Sure Tacklers: 2027’s Top Tacklers in NJ
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Onto the defensive side of the ball; 2027’s class is loaded up with defenders that were on the field for a majority of the time this past fall. All 5 of these players have the potential to become household names…
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Continue ReadingOnto the defensive side of the ball; 2027’s class is loaded up with defenders that were on the field for a majority of the time this past fall. All 5 of these players have the potential to become household names within the next few years.
Winslow is another program with loaded underclassmen talent. Ausar Heard Ausar Heard 5’11” | 205 lbs | LB Winslow Township | 2027 State NJ is another one of those players that made a name for himself as a freshman. Lining up at the middle linebacker position, Ausar’s quick reaction time allowed him to rack up 94 tackles and 3 for a loss in 2023. With quick play recognition, Ausar can dart to the ball before most players even realize what direction the play is heading. Someone that is not going to be outran by a running back, Ausar stays tight to them in coverage or has the ability to chase them down from behind when in pursuit.
Donnyrocco Sosa
Donnyrocco Sosa
Donnyrocco Sosa was a phenom as a freshman linebacker this past fall. Accumulating 93 tackles and a sack, Donnyrocco played a large part in St. John Vianney’s defensive success. A force for a freshman, Donnyrocco’s size stood out amongst the upperclassmen. A powerful player, Donnyrocco can drop a runner quickly with the force he delivers in the tackles. Lining up at the middle linebacker position last fall, I could see him transitioning to the edge in the future, especially if he continues to put on more size and muscle.
Would it surprise you to hear there’s another Glassboro player on the 2027 Watchlist? It shouldn’t by now because Glassboro has another stud at the linebacker position in Tasheem Butler Tasheem Butler 6’1″ | 210 lbs | LB Glassboro | 2027 State NJ . Another powerful backer, Tasheem can blow up the play before it ever gets started. Great size for a freshman, Tasheem was a big impact player in the middle of the field, making it challenging for any offense to have success between the tackles. A defender that can also pursue sideline to sideline, Tasheem is a player I feel confident will excel in the future.
Another fast twitch linebacker added to the list, Chukwuma Odoh Chukwuma Odoh 5’11” | 185 lbs | LB St. Thomas Aquinas | 2027 State NJ has the potential to become a well known linebacker in the state. Playing for St. Thomas Aquinas, Chukwuma moves laterally with speed and can change direction and dart upfield to fill the hole and meet the runner at the line. This is a defender that will turn some heads come next fall.
Highlights
Camaj Matthews
Camaj Matthews
Camaj Matthews is the second Matthews to be covered in this series. Playing the outside linebacker position very well for Haddon Heights, Camaj was able to make 31 tackles last season, with 5 of those in the backfield and a sack as well. A relentless pass rusher, Camaj is quick off of the edge as he uses his athleticism and elusiveness to his advantage against slower linemen. Putting on size will only make Camaj more of a challenge to block in the future. Keep your eyes on Haddon Heights as they have some of the most talented underclassmen in the state.