Returning Contributors: The Elizabeth Minutemen Skills, Part II

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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 the season began, there was no team in the state with worse luck than Elizabeth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a record of 1-8 at cutoff weekend, each loss was by one possession or less for a grand total 27-point differential&nbsp;<em>and</em>&nbsp;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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Returning Contributors Series </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-bayonne-fighting-bees-linemen/">Bayonne Fighting Bees' Line</a></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/2024/03/returning-contributors-bridgewater-raritan-panthers-linemen-ii/">Bridgewater-Raritan Panthers' Line, Part 2</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/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-clifton-mustangs-linemen/">Clifton Mustangs' Line</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/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-east-orange-jaguars-defensive-skills/">East Orange Jaguars' Defensive Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-east-orange-jaguars-linemen/">East Orange Jaguars' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-east-orange-jaguars-offensive-skills/">East Orange Jaguars' Offensive 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/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-elizabeth-minutemen-skills-part-i/">Elizabeth Minutemen Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-hackensack-comets-linemen/">Hackensack Comets' 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/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-linden-tigers-linemen-2/">Linden Tigers' Line</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/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-morristown-colonials-skill-positions/">Morristown Colonials' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-passaic-county-tech-bulldogs-linemen/">Passaic County Tech Bulldogs' 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/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-phillipsburg-stateliners-linemen/">Phillipsburg Stateliners' Line</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/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-piscataway-chiefs-linemen/">Piscataway Chief's Line</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/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-plainfield-cardinals-linemen/">Plainfield Cardinals' Linemen</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-plainfield-cardinals-skill-positions/">Plainfield Cardinals' 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 &amp; Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-st-joseph-metuchen-falcons-linemen/">St. Joseph (Metuchen) Falcons' Line</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/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-union-farmers-skill-positions/">Union Farmers' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-union-city-soaring-eagles-linemen/">Union City Soaring Eagles' 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/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-watchung-hills-warriors-skills/">Watchung Hills Warriors' Skills</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/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-westfield-blue-devils-skills/">Westfield Blue Devils' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-west-orange-mountaineers-linemen-part-1/">West Orange Mountaineers' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-west-orange-mountaineers-linemen-part-2/">West Orange Mountaineer's Line, Part 2</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":["934016"],"_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":"Starting as a sophomore in the Minutemen secondary last fall was [player_tooltip player_id='934016' first='Quameen' last='Williams']. Williams profiles as a safety that both supports the run and plays man coverage at a high level, turning in 72 tackles (29 solo) and 4 TFL a season ago. Williams holds his own when it is mano-y-mano, preventing receivers from creating any meaningful space when they try to push off of his leverage when they break the stem of their route. He typically plays trail technique, and in the process, shows his wingspan to break up passes or secure tackles. Speaking of which, tackling variety is something Williams demonstrates, showing that he will take out ball carriers' knees or make a gator tackle; however, when he is at his best and sees things clearly, he flat out makes old school sticks that coaches from yesteryear would chant u0022hit-wrap-driveu0022 to. He tracks the nearside hip successfully and will also look to make a big hit near the sideline. Williams displays his athleticism, particularly playing option, as we see him redirect well when the QB pulls it. One area Williams can improve on this 7on7 and camp season is reacting to and breaking on the ball. Doing so will diminish his tackle totals, but in exchange likely increase his pass break ups and turnovers.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65fc5e906c466"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17884315/6518969442060903cc91d3f9' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65fc5e906c50f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1216639"],"_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":"Fellow 2026 graduate and teammate of Williams is linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1216639' first='Ezekiel' last='Penick']. Penick appears to have lined up at mike/sam backer last year and was credited with 50 tackles (18 solo), 2.5 TFL, 1 sack, and 3 FR. For the track star Penick, speed his the name of his game. He accelerates through the hole, bursting as he gets closer to the ball carrier, when he is called to blitz. Similarly, he appears to rotate coverage to his side very well against sprint out by leveraging his speed and forcing an early throw by the quarterback or even securing a sack. When in man coverage Penick can run step-for-step with any running back running the deep wheel up the sideline too. Disciplined in playing his gap, when cutbacks occur or the play is away from him he fills the cutback lane nicely. Although he possesses outstanding recovery speed that he uses well, Penick's ability to read his keys has room for improvement. Combine his elite speed with the vision of a seasoned linebacker who puts himself in the right position, opponents will constantly be forced to cutback and run against the grain.