2024 Signing Class Overview: Albany Great Danes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Albany has had some really impressive seasons under Coach Greg Gattuso. Their best was none other than this past season as they made it to the FCS Semifinals where they lost to eventual FCS champions South Dakota State. Not only is the on field produce at Albany at a an all-time high but starters from that Albany team transferred to schools such as Miami, Wisconsin, and Arkansas. NFL draft prospect Jared Verse who is likely to land in the first round also started his career at Albany before moving on to Florida State. Under the direction of Gattuso Albany has shown the ability to dominate in their ability to evaluate high school talent but also develop that talent in early seasons of their careers. Albany brings in 6 HS prospects from New York this year and have some prospects that really are some of New Yorks top talent in this class. This article will include both scholarship and walk-on players because not only are both integral to the success of college football programs but at the FCS level with a lower scholarship limit, walk-on prospects are recruited just as hard and often receive playing time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Highest Ranked Recruit</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["406846"],"_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":"#3 DB overall in New York [player_tooltip player_id='406846' first='Ervin' last='Wiggins'] is a 3-position defensive back and although undersized is one of the most dynamic athletes and playmakers in the state. With the ability to lineup at corner, nickel, and safety Wiggins brings a ton of versatility to Albany and his ability to come down hill and play physical against the run with his man coverage skills make him a really impressive prospect. Wiggins has really fluid hips and can change direction at a high level. Wiggins has great ball skills and his closing speed on the catch point in coverage and in pursuit of ball carriers showcase consistently on film his ability to always be around the ball making plays. Wiggins, was one of the best two-way players in New York this year but will play just defense for the Great Danes and with his skillset I would expect a special teams impact from the jump for Wiggins.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660c61d91cec9"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rest of the Class</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["450632"],"_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='450632' first='Zakar' last='Morris'] looks to join the growing list of Albany defensive linemen who end up a P4 schools. Morris who was a top returning defensive lineman in New York had a really impressive Season for Iona Prep. Morris an interior defensive lineman who has a D1 build and frame shows versatility along the defensive line. Morris played anywhere from 0-tech to 5-tech along the Gaels defensive line and showed that he can be a violent physical force at the point of attack. While at the next level his best position is probably at 3-tech he has the frame to add even more strength and weight and push even further inside. His track record of success at multiple positions makes him even more valuable to an Albany defensive line that is replacing their top 4 DL who all are graduating, declared for the draft, or transferred to P4 schools.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["403340"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='528469' first='Donald' last='Jones'] ends up staying right at home in Albany where he has been one of the most productive athletes in the area for multiple seasons. Jones who played nearly every skill position at some point over the past two-years with join Albany as a defensive back. Jones has high-level quickness and twitch when he moves. He reads the game really well and has ball skills on both sides of the ball that will make him a playmaker in the secondary. Jones also will be a high impact special teams player with his athleticism. One of the most dynamic athletic players in New York when you watch the tape Jones will be a really solid prospect for Albany to develop.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["527842"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Out of Pittsford [player_tooltip player_id='527842' first='Nate' last='Cole'] will add a big body to the Albany offensive line. Cole at 6'5 300lbs played RT for Pittsford and on tape shows some really impressive movement skills for a player his size. Cole has good length and shows the ability to use that length to maintain and finish blocks. Cole showcases a solid initial punch and explosive first step out of his stance and can move defensive lineman around consistently. Cole has some really intriguing tools and while he will be facing much bigger athletes at Albany he has good size and a body that can continue to add strength and size making him a prospect who should be able to adjust to the bigger faster athletes he will face. Cole is a very promising OT prospect for Albany.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1210220"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Another relatively local prospect for Albany, [player_tooltip player_id='1210220' first='Jacob' last='Jones'] a dominant LB prospect from Croton-Harmon is a downhill physical player who is a consistent finisher and plays with urgency and violence at the position. Jones is going to need to continue adding strength and bulk in his development but he plays how you want every LB on your team to play. Jones is really good using his hands and is consistent shedding blocks with good rip and shed moves. Just based on his play style Jones will be an impactful ST player at the next level and he shows flashes and traits that can develop into a violent downhill linebacker at the next level.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["451504"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='451504' first='Sam' last='Pucci'], a 6'3 vertical threat out of Fairport has consistently been one of the most productive WRs in the Rochester Area. Pucci moves well for his long lean frame and shows some change of direction and quickness in his ability to make cuts both after the catch and as a route runner. Pucci may not be the fastest prospect on the outside but he is a smooth route runner who can stretch the field, uses his body to create leverage against defensive backs, tracks the ball down the field really well, and is an impactful blocker on the perimeter. Pucci is the type of WR prospect who does a lot of things well and is an intriguing athlete for Albany.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660c61d91d0a6"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some bonus coverage: Two 24' NY Football prospects [player_tooltip player_id='450890' first='Logan' last='Morris'] and [player_tooltip player_id='604532' first='Jameson' last='Walsh'] are committed to Albany to play Baseball. Morris a standout 3B/SS for Port Jervis also played quarterback in the fall. Walsh a dominant pitcher from WNY also was a standout at 3B for Southwestern in WNY. Walsh was a RB/ATH for Southwestern in the fall. Additionally [player_tooltip player_id='807874' first='Tayoni' last='Galante'] out of Salamanca a solid ATH on the football field is headed to Albany to play Lacrosse.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Check Out More Signing Class Content Below</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/2024-signing-class-overview-buffalo-bulls/">2024 Signing Class Overview: Buffalo Bulls</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/2024-signing-class-overview-colgate-raiders/">2024 Signing Class Overview: Colgate Raiders</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/2024-signing-class-overview-monmouth-hawks/">2024 Signing Class Overview: Monmouth Hawks</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/04/2024-signing-class-overview-new-haven-chargers/">2024 Signing Class Overview: New Haven Chargers</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->