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Playmakers You Need To Know

Playmakers You Need To Know
Earnest Daniels
Earnest Daniels March 20, 2024 @ 01:47 PM
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In this article:

Marcus Upton
Marcus Upton 6'1" | 180 lbs | ATH | 2025
NJ
Taylor Daniels
Taylor Daniels 5'9" | 165 lbs | DB | 2027
NJ
Jayden Richards
Jayden Richards 5'9" | 185 lbs | RB | 2025
NJ
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["909278"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eTaylor Daniels from Seton Hall Prep is a defensive playmaker who shines brightly on the field, particularly in his tackling prowess. As an outside cornerback, Daniels showcases exceptional leverage, enabling him to navigate through blocks effectively. His ability to play downhill with quick reactions and sure tackling skills makes him a formidable opponent in one-on-one situations. This standout trait sets him apart from his peers, solidifying his status as a defensive playmaker. Notably, Daniels benefits from the coaching and environment at Seton Hall Prep, where his teammates, like K.J. McClain, also demonstrate strong tackling fundamentals. This collective emphasis on tackling excellence underscores the team's commitment to defensive proficiency. While Daniels continues to refine his coverage skills, his tackling proficiency stands as a testament to his impact on the field. With his recent offer from the University of Marshall, Daniels' potential as a defensive stalwart is gaining recognition.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65fb2f4b6a6ce"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/T_2AceDaniels/status/1726723203387859128","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/T_2AceDaniels/status/1726723203387859128 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Karon Brookins","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"180","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Winslow ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eKaron Brookins emerges as a versatile playmaker in New Jersey, poised to make a significant impact on the national scene. Transitioning from Timber Creek to Winslow, Brookins has already begun to turn heads with his dynamic skill set. Standing tall at 6'4” and weighing 180 pounds, he possesses a diverse array of talents that enable him to excel as a wide receiver across all levels of the field. His adeptness at executing releases off the line of scrimmage, particularly with speed releases to gain outside leverage, sets him apart from his peers. Despite not being physically imposing, Brookins displays a tenacious playing style, demonstrating elusiveness and remarkable contact balance after the catch, particularly in running slant routes. However, his most exceptional trait lies in his ability to thrive downfield. Brookins exhibits superb tracking skills and body control, coupled with an unparalleled knack for winning contested catch situations. With offers already from esteemed programs such as Pitt, Syracuse, and Western Michigan, Brookins is poised for a surge in recruitment. For those seeking a comparison, Brookins draws similarities to former Ohio State wide receiver Benjamin Victor, sharing a comparable physique and playing style at this juncture in his career. As Brookins continues to showcase his talents at Winslow, his potential as a top-tier wide receiver prospect is undeniable.u003c/spanu003ernrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65fb2f4b6a7a5"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/karonbrookins1_/status/1754984825230962958","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/karonbrookins1_/status/1754984825230962958 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1570684' first='Marcus' last='Upton'] ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"180","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Winslow","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1570684' first='Marcus' last='Upton'] emerges as a standout playmaker poised to make a significant impact for Winslow following his transition from Timber Creek. Standing tall at 6'2” and weighing 191 pounds, Upton brings a diverse skill set honed from his basketball background, distinguishing him as a formidable threat on both sides of the ball. As a wide receiver, his exceptional ball skills and innate ability to navigate open spaces in zone coverage make him a potent weapon, particularly when deployed in the slot. However, it is his remarkable prowess in contested catch situations that truly sets him apart. With a basketball player's instinct for positioning and exceptional rebounding ability, Upton consistently outmuscles defenders to secure crucial receptions, showcasing strong hands and a physical playing style. Defensively, Upton seamlessly transitions into the role of a smooth-moving and instinctual defensive back. Possessing keen awareness and disciplined eyes, he exhibits a knack for locating the football, resulting in interceptions and pass breakups. Upton's arrival at a talent-laden Winslow team, coupled with his burgeoning skill set, positions him as a coveted prospect, already garnering offers from Syracuse, Akron, Jacksonville State, and Boston College. With his breakout potential evident, Upton is primed to attract a wealth of Power Five offers as he embarks on what promises to be a stellar season.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65fb2f4b6a858"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/_marcusupton5/status/1732044458399797389","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/_marcusupton5/status/1732044458399797389 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"I'yan Gainer ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"160","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eIyan Gainer emerges as a dynamic playmaker for West Orange, showcasing exceptional agility and explosiveness on the field. Standing at approximately 5'9” and weighing around 160 pounds, Gainer's ability to swiftly maneuver and create space makes him a potent threat across multiple positions. As a wide receiver, he demonstrates versatility beyond being a mere gadget player, displaying a knack for getting open and making tough catches. Notably, Gainer exhibits adeptness in varying the tempo of his routes, whether operating on the outside or in the slot, thereby confounding defenders and gaining separation. His multifaceted skill set extends to special teams, where he excels as a kick and punt returner, further highlighting his value as an all-around playmaker. Drawing parallels to former Memphis standout and current Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin Jr., Gainer's electrifying style of play and potential for impact positions him as a key contributor for the West Orange Mountaineers. With his explosive capabilities and refined route running, Gainer is poised to elevate his performance and make significant strides in the upcoming season.u003c/spanu003ernrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65fb2f4b6a908"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11900927/6542ea1c3863c80ee0bef0f5' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65fb2f4b6a9ba"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["389764"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eJayden Richards of Scotch Plains-Fanwood exhibits remarkable potential as a playmaker, despite his limited playing time at Don Bosco last season. In just two games, Richards showcased his explosiveness by notching five rushing touchdowns, underscoring his ability to capitalize on opportunities with dynamic bursts through holes. His agility and acceleration enable him to evade defenders in open space, demonstrating his capacity to create separation and capitalize on scoring opportunities. While his contact balance shows promise, there's room for improvement to consistently break tackles and enhance his elusiveness. Given his impressive performance in a brief stint, Richards is poised for a breakout season, where he aims to solidify his status as a Division I prospect through sustained excellence on the field.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65fb2f4b6aa18"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/_JaydenRichards/status/1718786176696434960","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/_JaydenRichards/status/1718786176696434960 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->

