2024 Signing Class Overview: Franklin Pierce Ravens
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Franklin Pierce, located in New Hampshire are in the Northeast-10 conference which houses most of the Division 2 football programs in the northeast. Franklin Pierce has doubled their win total each of the past three season going from 0 –…
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Continue ReadingFranklin Pierce, located in New Hampshire are in the Northeast-10 conference which houses most of the Division 2 football programs in the northeast. Franklin Pierce has doubled their win total each of the past three season going from 0 – 2 – 4 wins this past season and 2-3 in conference play. Head Coach Russell Haskamp has the program clearly headed in the right direction and the on-field results are year over year improving as Franklin Pierce continues to climb the Northeast-10. With 6 prospects from New York on their 2023 roster, the Ravens make a splash in New York with the addition of 7 prospects from the Empire State this year.
Highest Ranked Recruit
Justin Costa Justin Costa 6’2″ | 270 lbs | OL Holy Trinity | 2024 State NY is a big-time pickup for the Ravens and the Holy Trinity Offensive Lineman was a big part of the Titans success that lead to them being bumped up to the highest division of the NYCHSFL in his seinor season. Costsa showcases a good frame that features solid length and a good wide body that can play on the interior or at offensive tackle. Costa’s athleticism is one of the best parts of his game and he should be a prospect that continues to showcases those movement skills as he adds strength and weight in a college program.
Highlights
The Rest of the Class
Desmond Leonard Desmond Leonard 5’10” | 165 lbs | DB Williamsville North | 2024 State NY was a part of a big-time class of defensive backs coming out of Section VI this past season and the new DB for the Ravens. Leonard is quick, twitchy, and has the long speed to move with any WR prospect he will face in the Northeast-10. Leonard showcases solid ball skills and his ability to flip his hips and accelerate out of his cuts showcase his ability to make plays at the catch point. Leonard also brings special teams value for the Ravens showcasing the ability as a returner on tape but also has the skillset to be a valuable player on the punt teams.
Damon Smith Damon Smith 5’10” | 170 lbs | DB Archbishop Stepinac | 2024 State NY was a big-time addition for Franklin Pierce because he has faced some of the toughest competition of any player in New York and has shown he can make plays against New York’s best and against out-of-teams with big-time national recruits. Smith was first put on my radar when had one of the top performances of last season’s Elite V showcase and he displayed really impressive man coverage skills for a guy who plays safety. Smith’s ball skills and instincts will easily translate to the next level and his feel for the game should stand out at Franklin Pierce.
Highlights
Tristan Johnson Tristan Johnson 6’3″ | 175 lbs | WR Cicero North Syracuse | 2024 State NY is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the state when he can consistently put it all together. A recent top performer for Syracuse Elite at the PrepRedzone 7v7 tournament in the 18u division Johnson has an elite frame with equally impressive athleticism. Johnson can track the ball down the field and make plays and showcases the route running ability to create seperation on more than just go routes and deep post routes. Johnson has some two-way potential at the next level but with more consistency can become one of the most dangerous athletes in the Northeast-10.
Highlights
Kevin Estime Kevin Estime 6’2″ | 220 lbs | DL Malverne | 2024 State NY out of Malvern was one of several standouts on the Malvern team this past fall. Estime is a defensive end prospect who showcases some natural strength at 230lbs and has the body frame that could add some weight and become a versatile player on the defensive line. Estime showcases good burst at the LOS and the ability to create some knock back with his initial punch. He is a strong finisher and can move laterally as a pass rusher or against outside runs. Estime will benefit from a college weight room but has intriguing skills and natural power to his game.
Dylan Smith Dylan Smith 6’2″ | 190 lbs | ATH Milford Prep | 2024 State NY who just finished up a post-grad year at Milford Academy originally played for Newfield in Long Island and the 6’2 190lb WR prospect brings solid athleticism and natural strength to the Ravens WR room. Smith is strong off the LOS and shows on tape he can beat press coverage with his hands and a solid package of releases but his ability to work down the field and track the ball is what makes him a much more complete prospect. Smith is good athlete whose play strength at the LOS separates his skillset from some of the other WR prospects in the state.
Dan Miller Dan Miller LB Niskayuna | 2024 State NY out of Niskayuna is a really solid prospect who was a two-way performer but projects to play TE at the next level where his ability to block and play with physical hands at the point of attack combined with his ability to move make him a really solid addition to the TE room at Franklin Pierce. I thought that Miller’s tape at LB was good enough to play either position at the next level and although Miller is listed as a tight-end by Franklin Pierce his skillset brings special teams value and potentially value to contribute to multiple phases of the game at once.