Western New York Rising Stars: Big Schools
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These are student-athletes with at least 2 more years of High School left that are on the rise and looking to make an impact in their team’s success among “Big Schools” in the area, which are class AA & Class…
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Continue ReadingThese are student-athletes with at least 2 more years of High School left that are on the rise and looking to make an impact in their team’s success among “Big Schools” in the area, which are class AA & Class A.
The only 8th grader on this list, Hargrove came in and made an immediate impact at Defensive End for the Tigers helping the team gain their third straight Class AA Championship. Jason is quick off the ball with great hand technique and a solid tackler. He finished the 2023 season with 54 tackles (10 for loss) and 3 sacks. Standing at 5’11 210 lbs, Jason Hargrove is only going to get bigger as he is in just 8th grade. And if his first season on Varsity was any indication, he will be a force for the next four years and a highly recruited player for many Division I colleges.
As a Freshman in 2022, Graham Schultz Graham Schultz 5’10” | 155 lbs | QB Lockport | 2026 NY did not take a snap for the Lions until their final game, a 37-12 win over Hutch Tech, in which Schultz threw for 241 yards and 4 TDs. It was clear that he would be their leader in 2023. While his stats were not off the charts, Schultz has a big arm with a quick release. And he’s a winner. After a 1-3 start in his Sophomore season, Schultz guided Lockport to 6 straight wins and a Class A Championship appearance. Lockport lost to #1 rank Clarence but it is clear that Lockport is getting better with Graham Schultz Graham Schultz 5’10” | 155 lbs | QB Lockport | 2026 NY as their Quarterback.
Jarod Freeman
Jarod Freeman
Playing in a backup role to his brother, Bernard in 2023, Jarod Freeman made the most of his opportunities rushing for 531 yards and 6 touchdowns. Freeman has an incomparable combination of speed, power, quickness and a determination to never go down. Jarod Freeman is an excellent runner with great vision and a quick burst through his running lanes. An exceptional receiver out of the backfield, he has fantastic hands. With Bernard graduating this year, Jarod Freeman will have the opportunity to put Western New York on notice in 2024.
Joseph Santoro
Joseph Santoro
Santoro played the 2023 season with Williamsville East’s JV team. He dominated games. Small in stature (5’6 150 lbs), Santoro is fast and deceptively strong. He is blessed with excellent vision, incredible football instincts and phenomenal balance. A great receiver out of the backfield, Joe also lined up as a Wide Receiver at times and was just as effective. Joe Santoro will be a Sophomore in 2024 and while he will still be eligible to play JV, he should be called up to Williamsville East’s varsity team.
David Amuka
David Amuka
A first year Varsity player in 2023, Amuka commanded the middle of the defense leading Frontier in tackles with 92. David is big, strong and physical. He has a great football IQ and can identify the run vs the pass very well. David Amuka can shoot the gaps to stop the running game and has fluid hips to where he can play the pass. With 2 more seasons left to go in his High School career, David Amuka will continue to make an impact in the “Big Schools” of Western New York.
Chase Bonta
Chase Bonta
An overall excellent athlete, Sophomore Chase Bonta split his time between Middle Linebacker, racking up 69 tackles (7 for loss) and Running Back, where he ran for 394 yards on 74 carries and 6 touchdowns. He is a bruising tailback that defenders want no part of. He also shows exceptional skills as a lead blocker from the Fullback position. As a Linebacker, Bonta has great awareness and can dissect an offense and attack with great form tackling. Jamestown is always in the hunt for the Class AA title and for the next two seasons, they will have Bonta to help lead their way back to the promise land.
Every offensive play begins with the Center and few were better that Gavin McWhirter Gavin McWhirter 5’10” | 280 lbs | OL Orchard Park | 2026 State NY in 2023. At 6’2 320 lbs, the Sophomore was superb in anchoring the Quakers Offensive Line. He has great hand placement and excellent footwork. Gavin did an awesome job of moving defensive linemen and blocking them down field to the whistle. He is a fantastic pass protector and his reach blocking is amazing. This is a young man with a bright future that will get recognition from the All Western New York team as a Junior in 2024.
Brody Kaufman
Brody Kaufman
Brody Kaufman did a masterful job playing Defensive End in Clarence’s 3-3-5 scheme. He stuffed the run with purpose and put the pressure on opposing Quarterbacks. Kaufman has a high motor and good closing speed. At 6’4, he made it difficult for offenses to complete passes. Clarence was 1 game away from the New York State Finals last year and Brody was a big part of their success. He had 41 tackles (5 for loss) and 2 sacks in 2023 but those numbers will increase as he will look to get the Red Devils over the hump and bring home a State title for the first time in the school’s history.