Returning Contributors: The West Orange Mountaineers Skills

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Always in the mix, last year was more of the same for West Orange as they are practically a lock for the North Group V playoff bracket. Coming off of an 8-4 record and an sectional championship victory on the road in 2024, head Coach Darnell Grant's group were road warriors again. Last year at 5-5 the Mountaineers went on the road and defeated Plainfield in something of a rarity - a Friday night game under the lights at old Hub Stein Field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>How will the Mountaineers fair in 2024? If history is an indicator they are going to be in serious contention, <em>especially </em>given the key pieces on their roster they are set to return. Here are some of those rising prospects to be aware of.</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-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-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-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-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:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["796165"],"_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":"In recent history West Orange has had a history of tall vertical threats present on their roster. The next prototype in line is [player_tooltip player_id='796165' first='Terrell' last='Wilfong']. Last fall the 6'4u0022 receiver hauled in 38 catches for 730 yards and 11 scores. Given his height he better learn how to high point the ball... and he has. Moreover, he has seemingly mastered this and is starting to apply that skill in traffic and when doubled as well. A subtle thing I noticed, and I truly appreciate - is that Wilfong will protect the ball close and tight to his chest when defenders get anywhere close to him. He typically wins with his release and runs decent routes; however, I believe he creates space and separation largely because of his blessed frame. Relatedly, Wilfong manages to avoid and resists pushing off to create that extra bit of space. Two final things I enjoy about Wilfong's game are his unselfish nature when blocking and his route tree. Most receivers I watch film on, for whatever reason, only show fades/verts. Wilfong is the exception to that. We see nearly a full gamut of routes ran by this prospect, including verts/fades, drags, hitches, curls, posts, and flags. He also takes his run blocking serious. In his second clip of his highlight tape we witness Wilfong wait-and-bait on a bubble screen, opening up an unimpeded alley and decleating his assignment in the process. Also another rarity, Wilfong showed a clip of himself winning a block for his fellow receiver downfield that sprung a big play. With the glows many, a grow for Wilfong is to extend his arms and actively attack the ball when it is thrown his way. Doing so will prepare him for the next level as much of his competition in high school will not have the reach to play his hands and break up the pass attempt.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d8dee6985dc"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16430906/6547d8862352620a404cf118' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d8dee69868f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1190937"],"_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":"Supposedly a mid-year transfer from Don Bosco Prep, [player_tooltip player_id='1190937' first='Charlie' last='LaMorte'] looks to provide stability at the quarterback position. In 6 games LaMorte was 41/85 for 739 yards with 9 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Profiling as a pocket passer LaMorte moves around not for the sake of scrambling and gaining yardage, but for the sake of extending plays. Should he choose to scramble and break the line of scrimmage he does prioritize protecting the ball above all else. A quarterback through-and-through, the ball seems to jump out of LaMorte's hand as he displays many subtle nuances of the position including a quick release, compact motion, looking off safeties, throwing to a window, and safely leading receivers through those windows. Blessed with natural arm talent, should LaMorte refine his mechanics - specifically in his lower half - his arm talent could grow to be elite.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d8dee698703"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17358267/654c62bd2ab16704241d7b5a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d8dee698724"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402204"],"_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":"Based on how [player_tooltip player_id='402204' first='David' last='Moore Jr.'] was used last year, it is clear that the Mountaineers have adopted the best 11 philosophy. Selflessly, Moore played quarterback (19/33, 252 yards, 2 TD, 3 Int, 8/62/1 rushing), receiver (13/141/2), and safety (22 tackles, 2 solo, 2 Int, 1 pick-six) for his squad. As a quarterback he does a solid job targeting his first receiver and is able to give his target a chance to win and come up with the ball. He also follows play designs and hits the intended hole religiously. When split out Moore shows us he understands the nuance of delayed slip routes, lulling defenders to sleep as he seeps out for a big gain. He is also unafraid to mix it up in the running game. Lastly, as a safety he plays a bit deeper than most, but that allows Moore to see things clearly and get a clean break on the ball and be the safety who corrects everyone on the defense. The most transparent ability that Moore possesses, in my opinion, is his vision with the ball in his hands.