Returning Contributors: The Bayonne Fighting Bees’ Skill Players

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After inheriting a 4-5 team from a fellow alumnus that ended their season, and the former coaches tenure, in an unbecoming manner against Barringer in 2021, Head Coach Jerome Hayes and his Fighting Bees had a clean slate entering the 2022 season. Fast forward to year two, Bayonne made a trip to the North, Group V NJSIAA Playoffs in just Hayes' second year. Finishing with a 5-5, including a three-game winning streak down the stretch, the Bees played a stretch of games without a true quarterback to injury.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With an apparent ascension-in-progress along Avenue A and a stable full of young, returning talent, the Bees look to continue to be noise-makers and playoff fixtures in 2024 and beyond. Here are a few prospects they are looking at to get that job done.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1183270"],"_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":"Probably the Bee that presents as the biggest threat in the vertical passing game, [player_tooltip player_id='1183270' first='Isaiah' last='Ross'] is unabashed to do u003cemu003emore than u003c/emu003ejust mix it up when run blocking at receiver. Ross has shown that he will look to latch on to and drive, essentially bullying defenders out of the frame. Although he was only credited with 8 receptions, 201 yards, and 3 touchdowns this year we can chalk this up to the program's top two quarterbacks missing significant time during the season. He stayed active on defense with 25 tackles (15 solo), 3 TFL, 1 sack, and 1 FF. Ross looks to shake and bake defenders in order to make them miss with his shifty hips; the stiff arm is also in his arsenal. As a pure receiver, Ross does a great job adjusting to poorly and under thrown balls, breaking off his route and using his body to shield defenders' from the balls true final destination. A big plus, he catches the ball exclusively with his hands and has the speed where he can consistently get behind corners when he runs vertical. On defense he appears to be a box safety type who can come off the edge or cover the slot. I would like to see the wide angle on Ross' highlights to get a sense for the kind of route runner he is, which the tactical view makes difficult to judge.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ceb1c4736f9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17880675/6518c288dfd8460d50cb34ff' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ceb1c4737a7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1183269"],"_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":"About 12 years later and about only 12 miles from Madison Square Garden, Linsanity is on the precipice of taking over JFK Blvd in Bayonne. One of two quarterbacks who got significant burn last year, [player_tooltip player_id='1183269' first='Leo' last='Lin'] enters his junior year in a fierce battle with teammate [player_tooltip player_id='1183273' first='Nico' last='Sampson'] for the starting nod. Last year Lin was 28 of 58 for 403 yards with 5 TDs to 3 intercepts. Lin is fundamentally sound when executing his throws by consistently transferring his weight to get the most mustard on his ball. Beyond that, Lin is something of a rhythm quarterback who is at his best when the is 1-2-3 and out or off of play action. He has a quick enough throwing motion to deliver the ball to the hashes-or-beyond without the average defender getting a jump on it. When asked to throw in between the hashes Lin places the ball in safe spaces where only his receivers can make plays on the ball. Acting like a savvy veteran, Lin will go through roughly his first two progressions then get the ball to his check down or outlet throw. Lastly, Lin is deceptively athletic. A few times I noticed him roll out on a naked bootleg, and with pressure in his face, complete a jump-throw to the flat; similarly, he has escapability in the pocket and is unafraid to tuck it and run. When he does, however, Lin should be contentious of protecting the ball.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ceb1c47380d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17791122/65b92ce8664b3d163402e1ed' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003ern","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ceb1c47382d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1183272"],"_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='1183272' first='Chance' last='Fischer'] has a chance to be a very special player. Listed as a defensive back and running back, Fischer lines up all over the place for the Bees and just recently set a new squat SRM at 405 lbs as u003cemu003ejust a sophomore.u003c/emu003e Fischer finished the season with 4 PBU and 10 tackles on defense, while accounting for 71 yards on the ground and 290 through the air, scoring twice. A serious threat at slot, Fischer can flip his hips in-and-out very quickly to completely put defensive backs in a blender. He also tracks the deep ball extremely well on the deep bomb. Despite his height, Fischer has ups as he can hurdle defenders/piles on the ground. Because he is able to achieve top speed in about 5 steps, his film showed him mostly as an outside rushing threat. This, plus his ability to move laterally very quickly, combined with his great vision to find a seam and hit it at full speed makes him a bonafide home run threat. He has enough wiggle to make people miss in the open field and benefits from a low center of gravity. With three-time captain Rocky Rodriguez finally graduating, I anticipate Fischer filling those shoes. Should he assume lead-back responsibilities, colleges want to see more clips of him running between the tackles and in pass protection.