Returning Contributors: The Hackensack Comets’ Linemen

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After being on the brink of the playoffs in 2022, the Hackensack Comets broke their glass ceiling and earned a trip to the playoffs in 2023, their first appearance since before the Covid season. The 6-5 squad were 5-3 heading into the playoffs before losing to eventual Sectional Champion Union City and Elizabeth, before beating Teaneck on Thanksgiving.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a strong senior class graduating, including a back who accounted for 74% of their team's 2826 rushing yardage, there are plenty of opportunities for a new cast of characters to step up as the Comets look to continue their ascension. Here are a few of Hackensack's returning contributors who they will look to step up into bigger roles in 2024.</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/2024/02/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/2024/02/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/2024/02/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/2024/02/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/2024/02/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":["1213677"],"_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":"One of many defensive linemen returning for the Comets is [player_tooltip player_id='1213677' first='Elvert' last='Garcia']. Last year Garica was credited with 39 tackles (3 solo) 1 TFL, and 1 sack. If your offensive tackle is a slower, prodding lineman and Garcia is lined up over him, you best look to chip or have support that way because Garcia is going to smoke him. Garcia also brings a level of physicality that few linemen on Hackensack's schedule can handle. A bit more of a mobile player, he has also shown the ability to redirect and pursue well in instances of toss, pitch, or quick game. Blessed with long arms, Garcia is able to create separation at times so he can control his man and his gap. If I were coaching Garcia I would look to add a move or two in his repitiore to his toolbox. Doing so will allow him to disengage blockers more quickly and bring the pressure when defending both the run and the pass.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f5f11a90f7a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19157960/655959632347fc0bd47c7591' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f5f11a9102f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1213676"],"_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":"In an uber-run heavy offense it is necessary to have a tight end who thinks of himself as more of a lineman than a receiver. Hackensack seems to have that in [player_tooltip player_id='1213676' first='Malachi' last='Thomas']. On film Thomas has shown that he understands angles and leverage, successfully sealing his matchup time-and-time again. He also seems to be able to control his matchup, as on several clips I noticed him grabbing cloth toward the middle of the defender's chest. Off the ball Thomas has solid pad level, helping succeed in the ever-precious game of leverage. Given his athletic size, Thomas has no issues climbing, arriving, and sealing at the second level. As a Y-out in passing downs, he shows he can also be a quality recipient of the ball. One slight tweak I would offer for Thomas is to get his butt up a bit when in his stance. Doing so will help him fire out before having to come up.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/profile/16559908/Malachi-Thomas/highlights?_gl=1*1g5oc21*_ga*MTY1MzczMzQ4MC4xNzEwNjEwNTkx*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*MTcxMDYxMDU5Mi4xLjEuMTcxMDYxMDgyNy4wLjAuMA..u0022u003eu003cstrongu003eHudl Filmu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f5f11a91099"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1213675"],"_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":"Nichoals Augustin secures the middle of the line for Hackensack as their center. As he should, Augustin does a great job displacing vertical when calling an ace. For as big as he is, he does still manage to find a way to get below defenders at times, giving them fits as they become pancakes. I appreciate how Augustin looks to be in control of his matchup by getting his hands inside and allows undisciplined defenders to run around blocks. He has also shown the ability to reach block, winning that block against 0 techniques and effectively securing tackles in the gap when reaching. Two things I would suggest to Augustin would be to, first, include a few clips of him shotgun snapping in his highlight tape - a skill colleges want to see he can do; second, Augustin ought to keep his eyes peeled up for scraping linebackers when executing ace calls.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/profile/16558501/Nicholas-Augustin/highlights?_gl=1*1q303wz*_ga*MTY1MzczMzQ4MC4xNzEwNjEwNTkx*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*MTcxMDYxMDU5Mi4xLjEuMTcxMDYxMDgyNy4wLjAuMA..u0022u003eu003cstrongu003eHudl Filmu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f5f11a910fe"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1213678"],"_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='1213678' first='Daniel' last='Nifah'] is another defensive linemen returning to the tune of 39 tackles (3 solo), 1 TFL, and 0.5 sacks from a year ago. Nifah offers some versatility along the Comets' front as he has shown to play both edge and interior defensive line. One of the very first clips I saw on his film I was impressed with. We see Nifah knock the tackle back 2 yards into the backfield, separate, and rip into the adjacent gap to make a stop - damn near textbook. Much of Nifah's success has come from being a backside bender in pursuit of plays away from him. Well coached, we see Nifah look to get inside of kick out blockers to take away that inside gap and force a bounce. In terms of working the pass rush, we see him match the hands and get his arms up as the quarterback cocks back to throw. With all his ability and athleticism Nifah would u003cemu003estillu003c/emu003e benefit from a tremendous offseason. Doing so will allow him to become more explosive, violent, and that much harder a matchup.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f5f11a91161"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18516096/6563a99dd4688a095419cee5' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f5f11a91181"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1213679"],"_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":"While Augustin anchors the middle of Hackensack's offensive line, [player_tooltip player_id='1213679' first='Will' last='Cohen'] does the same for the defensive line. Last fall Cohen went for 22 tackles and 3 tackles for loss. Being right over the ball aids Cohen as he takes of advantage of this, routinely getting tremendous jumps off the snap. When unblocked Cohen knows to squeeze and look for oncoming traffic. He also does a great job pursuing when in the backfield, tracking the ball carrier's nearside hip. Once in his grasp, there is no escaping Cohen's clutches. When asked to slant we see him utilize the swim over linemen who have very low hats. Cohen will become more disruptive and dominant as he emphasizes playing half-man technique. Doing so will allow him to play two gaps and make more highlights as he jacks up offensive linemen across the state.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/profile/18516154/William-Cohen/highlights?_gl=1*1q303wz*_ga*MTY1MzczMzQ4MC4xNzEwNjEwNTkx*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*MTcxMDYxMDU5Mi4xLjEuMTcxMDYxMDgyNy4wLjAuMA..u0022u003eu003cstrongu003eHudl Filmu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f5f11a911dc"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1213680"],"_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":"Last up today is [player_tooltip player_id='1213680' first='Caleb' last='Collins'], who also plays fullback for the Comets. As a fullback he moves very fluidly, almost to the degree in which a true tailback would. He is asked to kick out defenders, seal the edge, and lead blcok. As a defensive end Collins has his moments where he can get a real solid jump. He also has shown the ability to snatch linemen that engage him with the snatch, pulling them down and away. Offensively I would like to see Collins use his hands more, like he does on defense; on defense he would benefit from keeping his feet buzzing to knife into the backfield more. Last fall he was credited with 4 tackles and slashed 5/45/1 on the ground.rnrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f5f11a91234"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18516257/6566646fda514b0c8cd53c29' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f5f11a91253"} /-->