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d8dee69877f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18030929/654264644df5f3069c9dc8e9' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d8dee69879c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1190942"],"_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 defensive-only prospect to make today's scouting report is [player_tooltip player_id='1190942' first='Ryde' last='Abdul Aziz'], endearingly called u0022Ryderu0022 by his teammates. Abdul Aziz played outside backer last year and made 51 tackles (2 solo), 11 TFL, and 2 sacks/FF/FR each. Whom much is asked, must is expected - and Abdul Aziz seems to answer the call. Abdul Aziz as he is asked to play off the edge, bump out to cover #2 in 2x2 sets and #2 in 3x1 sets. . He reacts and breaks on the ball very quickly when in pass coverage. Fundamentally sound I cannot imagine West Orange having a better tackler than Abdul Aziz, who consistently attacks through the ball carrier through his thigh boards, wraps upward, and squeezes. His solid technique does not stop there though. Film shows that when engaging with blockers Abdul Aziz achieves full arm extension to create space so he can separate and make a play on ball carrier; as well as being disciplined in his backfield depth to avoid making cutback seams when backside. With a solid offseason in the weight room Abdul Aziz should be able to jack offensive linemen up and become even more of a game wrecker than he already is.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d8dee6987f8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16175361/657bb448ff027c04408395db' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d8dee698816"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["766454"],"_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 adjacent to Abdul Aziz is fellow linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='766454' first='Christopher' last='Barrino']. Barrino is the returning team leader in tackles with 72 (6 solo), along with 10 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 Int, and 1 blocked kick. For whatever reason Barrino appears taller to me on film than what he is listed as. He is relatively fluid and pursues plays well; however, Barrino is, in my opinion, best when he is playing a north-south game. He can accelerate with the best of them and be disruptive with that full-head of steam. Another, perhaps instinctual, thing Barrino does well is get his hands up to disrupt passing lanes and deflect passes. I would encourage Barrino to continue to work pursuit angles. Given his motor and ability to achieve top speed quickly, if his angles improve so will his tackle total and, more importantly, his tackle for loss total.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d8dee69886a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16418081/6546a45f32e69e0490b3f8a5' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d8dee69888f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1190943"],"_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":"On the opposite side of Abdul Aziz is [player_tooltip player_id='1190943' first='Bryce' last='Davis']. Davis was credit with 36 stops last year, 4 of which were solos. When he is off the edge, Davis is a pesky linebacker who is absolutely too quick for bigger, slow offensive linemen. He will split out to cover slot receivers as well, showing his athleticism. When in that position, Davis explodes up to play the run, fitting correctly and forcing plays. Davis could stand to improve his tackling, as his tackles tend to be a tad too high for my liking.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d8dee6988de"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17532055/654705f0da523408d449632a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d8dee698900"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1190944"],"_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='1190944' first='Noah' last='Terry'] is a back that I am certainly intrigued by simply because, as they saying goes, u0022they don't make 'em like this any more.u0022 With two seniors now out off the depth chart, Terry is the presumptive starter in the backfield at this point. Last year he was second on the team with 39 rushes, 175 rushing yards, and 5 touchdowns. A solid contributor on defense he made 29 tackles (5 sacks), 5 TFL, 1 sack, and 1 interception. Terry is a thick runner with thicker thighs. He fully embraces and adopts this mentality as he lowers his shoulder when he rushes between the tackles, running over several defenders in the process. Terry also subtly protects the ball through the middle, pinning it to his persons, until he breaks through to the defense's third level. He has shown patience as a runner waiting for the hole, or the best hole, to open up only to kick it into his second gear. A few plays he has bounced it outside early, but I question whether or not perimeter defenders can tackle him one-on-one. Defensively he flows and follows sprint out well, eliminating opportunities for quarterbacks to get off clean throws. He has played both in the middle and off the edge at linebacker. As thick thighs save lives, they ought to be able to move the pile too. I encourage Terry to fully commit to his offseason training, for should he continue to get stronger we will see him be an even u003cemu003etougher u003c/emu003eback to tackle as his lower half gets stronger and even bigger.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d8dee698962"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19114090/650249727bd3540448a37b5f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d8dee698982"} /-->