Prep Redzone All Catholic League 2nd Team Defense
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To finalize our all catholic league selections, we have our second team defense. This list is filled with prospects who thrived this past season and a number of these players will be making a huge impact at the next level…
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Continue ReadingTo finalize our all catholic league selections, we have our second team defense. This list is filled with prospects who thrived this past season and a number of these players will be making a huge impact at the next level
Defensive Line
Despite being hurt for a chunk of the season, Hicks proved that he was one of the top defensive lineman on the east coast. When Hicks was healthy, he was a force that terrorized offenses up front. In the playoffs he was a big factor to help Iona Prep dominate the line of scrimmage and guide the Gaels to another AAA Championship appearance.
Highlights
Carey just announced his decision to transfer to IMG Academy and it’s safe to say they will be getting a star. Carey was a leader for the Friars defense just as a sophomore. He had a signature game against St Joseph Regional (NJ) and proved along with his size that he is one of the most skilled lineman you’ll see. Carey was a monster this past season and he’ll do great things at IMG next season.
Highlights
The lineman from Mount St Michael had a terrific junior campaign and brought home the AA-2 lineman of the year award. He was outstanding in the AA-2 playoffs coming away with 14 tackles in the last 2 wins for Mount. He was easily the top lineman on the field in the AA-2 title game, as he put together a great performance in the win over Xaverian. Caldwell also did a fantastic job on the offensive line for a successful Mount St Michael rushing attack.
Highlights
One of the many elite pass rusher from Monsignor Farrell. Dejesus is one of the most explosive lineman in the state and he was able make plenty of big plays for the Lions. He had 18 TFL’s and 6 sacks on the season. He has some of the best footwork and agility out of any defensive lineman in this league and he displayed it against high level offensive lineman every single week.
Highlights
The final member of the Monsignor Farrell defensive line trio and Martinez had a big year alongside his teammates. He registered 7 sacks on the year and 52 tackles. The Staten Island product had great hands and was a phenomenal tackler. He was a big reason why Farrell was considered to have the best front seven in New York this year.
Brandon Raines
Brandon Raines
And to finalize the all league defensive lineman, Raines was one of the top pass rushers on all of Long Island this past season. He led St John the Baptist with 37 Tackles, 19 TFL’s and 12 sacks. He was one of the best pure athletes in this league, as his strength and quickness was so difficult for teams to stop. He was the true anchor up front for a talented Cougars defensive line.
Linebackers
One of the bright spots for the Chaminade defense was “Famous Seamus”. The senior captain is easily one of the most complete linebackers you’ll find in this league. He can play inside or outside at a high level. Miller was good in pass coverage and is a sideline to sideline linebacker. He did an excellent job slipping past blockers and coming away with impressive open field tackles. Miller will be playing at Trinity next fall.
Highlights
Pound for pound one of the toughest and most talented players in the state. Reeder didn’t have the flashy stats this year but he was excellent when he had the opportunity to make plays. As Jameer “The Bull” Reeder lived up to his nickname on both sides of the ball. On offense he had another good year at running back against some great defenses. On the other side of the ball, he was the heart and soul for the Titans at linebacker. The physical senior was all over the field making an impact.
Highlights
Tommy McMorrow
Tommy McMorrow
One of the most productive defensive players in the AA-2 division. McMorrow had 78 tackles, 8 TFL’s and 2 interceptions which helped him earn AA-2 defensive player of the year honors. He was the heart and soul of this Xaverian defense this past season. He helped the Clippers slow down an explosive Holy Cross offense in a semifinal win.
Anytime I watched the Cardinal Hayes defense it felt Smart was around the ball making a play. He led the state champions with 114 tackles on the season. Smart isn’t the biggest linebacker, but he’s easily one of the fastest. He flies to the ball carrier and showed his excellent tackling ability throughout his senior year. Smart was also good in pass coverage and was more than capable of breaking up passes in key situations.
Herbert had a breakout junior season and led Moore Catholic in tackles this past season. He collected 95 tackles and 11 TFL’s on the year. Herbert burst onto the scene with a 19 tackle performance against St Francis Prep and he was steady all year long for the Mavericks. Herbert was a great tackler and seemed to be around the ball carrier at all times. Look out for him to have a big senior season alongside Isaiah Vanterpool Isaiah Vanterpool 6’2″ | 190 lbs | LB Moore Catholic | 2025 State NY .
Highlights
Another Lion that had a big year on defense. Gamble brought the energy for this physical Monsignor Farrell front seven and he was a true playmaker. Gamble had a game changing pick six against St Anthony’s which helped Farrell secure their first win over the Friars in 20+ years. He also had another pick six against Canarsie, accompanied by a consistent stretch of games where he made plenty of tackles.rn
The UPenn lacrosse commit recovered from his torn ACL from last season and was the anchor of this St Anthony’s defense. He is an elite athlete who was a complete linebacker but also played well on special teams for the Friars. Vardaro led St Anthony’s with 65 tackles which included 44 solo tackles.
Defensive Backs
Another exciting player for the Cougars, and the senior defensive back made some highlight reel plays. He was a great cover corner but also one of the best tackling cornerbacks in this league. He played with a ton of passion and was a leader for this Cougars secondary. He also contributed on offense with some key plays at receiver. King finished with 34 tackless and 9 pass breakups throughout the season.
Another steady defensive back for Cardinal Hayes. Rock is a long and athletic corner who also proved to be a very good open field tackler. Rock was terrific in man coverage, as he had patience and terrific ball skills. Rock collected 58 tackles, 13 PBU’s and 3 interceptions.
Glenn Sheppard
Glenn Sheppard
Another youngster for Moore Catholic that had a breakout sophomore year. Sheppard stood at 5’9 and 165 pounds but his size did not hurt his tackling ability. He was excellent in run support and when the Mavericks sent him after the quarterback, he exploded into the backfield and made plays. In pass coverage Sheppard was also very good. He had an all around successful season with 81 tackles, 13 TFL’s, 3 sacks and 2 interceptions.
Codrington was a staple in this Iona Prep secondary for the past three years and he had a great senior campaign to end his high school career. He formed a scary duo with Terron Johnson Terron Johnson 5’11” | 165 lbs | DB Iona Prep | 2025 State NY as they were two of the best pure cornerbacks in this league. I was very impressed with how he stacked up against bigger receivers, as Codrington was very physical and he also had no problem slowing down speedy deep threats as well.
Highlights
Another highly recruited player for Archbishop Stepinac. Heslop had the standout junior season he was looking for. His older brother was a Stepinac legend who played in the NFL, and it’s easy to see why Garrison is getting power five offers. He is very long but an aggressive cornerback. Heslop had 51 tackles and 2 interceptions. Next year he will be the leader of the Stepinac secondary.
The next signature athlete to come out of St Anthony’s had a massive sophomore season for the Friars. He’s one of the most athletic 2026 prospects I’ve seen in New York. Moore was great in the return game and was also the leader of the Friars secondary. Moore was the number one cornerback who showed flashes of being the next great defensive back out of this historic program. He is currently one of the best basketball players on Long Island as well.