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Coaches Choice: Players Expected To Make Significant Jumps

Coaches Choice: Players Expected To Make Significant Jumps
Earnest Daniels
Earnest Daniels April 29, 2024 @ 11:04 AM
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In this article:

William Rodgers
William Rodgers 5'11" | 165 lbs | DB/WR | 2026
NJ
Ronnie Kraus
Ronnie Kraus 6'1" | 225 lbs | DL | 2025
NJ
Jahid Salaam
Jahid Salaam 5'10" | 260 lbs | DL | 2025
NJ
EJ Brown
EJ Brown 5'9" | 170 lbs | RB | 2025
NJ
Josh Leath
Josh Leath 6'2" | 220 lbs | DL | 2025
NJ
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1216548"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eJahid Salaam, a 5'11”, 270-pound defensive tackle from West Orange, is a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line. With a stout and compact frame, Salaam excels at both zero tech and three positions. u003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eHis quick get-off at the snap allows him to disrupt plays, jump the snap count, and penetrate the backfield for tackles for loss. Despite his height, Salaam leverages his natural stature to consistently get under offensive linemen's pads and hold up at the point of attack, making him effective against the run. u003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eSalaam's pursuit stands out as he uses his athleticism to chase down plays and make tackles from sideline to sideline. Despite not having any offers yet, his performance on the field suggests that he will garner attention from college programs as he continues to showcase his ability to dominate against the run and make explosive plays.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662fc4af38b09"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17266749/654abd2e34530403ecabd69d' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662fc4af38bd4"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1687143' first='William' last='Rodgers'] ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026 ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"160","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Glouchester City ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1687143' first='William' last='Rodgers'], a 5'9”, 160-pound quarterback from Gloucester City, may be on the smaller side, but he makes up for it with his exceptional ability to read the game and anticipate plays. His standout trait is his skill in playing off coverage, where he excels at reading the quarterback's eyes and putting himself in the right position to make plays on the ball.u003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eRodgers is particularly effective at covering shorter routes and has demonstrated his ability to peel off his man for interceptions. However, one area for improvement is his tackling technique, especially in defending against screens. While he shows good mental processing in reading screens, he could be more decisive in attacking the action rather than waiting for it to come to him.u003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eWith his strong football IQ and the potential to improve his tackling and aggressiveness in defending screens, Rodgers has the makings of a solid quarterback prospect. Continued development in these areas will be key for his success in the upcoming season.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662fc4af38ca5"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18154973/6505d9aada5bef0be863ce24' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662fc4af38ccf"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1093216"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eEJ Brown, a 5'9”, 160-pound running back from Plainfield, brings a lot of excitement to the field with his exceptional speed and explosiveness. As a track All-American in the 400 meters, his foot speed and burst through the hole are outstanding, allowing him to break away from defenders and score from anywhere on the field.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eHowever, to further elevate his game, Brown should focus on improving his ability to force missed tackles and develop more one-on-one moves in the hole. While his speed is a major weapon, enhancing his elusiveness and patience as a runner will make him even more dangerous on the field. With solid vision and the potential to refine his running style, Brown has the opportunity to become one of the most dynamic players in New Jersey.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eAdditionally, his ability to catch the ball, demonstrated by his successful execution of a wheel route, adds another dimension to his game. Utilizing him more as a receiver, particularly with screens, will maximize his speed and playmaking ability on the outside.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eOverall, Brown is a promising talent with the potential to receive offers early in the upcoming season. With continued improvement and development, he has the makings of a standout player at the next level.u003c/spanu003ernrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662fc4af38d40"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/EatonielB/status/1770901139468300376","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/EatonielB/status/1770901139468300376 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1036995"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eJosh Leath, a 6'3”, 238-pound linebacker from Morristown, possesses an impressive physique and versatility that makes him a standout on the field. With the ability to play both off and on the ball, Joshua showcases his skills as a linebacker and a pass rusher.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eHis strong initial burst off the ball, his long arms, and his muscular frame make him a force to be reckoned with. While he could refine his hand usage, his impact on the game is undeniable. In run defense, Joshua covers the edge effectively, playing square to the line of scrimmage and making tackles for loss with his exceptional change of direction. His instincts shine through in reading option plays, allowing him to anticipate and react decisively to the quarterback's actions.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eJosh is also a threat as a blitzer from depth, using his quick trigger to get downhill and pressure the quarterback with explosive bursts. As an on-ball edge rusher, he can stand up and attack with his explosive first step, showcasing the potential to develop into a dangerous pass rusher with refined moves.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eCurrently, without an offer, Joshua's talent suggests he can play at least at the FCS level. With continued exposure through camps and visits, he is poised to attract attention from college programs and earn offers early in the upcoming season.u003c/spanu003ernrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662fc4af38dc0"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/joshleath5/status/1724981614424240461","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/joshleath5/status/1724981614424240461 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1257661"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eRonnie Kraus, a 6'1”, 225-pound edge rusher from St. Augustine Prep, possesses a long frame with room to add more weight. His athleticism is immediately apparent, with an impressive burst off the edge and quick first-step quickness. Kraus demonstrates strong pass-rushing abilities, showcasing good body lean, the ability to get around the corner, and a repertoire of moves that make him one of the more polished rushers at the high school level.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eHe excels in the must-have athletic traits for an edge rusher, including pursuit, speed, and change of direction. Additionally, Kraus displays the ability to effectively cover read-option plays, further highlighting his versatility.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eWhile he shows great potential as a game-changer in the passing game, Kraus could improve his impact in the run game. However, his dedication to refining his pass-rushing skills and daily work on his pass-rush technique suggest that an offer is likely on the horizon for him. With continued development, an offer is expected for Kraus at the beginning of the upcoming season.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662fc4af38e30"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17830090/655cdb11478d7f0604f5c0ec' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662fc4af38e55"} /-->

