Prep Redzone All Catholic League 1st Team Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Catholic League in New York has always had some excellent defensive players, but this year featured so many electric prospects. It was a big year for the NYCHSFL, take a look at the first team selections on defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Line </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["820142"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"After transferring in from Connecticut, Dembele was a game changer for Stepinac up front. He was dominating against some elite offensive lineman throughout the season. He had 85 tackles and a whopping 36 TFL's on the year. He has an incredible combination of size and athleticism. “KD” holds several power five offers including Minnesota, Wake Forest and Duke along with a few others.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["434415"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"It was another monster year for Belin who is one of the highest recruited players in the state. Belin registered 60 tackles and 11 TFL's in his junior season. He created a special duo with Khamari Valentine that terrorized offenses. He was a terrific pass rusher and run stopper. Belin holds offers from West Virginia, Duke, Maryland and a couple of other division one schools.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["434414"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"The AAA lineman of the year was an easy selection for this list. Valentine had an exceptional junior year and was able to take over the line of scrimmage. He recorded 66 tackles and 9 TFL's. He had some of his best performances in the games that mattered most. Valentine is also one of the hardest hitting players in New York.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["450632"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Iona Prep had some very talented lineman and Morris was one of the leaders of this big unit. Morris recently committed to the University of Albany, and he was a difference maker throughout his senior season. He had 56 tackles, 23 TFL's and 7 sacks on the season. He was truly disruptive and one of the top run stoppers in all of New York.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["648837"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Easily one of the best edge rushers in this league. Clarke had the breakout junior season that so many were expecting from him. His first step and explosion off the line of scrimmage was evident. He burned past offensive lineman and also powered through them. His pass rushing skills helped him lead the AAA division in sacks with 9 on the year. Clarke had 36 tackles and will be one of the league's top players next season.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-658dfff866a2a"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Linebackers </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["505532"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Vanterpool was named the AA-1 defensive player of the year and he was simply a monster. He had 90 tackles, 20 TFL's and 8.5 sacks on the year. He is one of the best pass rushing linebackers you will see in New York. Vanterpool's versatility is something special, as he can play all over the field. His explosiveness and tackling ability are also some of the best in this entire league. Vanterpool is excellent at block shedding and constantly made plays for a Moore Catholic defense that returns plenty of talent next season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["450493"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Going into the season, many folks thought Palumbo was the top linebacker in the state, and he was as advertised during his senior year. He had 110 tackles, 6 sacks, 7 TFL's along with 2 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries. He is a true sideline to sideline linebacker who made his presence felt every game. He will be playing football at Yale next fall. ","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["451507"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"One of the most electrifying players I saw this season. Skoda has an engine that doesn't stop and he was a big reason why St John's captured the AA-1 championship. Skoda is always around the ball and is one of the hardest hitting linebackers you'll find in the state. He had 79 tackles, 19 TFL's and 7 sacks on the year. He was also a great running back and made some key plays on offense down the stretch which guided his team to victory.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1208635' first='Declan' last='McCauley']","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"Iona Prep","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_3_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"After a great senior season, McCauley put himself in the conversation as one of the most complete defensive players in this entire league. He is one of the fastest linebackers in the state and was great in pass coverage. He also has good size at 6'2 and 205 pounds and he proved to be an excellent tackler. He is another division one prospect on a loaded Iona Prep defense.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["521446"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"After being around him in person multiple times, it was clear that Bah was a true passionate leader and it translated onto the field. Bah anchored this Cardinal Hayes defense down the stretch and they were able to slow down some of the most talented offensive units in the state en route to a state title. Bah has great instincts and made some highlight reel plays during his senior year. He had 105 tackles, 9 TFL's and 4 sacks on the year.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-658dfff866bdf"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Backs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["277897"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The Minnesota commit is hands down one of the best cornerbacks in the entire tri state area. He lived up to the hype with a great senior season. Madu is a lockdown corner who had some big time performances including the game sealing interception against Iona Prep. He also did very well against Alabama commit Amari Jefferson from the Baylor School (TN). All year he proved he belongs with the best of the best.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1235840' first='Tyrone' last='Smith'] ","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"Cardinal Hayes","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_1_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"The true definition of game changer. [player_tooltip player_id='1235840' first='Tyrone' last='Smith'] put together an electrifying junior season. He had 5 interceptions and 3 fumble recoveries. Smith registered 5 defensive touchdowns including a pick six in the championship game against Iona Prep. It felt like whenever Hayes made a big play on defense, Smith was there. He was also very physical and a reliable tackler in run support.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["256745"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"The senior safety/return specialist had another great season filled with flashy plays. In the championship game against Cardinal Hayes, he was flying all over the field making plays. He showed off incredible speed to break up passes and he forced two fumbles, one of which was an incredible goal line strip. Nartey got noticeably more physical and athletic as a senior. He proved to be one of the state's top defensive backs.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["836781"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Easily one of the most talented defensive backs on Long Island. Locke was tested a lot this season and he was shutting down some amazing receivers. He had a breakout game against Archbishop Stepinac and he continued to dominate throughout the regular season. Despite being a little undersized, Locke played with a fearless mentality, as he made some big hits. He's also a pure technician and had the ability to stay with any receiver he faced.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["521450"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"In the Bronx he is referred to as “The Honey Badger” and when you watch his tape you can see why. Boyd plays with limitless energy and he makes a case as the hardest hitting player in this league. Boyd is a fearless safety who was a key player in Cardinal Hayes' state title run. Along with his big hits, Boyd was great in pass coverage and on special teams. He ended off his senior season with over 80 tackles, 3 blocked punts and 2 forced fumbles.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["505380"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Another elite member of the Iona Prep secondary. Johnson has been contributing since his freshman year and he had a great junior season at corner. He is a great tackling defensive back and one of the fastest players in the AAA. Johnson is an exciting player who was great in the red zone against bigger receivers. He holds several power five offers such as Boston College and Minnesota. He is one of the top 2025 prospects in the state.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":6,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-658dfff866d8d"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">All Purpose </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["450634"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The AAA defensive player of the year had a special senior season. Douglas was one of the most entertaining players in all of New York. He had 112 tackles, 4 interceptions and 9 pass breakups. Douglas was a bone crushing safety who often came downhill and lowered the boom. Not only was he one of the best open field tacklers, Douglas was also tremendous in pass coverage. He showed off great speed and ball skills every game. He also made plays on offense and in the return game when his team needed him.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["806593"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Kellenberg might've not had their strongest season, but Christian DaCosta was more than a bright spot for them. He earned “Team MVP” honors and was one of the top defensive backs in this league. He shut down some very talented receivers and his agility and overall footwork are some of the best you'll see on Long Island. DaCosta showed off his offensive ability as well, he made plays both carrying the ball and hauling in some big time receptions.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-658dfff866e15"} /-->