American Gold’s Returning Talent
Big Central American Gold is a division that has a lot to get excited about. While there were no dominant teams within the division in 2023, each fought all season long and jostled for the top spot. With some of…
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Continue ReadingBig Central American Gold is a division that has a lot to get excited about. While there were no dominant teams within the division in 2023, each fought all season long and jostled for the top spot. With some of the teams returning talent and others losing it to their senior class, I would not be surprised at all if we saw a similar situation within the division again in 2024. Elizabeth and Somerville finished towards the lower part of the division last season, but I see them rising in 2024 and becoming two of the teams you need to watch out for.
A nightmare to one-on-one coverage, Enzo Ferrero Enzo Ferrero 5’11” | 170 lbs | WR Westfield | 2025 NJ is the type of receiver you hope defenses try to put only a single man on. Enzo put up prolific numbers in 2023 as he took the ball to the end zone 11 times and caught just under 1000 yards. You can tell Enzo is a receiver paying a lot of attention to details and putting in work over the off-season, because his lightning fast footwork off of the line really separates him from others at his position. Enzo is a top end recruit in my eyes. Equipped with strong hands and an impressive ability to shake off defenders with the ball in his hands, Enzo is the full package.
A player I wasn’t too familiar with before this article, Terrell Mitchell Terrell Mitchell 5’8″ | 185 lbs | RB Somerville | 2025 State NJ is now a RB I will be keeping a close on during the 2024 season. A top tier talent coming out of Somerville, Terrell has a ton of potential and ability to translate his skills to the next level. Totaling just under 800 offensive yards and 12 total touchdowns on offense, Terrell is true run-pass threat. He has everything a program would look for in a feature back. With the ability to always get out of trouble, Terrell can either power through defenders or cut in and out of traffic and find his way to open space. Currently committed to Wake Forest, I would not be the least bit surprised if other schools try to gain Terrell’s attention before he graduates.
Jaydin Loftin
Jaydin Loftin
Already receiving 17 D1 offers, Somerville’s Jaydin Loftin is a rare talent coming out of American Gold. Racking up 33 tackles, 5.5 sacks and an interception in 2023, Jaydin is a college sized linebacker that has the frame and dimensions that can translate very easily to the next level. A speedster off of the line, Jaydin uses one quick move and tears on by the blocker as he picks up steam towards the QB. Swallowing up the quarterback when he gets near, Jaydin has the power and strength that makes it near impossible to get away from his grasp. If you’re looking for a playmaker at the linebacker position, you found one in Jaydin Loftin.
Ending the 2023 season with back to back wins, Elizabeth’s Arique Fleming Arique Fleming 6’2″ | 205 lbs | QB Elizabeth | 2027 State NJ is building momentum into the 2024 season. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that Arique may be the top NJ QB in his class by seasons end. It’s not often you find a freshman throw for 1663 yards and 15 touchdowns at the varsity level, but that’s exactly what Arique did. You would have thought Arique was a 3 year starter with how composed he was in the face of a pass rush last season. I am thoroughly impressed with how well he was able to stay calm and collected while in the pocket. While keeping his eyes downfield, Arique displayed excellent footwork as he was able to slide around the pocket and evade the rush. And with impeccable timing with his receivers, Arique is on a trajectory to become a household name.