Returning Contributors: St. Joseph (Metuchen) Falcons’ Linemen

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When he was hired just two seasons ago, Bill Tracy brought a great deal of buzz to the St. Joe's program – and rightfully so – as Tracy brought with him two sectional championships at two different schools prior to his signing. Now, in just his second season in charge, Tracy took a 3-6 team that he inherited to a 7-3 record that hosted a home playoff game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a slow 1-2 start, the Tracy's Falcons rattled off six straight wins cementing themselves as one of the Big Central Conference's hottest teams. How will they be able to build upon last year's break through season? They will look to these prospects below.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Returning Contributors Series</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Be sure to catch up on my entire returning contributors series by clicking through on the link to the articles below.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-bayonne-fighting-bees-skill-players/">Bayonne Fighting Bees' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-bridgewater-raritan-panthers-linemen/">Bridgewater-Raritan Panthers' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-bridgewater-raritan-panthers-skills/">Bridgewater-Raritan Panthers' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-clifton-mustangs-skill-positions/">Clifton Mustangs' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-elizabeth-minutemen-big-men/">Elizabeth Minutemen Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-hackensack-comets-skill-positions/">Hackensack Comets' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-linden-tigers-skill-positions/">Linden Tigers' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-montclair-mounties-skill-positions/">Montclair Mounties' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-morristown-colonials-big-men/">Morristown Colonials' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-passaic-county-tech-bulldogs-skills/">Passaic County Tech Bulldogs' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-phillipsburg-stateliners-skills/">Phillipsburg Stateliners' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-piscataway-chiefs-skill-positions/">Piscataway Chiefs' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-ridgewood-maroons-skills-line/">Ridgewood Maroons' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-st-joseph-metuchen-falcons-skills/">St. Joseph (Metuchen) Falcons' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-st-thomas-aquinas-trojan-skills-line/">St. Thomas Aquinas Trojans' Skills &amp; Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-union-farmers-linemen/">Union Farmers' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-union-city-soaring-eagles-skills/">Union City Soaring Eagles' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-watchung-hills-warriors-linemen/">Watchung Hills Warriors' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-westfield-blue-devils-linemen/">Westfield Blue Devils' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-west-orange-mountaineers-skills/">West Orange Mountaineers' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1198281"],"_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":"The first of several big bodies that the Falcons have to offer is [player_tooltip player_id='1198281' first='Tom' last='Kwiatkowski']. The defensive tackle and guard was credited with 12 tackles (6 solos) and 2 tackles for loss on the year. We see that Kwiatkowski moves very well on N-T interior line stunts, allowing himself to penetrate into the backfield mostly untouched. I am curious to see how many batted balls he amassed over the season, for on his film shows that he does a great job of matching the quarterback's hand when he cannot get home. As an offensive guard in a Wing-T offense Kwiatkowski is asked to pull at a high rate. As such, Kwiatkowski's eyes are trained to peel back to the inside for any leakage if he is not asked to trap or kick out. Another thing I am curious about is what Kwiatkowski's single-rep max is for bench press. Several times on his highlights we see him extend on defenders - both at the line and in space - and send them airborne. One thing I want to see Kwiatkowski improve is his flexibility. For as big and strong as he is, as his elasticity improves in his lower half he will be able to accomplish two things: lift more weight and bend lower to play at an improved pad level.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1ff813ba20"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18094370/655ec97015f75f0440139033' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1ff813bac6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1198283"],"_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":"Opposite Kwiatkowski at the other guard spot is [player_tooltip player_id='1198283' first='Brody' last='Picariello'], who is also a part-time contributor on defense to the tune of 5.5 tackles (4.5 solos) last fall. Offensively Picariello has some pep in his step when pulling, doing so fluidly and moving in a hurry - especially for someone his size. At the point of attack Picariello has the potential to demolish linemen on his down blocks, although we see too few clips of that. Akin to Kwiatkowski, Picariello also has eye discipline to peer inside for scraping defenders. As a defensive linemen his strength is also on display as he can out muscle slower offensive linemen and toss them like refuse. Additionally, he aims to play with his hands above his eyes to gain winning leverage in the trenches. Lastly, Picariello hits like a ton of bricks when he tackles, falling hard on ball carriers. I think as Picariello continues to develop he can narrow his offense line stance just a bit, allowing him to open up and step simultaneously when he pulls.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1ff813bb27"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18094254/65580dbebd6a700f94548224' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1ff813bb46"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1198282"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='1198282' first='Jason' last='Gross'] is a returning edge defender for the Falcons who was credited with 5.5 tackles (4 solo), 2 TFL, and 1 sack last fall. Gross' production is propelled but his quick get off that allows him to win his matchup at the snap of the ball. This jump has offensive linemen turning their shoulders or kick-stepping manically to prevent Gross from disrupting plays. Clearly a point of emphasis for their coaching staff, like Kwiatkowski and Picariello before him, Gross matches the hand of the quarterback and deflects passes. Gross also does a nice job of getting his hands on the man in front of him, particularly when pass rushing and will work a rip effectively off of that. For Gross to become the pass rushing presence that every team yearns for, I would encourage him to work hip mobility, including working cans, kettle bell wings, and other violent hip torques, so he can menace quarterbacks all season long.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1ff813bb9c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18128202/654cf7212ab0e705fca9aa44' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1ff813bbc2"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1198278"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='1198278' first='Cole' last='Costello'] is set to compete for a job off the edge or at center this coming season. In what I think is junior varsity film, we see that Costello has the ability to fire off the ball low, hard, and fast when on offense. He has mauler-tendencies at times and is unafraid to bury his head into your chest to make a play. Costello needs an offseason where he makes big gains to to sure up his standing on the team.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1ff813bc1a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17668229/655ce33cb022950480ae200d' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1ff813bc37"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1198277"],"_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":"Although this article is focused on linemen, one skill player that is set to return for the Falcons that I failed to include on my piece covering the u003ca href=u0022https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-st-joseph-metuchen-falcons-skills/u0022u003eSt. Joseph (Metuchen) Falcons' Skillsu003c/au003e was [player_tooltip player_id='1198277' first='Ashton' last='Irving'] (sorry, Ashton). The towering safety made 30 tackles along with 2 interceptions, 1 FF, and 1 Int, while being no slouch on offense with 15 receptions for 249 yards. Irving does an outstanding job on both sides of the ball extending his arms to catch the ball. For whatever reason, he also has a knack for making grabs as he is falling to the ground. On the opposite side of that spectrum, Irving has the capability to go up and win 5050 balls in double coverage. Defensively he does a nice job of breaking passes up; however, I implore Irving to include clips of form tackling on his highlights as there currently are not any - this makes me, and college coaches alike, question his tackling ability.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1ff813bc8e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17668223/654bb1e68cd477043862fd15' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e1ff813bcae"} /-->