New York Rankings Update: Best uncommitted/unsigned 2024s
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The 2024 Rankings in New York were just updated and you can check them out here. This article showcases the top ten uncommitted/unsigned high school football players from the state of New York. None of these guys have publicly announced…
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Continue ReadingThe 2024 Rankings in New York were just updated and you can check them out here.
This article showcases the top ten uncommitted/unsigned high school football players from the state of New York. None of these guys have publicly announced a commitment or signing with a school some of them could have decided and that information is at least private or not been announced yet. As some of these guys end up making decisions of attending school either to play football at the next level at any division 1/2/3 or JUCO program I will updated this article to reflect their future plans.
Regardless, all of these prospects are good enough to play at the next level and I will add a majority of them, if not all have the ability to be on a Division 1 FBS or FCS roster in some capacity.
Deonté Douglas Deonté Douglas 6’0″ | 185 lbs | DB Archbishop Stepinac | 2024 State NY was one of the best players in all of New York this year and the NYCHSFL player of the year was a key piece on a Stepinac defense that held some of the NYCHSFL’s top offenses in check. Douglas who plays with elite instincts reads and reacts to the game quickly. Douglas shows some versatility in his alignment because of how well he sees the game. Consistently around the ball, Douglas is a willing and efficient tackler and shows in coverage he can find the ball and make plays at the catch point. A prospect that can be a versatile defensive piece at the next level.
Highlights
Josira Andrews Josira Andrews 5’10” | DB Erasmus Hall | 2024 State NY , one of the most dangerous defensive playmakers in the state was another dominant defensive back for Erasmus Hall who continues to churn out defensive back talent that succeeds at the next level. Andrews shows on film that he is another technician in the position whose footwork and coverage skills will translate to the next level. With some of the best ball skills in the state, Andrews shows his best coverage when he can keep his eyes on the backfield showing a quick trigger and closing speed on the catch point. In coverage, there are not many who have the ball skills and instincts that Andrews has.
Aqil Meredith-Smith Aqil Meredith-Smith 6’4″ | 285 lbs | OL Moore Catholic | 2024 State NY , a mauling lineman from Moore Catholic has the body type that looks the part to play at the next level. With a quick first step and strong initial punch, Meredith-Smith is dominant off the line of scrimmage. His ability to play with high-motor, maintain blocks, and finish blocks makes him one of the most complete linemen in the state. Meredith-Smith also was a physically dominant defensive tackle where his strength and power created significant disruption against interior offensive linemen.
Highlights
Jahi Gary Jahi Gary 6’5″ | 200 lbs | WR Archbishop Stepniac | 2024 State NY , who was a big-bodied target in a high-octane Stepinac offense consistently showed the ability to win contested catch situations. Gary catches the ball away from his body and shows the ability to use his vertical leap to high-point the football. As a route runner, you see Gary make quick breaks on his out-breaking routes and do a good job of turning upfield after the catch. A dynamic athlete with high-level measurables who shows the ability consistently make plays down the field.
Highlights
Alex Chrostowski Alex Chrostowski 6’6″ | 270 lbs | OL Bronxville | 2024 State NY has the size to play at the next level standing 6’6 290lbs and his athleticism pops off tape. Chrostowski has natural strength in his upper and lower body, his length and power help him maintain and control defenders at the line of scrimmage and his tape shows that he is one of the most difficult blockers to shed as a defender. Chrostowski has the size and the power to be an effective tackle at the next level, although limited pass protection reps, Chrostowski displays quick feet and the ability to move laterally on several instances on tape.
Jaylin Ballew Jaylin Ballew 6’3″ | 210 lbs | TE Erasmus Hall | 2024 State NY is an athletic tight-end prospect who has consistently stretched the field for Erasmus Hall. The type of athlete who can be used in the screen game, or give the ball in space to create yards after the catch Ballew consistently can catch the ball away from his body and quickly transition into a runner-up field. As a blocker, Ballew shows quick feet and the ability to get to the second level and block in space. His athleticism helps him control defensive backs and linebackers in space. An athletic tight end prospect who fits the modern mold of a playmaker at the position who can impact the game with the ball in his hands.
Highlights
Hezekiah Mercado Hezekiah Mercado 6’3″ | 300 lbs | OL Kenmore West | 2024 State NY is an extremely effective blocker who plays with a great motor and is consistently the furthest down the field maintaining and finishing his blocks at a high level. A tackle in high school, his best position may be moving inside to guard because of his ability to move interior defensive lineman. Mercado shows a strong initial punch and can drive guys back showcasing good pad level and quick feet. Mercado, a two-way player shows solid defensive tape and you see his natural bend and athleticism as a defender. An intriguing prospect who has the size and physical play style that translate as an interior offensive lineman.
Petzold who plays on both sides of the ball is a thick lineman prospect who has some of the most natural strength of any player in New York. Petzold, who plays on the interior on both sides of the ball consistently is the quickest off the ball and his strength in his hands to punch guys back and have effective initial contact makes him a disrupter on defense and helps open up lanes on offense. Petzold’s tape on both sides of the ball is impressive enough that I think he could play on either side of the ball at the next level.
CBA-Syracuse is a dominant program in central New York and they have one of the best uncommitted playmakers in the state. Handford an RB/SAF prospect was a consistent producer for a team that had elite prospects in the state all over. Handford is an elusive runner who has a strong lower body that breaks through arm tackles. As a defender, his change of direction and burst are some of the traits you see in coverage and he has good ball skills showcasing the ability to make plays at the catch point. Handford is a versatile athlete who offensively can make plays as a runner, and receiver and defensively can lineup in the slot or at safety be an effective tackler and showcases good ball skills in coverage.
Shamir Fredericks Shamir Fredericks 6’4″ | 170 lbs | DB Lincoln | 2024 State NY has some elite traits with his size and length and he finished off the year on a strong Abraham Lincoln team. Fredericks has good ball skills and a good feel for the game from the safety position. He shows good change of direction for his size and some closing speed on tape. Fredericks has good range in coverage and showcases the ability to be a sideline-to-sideline playmaker. Fredericks uses his length to be an effective tackler wrapping up guys and consistently finishing guys with low pad level. Fredericks has the length, athleticism, and tackling ability to be an effective safety at the next level.