Returning Contributors: St. Thomas Aquinas Trojan Skills & Line

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023 St. Thomas Aquinas achieved new heights under head coach Tarig Holman. Surpassing a 9-2 record in the year prior, the Trojans' achieved an undefeated, 10-0 regular season and hosted an Non-Public Group B NJSIAA playoff game. Unfortunately their season came to an end at the hands of DePaul in a tight 13-10 game on a cold night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>How will Holman and the rest of Aquinas respond in 2024? Here are a few skill players who figure to be back in the mix this year as they strive for a Group B title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["801495"],"_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":"The Trojans passing attack was paced by extremely efficient output by [player_tooltip player_id='801495' first='Roman' last='Blanks']. Last year Blanks was 81/122 (66%) for 1253 yards. His most impressive stat, however, was his 14 touchdown tosses on the season when compared to his 1 interception. Blanks has the savviness and ability to put touch on the ball when he needs it. Although he is not really asked to run, Blanks is asked to move the pocket - and effectively roll out to either side, reset his feet, and throw a solid ball. When he is in doubt, Blank will err on the side of giving his athletic playmakers a shot and aim high. Blanks could get more mustard on his throws as he focuses on improving his core and working torque into his lower body upon throwing the ball.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c10ab866afe"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19513665/65a6db73b3c83606f47f2671' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c10ab866baa"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["614993"],"_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":"One player on the Trojan's roster who stands in line for a huge uptick in production is [player_tooltip player_id='614993' first='Chukwuma' last='Odoh'], their fourth leading rusher from a year ago. Early indications seem that STA will look to him to replace 155 carries, 1291 yards, and 17 touchdowns that are set to graduate. Odoh received must of his burn at linebacker last year, but did serve as a spell back - specifically their jet-mo sweep guy. On the season he totaled 22 tackles (6 solos) with 1 tackle for loss. Offensively he accounted for 178 yards on 22 carries and 1 score.rnrnAs a linebacker Odah is uber-athletic. He also possesses great length that he uses to defeat blockers and get in on the play. His length makes him appear somewhat gangly; however, this allows him to cover a lot of group. He is unafraid of contact on the field, often looking to muscle-up big linemen in space. As a rusher he does an excellent job of securing the ball, almost exclusively carrying it high-and-tight. Odah will be best served to improve his vision - both as a ball carrier and how he reads his keys.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c10ab866c04"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18189542/65658843a681b113647f6c61' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c10ab866c22"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1170231"],"_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":"Back for more is the Trojan's tight end in their power-run sets, [player_tooltip player_id='1170231' first='Anwar' last='Witherspoon']. Although he was just 3/32 receiving as a tight end, he appeared to be STA's primary tight end in their run-first offense. Defensively Witherspoon is a defensive end who made 34 tackles (17 solo) with 6 tackles for loss and 5 sacks.rnrnThe success that Witherspoon had along the defensive line starts with his good get off. At his best, Witherspoon figured out how to weaponize his athleticism to beat his man off the snap. Related, the standout edge player appears to get hands on the man in front of him and works them low-to-high. Then like a textbook, Witherspoon locks out and moves his feet in order to be in position to shed and make a play. Given his athleticism Witherspoon has a motor that allows him to get into several players and bring heat bearing down should he not get home. Witherspoon has the potential to explode on the scene as he becomes more aggressive when he is the play side defender.rnrnI would like to see more of Witherspoon's highlights include his run blocking skillset; however, he does show flashes as an intended target. Witherspoon catches with his hands and never the body and appears to like the ball thrown on the top shelf so only he can make a play. He has also served as an h-back on occasion.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c10ab866c72"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17796483/65637ce302b31d0d843c2b00' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c10ab866c8e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1170233"],"_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":"The Trojan's leading receiver, [player_tooltip player_id='1170233' first='Josiah' last='Zayas'], was only a sophomore last year. In a run-first team that featured two backs with over 1,000 yards rushing, Zayas hauled in 27 passes for 353 yards and 4 scores. Defensively it seems as if he was a part-time contributor as he made 16 tackles (6 solos), 1 fumble recover, and 2 interceptions. Unfortunately the junior-to-be does not have any highlights available. Should he wish to play college football I hope that this is something he prioritizes after his grades and STA's offseason strength u0026amp; conditioning program.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c10ab866cd6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["976963"],"_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":"The second part of the Trojan's two-headed Trojan Horse is [player_tooltip player_id='976963' first='Chase' last='Young']. With his former running mate off and gone to college, Young will look to add to a 150 carry, 1038 yard, and 16 touchdown junior campaign. Some run on defense added to his stats with 39 tackles (8 solos), 6 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. At times Young is too fast for pulling linemen, beating them to the hole. He also does a nice job of keeping the pile moving forward. A few times when I was watching his film I lost him in the scrum, only for him to pop out the other end for a big gainer. In my opinion Young profiles as more of a straight-ahead power back who will run you over and eek out tough yardage. One thing Young should be mindful of is to switch the ball to his outside arm when he breaks into the open field.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c10ab866d26"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16327061/655f0f6e478d7f0604f7b51c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c10ab866d41"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["723589"],"_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":"If you are looking for a big-bodied offensive lineman, [player_tooltip player_id='723589' first='Elijah' last='Thomas'] is just about as big as they come. Most of the two-way player's highlights were on offense. It is clear that the Trojans like to get his massive frame in space, as it appears that he is asked to pull a lot - particularly to plays outside of him. He runs sufficiently in space. When asked to trap he gets his eyes inside and appears to get to his gap quickly. If you try to match him up up top, prepare to lose. Thomas demonstrates tremendous upper body strength as he wrangles and wrestles defenders to the ground. Defensively, the big man knows to shoot his hands and will pursue. As an bookend tackle, Thomas should focus on his kick step so he can keep his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage and prevent two-way go's for pass rushers.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c10ab866d87"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17842297/65655976c11a2707cc1c97cf' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c10ab866da1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["341119"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='341119' first='Caden' last='Sternlieb'] is a younger player who got serious burn early on in his career. The big man seems to play bigger than he actually is. One thing Sternlieb did well that I appreciated was that he seems to come off of his combo blocks, as he keeps his eyes up for scraping linebackers. However, before Sternlieb comes off on those double teams, he and his adjacent teammate seem to consistently displace their down-lineman. From there he then does a nice job strafing to seal off any leakage from the second level. When backside Sternlieb does a good job of positioning himself to cut off any pursuit angles behind the line. Sternlieb should remember to rework, or refit his hands when on- or drive blocking.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c10ab866de3"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17795666/652dccf3a6815104bca654ea' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c10ab866dfc"} /-->