New Jersey 2028 Watchlist Vol.1 – Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first installment of the&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/01/2028-new-jersey-watchlist-vol-1-is-live/">New Jersey 2028 Watchlist is LIVE!</a></strong>&nbsp;Volume 1 of this list features nearly 150 prospects, has been released.&nbsp;<strong>It is not a complete list and is being updated weekly, behind the scenes</strong>.&nbsp;There will be multiple official updates leading up to mid-August, when this 2028 class starts being considered high school prospects.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/01/new-jersey-2028-watchlist-vol-1-defensive-backs/">Defensive Backs</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/01/new-jersey-2028-watchlist-vol-1-wide-receivers-tight-ends/">Wide Receivers/Tight Ends</a>&nbsp;| <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/01/new-jersey-2028-watchlist-vol-1-running-backs/">Running Backs</a> |</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at the monsters of the midway that made the initial list, in alphabetical order.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["963511"],"_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":"- Played for Washington Townshipu003cbru003eu003cbru003e- Also a wrestleru003cbru003eu003cbru003e- u003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15119898/6530246596811d045ce30dd7u0022u003eFilmu003c/au003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eThe more I watch Chirico, the more I think I will eventually move him to be on the running back list. He's a muscled up, short and compact athlete that runs low to the ground. Very strong and well-balanced. As a linebacker, too quick for linemen to block and too physical for backs or receivers. As a running back, a tank that just keeps his balance and moves forward at all costs.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1141062"],"_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":"- Played for Veronau003cbru003eu003cbru003e- Also plays lacrosseu003cbru003eu003cbru003e- u003ca href=u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ3s-WZ3wCsu0022u003eFilmu003c/au003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eFrom a potential standpoint, DeSilva has a big upside in my eyes. Great-looking athletic frame that he'll be able to add a ton of muscle to, as he progresses into high school. Plays running back on the offensive side of the ball, but improve change of direction, lateral quickness and overall speed to reach his ceiling. He has a chance to be one of the best in the state with some more work.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["910821"],"_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":"- Played for Howellu003cbru003eu003cbru003e- Also wrestles and plays lacrosseu003cbru003eu003cbru003e- u003ca href=u0022https://x.com/brock_goodman50/status/1721967852910006746?s=20u0022u003eFilmu003c/au003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eGoodman, a reclassed kid, is a rocked up middle linebacker type that has more athleticism than one would think. Was part of a talented linebacker rotation the last two seasons for the New Jersey AYF All-Stars. Played running back on the offensive side of the ball. A sure-tackler that crashes the line hard during inside run plays. Despite needing to get quicker/less stiff in pass drops, he had a number of interceptions and pass deflections this year.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1014503"],"_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":"- Played for Southernrn- Also plays lacrossernrnA member of the New Jersey AYF All-Stars the last two seasons, he has brought home consecutive National Championships. A versatile kid that I would love playing inside or outside backer right now, but given his athletic ability, I like him as a Sam right now. Does a good job of using his eyes to recognize pass plays quickly and drops to depth. Plays disciplined football, yet aggressive.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1014504"],"_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":"- Played for Southu003cbru003eu003cbru003e- Also plays lacrosseu003cbru003eu003cbru003eDon't refresh the page, [player_tooltip player_id='1014504' first='Niko' last='Iliescu'] is the twin brother of [player_tooltip player_id='1014503' first='Lukas' last='Iliescu']. Niko is certainly more of a middle linebacker/fullback type at this stage of the game. A thick thumper in the middle, he plays a very physical brand of football. Gets downhill quickly and is a stout defender against the run. Also looks comfortable in space if forced to cover out into the flatu002du002dbut certainly more of a smash-mouth backer. He's a few inches shorter than his brother at this point, but it suits the position-need.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1140863"],"_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":"- Played for Silk Cityu003cbru003eu003cbru003e- Also plays basketballu003cbru003eu003cbru003eI love the way Lisitano plays the game on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he can take a defenders head off with a devastating block and then turn around and catch a deep ball as a wide receiver/tight end. Defensively, where I like him most, he's an athletic outside linebacker. Moves like a safety, has good ball skills and is capable of making some nice interceptions. Sideline-to-sideline lateral ability makes it tough for a running back to gain the edge on his side.