Big Talent Returning from NJIC Patriot Division
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A very talented division, NJIC Patriot had more teams with a winning record than losing, indicating they played extremely well when going up against opponents found outside of their division. Four teams of the teams from NJIC Patriot finished the…
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Continue ReadingA very talented division, NJIC Patriot had more teams with a winning record than losing, indicating they played extremely well when going up against opponents found outside of their division. Four teams of the teams from NJIC Patriot finished the season with a winning record, and I anticipate those same programs jostling for the top spot in 2024. Keep an eye out for the players on Park Ridge, Butler, St. Mary, and Wood-Ridge’s rosters.
Recognized on the offensive side of ball, Butler’s PJ Coffey PJ Coffey 5’10” | 140 lbs | WR Butler | 2025 NJ is not only a weapon as a receiver on offense but a lockdown corner as well. A quick twitch defender, PJ can break on the ball and beat the receiver to it play after play. Energetic and fired out of a cannon, I am thoroughly impressed with PJ’s ability to whip his hips and change directions to stay locked in on the wideout. His ability to sniff out a play and bring it to a stop before it can get started also stands out as one of his greatest attributes. There are few players in the division that can have as big of an impact on the game as PJ.
BJ Cunningham
BJ Cunningham
A lethal route runner, BJ Cunningham may be the most impressive wide receiver returning to the division in 2024. Lining up for St. Mary, BJ has touchdown capabilities every time he gets his hands on the ball. Racking up 12 touchdowns and 764 yards last fall, BJ is equipped with crisp agility that makes it tough for any defender to stay with him as he runs through the route tree. Not only is he deadly with the ball in his hands, but his ability to come down with the ball with defenders in his face is extremely impressive. He has the body control and awareness of a top tier receiver, and needs to get that type of recognition.
Nasir Owens
Nasir Owens
St. Mary is returning not only the best receiver in the division, but possibly the most talented running back in the Patriot division as well. Nasir Owens’ hard nosed running style brought him a ton of success in 2023, as he ran loose for 1216 yards and 14 touchdowns. A runner that is not easy to bring down to the ground, Nasir is the type of back that rarely goes down after first contact and keeps grinding away for extra yardage. With speed and vision to go with his strength, Nasir is able to bounce the run to the outside and beat the defenders to daylight. Look for another big season out of Nasir in 2024.
Amassing 45 tackles and a sack in 2023, Park Ridge’s Andrew Rozzi Andrew Rozzi 5’9″ | 145 lbs | LB Park Ridge | 2025 NJ balled out as a reliable, open field tackler for his team. A burst of energy from the linebacker position, Andrew flew all over the field as he was able to move laterally with speed and chase down runners as they tried to make their way to the outside. Andrew’s smaller stature works to his advantage as he able to squeeze between blockers to infiltrate the backfield and put pressure on the QB. Andrew is a stud on defense, but also look out for Matthew Rozzi Matthew Rozzi 5’11” | 155 lbs | LB Park Ridge | 2025 NJ as well, as he racked up 43 tackles,1 interception, and forced a fumble in 2023.
Melvin Zabaleta
Melvin Zabaleta
The lone freshman on this list, Melvin Zabaleta has huge upside and potential as a stout edge rusher for Wood-Ridge. In his first year at the varsity level, Melvin was able to find the quarterback once for a sack and also make 28 tackles. A defender with strong, long arms, Melvin is able to drive blockers backwards or toss them to the side to get them out of his path. The way he approaches a ball carrier is ruthless, and he is truly a force to be reckoned with over these next three seasons.