downfield. This is a player that will become dangerous as he continues to gain more opportunities as a ball carrier on offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17778410/652b0274578e95068490f3b1' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-652fe7c118d92"} /-->