Returning Contributors: The Cherry Hill East Cougars

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Upon inherieting a 3-7 program, Cherry Hill East has just been on the cusp in each of Head Coach Tyler Drob's first two seasons. In 2022, the Cherry Hill East doubled their win total from the year prior, finishing with a 6-4 record in Drob's first season at the helm, just missing the playoffs. In his encore season Drob's Cougars started 0-3, but had a strong conclusion to the season, finishing 5-5. However, the fell short of the playoffs once more, getting eliminated on cutoff weekend by cross-town rival Cherry Hill West in a 29-28 game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>How will the Cougars' fare this season remains to be seen. Rest assured though: they will be relying on the following handful of contributors to make an impact. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Returning Contributors Series</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-bayonne-fighting-bees-linemen/">Bayonne Fighting Bees' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-bayonne-fighting-bees-skill-players/">Bayonne Fighting Bees' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-bridgewater-raritan-panthers-linemen/">Bridgewater-Raritan Panthers' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-bridgewater-raritan-panthers-linemen-ii/">Bridgewater-Raritan Panthers' Line, Part 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-bridgewater-raritan-panthers-skills/">Bridgewater-Raritan Panthers' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-clifton-mustangs-linemen/">Clifton Mustangs' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-clifton-mustangs-skill-positions/">Clifton Mustangs' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-east-orange-jaguars-defensive-skills/">East Orange Jaguars' Defensive Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-east-orange-jaguars-linemen/">East Orange Jaguars' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-east-orange-jaguars-offensive-skills/">East Orange Jaguars' Offensive Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-elizabeth-minutemen-big-men/">Elizabeth Minutemen Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-elizabeth-minutemen-skills-part-i/">Elizabeth Minutemen Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-elizabeth-minutemen-skills-part-ii/">Elizabeth Minutemen Skills, Part 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-hackensack-comets-linemen/">Hackensack Comets' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-hackensack-comets-skill-positions/">Hackensack Comets' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-linden-tigers-linemen-2/">Linden Tigers' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-linden-tigers-skill-positions/">Linden Tigers' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-montclair-mounties-skill-positions/">Montclair Mounties' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-morristown-colonials-big-men/">Morristown Colonials' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-morristown-colonials-skill-positions/">Morristown Colonials' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-passaic-county-tech-bulldogs-linemen/">Passaic County Tech Bulldogs' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-passaic-county-tech-bulldogs-skills/">Passaic County Tech Bulldogs' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-phillipsburg-stateliners-linemen/">Phillipsburg Stateliners' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-phillipsburg-stateliners-skills/">Phillipsburg Stateliners' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-piscataway-chiefs-linemen/">Piscataway Chief's Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-piscataway-chiefs-skill-positions/">Piscataway Chiefs' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-plainfield-cardinals-linemen/">Plainfield Cardinals' Linemen</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-plainfield-cardinals-skill-positions/">Plainfield Cardinals' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-ridgewood-maroons-skills-line/">Ridgewood Maroons' Skills &amp; Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-st-joseph-metuchen-falcons-linemen/">St. Joseph (Metuchen) Falcons' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-st-joseph-metuchen-falcons-skills/">St. Joseph (Metuchen) Falcons' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-st-thomas-aquinas-trojan-skills-line/">St. Thomas Aquinas Trojans' Skills &amp; Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-union-farmers-linemen/">Union Farmers' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-union-farmers-skill-positions/">Union Farmers' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-union-city-soaring-eagles-linemen/">Union City Soaring Eagles' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-union-city-soaring-eagles-skills/">Union City Soaring Eagles' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-watchung-hills-warriors-linemen/">Watchung Hills Warriors' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-watchung-hills-warriors-skills/">Watchung Hills Warriors' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-westfield-blue-devils-linemen/">Westfield Blue Devils' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-westfield-blue-devils-skills/">Westfield Blue Devils' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-west-orange-mountaineers-linemen-part-1/">West Orange Mountaineers' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-west-orange-mountaineers-linemen-part-2/">West Orange Mountaineer's Line, Part 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-west-orange-mountaineers-skills/">West Orange Mountaineers' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["690092"],"_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":"Although he is listed as a tight end and defensive end, Jaxon Bowman appears to be much more than that for Cherry Hill East. Doing a little bit of everything last fall, Bowman rushed 12 times for 89 yards, accounted for 284 receiving yards and 7 scores on 21 catches, and was credited with 41 tackles (28 solo), 8 TFL, 3 sacks, and 1 scoop u0026amp; score on defense. Listed at 6'5u0022, Bowman is a mismatch for most high school linebackers because of his size, but also because of how fast and fluidly he moves - so much so that the Cougars even opt to split him out wide against 1-on-1 coverage. In such situations we see Bowman make contested grabs, using his height to his advantage, and boxing out smaller opponents as he high points the ball and receives it with his hands. When route running we see Bowman using the headfake somewhat frequently in hopes to turn defenders around. Because he is too physical a runner with the ball in his hands, we see Bowman line up as an in-line tight end, a y-out, wing, and even in the backfield. With offers at-hand already, I want to see Bowman live with his linemen this summer, with the goal of improving his blocking. Gifted physically as he is, improving upon his technique will prepare him to be a blue chip, college-ready prospect wherever he may end up.