Players On The Brink Of a Breakout Year

Standing at 6'1” and weighing 160 pounds, Matt Avery is a dynamic player who excels as both a wide receiver and a defensive back. His impact on the field is felt on both sides of the ball, making him a versatile and valuable asset.   As a wide receiver, Avery's versatility is immediately apparent. He can line up wide to catch screen passes and create plays after the catch, or be utilized in jet motion to catch on the run. His ability to win 50-50 contested situations is awe-inspiring, especially given his slender frame. Avery's strength at the catch point allows him to compete effectively against defenders.   Defensively, Avery stands out with his willingness to contribute in the run game. He excels at getting downhill to make tackles for loss and showcases his skills in pass defense by creating pass breakups and getting his hands on the ball. His all-around defensive prowess makes him a key player on the back end.   Matt Avery's wide array of skills on both offense and defense positions him as a strong prospect. Adding more weight could enhance his game further, potentially leading to offers. His ability to perform in various roles makes him a player to watch as he develops.        [player_tooltip player_id='995371' first='Justus' last='Peyton'], a 6'1”, 260-pound linebacker and edge rusher, stands out primarily for his linebacker skills. His use of hands is awe-inspiring, allowing him to gain leverage and control over his opponents. Payton's quick and violent hands make winning the battle for the defender's chest easy.   On the edge, Peyton excels at playing contain and effectively managing read-option plays. His decisiveness and understanding of his position ensure he's always in the right spot. Although his pass-rushing skills aren't extensively showcased on tape, his ability to use his length and instincts to bat down passes is evident.   The one area of growth for Peyton is his pass-rushing ability. As he continues to work diligently on his craft, there is great anticipation for the new moves and techniques he will add to his arsenal. His progress in this area will be crucial to his development and success as a more complete on-ball linebacker and edge rusher.   [player_tooltip player_id='995371' first='Justus' last='Peyton']'s strong fundamentals and potential for growth make him an exciting player to watch in the upcoming season. His continued improvement in pass rushing will be key to elevating his game to the next level.      Melvin Zabaleta, a 6'2”, 200-pound defensive end and tight end, excels at both positions. As a tight end, he moves exceptionally well, showcasing great foot speed, agility, and acceleration with the ball in his hands. His ability to change direction smoothly and his pure athleticism makes him a standout during seven-on-seven drills and gameplay.   Defensively, Zabaleta primarily plays as a rusher. He possesses all the desirable athletic traits, including a long frame, good arm length, and an impressive initial burst. His athleticism is evident in his performance, even though he has not yet fully honed the technical aspects of either position.   Currently, Zabaleta appears most natural and comfortable at tight end, where the technical demands are fewer compared to an edge rusher. Despite this, his potential to play at the Division I level is evident in both roles. As he continues to develop and refine his skills, he is poised to become a top five or top ten prospect in the 2027 class from New Jersey.   Melvin Zabaleta's versatility and athleticism make him an exciting player to watch as he progresses. His future is bright, and with continued development, he could excel at either tight end or defensive end at the collegiate level.     <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MelvinZabaleta/status/1803428988972392528 </div></figure>      [player_tooltip player_id='1227917' first='Marco' last='De Croce'], a 6'4”, 270-pound offensive lineman, exemplifies the ideal blend of size, athleticism, and strength. His performance on the field showcases his ability to dominate in multiple aspects of the game.   In the run game, Marco is a force, blocking to the whistle and maintaining solid pad leverage. He effectively uses his hands and demonstrates good footwork and balance. His ability to pull and block in space, combined with his impressive foot speed for his size, allows him to engage defenders on the edge, including corners.   As a pass protector, Marco excels at withstanding bull rushes and overpowering opponents with his grip strength. His hand technique is top-notch, and he moves well to any necessary position while maintaining protection. His foot speed and athleticism are strong suits, ensuring he doesn't have any glaring weaknesses in his game.   Despite holding 14 Division I offers, Marco isn't often mentioned among the top offensive linemen in New Jersey. This upcoming season is poised to be his breakout year, where he can firmly establish himself as a premier offensive lineman in the state. His combination of skills and physical attributes makes him a standout player to watch.      [player_tooltip player_id='1537288' first='Austin' last='Bailey'] Jr., a 6'1”, 150-pound cornerback, stands out with his long, lanky frame and impressive skill set. His length is a significant asset, allowing him to excel in off-coverage, whether it's off-zone or man. While he has some experience with press-man coverage, his best work is done in off-coverage.   One of Austin's standout traits is his combination of instincts, deceptive quickness, and intelligence for a high school defensive back. He's adept at baiting quarterbacks into making mistakes and excels at mirroring receivers. His recent offer from Sacred Heart is a testament to his abilities, especially after a strong showing at their camp.   Watching his film, it's clear why coaches are enamored with his play. Austin has a solid tackling ability and isn't afraid to hit. While his contributions to the run game aren't fully known, he consistently makes crucial tackles on third downs, showcasing his reliability in critical situations.   [player_tooltip player_id='1537288' first='Austin' last='Bailey'] Jr. has another level he can reach, and it will be exciting to see his progression in the upcoming season. As he continues to develop, more schools are likely to take notice of his talent and potential, making him a prospect to watch closely.