New Kids on the Block: NJ's Top 2028 Offensive Players Pt. 2

2028 is loaded with so much talent that we needed to dedicate a part two for the offense and defense. Luckily for me, I have gotten the chance to see a lot of these players perform in the past at camps and combines, and really got a sense of how their skills will translate to the high school level. Here are another five names you need to get to know before the first kickoff.    If this is your first time hearing about [player_tooltip player_id='1145682' first='George' last='Figueroa III'], I can promise you it won't be your last. I don't know there is another 2028 RB in the state that can run like George can. This is one of the most elusive backs and overall players in the class. George's change of direction is unmatched, as few RBs can react and move as quickly as he can. What's most impressive in his agility is how low he can get when he cuts, allowing him to explode and decisively move in the opposite direction. George has that burst out of the gate that can force missed tackles and bad angles, and he has the field awareness to know which direction to take the run. George has a knack for finding the open lane and getting to daylight.       Find me another 6'0" freshman running back in the state; I don't know if it can be done. [player_tooltip player_id='1001358' first='Kaseem' last='Hall'] is an absolute monster of a back that outsized every LB and DB he came up against in 2023. It truly was unfair watching him run over defenders and dragging them across the field as he made his way to the end zone. Kaseem fits the definition of a power back. He doesn't have the speed of an elite runner, but he has the power to push forward, drive defenders backwards, and fight for the yardage necessary to move the sticks. Kaseem is currently listed as an RB, but I wouldn't be surprised he pivoted to other positions on offense (FB or TE) or transitions fully to the defensive side of the ball.     St. Joseph Regional has their future quarterback in [player_tooltip player_id='843330' first='Bryce' last='Longo']. A tall freshman with an athletic build, Bryce is on his way to getting noticed within the state. Bryce has all of the characteristics and skills necessary to develop into one of the top QBs in the 2028 class. He is a player that has been putting in a tremendous amount of work in the offseason through his camp exposure and offseason training. Bryce has elite arm talent and can really throw the ball with zip behind it. The ball comes out of his hands in a tight spiral and he's able to deliver the ball right where it needs to go. On top of the arm strength, Bryce has fast feet in the pocket and can pivot quickly to get his shoulders in line with the receiver. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Bryce ended up getting snagged by one of the top private schools in the state by the end of the year.       Another quarterback that I got to see at the NYNJ Next Combine earlier in the offseason, [player_tooltip player_id='1087135' first='Zach' last='Merhar'] is a stand out talent ready to line up for Paul VI. Zach is a very technical thrower, showing in May at the Combine that he can move precisely in the pocket, go through his progressions, and deliver accurate throws on time. Most impressive, Zach is prepared for high school football with his stature (6'1") and frame, making it possible for him to potentially get some reps in early in his career. If there is one QB that has natural instinct for the position and can elevate his team every time he steps on the field, it is [player_tooltip player_id='1087135' first='Zach' last='Merhar'].     Glassboro must be doing something right, because they consistently have the most talented underclassmen in the state. Not only that, but the freshman from a year ago got a ton of playing time in at the varsity level in 2023. This trend may continue once again in 2024 with freshman receiver [player_tooltip player_id='965246' first='Mekhi' last='Parker']. A tall target for a freshman, Mekhi can outstretch those he goes up against for the ball. Mekhi is a larger than life target to throw to, giving Kristopher Foster a player with a large range to throw towards. [player_tooltip player_id='426571' first='Xavier' last='Sabb'] got the chance to play a big part in Glassboro's offense last season as a freshman, and I expect a similar impact from Mekhi. He will give Glassboro a receiver that you can toss it up to and be sure he has high probability of outcompeting the defender for the ball. With the hands strength and vertical capabilities Mekhi has, very few DBs will be able to contend with him.

2028 is loaded with so much talent that we needed to dedicate a part two for the offense and defense. Luckily for me, I have gotten the chance to see a lot of these players perform in the past at camps and combines, and really got a sense of how their skills will translate to the high school level. Here are another five names you need to get to know before the first kickoff.