Class of 2025: Top Specialists in WNY
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Special Teams is one third of the game. Today, I am going to highlight the Kickers, Punters, Returners and a Long Snapper that colleges should look out for in 2024. Cole Callard NY #299 K #5 POS K CLASS 2025…
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Continue ReadingSpecial Teams is one third of the game. Today, I am going to highlight the Kickers, Punters, Returners and a Long Snapper that colleges should look out for in 2024.
Cole Callard Cole Callard K Medina | 2025 State NY led Section VI in Extra Points Made (44), Kickoff Yards (3,106) and Touchbacks (24) in 2023. He kicked a Medina school record long 47-yard field goal. Callard averaged 39 yards per punt with a long of 57. On top of being a 2x All WNY kicker and All-State honorable mention, he was named 1st team All Western New York in Soccer as well.
In 2023, Brendan Griffey Brendan Griffey 5’9″ | 195 lbs | K West Seneca West | 2025 NY led Section VI in Field Goals by going a perfect 5/5, with his longest being from 35 yards out. Brendan also added 27 Extra Points on the season. 5 of his kickoffs went for touchbacks. It was his prowess as a Punter that earned Griffey 1st team All Western New York and 6th team All-State honors. Brendan ranked 3rd in Section VI punting for 703 yards, with 3 landing inside the 20-yard line.
Highlights
In high school, Long Snappers don’t generally get the recognition they deserve as many of them are Centers that just try to do their best. But John Winner John Winner LS St. Joe’s | 2025 State NY is different. He is a legitimate Long Snapper that has an average snap time of .70 seconds and in 2023, 48/49 of his snaps were successful. John has had the opportunity to work with some of the best Long Snapping coaches in the country and has been invited to several Division I specialist camps, including the University of Arkansas.
Niear Patterson Niear Patterson 5’11” | 170 lbs | ATH Sweet Home | 2025 State NY was a 1st team All Western New York selection as a Kick Returner. He recorded 4 return touchdowns in 2023 (3 kicks and 1 punt). Niear has great vision and excellent cutting ability. When Patterson hits a second gear, there is nobody that can catch him. There are some great opportunities to come for Patterson; on top of his return abilities, he is an exceptional receiver and cornerback.
Highlights
Demaree Baker Demaree Baker DB North Tonawanda | 2025 NY led Section VI with 465 kick return yards on 24 attempts and 1 touchdown. But he isn’t just a one trick pony. Demaree combined for over 1,200 all purpose yards and 7 touchdowns in a RB/WR role. Baker is incredibly elusive and has great balance. He has excellent hands and great concentration when the ball is in the air.
Darryl Means Jr Darryl Means Jr 5’6″ | 150 lbs | ATH McKinley | 2025 State NY did not get the recognition or accolades that his peers got but there is no doubt he can play. Darryl has blazing speed and his small stature gives him a low center of gravity which improves his balance and makes him hard to bring down. On top of his speed and quickness, Means is tough and not one to avoid contact. He has received camp invitations so far but 2024 will be a big season for him to show Western New York what he can do.