Top Offensive Performers From NJ Big Central

Looking at the Big Central conference, we are starting to see the top players emerging from the rest. Leading their teams to wins in triumphant fashion, each of these players are making a name for themselves early on in the 2024 season.    In just two weeks, [player_tooltip player_id='934015' first='Arique' last='Fleming'] has shown exactly why he is the #1 QB in the NJ 2027 class. In a 25-6 victory over Bayonne, Arique accounted for all four of Elizabeth's touchdowns, as he lit up the field with four passing touchdowns and 180 yards. Arique is developing into one of the top prospects in the entire state. Few sophomores shine as bright as Arique, as his play on the field and overall size demands your attention.   Arique is the full package lining up as the signal caller for Elizabeth. A naturally gifted QB, Arique delivers the ball with a quick release and a ton of zip behind it. He can hit his man in stride across the middle with precision and exceptional ball placement. I really like seeing how intelligent Arique plays the position. He really seems to take in the whole field, let the play develop, and patiently waits for his time to strike. Mobile in the pocket, Arique has the instinct to feel the pressure closing in on him and slide around the pocket while he maintains his sights downfield. Arique is a true game changer and can elevate Elizabeth to a level very few teams ever achieve.     How often do you find a player surpass 100 yards for rushing and receiving in a single game? That's exactly what [player_tooltip player_id='946851' first='Joshua' last='Rodriguez'] did last weekend for Somerville. The total package of an athlete, Joshua put up 219 offensive yards and 3 touchdowns. Electric off of the line, Joshua can burst from his stance as a receiver with an intense drive of the legs and immediate speed downfield. When he darts in the direction of the DB at that pace, they are caught in a position where they will have trouble getting out of their back peddle when he breaks on his route. On top of his speed, Joshua may have some of the best hands in the state. There are countless examples of Joshua bringing in the ball when it looks out of reach, and also tracking the ball over his shoulder and contorting his body to make the play.   Lining up in the wildcat, Joshua transforms into a bigger RB and runs the ball with authority. With the vision to see lanes open up, Joshua can use his quickness to bounce away from trouble and get to the second level. Joshua already has offers from Pitt, WVU, Georgia Tech, and many more, and if he keeps performing as he has, there are sure to be some big name programs reaching out.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Jrodriguez_1k/status/1832792616544456759 </div></figure>    After seeing the Rahway athletes perform at the NYNJ Combine in May, I had a strong feeling this team was going to hit the ground running once the season begun. So far, they have not disappointed as they are undefeated after the first two games. In their most recent victory against Scotch Plains-Fanwood, a few players in particular really excelled on the football field. [player_tooltip player_id='1002386' first='Andrew' last='Avent'], one of the MVPs from the NYNJ Combine, put on a show last weekend on both sides of the ball. While he received MVP honors for his efforts as a linebacker, Andrew doubled as a gritty back last weekend with 19 carries, 125 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Andrew is built different than most athletes in the state. He has broad shoulders and a powerful set of legs, capable of running through defenders when he sees fit. Andrew not only is a reliable back between the tackles, but can get into the open field and utilize quick feet to stun defenders in place and cut up field. Andrew is only a junior and has offers from Sacred Heart and LIU, but I am sure he is going to gain more collegiate attention as the season progresses.     Delaware Valley has a top tier target in [player_tooltip player_id='1040419' first='Eric' last='Klemmer']. In a 21-0 victory over South Plainfield, Eric was able to make the most of his opportunities as he was able to catch 4 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown. It is very difficult for a DB at the high school level to compete with players with Eric's size and dimensions.   If ever in a tricky situation, Delaware Valley could just chuck it up to Eric and will have a high likelihood of him coming down with it. His frame and reach alone prevents defenders from getting their hands in and breaking up the pass, and he doesn't get rattled when a defender makes contact with him. With great concentration, Eric is able to dial in on the ball and make sure he secures the catch before turning upfield. An exceptional basketball player as well, you know Eric can get vertical quickly to outcompete the defender for the ball.      Manville has started the 2024 season quickly with a 2-0 record and a dominant performance against Hopatcong last week. In the 33-0 win, Manville was firing on all cylinders, but really wore the Chiefs down with a relentless rushing attack. Manville has an impressive 1-2 punch with [player_tooltip player_id='1048182' first='Isaiah' last='Bennett'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1011816' first='Naquavere' last='Thomas']. While both put on big numbers, the attention in this article is going to go towards Isaiah. The smaller of the two backs, Isaiah trusts his blockers as he follows them to freedom. Isaiah is a smart, patient back that lets the lanes open and can accelerate in the open field. It is impressive to see the wiggle Isaiah has when going toe-to-toe with defenders in the box. Isaiah can shake away from them and dart to daylight on his way to the end zone. After rushing for 114 yards and 2 touchdowns last weekend, Isaiah is a back that is about to get a lot more attention.

Looking at the Big Central conference, we are starting to see the top players emerging from the rest. Leading their teams to wins in triumphant fashion, each of these players are making a name for themselves early on in the 2024 season.