Returning Contributors: The Piscataway Chiefs Skill Positions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 6-4 season without a playoff birth may seem very pedestrian by Piscataway standards. However, if you consider the Chiefs just played their third season after their school district barred their team from playing a 2020-2021 season because of Covid, things are on the up-and-up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Since the self-imposed high school equivalent of a program death sentence, the program has had to undergo a literal renaissance. Their first year back playing in 2021-2022 they were 0-8, while improving 6-3 and a playoff birth the next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All this said the Chiefs are in prime position to compete for a top-8 seed in the North, Group V playoff bracket. With several talents returning, here are a handful of prospects Piscataway will be counting on to have bigger, expanded, and more productive roles in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Returning Contributors Series</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Be sure to catch up on my entire returning contributors series by clicking through on the link to the articles below.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-bayonne-fighting-bees-skill-players/">Bayonne Fighting Bees' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-bridgewater-raritan-panthers-linemen/">Bridgewater-Raritan Panthers' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-bridgewater-raritan-panthers-skills/">Bridgewater-Raritan Panthers' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-clifton-mustangs-skill-positions/">Clifton Mustangs' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-elizabeth-minutemen-big-men/">Elizabeth Minutemen Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-hackensack-comets-skill-positions/">Hackensack Comets' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-linden-tigers-skill-positions/">Linden Tigers' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-montclair-mounties-skill-positions/">Montclair Mounties' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-morristown-colonials-big-men/">Morristown Colonials' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-passaic-county-tech-bulldogs-skills/">Passaic County Tech Bulldogs' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-phillipsburg-stateliners-skills/">Phillipsburg Stateliners' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-ridgewood-maroons-skills-line/">Ridgewood Maroons' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-st-joseph-metuchen-falcons-skills/">St. Joseph (Metuchen) Falcons' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-st-thomas-aquinas-trojan-skills-line/">St. Thomas Aquinas Trojans' Skills &amp; Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-union-farmers-linemen/">Union Farmers' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-union-city-soaring-eagles-skills/">Union City Soaring Eagles' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-watchung-hills-warriors-linemen/">Watchung Hills Warriors' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-westfield-blue-devils-linemen/">Westfield Blue Devils' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-west-orange-mountaineers-skills/">West Orange Mountaineers' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1196467"],"_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 first of several linebackers for the Chiefs set to return is [player_tooltip player_id='1196467' first='Joshua' last='Stephens']. Last fall Stephens was credited with 48 tackles (9 solo), 4 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FR, 2 Int, and 1 pick-six. One of the best things film shows Stephens do is smoothly exchange gaps with defensive linemen. He is able to move upfield and insert himself in the adjacent gap while confusing offensive linemen and as the pocket sets. Schematically he does this either at mike or as a 5th rusher off the edge. Playing a bit further back with his heels at 7 yards, Stephens has plenty of room to move forward to take his diagnosis step while at 'backer. Stephens is an outstanding form tackler and will stick you, textbook style, at the hole. Lastly, Stephens has a penchant of coming up with stops on key downs. In terms of pass coverage he opens efficiently and takes his drops with correct leverage. He allows crossers to enter his zone only to escort them out of it before keying the next route to threaten his zone. One thing that Stephens can improve on with repetition his becoming more instinctual when heading down hill. Right now he meets ball carriers u003cemu003eat u003c/emu003ethe hole; whereas if he trusts what he sees he will meet them u003cemu003ein u003c/emu003ethe hole.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1559eb4bbb"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18126478/653c6721a6783f0338546b31' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1559eb4c7d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1196466"],"_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":"Piscataway's leading receiver in terms of yardage and receptions returns for his senior season: [player_tooltip player_id='1196466' first='Jahai' last='Johnson']. In 2023 Johnson converted 22 receptions to 395 yards while scoring 5 times; he was also credited with 19 tackles (6 solo) and 1 pick. Johnson has the ability to make people miss in multiple ways with the ball in his hands, including jump cuts and, specifically, the stiff arm. With a bit of a bigger body, Johnson knows how to use what his momma gave him as he out-positions defensive backs path to the ball. Typically lining up to the offense's right, we see Johnson excel at verts, benders, and curls/hitches; however, if he is in the slot expect some sort of trickery heading back the other way. As a safety he tends to play very far back, but like a centerfielder he has the ability to close ground from hash-to-hash. He is also a deep returner for the Chiefs. Johnson's game can reach another level as he he improves his route running, and thus, creating more space from defenders for him to operate.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1559eb4ce6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16378333/653bb79c5b3cca0de860914b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1559eb4d07"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1196465"],"_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 of five rushers with 30+ carries on the season last year, [player_tooltip player_id='1196465' first='Jamari' last='Atkinson'] might be the spark plug of the returning bunch. Atkinson added 195 yards and 1 score on 40 carries to the ledger for Piscataway. What differentiates Atkinson from his teammates in the backfield is that he has a more unique second gear he can achieve once he gets going. Another thing he does, that I suspect Atkinson himself may not even realize he is doing, is that he waits just a moment before he moves in the backfield as he waits for an avenue to open up for him to burst through. Also a willing blocker, we see that he is most effective once the quarterback breaks the pocket. For Atkinson to earn a larger timeshare out of the backfield he needs to add some mass, as I earn for clips of him grinding out tough yardage.