2024 Signing Class Overview: Saint Francis Red Flash
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This article features a HEAVY amount of Western New Yorkers that will head directly South to Loretto, PA and joint the Saint Francis Red Flash in the Northeast conference. A couple of these prospects enrolled early at Saint Francis to…
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Continue ReadingThis article features a HEAVY amount of Western New Yorkers that will head directly South to Loretto, PA and joint the Saint Francis Red Flash in the Northeast conference. A couple of these prospects enrolled early at Saint Francis to be a part of spring ball but when the rest join the team ahead of the 2024 season there will 13 New Yorkers on the Red Flash, most of whom hail from Section VI. Check out some insight on the New York prospects who signed to play football with Saint Francis.
This article will include both scholarship (Athletic or Merit) and walk-on (Non-Scholarship) 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. Additionally, from a scouting perspective it is important to look at the value each player brings in a football only aspect respecting the privacy of each student athlete and their decision on furthering their athletic and academic careers, something that should always be celebrated.
Highest Ranked Recruit
Kahmari Cook Kahmari Cook 6’2″ | 220 lbs | LB Bennett | 2024 State NY out of Bennett has been a mainstay and leader on a very strong Bennett Tiger defense that only allowed 20+ points in four games and pitched four shutouts and several other games holding opponents to single digits. One of New York States leading tacklers Cook’s defensive production was unreal. 126 Tackles, 3 Sacks, 3 INTs, 7 TFL for Cook showcases his dominance but it is the film that really stands out when you see the skillset he will bring to Saint Francis. His film is broken down by game and each game could be a full seasons worth of highlights for some players. Cook is a physical and violent hitter, while he could wrap up more often he does deliver punishing blows to ball carriers. Cook shows good instincts and the ability to read and track the ball out of the backfield. Cook shows little to no hesitation coming downhill and does a good job of taking good pursuit angles on outside runs. Cook will be a special teams contributor early but as he develops better coverage skills and gets stronger he will surely become a major impact linebacker for the Red Flash.
Highlights
Rest of the Class
Kevon Walker Kevon Walker 6’4″ | 250 lbs | DL Canisius | 2024 State NY just oozes potential when you watch the film. The TE/DE from Canisius was a dominant player for multiple season. Walker has elite length and a big frame which often led to him overpoweing offensive lineman in high school. Walker is still a raw athlete but shows flashes of some serious power and change of direction coming for the ball. Walker is a physical tackler whose length helps him wrap up and bring guys down with high-level consistency. Walker shows some good hand usage at the point of attack and in obvious passing situations shows he has a good pass rush plan and the ability to win with power or speed. Walker is developing and as he continues to add strength and size in the weight room refining his footwork, body control, and becoming more consistent and precise with his hands will make him a dangerous defensive end. Walker has an extremely high ceiling will be an intriguing player to watch throughout his career.
Highlights
Dyrell Howard-Dolson Dyrell Howard-Dolson 6’0″ | 215 lbs | ATH Canisius | 2024 State NY will play outside linebacker for the Red Flash and the defensive athlete from Canisius is the third western New Yorker on this list. Howard-Dolson showed he can play defensive line, outside linebacker, and full back in high school and was a consistent dynamic athlete throuh his multiple years on Varisty. Howard-Dolson is thick and strong showcasing the ability to shed blocks and powerfully finish tackles. For a player with the his build and strength he showcases some dynamic change of direction and twitch, especially when he is rushing the passer. Howard-Dolson is a plus athlete who as he continues to develop his fundamentals as a defender will be a player who can impact the game defensively, on special teams, and could even fill in on some short yardage packages on offense.
Highlights
Nyzell Lash Nyzell Lash 5’9″ | 190 lbs | RB Canisius | 2024 State NY is not only the 4th western New Yorker, but the third player from Canisius headed to Saint Francis, which nearly makes this one of the most intriuging pipelines in New York. Lash who will play running back for the Red Flash. Going back to his Junior Highlights, Lash is a strong runner who showcases some impressive vision and contact balance. He may not have breakaway speed but he excels at turning what would be 3-5 yard gains for an average running back to 10+ yard carries. He runs with a low center of gravity and showcases an impressive jump cut making guys miss around the LOS. Lash is a good BR prospect for Saint Francis and has the build and physical running style of a player who can make a positive impact on the team early.
Hayden Arrison Hayden Arrison 6’2″ | 205 lbs | LB Clarence | 2024 State NY , a LB prospect out of Clarence is a high-motor defender who showcases the ability to play much stronger and bigger than he appears. A 6′ 200lb OLB Arrison often played on the LOS for Clarence and his violent hands at the point of attack where a staple of his game. Coming off the edge, Arrison does a great job containing the edge and can shed blocks making plays around the LOS. As a pass rusher, Arrison has good closing speed and finishing on the quarterback. Arrison showcases consistent tackling ability where he wraps up and hits with some pop on initial contact. Arrison is an intruiging prospect for the Red Flash because if he can continue to add strength and bulk to his frame he can be a versatile defender for Saint Francis.
Akil Cameron Akil Cameron 5’11” | RB New Utrecht | 2024 NY , a RB prospect from the PSAL who also was a very impactful OLB/Edge is a physical runner who has some speed and quickness to his game that make every touch exciting. Cameron shows burst and acceleration through the hole and can uses his speed to bounce runs outside and get to the edge and turn upfield. Cameron runs with power and a high-motor where he is able to break tackles just based of his effort and the speed he plays at. Cameron will be making a big jump in competition level but the play speed and athleticism he shows on tape should help ease the transition to the next level. With what Cameron shows on tape, even though he is joining St. Francis as a running back, I think there is clear special teams value in his play and he could even play LB if things don’t work out at RB.