Jahid Salaam

Jahid Salaam

NJ
DL
HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 260
POS DL
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Jahid
Salaam DL
Class
2025
Height
5'10"
Weight
260
HS
West Orange
|
NJ
Coaches Choice: Players Expected To Make Significant Jumps
Jahid Salaam, a 5’11”, 270-pound defensive tackle from West Orange, is a force to be reckoned with on...
Written by Earnest Daniels
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jahid Salaam

State: New Jersey
School: West Orange
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">Coaches Choice: Players Expected To Make Significant Jumps</span>
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William Rodgers William Rodgers 5'11" | 165 lbs | DB/WR Gloucester City High School | 2026 NJ

HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 160
POS DB
CLASS 2026

William Rodgers William Rodgers 5'11" | 165 lbs | DB/WR Gloucester City High School | 2026 NJ

School: Glouchester City
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
EJ Brown

EJ Brown

NJ
RB
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 170
POS RB
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
EJ
Brown RB
Class
2025
Height
5'9"
Weight
170
HS
Plainfield
|
NJ
Coaches Choice: Players Expected To Make Significant Jumps
EJ Brown, a 5’9”, 160-pound running back from Plainfield, brings a lot of excitement to the field with...
Written by Earnest Daniels
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

EJ Brown

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State: New Jersey
School: Plainfield
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Highlights

Josh Leath

Josh Leath

NJ
DL
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 220
POS DL
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Josh
Leath DL
Class
2025
Height
6'2"
Weight
220
HS
Moorestown
|
NJ
Coaches Choice: Players Expected To Make Significant Jumps
Josh Leath, a 6’3”, 238-pound linebacker from Morristown, possesses an impressive physique and versatility that makes him a...
Written by Earnest Daniels
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Josh Leath

State: New Jersey
School: Moorestown
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Ronnie Kraus

Ronnie Kraus

NJ
DL
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 225
POS DL
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Ronnie
Kraus DL
Class
2025
Height
6'1"
Weight
225
HS
St. Augustine
|
NJ
Coaches Choice: Players Expected To Make Significant Jumps
Ronnie Kraus, a 6’1”, 225-pound edge rusher from St. Augustine Prep, possesses a long frame with room to...
Written by Earnest Daniels
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Ronnie Kraus

State: New Jersey
School: St. Augustine
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
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