Returning Contributors: The Morristown Colonials’ Skill Positions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three seasons ago, back in 2021, the Morristown Colonials were a 1-9 team that only scored double-digit points once that season. After that season Casey Flynn was named head coach of the program and experienced almost immediate success. In his first season Flynn led the Colonials to a 3-7 record and a playoff berth. The ascension has continued as the team improved to 4-6 with a second-consecutive playoff berth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Will this climb continue in 2024? If it does, the following prospects will have a big part of the rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Returning Contributors Series</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/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/2024/03/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-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/2024/02/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/2024/03/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/2024/02/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/2024/03/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":["1176379"],"_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 offensive backfield that appears something akin to a running back by committee, [player_tooltip player_id='1176379' first='Jeremiah' last='Moreau'] is one of those committee members. Either the I-back or offset back in full house, the Colonials' tend to use Moreau in a variety of ways, including counters, tosses, and even split out as a wide receiver at times. Moreau has solid footwork that allows him to come to a complete stop and accelerate again without much difficulty. Moreau also does a really nice job running inside-out, hitting the play's designed hole before looking to create beyond that. On defense he plays safety and is a single high safety in those shells. Moreau appears to be a really solid tackler, zeroing in on his target by going in low, wrapping them up, and squeezing. His hips appear fluid in his back pedal. However, what he seems to do best on defense is serve as a run support player, quickly and urgently filling the alley. I would encourage Moreau to hit the gauntlet when camp starts to work on lowering his pad level. Last year Moreau slashed 62/205/1 on the ground, 9/46 through the air, and was credited with 68 tackles (36 solo) and one FF, FR, and Int a piece.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ebedb707d74"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"https://share.qwikcut.com/6570a361e1080f1477db1e57/Jeremiah%20Moreau%20-%202023%20Full%20Season%20Highlights%20","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ebedb707e7c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1176378"],"_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 second member of the backfield committee set to return is [player_tooltip player_id='1176378' first='Reed' last='Donegan']. Donegan is the incumbent team leader with 72 rushes, 285 yards, and 3 scores from a year ago. He also made 5 catches for 21 yards, 53 tackles (19 solo), 6 TFL, 1 Int, and 1 sack. What makes Donegan a unique member of the Morristown backfield is that he clearly has a second gear to him once he penetrades through the defense's second level. He also has a little more shake-and-back to him, where we see Donegan change directions with shifty hips, jump cuts, and make something happen once he decelerates. Defensively it appears much is asked of him. On one clip I noticed him lined up at linebacker depth over #3 in trips and then roll to center field as the single high safety, only to make an acrobatic interception going against his momentum; however, he is often asked to play near the line of scrimmage and off the edge on defense. For some reason I want to see more film of Donegan as a defender. Given that much is asked of him, I would encourage him to focus in on his reads. If he can do that and continue to show his athleticism on film, assuming his grades are where the ought to be, I can see a high academic school seeking him as a fit for their roster.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ebedb707f17"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"https://share.qwikcut.com/650c5af3e0316b034ddc47e2/Reed%20Donegan","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ebedb707f45"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402217"],"_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 year sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='402217' first='Jasiah' last='Brown'] was the team's leading receiver with 19 hauls for 212 yards and 3 scores, yet more was asked of him. The Colonials' most explosive skill player also slashed 11/107/2 on the ground and was credited with 38 tackles (16 solos) and 2 picks on defense - one of which he took for a house call. Brown does a lot of things like clockwork that I wish many other receivers would, including exclusively using his hands to secure the catch and high pointing the ball. Another aspect is his fast-and-quick release, where we see him aggressively gain vertical territory and put defenders in a scurrying back pedal. We see merging hips on the junior-to-be where he can make people miss; however, he seems inclined to use the spin move to avoid contact and gain additional yardage. A benefit in a run-first offense is that you have the ability to lull defenders to sleep. Brown has shown he takes advantage of lackadaisical defenders as he catches them off guard only to blow past them. He also seems to adjust his route at times to climb behind safeties. If there is one thing that I think will make Brown's game more well rounded is to improve his route running and how sharp he snaps off the stem of his routes.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ebedb707fd3"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"https://share.qwikcut.com/650854f12511144e4ff48f72/Sophomore%20Varsity%20-%202023%20Season%20Highlights","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ebedb708000"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402215"],"_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":"Joining Brown as a 2026 graduate is his quarterback, [player_tooltip player_id='402215' first='James' last='Dzikowski']. Dzikowski, in his first year as a starter was 56/111 for 585 yards with 6 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, and 1 rushing score; on defense he was credited with 17 tackles (7 solo) with 1 TFL and 1 interception. Dzikowski is unafraid in the pocket. We see him, willingly, stand in the pocket and take a hit in order to deliver a throw to his target. A lot of his action comes off of play action. Dzikowski's motion reminds me of that of a baseball player - an overhand motion where the ball splinters through the air. For as much promise as he showed on offense, Dzikowski looked even better on defense. Mostly lining up at the mike position, Dzikowski reads, reacts, and gets downhill quickly. From the defensive clips I watched for today's evaluation, he might just be the best tackler on the team. Additionally, he does an outstanding job of blitzing to stuff the run, often slicing through the line and getting into the backfield to create a havoc play. Offensively Dzikowski's efficiency will improve has his mechanics and footwork do; defensively I would urge him to keep his head out of the tackle and avoid u0022biting the ball,u0022 keeping his head to the near-hip side of the ball carrier.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ebedb708090"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"https://share.qwikcut.com/6511b8ee743d2bf63f3c3b5d/James%20Dzikowski%20Sophomore%20Varsity%20Highlights%20QB%2FMLB","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ebedb7080be"} /-->