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1559eb4d5f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18126513/64fc81927bddc213b873ad93' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1559eb4d7d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1196464"],"_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":"Competing with Atkinson for carries is [player_tooltip player_id='1196464' first='Micky' last='Simmons'], who slashed 31/179/3 on the ground in 2023. Simmons' unique, differentiating attribute is that he will come to a complete stop behind the line or in the hole and cutback against the grain for any daylight he sees. Simmons also regains speed quickly based on how fast he can move his feet. I would describe his running style as very instinctual. Additionally, we see that Simmons uses incoming backlers leverage against them by turning his shoulders and spinning into their leverage to continue running. When a linebacker Simmons is certainly capable of seeing a hole and hitting the hole in a hurry - likely due to clearly read what is going on in front of him. Simmons' game, on both sides of the ball, will only benefit from agility training. By doing so his mobility in the open field will improve.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1559eb4dd4"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17819591/6541691f02bc690908f47640' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1559eb4df1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1196461"],"_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":"Another quarterback competition may be on the horizon at the far-end of route 18. Cracking the varsity lineup as a freshman was [player_tooltip player_id='1196461' first='Landon' last='Pernell'], who was 41/75 for 816 yards with 12 passing touchdowns to 1 interception, while also adding a rushing score. Pernell does a great job delivering the ball in a spot where receivers can make a clean catch and create for themselves after the catch. His athleticism tends to be on display when he is rolling out, as evidenced where he completely broke a defender's ankles like an Iverson crossover. Pernell has adequate arm strength for a freshman that will only improve as he focuses on transferring his weight and torquing his hips when he throws. Pernell's precision passing could stand to improve as well.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1559eb4e45"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19531897/653c0163478cf5046ca45323' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1559eb4e62"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1040415"],"_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":"Along with returning their leading receiver Piscataway returns [player_tooltip player_id='1040415' first='James' last='Bodley'], their leading rusher from last season with a slash line of 79/460/4 with 35 tackles on defense. Ball security is a high priority for Bodley, as he keeps the ball pinned to his chest. Perhaps the Chiefs' toughest runner, he benefits from gaining additional yardage from tough running through proper holes, grinding his feet, and drudging ahead; for as additional defenders arrive Bodley is just getting going and continues to move the pile. On defense Bodley takes committed read steps and is able to navigate through the was in order to find a crease and tackle the rusher. He does not take chances by shooting underneath, preferring to play over the top. When taking his pass drops Bodley does so appropriately and keeps his head on a swivel for any approaching threats. More consistent form tackling will aid Bodley defensively; while offensively Bodley can work on loosening his hips to become more elusive.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1559eb4eb9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13678729/659b3517478da40f68663f85' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1559eb4ed6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["927421"],"_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 other returning quarterback actually had more pass attempts than Pernell. Enter: [player_tooltip player_id='927421' first='Elan' last='McCrorey'], who went 31/63 for 537 yards, 5 TDs to 1 Int, with 1 rushing score. McCrorey gets a little bit more on his throws as he effectively transfers his weight when executing his throws. He is often asked to move the pocket and rollout to his right, showcasing his capability to throw an accurate ball. McCrorey also has solid balance at the quarterback position as he can tightrope to escape trouble. Ball placement is something that McCrorey can improve on as he prepares for the 7-on-7 season, enabling his receivers to have an opportunity to accrue yards after catch.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1559eb4f29"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16437145/6542d734b3d2ac08043c2510' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1559eb4f46"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1196468"],"_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":"Dejuan Weems is the last linebacker-running back to suit up for Piscataway. Last fall he rushed 17 times for 87 yards and was credited with 32 tackles (3 solos), 1 sack, and 1 tackle for loss. Read steps are evident for Weems as attempts to diagnose the play; however, he times the snap well when blitzing - which is a clear strength of his. He will go in low for a tackle and when pursuing rushers he attacks while applying vice tackles. As quarterbacks' break their pocket to his side, we see Weems rotate coverage correctly to force a premature throw. An athletic linebacker, we see instances against triple option teams where he squeezes his quarterback assignment and then redirects and makes a play on the pitch man near the line of scrimmage. I would prefer Weems act like the hammer and not the nail on defense, exploding and applying force to his tackles. As an offensive weapon Weems secures the ball when he rushes up the middle and is an effort-based lead blocker. To earn more carries he should look to rush inside-out, preventing premature bounces to the perimeter.rnrnu003cstrongu003eHudlu003c/strongu003e: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16299033/Dajuan-Weems/highlights","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1559eb4fa3"} /-->