Returning Prospects in Upstate NY

July is here, and football players around the upstate NY region are getting into elite shape for the upcoming season. These returning prospects put on a showcase this past season and are looking to put their skills to the test when facing competition once again this season. Take a look at these returning prospects, and some that are new on my radar for the upcoming season.    [player_tooltip player_id='1213835' first='Matthew' last='Heininger'] is an upcoming junior for Brighton High School that was 2nd team AGR. Coming into this season, Heininger is looking to continue upon his success and improve his dominant game even more. Heininger stands at 6'1” and weighs 220-pounds. When it comes to the LB position, getting behind the LOS and causing problems was the name of the game for Matthew. So many times, Heininger was able to read the play quickly, and attack with explosive speed on ball carriers. Many times, Heininger was able to run down the QB and running backs on tape. This is a very polished and balanced tackler that is very excellent at making tackles in space. I also loved how excellent Heininger's coverage ability was in space with the opposition. In addition to the LB spot, Heininger also plays the TE position where he was able to make big-time grabs. The speed that Heininger has over the middle of the field to create separation was a huge benefactor for his play at the TE spot. Brighton has a huge star here with [player_tooltip player_id='1213835' first='Matthew' last='Heininger'] and if he continues to put in the effort, he will go a long way.      [player_tooltip player_id='726199' first='Joshua' last='Ernst'] had a heck of a junior season this past season for Aquinas Institute. Ernst on the year had 2 INTs, 1 fumble recovery, and 4 PBUs. This is a very versatile DB that can play all around the field. Ernst has even played at CB, SS and sometimes the LB spot for Aquinas. Coming into this year, Ernst will be a senior, and he will be relying heavily on his eyes when tracking the football deep down the field in coverage. Many times, Ernst's eyes were key to being able to track the ball quickly over the top to make quick defensive plays. I was very impressed with how quickly Ernst could get from point A to point B in such a short period of time. Continuing to develop his footwork in coverage and off the snap is only going to make him a better CB. Ernst does stand in at 6'1” and will show up in run support as well for his defense. This is a CB that plays a heavy amount of off coverage and doesn't play a lot of press but can get physical on WRs when need be.       Bronx Buchholz is a senior QB for Batavia High School that knows how to use his legs to extend plays, but also makes an extreme number of plays for first downs and TDs. There is no shortage of being a tough running QB here with Buchholz when need be. Buchholz does have a fire behind his release that comes in handy when it comes to short passes over the middle of the field. Plenty of times on tape, Buchoholz was able to hit his targets over the middle of the field for huge gains, some passes even coming through the smallest of windows. What was also impressive was the ability to make throws on the run or off-balance. Many times, Bronx was able to sneak a throw into a receiver's hands when on the run. Continuing to develop the deep passing accuracy and power will only improve Buchholz's game as a pure passing talent.      The QB here for East High School is [player_tooltip player_id='1273586' first='Tyler' last='Benjamin'], who stands at a mighty 6'2” and weighs 218-pounds. Benjamin will be entering into his senior season at East and is a tough QB to bring down. When playing the QB position, Benjamin stands strong in the pocket and delivers strikes to his intended targets. I was amazed by how quick Benjamin was able to get the ball out of his hands and the accuracy he was able to display consistently to his receivers on routes. Continuing to trust his eyes going through his full passing progressions, and staying balanced will be a key for Benjamin into this next season for him to take a major leap. When plays would break down, Tyler was able to get out on the run and deliver moves on defenders, including a mean stiff arm. Keeping plays alive is a strong trait for this young QB, and it will be exciting to see what he can do next.      Keyon McCawthan is a 6'1” DT and RT that weighs 270-pounds and will be entering into his senior season for Rochester Prep High School. When it comes to the DT position there is a lot of fire, power, and speed that comes off of Keyon's play. That power was incredibly critical when it came to McCawthan attacking the opposing team's run game. Plenty of times, McCawthan was able to get a great jump off the snap and force his way through the LOS to make a big-time TFL. Being able to split right through the A and B gaps provided huge dividends to the defense line for Rochester Prep. The other play on film that was amazing to see was when McCawthan was able to block a punt. This showed me just how much speed and effort that Keyon gives on every down for his team. A huge under the radar talent here for Rochester Prep.      [player_tooltip player_id='527733' first='Kaleb' last='Matthews'] is a very aggressive FS that plays for Brighton High School. Matthews Stands in at 6'3” and weighs 185-pounds. The playing style that Matthews attacks ball carriers with is 100% no-fear. Many times, Matthews was seen on tape coming down hill or off the edge, attacking the RB in a hurry. The tackling ability that Matthews possesses was very clean and polished. This is a DB that will be a big hitter and get up with emotion. I was really impressed with how quickly Matthews could block-shed bigger opponents, especially in one-on-one situations. When it comes to the pure coverage ability, Matthews was also a factor in being able to line up in the slot and fast at attacking the ball when it is in the air.  A very fun and talented player for the Brighton defense that will be entering into his final season.

July is here, and football players around the upstate NY region are getting into elite shape for the upcoming season. These returning prospects put on a showcase this past season and are looking to put their skills to the test when facing competition once again this season. Take a look at these returning prospects, and some that are new on my radar for the upcoming season.