New Kids on the Block: NJ’s Top 2028 Defensive Players

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New Jersey's 2028 class has athletes on the defensive side of the ball that have a good chance of getting opportunities in 2024. These are the players that you can expect offers early in their careers. What's amazing about a few of these prospects, especially the defensive linemen, is that they have varsity level size entering their freshman year. They have the chance to jump right into it and compete with the best the state has to offer. Let me introduce you to NJ's 2028 top defensive talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["991935"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65411b575a169"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='991935' first='Jayden' last='Beckley'] may be the next great Bergen Catholic defensive lineman. With the recent success of Elijah Kinsler (West Virginia), Sydir Mitchell (Texas), and DJ Samuels (Maryland), it is no wonder Jayden would gravitate to a school with a such a rare pedigree of talent at the position. Getting the chance to learn under [player_tooltip player_id='939676' first='Jermaine' last='Kinsler'], Jayden will be in a position to flourish when he gets the chance to step onto the field. Jayden is a relentless rusher that is near impossible to slow down once he gets going. With the frame and strength of an upperclassman already, Jayden is extremely effective with his hands as he's able to out leverage the blocker and literally toss them to the side. He will be bull rushing O-linemen for years to come. Already receiving offers from West Virginia, Syracuse, Boston College, and Marshall, Jayden may be on his way to top tier programs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["991953"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65411b575a1de"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='991953' first='Jason' last='Berecsky'] is no ordinary freshman linebacker. Coming into his freshman season with great size, Jason is on his way to getting national recognition very quickly. Jason is a special talent that really could end up lining up as a backer or a safety. He has displayed quick feet and acceleration out of his stance, allowing him to end a play swiftly. He also has the vision and instinct to anticipate play flow and make his move before his opponent's can react. The reason I could see him transition to the safety position is because is he is a natural in coverage and has shown he can change directions quickly and high point the ball when he competes for it. Another player on the list that has received an offer from West Virginia, Jason is set to bring in more offers over these upcoming months. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1011932"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65411b575a24e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An interior defensive lineman for St. John Vianney, [player_tooltip player_id='1011932' first='Michael' last='Buchanan'] is a stout prospect that is a built strong and can battle with those larger and harder to move blockers. A player that can hold his ground, Michael is built with a sturdy base and make it tough for blockers to push him around. You will find him stuffing any run making its way through the middle. With a frame to perform well on offense as well, Michael will most likely see reps on both sides of the ball in the future. I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up specializing as an offensive tackle instead. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["963511"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660da3be5d35b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another athlete that could shape up to play multiple roles throughout his high school career, [player_tooltip player_id='963511' first='Johnny' last='Chirico'] is an athlete that will get plenty of reps it on offense and defense over the next few seasons. Focusing on his skillsets as a defender, Johnny is extremely quick and can beat the runner to the hole to blow up the play. A strong nosed tackler, Johnny can bring the hit to the ball carrier and knock them backwards. Johnny's current size plays to his advantage as he's able to move nimbly and cover a ton of ground quickly. Don't be surprised if Johnny gets reclassified as an Athlete after this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1140861"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c7571e31e41"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A larger than life defender for St. Josephs, it is hard to believe [player_tooltip player_id='1140861' first='Melvin' last='Clark'] is only entering his freshman season. A physical, gritty D-lineman with a ton of upside, Melvin is one of those prospects that has the untapped potential to be as well recognized as any other D-lineman in his class. Getting Melvin into St. Josephs system is going to pay off dividends as they help him master his craft and continue to utilize his size, strength, and natural born ability. This is a name we should hear more and more about as each season passes by. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->