Taylor Daniels

Taylor Daniels

NJ
DB
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 165
POS DB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Taylor
Daniels DB
Class
2027
Height
5'9"
Weight
165
HS
Seton Hall Prep
|
NJ
Playmakers You Need To Know
Taylor Daniels from Seton Hall Prep is a defensive playmaker who shines brightly on the field, particularly in...
Written by Earnest Daniels
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Taylor Daniels

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State: New Jersey
School: Seton Hall Prep
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Highlights

Karon Brookins

Karon Brookins

HEIGHT 6'4"
WEIGHT 180
POS ATH
CLASS 2025

Karon Brookins

School: Winslow
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<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
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Marcus Upton Marcus Upton 6'1" | 180 lbs | ATH Winslow | 2025 State NJ

HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 180
POS ATH
CLASS 2025

Marcus Upton Marcus Upton 6'1" | 180 lbs | ATH Winslow | 2025 State NJ

School: Winslow
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I'yan Gainer

I'yan Gainer

HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 160
POS ATH
CLASS 2025

I'yan Gainer

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Jayden Richards

Jayden Richards

NJ
RB
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 185
POS RB
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Jayden
Richards RB
Class
2025
Height
5'9"
Weight
185
HS
Scotch Plains-Fanwood
|
NJ
Playmakers You Need To Know
Jayden Richards of Scotch Plains-Fanwood exhibits remarkable potential as a playmaker, despite his limited playing time at Don...
Written by Earnest Daniels
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jayden Richards

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State: New Jersey
School: Scotch Plains-Fanwood
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Highlights

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