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66078ff633859"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16077124/654840c2066ba406b4cf1e98' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66078ff633909"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1000484"],"_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":"When [player_tooltip player_id='1000484' first='Denzel' last='Lee'] is lined up in the backfield, expect the next play to resemble that of a track meet. Also a track star, Lee rushed for 1465 yards and 18 scores last year on 148 carries, while making good on 91 yards and 1 score on 6 receptions - simply lighting the turf on fire in his final 5 games of th season, where he rushed for no less than 170 yards in any given contest while scoring in each. My eyes tell me that when unimpeded, Lee hits his top speed in about 4 steps while prioritizing ball security as he emphasizes the 5 points of pressure as he carries the rock. Needless to say, he has the speed to beat linebackers to the edge. Although he does not showcase the flashiest of moves, much of Lee's success comes from following his track and ripping big gainers due to his burst. I like how Lee manipulates his speed too. At times we see him ever so subtly slow down to manipulate defenders and change direction. Sometimes we even see him take a step backwards, trusting his speed to recover the lost ground, to set up a better angle for him to gain the edge. Additionally, we see Lee lowering his pad level as he encroaches through the line of scrimmage. To me, I want to see Lee with the ball in the open field more. Especially with Bowman serving as a mismatch nightmare for linebackers and safeties, if the Cougars can get Lee the ball as an outlet pass catcher behind Bowman, it will be a long season for opposing defenses.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66078ff63395b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17702827/6546f59c38636f0f7c33f297' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66078ff633979"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["827677"],"_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":"One of the primary cogs opening up lanes for Lee is offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='827677' first='Aiden' last='Stewart']. Stewart does a great job weaponizing the snap count to his advantage, often getting the jump on defenders. He also maintains a good base and keeps his feet moving. This aids him in finishing his blocks and creating movement. Stewart does a nice job moving, both when he climbs to the second level and is asked to pull. He will also look to peel back and help when needed. We need to see more clips of him as a pass protector. Defensively for Stewart, he has been coached well to get his hands on the man in front of him. He will win the inside match-ups because of his quickness and speed; by the same token this makes him a tough assignment to reach block. An outstanding tackler, we see Stewart wrap at the waist or lower and roll ball carriers up. I would implore Stewart to focus on working on his flexibility in his lower half this spring. Doing so will improve his power angles and bend, making drive blocking occur more instantaneously and increase his quickness in getting off the ball on defense.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66078ff6339bf"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16156965/6546b893066ba406b4cdd69b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66078ff6339da"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1228205"],"_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":"Lining up next to Stewart on defense is fellow interior tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1228205' first='Dominic' last='Tomasetti'], who was credited with 45 tackles (36 solo), 11 TFL, 1 sack, 2 FF, and 1 FR last fall. Tomasetti proves to be a disruptive force due to the fact that he is quick off the ball. This jump allows him to routinely get into the opponent's backfield, thwarting progress before it even ever starts. Related to his get off, he is hard to beat in the half-man assignment game, often out leveraging opponents because he often has taken two steps before they have taken one. In doing so he uses his flipper to rip and shed the blocks of opposing linemen. With great closing speed, Tomasetti pursues plays in a manic nature. If I was Tomasetti's position coach the first thing I would work on is his stance. Should Tomasetti get his butt even with or higher than his head, this will make his get off even more quick and have him taking 3 or 4 steps before his opponents even more. This downward lean will also improve his pad level, making it harder for offensive linemen to displace him on double teams.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66078ff633a1d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16349039/65469ab0b3d3030adcc90c5e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66078ff633a38"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1228204"],"_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":"Last up for the Cougars is ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1228204' first='Leon' last='Donaldson']. As a wide receiver on offense, good things seem to happen when the ball is in his hands. Donaldson has shown the ability to burn defenses deep by getting behind the secondary. He also uses that same speed to turn defenders one way, only for him to flip his head the other way, gaining a step in the process, before the defender can flip their hips back the other way. Donaldson also does a nice job slipping through defensive zones on digs or crossing patterns for easy scores. A nuance he seems to be exploiting more; we see Donaldson lull defenders to sleep when running an out route, only to turn up at full speed for an easy grab. That same patience is demonstrated on jet sweeps, as we see him string those carries out wide until he sees just the right seam to turn upfield on, often lowering his shoulder to power into the endzone. On defense Donaldson might be as rangy a center fielder as they come. On multiple occasions we see him from the middle of the field get a good break on the ball and make a play on it outside the numbers. Recovery speed is also an element of Donaldson's game opponents should account for. In one clip we see him get picked on a rub route, only to recover and make a clean play on the ball. As a receiver, for me, I wish to see Donaldson be more aggressive when coming back to the ball. A few instances I saw him wait for the ball to arrive in his bread basket. Attack it, get it, accrue YAC. Defensively, I want Donaldson to work on his responsibilities as a force player on the perimeter. Play to the Cougars' defensive scheme and force the ball carrier back to your help. Donaldson was good for 44/285/2 on the ground, 26/397/1 through the air, 26 (22) 1 TFL, 0.5 sacks, 2 Ints on defense, and a 75 yard kickoff return touchdown last fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66078ff633a7a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16156958/65468ea0c119a009b8a487f1' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66078ff633a95"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"></h2> <!-- /wp:heading -->