Buffalo Public Schools: Underclassmen to Watch
In this article:
Since 2010, when Buffalo Public Schools joined Section VI, two schools have won State Titles, a feat that was not previously attainable. Prior to 2010, Buffalo City teams only played against each other. That limited athletes’ opportunities to take their…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingSince 2010, when Buffalo Public Schools joined Section VI, two schools have won State Titles, a feat that was not previously attainable. Prior to 2010, Buffalo City teams only played against each other. That limited athletes’ opportunities to take their talent to the next level. Since, many Buffalo student/athletes have gone on to play College Football, with a few making it to the NFL. Today, I am writing about the Underclassmen that are sure to make some noise and represent the city of Buffalo.
Cardel made an immediate impact on the McKinley Macks Varsity team. He showed incredible explosiveness and speed with a knack for tracking the ball down. Staples accrued 680 All Purpose yards and 3 TDs, adding in 38.7 yards per reception as a Wide Receiver. What impressed me the most was his coverage skills. Playing as a Defensive Back, Staples has great football intelligence by the way he can “bait” the Quarterback to thinking his receiver is open and then his closing speed to make a play on the ball. And with his agility and quickness, he is always a threat to take an interception to the house. He had 4 INTs in 2023 that went for 145 yards and 2 TDs. Cardel made First Team All League for the Class A1 Conference in Section VI as a Sophomore.
Eric Abernathy
Eric Abernathy
Another 1st Team All League player from McKinley, the first word that comes to mind when talking about Abernathy is tough! As a Wide Receiver, he has that speed you look for on those deep routes (Averaged 36.2 Yards per reception and 2 TDs) and excellent hands but he is not afraid to go across the middle and catch the ball in traffic. Eric was also an essential part of McKinley’s running game as he is a superb blocker. Those are the kinds of Wide Receivers you don’t take off the field. As a Defensive Back, Abernathy is not afraid to stick his nose into a ball carrier with his text book tackling skills, making 35 tackles in 2023. Abernathy was also a threat in the return game, taking 13 kicks for 404 yards (31.1 Avg) and 1 TD to go along with his 5 Punt Returns for 122 yards for an average of 24.4 yard per return. He will be a force to be reckoned with as a senior in 2024.
Jamiere Hemphill
Jamiere Hemphill
As a Defensive Tackle, Jameiere Hemphill seemed to be unblockable as a sophomore. His first step was quick but paled in comparison to his strength. He tossed Offensive Linemen around like rag dolls, accumulating 29 tackles, 2 sacks and a forced fumble. His power transferred to the Offensive Line as he made 2nd Team All League as a Center in just his first season on Varsity. Hemphill anchored an offensive line that ran for 1,830 yards and scored 12 TDs on the ground in 2023.
At 6’4, Kidd has great size for a Wide Receiver and Outside Linebacker. On offense, he was a dual threat as a runner and receiver, carrying the ball 35 times and catching 19 passes for 303 yards from scrimmage and 3 TDs. As a Linebacker, Romeo led the Engineers in all categories – 47 tackles (2 for loss), 2 sacks and a forced fumble. He has the physicality that is essential for the position and even if the play gets by him, he has the catch up speed and desire to make the play downfield. Kidd possesses the hand technique to rush the passer along with the speed to cover the slot Wide Receiver. I think he is poised to have a fantastic senior year.
Jaizen Warren
Jaizen Warren
A two-way player on Varsity since his Freshman year, Warren has dominated the trenches from the start. Winning the State Championship in 2022 and making it to the Semi-Finals in 2023, Bennett High School has no shortage of talent. In just his Sophomore year, Warren’s talents may have been overshadowed by the upperclassmen but make no mistake, Jaizen Warren plays like a man amongst boys. A starting Guard in 2023, Warren help guide Bennett’s rushing attack to a remarkable 2,842 yards and 36 touchdowns. As a Defensive Tackle, Jaizen had 31 tackles (5 for a loss) and 4 sacks in his 2 seasons at Bennett. Warren has great measurables of strength (275 bench and squat 405) but his nonstop motor will make him a phenomenal prospect for his Junior year and will give Bennett High School another State Championship run.
Nunes is a player to watch in 2024. He has amazing vision, quickness and when he hits second gear, there isn’t a defender that can catch him. He played RB, WR, DB and was a Kick Returner and Punt Returner for the Sparks in 2023. Adam accomplished 963 All Purpose Yards and 5 TDs. He was South Park’s leader in Rushing and Receiving. On defense, he also led the team in tackles with 75 as a Safety. He tackles with a great form and has fantastic football instincts. His size (5’6 145 lbs) may get him overlooked by many colleges but don’t be fooled, Adam Nunes Adam Nunes 5’7″ | 165 lbs | ATH South Park | 2025 State NY can play the game at a high level.