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["1141030"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"- Played for Woodburyu003cbru003eu003cbru003e- Also plays basketballu003cbru003eu003cbru003e- u003ca href=u0022https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cz5coRzO0tA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linku0026amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==u0022u003eFilmu003c/au003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eBy my eye, without the benefit of having verified speed times, Marshall appears to be the fastest linebacker on this initial watchlist. Crazy athletic kid that can play wide receiver, running back, safety, corner, returner, etc. Routinely uses elite linebacker speed to chase down sweeps going away from him, from behind. Violent tackler at the point of contact. Has the potential to be one of the best football players in the state if he continues like this. I'm a big, big fan.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["1065629"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"- Played for Lodiu003cbru003eu003cbru003e- Weight room guyu003cbru003eu003cbru003e- u003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18078858/6565e707c11a2707cc1d0f4eu0022u003eFilmu003c/au003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eAn ideal outside linebacker/defensive end/edge rusher that wastes little motion or time getting into the backfield. On film he shows off a good amount of pass rush moves. In particular does a good job of swatting the hands and arms of over-extended offensive tackles and clearing his hips. While pass rush is the specialty, he also bends the edge and plays very well against the run. Not afraid to take on blocks with an open shoulder and sheds with ease.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["987680"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"- Played for Brick City/Rahwayu003cbru003eu003cbru003e- Younger brother of c/o 2024 Ohio State-signee Jaylen McClainu003cbru003eu003cbru003eSeton Hall Prep is a program on the rise in New Jersey and they're getting a big time athlete next year, in [player_tooltip player_id='987680' first='Cameron' last='McClain']. I have not seen him play live in over a year, but he left a lasting impression on me. Incredible length and range as a linebacker. Depending on how he grows and develops, could very easily see him playing safety like his older brother. On the pre-high school level, he's easily one of the top 5-10 kids in the state.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["1141049"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"- Played for Kenilworthu003cbru003eu003cbru003e- Also plays baseballu003cbru003eu003cbru003e- u003ca href=u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrfvPnoCc_cu0022u003eFilmu003c/au003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eA bigger middle linebacker that I can see transitioning into more of a hand-in-the-dirt, defensive end if he continues to get bigger. Was a vital part of a team that went to the league finals this year and was named an NJSYFL All-Star in the process. Collapses hard and plays behind his pads at the point of contact. Played offensive tackle as well. Would like to see his speed pick up if he wants to stay at linebacker and play at a high levelr.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["1147592"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"- Played for Old Bridgeu003cbru003eu003cbru003e- Led team to league championship gameu003cbru003eu003cbru003eA late add to the initial 2028 New Jersey Watchlist. Physically strong kid that throws his muscle around at linebacker, offensive line and even some running back. Pretty athletic for a linebacker at this point. Plays with a chip on his shoulder and is an obvious team leader.  One of four kids from Old Bridge that were selected to the NJSYFL All-Star Game this past December.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["1067093"],"_player_evaluations_11_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"- Played for Vinelandu003cbru003eu003cbru003e- Won D1 National National Championshipu003cbru003eu003cbru003eLightning quick get-off that has allowed him to make countless tackles for loss throughout this youth career. Listing him with the linebackers right now because he's fast and athletic enough to play the position, but has been strictly a defensive lineman up to this point. Versatility has allowed him to play interior and on the edge. Plays with an attitude and lets the offense know it's a mistake to run near him. Kid has an unrelenting motor and seeing what position he ends up at will be fun.","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_12_player":["1074998"],"_player_evaluations_12_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"- Played for Cedar Groveu003cbru003eu003cbru003e- Also plays baseballu003cbru003eu003cbru003e- u003ca href=u0022https://www.instagram.com/vinrusso__/u0022u003eFilmu003c/au003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eRusso is going to be an extremely good high school football player and beyond. Can play inside backer out in the boundary right now, with Mike being the spot I see him spending the most time at going forward. Absolutely love his fundamentals. Plays on his toes, doesn't over react to pre-snap movement or play action. Stays low during his read steps and attacks quickly. Russo also has no problem going out into the flat and making tackles in space. I'm a big fan of his ability.","_player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":13,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a5783507e63"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Linebackers That Could Slide Onto The Watchlist</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='991972' first='Anthony' last='Alfano'] | Matawan</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1147567' first='Michael' last='Boulard'] | Wall</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1147547' first='Jeremiah' last='Bowen'] | Brick City</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1014511' first='Ryan' last='Hetzel'] | Toms River</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1014507' first='Tim' last='O'Rourke'] | Howell</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->