Returning Contributors: The Elizabeth Minutemen Skills, Part I
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The 2023 Elizabeth Minutemen where, to say the least, an anomaly. From their first bit of action in an August quad scrimmage, coach John Fiore’s team was neck-and-neck to eventual state quarterfinalist Union City and looked like a contender. Once…
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Continue ReadingThe 2023 Elizabeth Minutemen where, to say the least, an anomaly. From their first bit of action in an August quad scrimmage, coach John Fiore’s team was neck-and-neck to eventual state quarterfinalist Union City and looked like a contender. Once the season began, there was no team in the state with worse luck than Elizabeth.
With a record of 1-8 at cutoff weekend, each loss was by one possession or less for a grand total 27-point differential and where each opponent made the NJSIAA playoffs. There first win was a thrilling 2-point victory over arch nemesis Union and they picked up two at-large game victories to finish the season with a 3-8 record.
As the calendar turns to 2024, the Minutemen look to capitalize upon a big offseason. Here are some of the prospects they will be turning to in order to ensure their fortunes change this fall.
Returning Contributors Series
For as attention as other freshman on varsity across the state have garnered, do not sleep on Arique Fleming Arique Fleming 6’2″ | 205 lbs | QB Elizabeth | 2027 State NJ . Winning a starting job outright since camp broke, Fleming started every game for the Minutemen and went 111/200 for 1663 yards with 15 touchdowns to 10 interceptions, adding 286 yards and 2 scores on 96 attempts rushing. There is much to like about Fleming’s game. The most obvious thing is that each of his throws look effortless, picturesque at moments; however, do not mistake this poetry in motion for lackadaisicalness. Fleming shows the ability to pin-point the ball in anywhere within his receiver’s catch radius and also puts them in position to rack up the YAC, putting touch on his passes when needed. He also steps up in the pocket to avoid the rush, yet also is able to get the ball away in the face of pressure. Lastly about his arm, he has shown to the athletic ability to roll left and then throw to a receiver going against his momentum, on target, to his right. Physically we see that Fleming is willing to lower the shoulder and bowl over linebackers when necessary, but prefers to buy time when scrambling before deciding to take off. One opportunity for the rising freshman to continue to grow in for year 2 is his footwork/lower body mechanics. Taking proper steps and transferring his weight more consistently will lead to better timing with receivers, cleaner pockets, clearer vision, and maximum zip on the ball. He improved as the season went on and, to put things in perspective, until about Thanksgiving week Fleming had more varsity football practices under his belt than days in a high school building. Damn.
Although there is not much film available right now on Jayden De Rosa Jayden De Rosa 6’0″ | 175 lbs | LB Elizabeth | 2025 NJ , it is clear that he was a key part of Elizabeth’s defense last fall. In addition to sharing pedigree with his older brother, Isaiah De Rosa Isaiah De Rosa 5’10” | 170 lbs | DB Elizabeth | 2024 NJ , the year-younger little brother was credited with 37 tackles, – 12 of which were solos – 3.5 tackles for loss, and 1 forced fumble. In limited clips we see that De Rosa times the blitz nicely and can make a sure tackle in the backfield for a loss. More film on him is required for further evaluation.
Joining De Rosa in the linebacking corps will be Tysheed Hawkins Tysheed Hawkins 5’11” | 175 lbs | LB Elizabeth | 2025 NJ . Hawkins was good for 35 tackles (11 solos), 1 sack, and 1 TFL as a junior in 2023. Hawkins is tremendous when timing the blitz, penetrating the backside window for a tackle in the backfield. He pursuits directly to the ball carrier’s nearside him, tackles at the waist, wraps tightly, and rolls under them for a solid gator tackle. He reads keys effectively and puts himself in position to make many plays as well. Hawkins’ game will level up as he makes gains in the weight room. Doing so will enable him to do more things in terms of playing at the line of scrimmage and controlling the man in front of him.
With their top two wide receivers and four players from the secondary graduating in June, much opportunity can be earned by Antoine Blount Antoine Blount 5’6″ | 150 lbs | DB Elizabeth | 2025 NJ . Last fall Blount served as a special teams ace and a reserve receiver, registering 8 tackles (6 solos), 2 FF, 1 FF, and 1 catch for 4 yards. Starting with his contributions on kickoff, Blount is a full speed, max effort type of player. Whether it is an onside attempt or kicked deep, any blocker in his way is met with full momentum and full force and blown up. Blount also runs through contact when tackling, securing the wrap and driving his opponent to the ground, while also astutely using the sideline as the 12th defender in such situations. Offensively Blount blocks like his life depended on it. In one clip I saw, against a much bigger edge opponent Blount fearlessly stood him up and brought the issue with authority to the unexpecting defender. On the next play, the defender knew the same thing was coming and tried to bring the heat only for Blount to stonewall him with better leverage as he worked his hands above his eyes. Blount often faces press coverage and has shown that defenders fear his speed. He can beat defenders deep, while also breaking off his route for a curl when he reads his defender overplaying the deep ball. Lastly, he is a downfield participant in the blocking game for his fellow receivers who catch the ball, adding to their YAC. If he continues to play specials this year I would encourage Blount to be mindful of outrunning the coverage on kickoff. A few times I saw that he had to chase the returner from behind.