Takeaways From NY vs. NJ 8th Grade (2028) All-Star Game

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It wasn't the prettiest game in terms of penalties or sustained rhythm, but there were some clear takeaways from the contest. Nothing great starts out perfect right out of the gate, but this game has the potential to be an annual meeting of elite talent in the New York Metropolitan area. Below are my quick takeaways from the game this past weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- New Jersey prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1095979' first='Chase' last='Winterborne'] has established himself as one of the best 2028 Athletes in all of the Garden State. Playing primarily Outside Linebacker in the game, he met the very first tackle of the game to set the tone. He then went on to unofficially be in on double digit tackles and had an interception. In the best play of the game, he also had an exciting scoop and score that quickly ended New York's first drive of the second half. The Cinnaminson prospect will be taking his talents to perennial national powerhouse, St. Joe's Prep in Philadelphia, for high school. He was worth tuning in for, alone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- It was tough sledding for the New York offense the whole game, but Wide Receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1295949' first='Nayir' last='Jackson'] was certainly a bright spot. The squad from the Big Apple didn't get on the board, but he made the most of the opportunities he had after making some catches on the outside. He's big, long and can turn on some physicality when he needs to. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- New Jersey Quarterback <strong>Darnell Davis</strong> opened my eyes in a big way. Truth be told, I had never heard of Davis before the game and he wasn't even on the roster I was provided. However, he quickly became a must-see player every time he kept the ball. He made the throws Quarterbacks are expected to make, but then dazzled with was some special plays. On top of two touchdown passes, his most spectacular moment of the day came on the final play of the first half when he scampered for a touchdown on a broken play, making multiple people miss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- On the defensive side of the ball, New York didn't have it's best day, as they ultimately lost the game 24-0. However, there were several bright spots for them, like Defensive Back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1367187' first='Tito' last='Jackson']</strong>. Jackson did a nice job with coverage throughout the day and his most special play of the day, came away with a crucial interception off a tipped ball to end a New Jersey drive halfway through the first quarter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Another prospect that wasn't on the roster I was provided, but after watching a few plays, my assumptions were confirmed that it was [player_tooltip player_id='1145682' first='George' last='Figueroa III'] making plays at Running Back. He made a number of impressive runs throughout the game that showed off his vision and speed. Highlighting his day was an impressive run in the second quarter, where he reversed field and picked up a nice gain. Figueroa III also scored the final touchdown of the day for New Jersey on a wheel route, where he burned a Linebacker deep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A bright spot on the defensive line for New York was the enormous <strong>Aden Padillia</strong>. He played Nose and Defensive Tackle throughout the day and was tough to move off the ball. He made a number of tackles at the line of scrimmage and drew a number of double teams throughout the contest. In terms of the future, he could stand drop some weight and I don't think it would effect his ability much at all.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">New Jersey Standouts</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='1283932' first='Tavion' last='Miller'] made some nice plays at Linebacker, including a sack in the first half. I like him as a Running Back as well, though he didn't get any touches there. A lot of quickness thgere</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='1140610' first='Anthony' last='Nelson'] was a dominant force on the defensive line throughout the day. Multiple tackles for loss, a sack and just disruptive all game long. New York didn't have an answer for him as a Defensive Tackle</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Every time I think I have him pegged as Linebacker or a Running Back, [player_tooltip player_id='963511' first='Johnny' last='Chirico'] makes me second guess myself. A number of good, quality runs as a Running Back. He was noticeably faster than when he came to our camp in January.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Sadiq Marshall was active as an Edge rusher. Used his speed to make a home in the backfield. Made the big hit that caused the fumble on Winterborne's scoop and score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Wide Receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1269083' first='Quayshawn' last='Davis'] had a touchdown reception for NJ and [player_tooltip player_id='1141040' first='Davian' last='Roman'] made a few nice grabs to keep the chains moving</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The entire New Jersey offensive line had their way with the New York line. I was especially impressed by LG [player_tooltip player_id='1140611' first='Braden' last='Shields'], LT <strong>Christopher Forte</strong> and RG [player_tooltip player_id='1147296' first='Aaron' last='Spalding'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">New York Standouts</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Erasmus Hall is getting a number of good prospects in this 2028 crop--including several in this game. One of which was <strong>Chase Sinclair</strong> who had a number of tackles, including some for a loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Another future E-Hall Dutchmen, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1367191' first='Justin' last='Flowers']</strong> stood out in the game against New Jersey, too. He was in nearly as many tackles as Sinclair in the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- He didn't an opportunity to get rolling because of New Jersey's play, but [player_tooltip player_id='834250' first='Logan' last='Laurent'] proved to be exactly what I thought he was. He broke up a few passes on the defensive side of the ball in the secondary and recovered a fumble early in the third quarter. He also got a few touches on the offensive side of the ball. He's a good looking athlete and should continue to ascend</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->