Division Returners: American White
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American White delivered one of the biggest surprises in New Jersey in 2023. A 6-3 Lakeland entered the playoffs and gave Westwood a run for their money in the sectional finals. Losing 23-17, Lakeland will be the early favorite to…
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Continue ReadingAmerican White delivered one of the biggest surprises in New Jersey in 2023. A 6-3 Lakeland entered the playoffs and gave Westwood a run for their money in the sectional finals. Losing 23-17, Lakeland will be the early favorite to win the division in 2024. However, throughout the division there is plenty of talent to contend with. Here are some of the finest returners from American White.
The returning quarterback for a talented Lakeland team, Collin Sabric Collin Sabric 6’1″ | 170 lbs | QB Lakeland | 2025 NJ is ready to help his team take home a sectional title in 2024. A strong arm talent that can hit his man in stride, Collin amassed 1597 yards through the air and found the end zone 10 times. With Collin’s arm strength, he was able to dissect defenses sideline to sideline as he threw the ball with some zip behind it. He consistently managed to throw the ball into tight windows and get it to his receiver in double coverage. While it got him in trouble a few times in 2023, Collin is sure to clean it up this fall. Look fo Collin to repeat his success in 2024.
Brody McCormack
Brody McCormack
The second returning player from Lakeland, this time our focus is on the defensive side of the ball as Brody McCormack caused havoc on offenses all season long. An extremely strong defensive end, Brody was an anchor on the edge as he prevented running backs from bouncing it to the outside. Racking up 45 tackles, 10 tfls, and 3 sacks in 2023, Brody was known for driving tackles backwards and taking on pulling guards as he disrupted the flow of the play. Equipped with a quick pick up as well, Brody has the speed to close in on the QB quickly and collapse the pocket.
A speedy linebacker for Vernon, Syrus Castanaga Syrus Castanaga 5’8″ | 170 lbs | LB Vernon | 2025 NJ earned first team all division as he made 76 tackles last fall. An athletic defender, Syrus was relentless in his pursuit of the ball carrier in 2023. As a prominent run stopper in his defense, Syrus would stay low in his shuffle and and plant his foot into the ground as he shot the gap and stopped the progression of the play. And with 2 sacks and a forced fumble on the season, Syrus has the ability to make momentum changing plays whenever he is on the field.
A QB I am just hearing about but expect to hear a lot more of in 2024, West Milford’s Aydin Deane Aydin Deane 6’1″ | 170 lbs | QB West Milford | 2026 State NJ is on the verge of taking over the division. A shifty dual threat QB, Aydin threw for 1424 yards and ran for another 374. What stands out the most is Aydin’s confidence when throwing on the run. He has great pocket awareness, sliding around the pocket while he maintains his eyes downfield. When it’s time to let the ball go, Aydin tosses the rock with a ton velocity behind it, getting it to his man quickly. With great size for a sophomore, Aydin has a lot of potential to develop into something special.
John Elko
John Elko
The type of player to lean on in tricky situations, High Point’s John Elko has big play capabilities. Lining up at the quarterback position, John often rolled out of the pocket and fired it to his receiver in the openfield. John’s legs are what is most impressive, as he has the wheels to take off with it if he so chooses. He will be a big run threat in 2024 as he displayed great agility and quickness with the ball in his hands in 2023.