Jersey Shore 12U All-Star Tryouts: Linemen Standouts

The defending AYF National Champions in the All-Star division--in both the 12U and 14U divisions--were back on the field this past weekend with their annual tryout. Nearly 135 prospects took the field to tryout to become a member of the decorated program. While each position grouping (OL/DL, RB/LB, WR/DB/QB and Specialists) had some impressive play, the O-Line and D-Line group was up and away the deepest and most competitive. Below are the line prospects that stood out to me from the tryout.   Note: Team selections are made by the coaches. Being mentioned or not mentioned below, has no baring on team selection.    One of several Asbury Park prospects that stood out throughout the day, he was the largest of the group—right around 6-foot and I'm estimating in the 230-pound range. Etienne did a good job on both sides of the ball and looked versatile enough to play both Guard and/or Tackle on the Offensive Line. Defensively he looks like a great option as a strong interior Defensive Tackle, with somewhat surprising quickness.     Without question Walsh was the biggest prospect at the tryout, standing upwards of 6-foot-2 and I'm estimating he's in the 240-pound range. Assumingly the biggest kid on every field he steps on, there are certainly some technique and fundamental things to work on—but you can't teach this size. He has boats for feet and impressive length. Tie in an older brother and Dad with college football experience, he has the genetics and size to go far.     In my opinion, the best lineman I saw on either and both sides of the ball was Steinhandler. He's a big, thick kid that didn't lose many reps throughout the day, standing 5-foot-11 and an estimated 235-pounds. He did a good job of sitting in his stance and exploding out, using all the power in his lower body to dominate at the point of contact. On top of size and power, he had an impressive motor and a bit of a mean streak when push came to shove.     It was an up and down tryout for Faulkingham, with obviously more ups than downs. He was one of the stronger-looking linemen at the tryout and won the one-on-one reps he should have, in addition to holding his own in the tougher battles.     Lombardo did a nice job at the tryouts and is one of the lone returners from the Jersey Shore AYF 12U All-Star team from a year ago. He was a sixth-grader a year ago and after winning an AYF All-Star National Title, Lombardo returned a bigger and better prospect. He has a body type that can, and should continue, to allow him to play Offensive Line, Defensive Line and even some Tight End. In my opinion, he looks like he should compete for significant time as a Guard.     Before even looking down at my roster, it was obvious Muirhead carried himself with a bit more maturity and seriousness than some of the other prospects at the tryout. He was one of the few eighth-graders at the tryout, making him also one of the youngest 2029 prospects. I liked the way he stuck to the fundamentals and despite not having the size and thickness of some of the other linemen there, he won a ton of reps. He looks like a nice option as an interior Offensive Lineman or a quicker Defensive Lineman.     Another class of 2029 prospect that stood out to me was Rueck. He didn't catch my eye at first, or even second glance, but when I got a chance to watch him during one-on-one's I was impressed with his ability on the Offensive Line. Even against some of the biggest and toughest kids, Rueck got low enough to stand up the bigger guys and stop them in their tracks. He'll be an interesting piece should he get selected, because with his strength he fits on the interior of either line.     Throughout the tryout, when Taylor had a good rep—it was really good; However, when he lost a rep it left you scratching your head. He's a wide body with enough foot quickness to get the first step in before the opposing player. He was one of several kids that tried out at the Center position, but one of the only consistent snappers with the body type to play the position at this point.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Additional Standouts</h2>   Luka Neris | Point Pleasant | 2030   [player_tooltip player_id='1653731' first='I'Zameek' last='Harris'] | Asbury Park | 2030   Gabe Kirk | Red Bank | 2030   [player_tooltip player_id='1475496' first='Sebastian' last='Meyers'] | Southern | 2031

The defending AYF National Champions in the All-Star division--in both the 12U and 14U divisions--were back on the field this past weekend with their annual tryout. Nearly 135 prospects took the field to tryout to become a member of the decorated program. While each position grouping (OL/DL, RB/LB, WR/DB/QB and Specialists) had some impressive play, the O-Line and D-Line group was up and away the deepest and most competitive. Below are the line prospects that stood out to me from the tryout.