2025 Ball Hawks in the Secondary
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Loaded in the secondary, New Jersey has untapped potential in the defensive backfield. Starring for the class of 2025 we have some of the best Ball Hawks the state has to offer. Emilio Mendez POS DB CLASS 2025 Emilio Mendez…
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Continue ReadingLoaded in the secondary, New Jersey has untapped potential in the defensive backfield. Starring for the class of 2025 we have some of the best Ball Hawks the state has to offer.
Emilio Mendez
Emilio Mendez
A lengthy defensive back with Kyle Hamilton-like qualities, Emilio Mendez was an absolute terror to opponent’s passing schemes in 2023. Picking the ball off 8 times last season and forcing 2 fumbles, Emilio is a top tier talent in the state that is versatile enough to lineup at safety or cornerback.
Emilio is a long striding runner that can bait the quarterback into throwing his direction, only to take the ball out of the air. What really stood out in Emilio’s tape is the way he approaches a ball carrier. Emilio hits like an old school safety, running right through the ball carrier without losing momentum. We should see his stock rise as the 2024 season comes near.
A Marlboro athlete, Luke Houston Luke Houston 5’8″ | 155 lbs | DB Marlboro | 2025 NJ had an impressive defensive season last year as he was able to intercept the ball 7 times. An athletic mover, Luke can stay with the receivers even when they try their best to shake him from their route. With great hand-eye coordination, Luke can snag the ball when it’s away from his body and bring it in with strong hands. A receiver as well, Marlboro will surely feed him the ball in 2024.
One of my favorite DBs in the 2025 class, Azir Lee Azir Lee 6’0″ | 160 lbs | DB Camden | 2025 NJ deserves to be ranked much higher within the state. A Camden cornerback, Azir is a true playmaker in the secondary as he picked the ball off 6 times last season. Azir can not only play up at the line and jam the receiver, but also thrives further downfield where he does a great job preventing any receivers from getting behind him. A cornerback that can compete with the tallest route runners in the state, Azir can rip the ball from the receiver’s hands and make it look easy when he does it. Built with a burst of speed, Azir is off and running once he picks the ball off.
Raymond Wade
Raymond Wade
A talented cornerback for Williamstown, Raymond Wade played a big part in their secondary’s success in 2023. Intercepting the ball 4 times last season, Raymond displayed exceptional skills as he pressed receivers at the line and stayed toe-to-toe with them as they ran downfield. Giving the quarterback little ability to find success throwing his direction, the QB would have to think twice and possibly fall into a coverage sack. A reliable tackler on the outside, Raymond can come upfield quickly, chop down, and bring the runner to the ground.
A safety for Cherokee, Evan Bryfogle Evan Bryfogle 5’7″ | 170 lbs | DB Cherokee | 2025 State NJ is a smaller DB but an extremely impactful one nonetheless. Picking the ball off 5 times in 2023, Evan’s quick hips and footwork allowed him to turn and cover sideline to sideline very well. I am really impressed with how much range he is able to cover in the defensive backfield. He is a great last line of defense as he doesn’t let receivers get behind him and can make the open field tackle to prevent a long run. And with a knack for breaking up the ball, receivers are often disappointed when they think they’re about to come down with it.