Class of 2024: Uncommitted Seniors – Part 2
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With the 2023-2024 school year nearing the end, there are still several highly talented players in the Western New York area that are looking for their Collegiate opportunity to come. With so many still on the market, I will break…
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Continue ReadingWith the 2023-2024 school year nearing the end, there are still several highly talented players in the Western New York area that are looking for their Collegiate opportunity to come. With so many still on the market, I will break the articles up into multiple sections.
A Division I prospect; Hezekiah Mercado Hezekiah Mercado 6’3″ | 300 lbs | OL Kenmore West | 2024 State NY has dominated the trenches since his Freshman year. Arguably the best lineman in Western New York, Hezekiah moves fluidly and has amazing agility for a player that stands 6’3 300 lbs. He possesses superior strength and plays with ruthless aggression. A 2023 Trench Trophy finalist, Hezekiah Mercado Hezekiah Mercado 6’3″ | 300 lbs | OL Kenmore West | 2024 State NY still remains on the market but that should not last long.
Raymond Kwasniewski Raymond Kwasniewski 5’9″ | 150 lbs | DB West Seneca West | 2024 State NY came into his senior season with a lot of hype and rightfully so. In his junior year he was West Seneca West’s leading receiver and their best Defensive Back, gaining All Western New York Honors. But early in the third game of his senior season, Raymond suffered an injury, costing him what could have brought about several high profile collegiate offers. With that being said, Kwasniewski is healthy now and plays football with a sixth sense; always around the ball snagging 5 interceptions and 5 fumble recoveries in 2 years and his 187 career tackles proves he loves contact. He also made some extraordinary plays on special teams. His football IQ is off the charts. Not to take away from his capabilities as a WR but his remarkable instincts he displays at Safety should land him a great opportunity to play college ball.
Nate Blair Nate Blair 6’2″ | 225 lbs | ATH Iroqouis | 2024 State NY was a two-way stud for Iroquois. As a Wide Receiver, he had 85 receptions for 1,161 yards and 17 touchdowns in three seasons. At 6’3 over 200 lbs., Nate is a big target in the passing game, and he runs his routes with precision. Blair was just as dominate as a Defensive End racking up 165 tackles (29 for loss) and 17.5 sacks in that same span. Nate Blair Nate Blair 6’2″ | 225 lbs | ATH Iroqouis | 2024 State NY has a wicked first step and can shed blockers with seemingly ease. To show his versatility, Blair made 1st team All Western New York honors as a Defensive End and 2nd team All State as a Tight End in 2023. Sky is the limit for Blair if he is choosing to pursue collegiate football.
Tyler Dzikowski Tyler Dzikowski 6’0″ | 215 lbs | LB Kenmore East | 2024 State NY has everything you look for in a Middle Linebacker. He commands the defense, plays with brute force but also possesses the athleticism and fluid hips to defend the pass. He has led Kenmore East in tackles each of the last two seasons, showing tenacity and determination when bringing down a ball carrier. He has very good sideline to sideline speed, giving him the range to make a play anywhere on the field. Dzikowski should end up playing college ball in 2024.
Michael Bly Michael Bly 6’1″ | 240 lbs | QB Kenmore East | 2024 State NY is a big body that can withstand the physical demand of college football. Not a running Quarterback but Bly has great pocket awareness and the mobility to get away from pass rushers. A two-year varsity starter, wins did not come easy for the Bulldogs but that is not a reflection on Bly’s play. He has good accuracy and loves to stretch the field throwing the deep ball. Michael Bly Michael Bly 6’1″ | 240 lbs | QB Kenmore East | 2024 State NY has good footwork and a quick release.
Highlights
A two way starter for the Quakers, Robert Bouton Robert Bouton 6’1″ | 235 lbs | DL Orchard Park | 2024 State NY possesses a great deal of endurance. A trench trophy nominee, Bouton has the agility mixed with strength that would make him a viable college athlete. As a Left Guard, he is a good reach blocker and can pull as good as anyone. But at 6’1 235, I think Robert would be better suited as a defensive end at the next level. He has the speed, hand quickness and block shedding ability that could make him a force.
Jack Carlson Jack Carlson 6’0″ | 185 lbs | ATH Jamestown | 2024 State NY has been somewhat of a swiss army knife. Carlson started off as JV’s QB but in his Junior season, he was moved to Safety while Jamestown relied on the arm of All State QB Trey Drake. There, Jack was excellent posting 54 tackles, 4 interceptions and 14 pass breakups. After Drake graduated, Carlson became the Red Raiders’ starting Quarterback, while still playing safety. His QB play was serviceable but his football intuition on the defensive side of the ball shined brightest. He has incredible instincts and his ability to read and react is excellent, capturing 8 interceptions and 26 pass breakups in two years.