New York Scouting Notes: Section I 2025 Defensive Lineman
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As if I don’t say it enough there is hidden talent all around New York, right now I would consider Section I one of the hotspots for talent in the entire state. This article will feature some of my scouting…
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Continue ReadingAs if I don’t say it enough there is hidden talent all around New York, right now I would consider Section I one of the hotspots for talent in the entire state. This article will feature some of my scouting notes on intriguing 2025 DL prospects from Section I.
Check out previous scouting notes on Section III and Section II
Adebola is a completely new name to me, he plays DE for Roy C Ketcham. Most of his film is from a four-point stance and while I do not have verified sizes on him, he looks stocky and built. Adebola plays with power in his lower half, he shows an explosive get-off and the ability to generate power from his lower body. When Adebola plays low he wins, there are times he tends to get too vertical and lose leverage but his strong base prevents him from being pushed back. Adebola shows good closing speed and seems to be able to get a second wind of explosiveness closing in as a pass rusher. Adebola is raw, and he can continue to improve his footwork and hand usage. There are some intriguing traits in his tape, especially the first few clips that show what happens when he puts it all together.
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Highlights
McSherry plays both ways for Bronxville and is a standout offensive and defensive tackle. He plays mostly as a 1-tech and his best skills are his strength and initial punch. McSherry knocks back offensive lineman with just his upper body, he sheds blocks well with good hand placement and utilizes his length to keep distance between him and offensive lineman. McSherry flashes quickness off the ball and at times some explosiveness. McSherry can continue to develop as a defensive lineman playing with better leverage and pad level but his strength and hand usage are skills that win him a lot of reps.
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Balidemaj has a good frame at 6’4 245lbs playing primarily 1-tech for Harrison. While he plays inside, at the next level he could project better as a defensive end because he showcases good twitch and quickness. Balidemaj plays with good pad level and when he plays with his head up locates the ball quickly. He plays with good hand usage and sheds blocks with violent hands. Balidemaj has a high ceiling in my opinion, I think he can add more bulk and strength to his frame which will help him create some knockback at the point of attack.
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Highlights
Moore, out of Ossining, although listed as a DL and plays defensive end could end up being a stand-up OLB/Edge Rusher at the next level. Moore plays with violent quick hands rushing the passer. Moore is patient against the run and can hold the edge well. Moore on tape is a pass rush specialist, he does his best work when 1v1 on an island with an offensive tackle, he shows a pass rush plan and has good body control when he is in pass rush mode. Moore needs to continue to develop his ability to get off blocks against the run and be more physical and violent at the point of attack.
Check out Moore’s HUDL
Ababio was another new name to me, the Mt. Vernon defensive end has some impressive Junior Tape. Ababio plays the game with violence and a high motor, two really good traits for a defensive lineman. He can improve his hand usage by utilizing his length more and playing with better pad level, despite these two areas where he can show improve his physical play style and effort usually lead to him making plays. Ababio finishes plays hard and is a physical tackler, there are a lot of traits to really like here. Ababio is a player who from a scouting perspective has traits that can continue to be coached up. As a prospect his body type, athleticism, and effort make him a very intriguing prospect at the next level that can grow into a physically dominant player over time.
Check out Ababio’s HUDL