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65fc5e906c563"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17806862/6524321f2aa686056c588fed' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65fc5e906c582"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["857107"],"_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":"Since I started with Prep Redzone I have had the opportunity to cover some prolific quarterback-wide receiver combinations: Ramapo's [player_tooltip player_id='918873' first='Landon' last='Deprima'] u0026amp; [player_tooltip player_id='1021643' first='Zachary' last='Schnorrbusch'], Plainfield's [player_tooltip player_id='1048201' first='Ala-Meen' last='Watkins'] u0026amp; [player_tooltip player_id='883312' first='Joel' last='Cordoba'], Montgomery's [player_tooltip player_id='380410' first='Michael' last='Schmelzer'] u0026amp; [player_tooltip player_id='378556' first='Matthew' last='D'Avino'], Edison's Mathew Yascko u0026amp; Malcolm Stansbury, and Phillipsburg's [player_tooltip player_id='855768' first='Jett' last='Genovese'] u0026amp; [player_tooltip player_id='1189138' first='Matthew' last='Scerbo']. Elizabeth might just have their own tandem for years to come, adding to this list. Having already covered quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='934015' first='Arique' last='Fleming'], his fellow 2027 graduate who is split out wide is [player_tooltip player_id='857107' first='Nahjae' last='Smith']. Debuting as a freshman last fall Smith was 1/1 for 59 yards as a passer, 6/21/1 as a rusher, 26/268/1 as a receiver, and made 17 tackles (6 solos), with 1 TFL from the secondary.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eFor as young as he is, Smith showcased a strong lower half that keeps him balanced when possessing the ball and break poor tackles. The young buck is also unabashed in the face of pressure, delivering for his teammates and taking a big hit on the trick pass play he connected on. When in a groove, Smith can make linemen miss as the recipient of a middle screen and also can create for himself when his fellow receivers along the perimeter block poorly in the quick screen game. Relatedly, Smith fights hard to get upfield and gain every extra yard - grinding, working, lunging, and scrapping to do so in the process. On the other side of the same token, as a freshman Smith shows that he possesses situational awareness, dropping to the ground to kill the clock after he secures a first down in the 2-minute drill. He achieves top speed quickly, high points the ball, catches with his hands, makes the correct reads in scramble drills and - most impressively - adjusts to under thrown balls by turning, catching in rhythm, and accruing YAC. One area for Smith to improve on are his breaks. Marking sharper cuts when he breaks the stem of his route will lead to more separation and more easy yards. Oh, one final thing I forgot to mention that Smith does right: hit the books, as the youngster has maintained an approximate 4.4 GPA thus far.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/profile/19180120/Nahjae-Smith/highlightsu0022u003eu003cstrongu003eHudl Filmu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65fc5abe012ac"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/NahjaeSmith/status/1765538387312750865","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/NahjaeSmith/status/1765538387312750865 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1216635"],"_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 last offensive skill set to return for the Minutemen is their leading rusher from a year ago, rising junior [player_tooltip player_id='1216635' first='Jamad' last='Lyles'], who was good for 95/427/7 on the ground, 2/16/1 through the air, and 11 (8) and 1 TFL on defense. At moments Lyles shows outstanding vision to cutback totally against the grain, while still in the backfield, without losing any speed. On the same token, he also has the discipline to run his track, yet can adjust it appropriately in traffic, without a premature bounce. At about 7-yards we see a second-speed burst from Lyles, aiding to his yards-after-contact total as he bursts through the defensive secondary. Somewhere embedded in the back of my mind I can hear his coaches shouting u0022CHIN CHIN CHIN!u0022 for Lyles prioritizes ball security at all times. At moments he will slow down to set up his blockers, also staying tight to them when they pull on counters. As he approaches piles Lyles will keep working his feet to drudge forward and near the goal line, he seems to get lost in the shuffle at times, often eking through the B or C gaps. If he faces contact in the backfield Lyles shows balance, the tendency to fall forward, and the ability to make sharp cuts to stay off early pressure. One thing Lyles' film will benefit from is the inclusion of him in pass protection. Should he wish to be an every down back at u003cemu003eany u003c/emu003eu003cemu003elevel, u003c/emu003ethis is a must.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65fc5e906c624"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17789509/655637c790f9bd08e0542057' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65fc5e906c641"} /-->