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ceb1c473889"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19116720/655aca9b0660cf0420574477' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ceb1c4738a8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1183273"],"_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":"As we broke down [player_tooltip player_id='1183269' first='Leo' last='Lin'] as one of the quarterbacks, his fellow 2026 graduate [player_tooltip player_id='1183273' first='Nico' last='Sampson'] is competing for the very same job. Like Linsanity, Sampson missed time this year - albeit I believe a bit more time. Samspon was 36 of 59 for 316 yards with a 4:4 TD:Int ratio, while rushing 12 times for 47 yards. With a clean pocket Sampson can throw the ball about 60 yards on a dime. Profiling as an athletic quarterback, he has the ability to reset his feet quickly and deliver a solid ball when executing throws where he is going to his left. In my opinion, Sampson is at his best when things break down and he is forced to move and make a play. Aside from the benefits of a strong offseason, Sampson would be well served to improve his throwing mechanics.rnrnu003cbu003eHudl: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19139673/Nico-Sampson/highlightsu003c/bu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ceb1c4738fb"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1183271"],"_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 [player_tooltip player_id='1183270' first='Isaiah' last='Ross'] is the Bees fire, [player_tooltip player_id='1183271' first='Deon' last='McKinnon'] is their ice. McKinnon is emerging as a real solid safety for Bayonne. Playing single high center field, he possesses a quick and fluid back pedal that gives him appropriate depth quickly enough so he can see the entire field. He appears to read the quarterback's eyes effectively and will drive on routes when recognizes them - their quickly enough to intercept the pass or make a play on the ball or to lay the boom on a target's body. McKinnon also does a solid job filling the alley against the run. As a receiver McKinnon right now is mostly a body catcher; however, he does possess field awareness and works to get a foot down along the sideline. Playing safety he is the last line of defense and no defenders can scoot past him. The best way to ensure this is to work on shoulder tackling for McKinnon. McKinnon finished last year slashing 15/177/1 as a receiver and led the team in tackles with 48 (27 solo), 3 picks, 6 PBUs, and 2 FFs.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ceb1c473952"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17822831/65465232386e4a0ab8a41b09' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ceb1c47396e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1183899"],"_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":"Lining up opposite of [player_tooltip player_id='1183274' first='David' last='Mendez'] is [player_tooltip player_id='1183899' first='Daryl' last='Smith']. Smith makes plays both 8-10 yards off the line and competes in press coverage. When playing back Smith comes up quickly and aggressively on sort or check down passes into the flat. In press coverage he appears able to run with most and has shown flashes of brilliance in how he squeezes the defender into the boundary, using it as a defender. With limited film his best attribute I noted was that he consistently tackles with the correct leverage. Smith's 21 tackle (11 solo), 2 tackle for loss, and team-leading 4 intervention campaign can improve should he improve his back pedal.rnrnu003cstrongu003eHudl: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17830630/Daryl-Smith/highlightsu003c/strongu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ceb1c4739be"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1183274"],"_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 final prospect out of the bunch of a talented class of 2026 for the Bees is [player_tooltip player_id='1183274' first='David' last='Mendez']. Last season Mendez had 1 PBU and 5 tackles. Mendez's alignment typically starts him about 8-yards off the ball where he mostly plays the skate technique - indicative of cover 3. Perhaps the best skill Mendez possesses his his ability to play the ball with his outside hand, allowing himself to also be in position to make a tackle if needed. Profiling as a grittier player, I noted that he plays in the slot u003cemu003eincluding u003c/emu003ecovering tight ends at times, following either in motion as well. Mendez can sure-up his game as he prepares for his junior year should be mindful of his responsibility as a force player in the run game, maintaining the edge and not allowing the opportunity for ball carriers to get outside of him.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ceb1c473a12"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17791115/658c56b44ba92f0bec7333b5' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ceb1c473a30"} /-->