2024 Watch List: Returning Upstate NY Players
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We are one step closer to getting to spring. That means football will be right around the corner and these players will be back on the field. Check out the new list of Section V players that will be returning…
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Continue ReadingWe are one step closer to getting to spring. That means football will be right around the corner and these players will be back on the field. Check out the new list of Section V players that will be returning in 2024, and you should have your eye on.
Ian Schneeberger
Ian Schneeberger
Ian Schneeberger was a very quick and versatile player for Eastridge High School this past season as a junior. Schneeberger played the majority of his snaps on the defensive line as a DE, but he can also play as an OG and LB at a high level for his team. What was outstanding to see was the way that Schneeberger could line up to play against both the run and pass all over the defensive line at any role. It did not matter if he was in a 2-technique, 3-technique, or out on the edge. This is a defender that truly wants to win for his defense. The first step quickness was a big point of emphasis that jumped off the tape as well. Multiple times, Schneeberger was able to shoot into blocking gaps to affect the QB. Being able to fight through blocks and get after the ball carrier with excellent pursuit was shown throughout. No doubt, Eastridge will have a fun senior season with Schneeberger when football comes back around.
Femi Koumassou is nicknamed “Big Freak” because he not only stands in at 6’4” and weighs 230-pounds, but also the type of play he produces at the OT position for East High School. Koumassou will be entering his senior season when the season comes around, and I am expecting him to take a major step. The straight athleticism for his size to get out and block opponents down the field was amazing to watch. So many times, quick pass rushers would try to run around Koumassou, and it would simply not work because of the lateral quickness that he possesses. Even when rushers would try to use straight power such as a bull rush, Koumassou was able to use his brute strength to withstand the rush. The second level blocking was a big point of emphasis on Koumassou tape. Being able to get out into space quickly to find those LBs, DEs, or even DBs to block out of the way was evident. This was one of the fastest OT’s I have watched on tape that truly is not afraid to be physical. It will be exciting to see what he can do for East football this year.
What a high endurance player that can play at multiple positions for Brighton High School. Titus Nebbia Titus Nebbia 6’0″ | 225 lbs | DL Brighton | 2027 NY is a force that stands in at 6’0”, weighs 215 pounds and will be an upcoming sophomore On film, Nebbia has played at the OT, OG, DT, LS and especially the DE position. What impressed me the most was the quickness, speed, and endurance that Nebbia displayed at the DE position. Multiple times Nebbia was able to rush off the LOS in a 5-tecnique with no difficulties, without the opposition grabbing him whatsoever. Nebbia knows how to mix his physicality and speed to win by the OT in a fast manner. What was also impressive was the tackling ability that Titus displayed. That mindset of playing until a whistle is blown really showed on this young man’s tape. You can tell that Nebbia is a do-it-all player that wants to make the play/block to help his team win. When operating on the offensive line, Nebbia was able to drive block his opponents at a positive rate. Continuing to improve his pass blocking will only benefit his pure blocking skills and footwork. No doubt, Nebbia is a going to be a hard-working player for Brighton.
Highlights
A very impressive junior campaign from Lucas Leone Lucas Leone 5’10” | 210 lbs | LB Aquinas | 2025 State NY who is a LB from Aquinas Institute that covers a lot of range. Leone ended the season with 44 tackles and 2 TFLs. The ability to shoot the gaps to make an impact against the run game was a huge stand-out in Leone’s game. Many times, Lucas was able to track down the opposing RBs and bring them down with outstanding closing speed. There is a high amount of play strength that was shown when being able to block shed off of linemen to get to the ball carrier as well. The ability to get low and wrap up the intended ball carriers was a highlight in Leone’s tape too. On multiple occasions, Lucas was able to make diving tackles that were even at the LOS which was impressive to see. The lateral agility was a major standout as well, and it really came in handy when having to change directions quickly. It will be an exciting senior season for Leone, and he should be a major point of emphasis on the Aquinas defense.
Highlights
Mason Overton
Mason Overton
You better believe that kickers are people too. Every team needs a kicker, and the majority of the times, it is the teams with a reliable kicker to walk away with the win. Mason Overton is a 5’9”, 160-pound kicker that will be entering into his senior season for Victor High School. Throughout Overturns’ film, he was able to drill reliable field goals for his team. The leg strength and power, even from short distances, really stood out. Continuing to work on his fundamentals throughout the process of the kick, and the pure kicking accuracy, will only go a long way for Overton.
Raoul Likaski
Raoul Likaski
Coming into his senior season, Raoul Likaski is looking to make a drastic impact on the defensive side of the football for Churchville-Chili High School. Likaski is a DE that stands in at 6’3” and weighs 215-pounds that was able to show an incredible amount of fight this past year. Likaski showed on tape that he can be an aggressive player, but also a patient one as well. When playing against read option plays, I was impressed by the patience that Likaski had to diagnose the play as it unfolded, and to not get overaggressive. Many times, Raoul was able to attack the correct ball carrier to tackle him in space. When rushing the passer, Likaski did a great job at creating penetration into the pocket with a variety of moves. Being able to rush from the outside edge and from the inside in a 3-technique was shown throughout Likaskis’ film as well.