Top Week 2 Performers from North NJ

Two weeks into the season and New Jersey's northern athletes are producing some big time performances. If you're not familiar with any of theses players yet, now is the time to get introduced. Some of these names are players I have come back to frequently because they continue to live up to the hype, while others on the list are making their first appearance in an article and are on the path to statewide recognition.    One of my favorite linebackers in the entire state, [player_tooltip player_id='1087572' first='Lincoln' last='Youtz'] put on a defensive show this past weekend for Mt. Olive. Holding Randolph to 14 points, a lot of that success stems from [player_tooltip player_id='1087572' first='Lincoln' last='Youtz']'s experience as the lead tackler on an impressive defensive unit. Lincoln took control of the game, as he was a constant presence in the backfield and prevented Randolph from ever building up any momentum.   You need to slow Lincoln down if he's blitzing because he can do some serious damage with the intensity he brings to the hit. There were multiple times that Randolph's O-line didn't pick up the blitz and Lincoln had a clean shot on their QB. He does a great job disguising the blitz and quickly pounces out of his stance to shoot the gap. That is how Lincoln was able to sack the QB 3.5 times last weekend and rack up another 11 tackles.      We keep coming back to him, and for good reason. [player_tooltip player_id='1043545' first='Tyler' last='Cumming'] put up another commanding performance. In a 49-14 statement win last weekend, Tyler imposed his will on a talented Randolph squad. Rushing for 179 yards and finding the end zone 2 times, Tyler once again used a relentless rushing effort to take control of his offense's rushing attack. An oversized running back, Tyler is tough to grapple with as his leg size and broad shoulders overpowers defenders he comes up against. Tyler is truly a durable back, having the ability to take the handoff play after play and continue to scamper off for big gains. As long as Tyler continues to look like one of the best backs in the north, we will continue to feature him.      Jahsyn has been asked to take on on a different role in 2024, and so far he is flourishing. Taking on a true athlete role this season, Jahsyn is now slinging the rock for Newark Central and producing through the air and on the ground as a duel threat QB. Traditionally a wide receiver with the size and length he has, Jahsyn is showing off his versatility by stepping into a role on offense that he most likely won't be playing at in college.   This past weekend, Jahsyn did not disappoint. As Newark Central's signal caller Jahysn was able to find the end zone through the air once and also throw for 128 yards. On top of this, Jahsyn applied his elite running capabilities by rushing for 181 yards and 3 touchdowns. Putting Jahsyn in at QB works tremendously well because Newark Central is putting the ball in their best player's hands each and every down. This gives Jahsyn the chance to hurt defenses in many more ways than if he lined up as a receiver this season. Jahsyn is an efficient thrower, but is even more deadly through the ground game. Jahsyn can make split second decisions and burst through a seam to get to daylight. Once he's off to the races, good luck catching him. Two of Jahysn's rushing touchdowns came from behind 25 yards. With offers from schools like Army, Minnesota, Duke, BC, WVU, and many more, Jahsyn will continue to build his resume and will see more offers flow his direction.     [player_tooltip player_id='1012783' first='Anthony' last='Feaster'] is off to a quick start this season as he put up a very impressive performance for Montville this past weekend. With 13 carries Anthony was able to make the most of his opportunities and torch a fatigued Chatham defense. Rushing for 155 yards and finding the end zone 3 times, Anthony gave Montville the confidence to continue handing the ball off to him no matter the down or distance. Anthony may be the most sensational athlete in his division. He is a silky smooth rusher that can accelerate through the opening and reach his top end speed very quickly. A bruiser of a back as well, Anthony can use his size and power to take the ball between the tackles and fight for difficult yardage. Anthony is a durable, reliable back that should be kept in mind when looking for a top tier athlete. Schools such as Army, Columbia, Lehigh and Penn have taken notice of Anthony's talents, and more schools should follow suit.     [player_tooltip player_id='1570670' first='Karriem' last='Coston'] is one of those players that has very little media presence or game film to breakdown. However, he is worth keeping an eye on even if it is just keeping up to date with the numbers that he is putting up from week to week. In Shabazz's romping of West Side, Karriem put on a clinic. In the 68-24 win, Shabazz's QB threw 13-17, 150 yards and 4 touchdowns. Through his first two games, Karriem has thrown 7 touchdowns to zero interceptions. Keep a close eye on what's going on at Shabazz.     Another player contributing to a dominant offense performance, running back [player_tooltip player_id='1027668' first='Dylan' last='Duerring'] took off for big gains as Warren Hills trampled Morris Hills 56-0 last weekend. Warren Hills is cooking up one of the most impressive rushing attacks in the state. [player_tooltip player_id='1027668' first='Dylan' last='Duerring'] rushed for an impressive 184 yards and 3 touchdowns as he helped give his team a hefty lead versus Morris Hills. Dylan is an impressive, rugged runner that can deliver angry runs to defenders and bounce off would-be tacklers. This grittiness is no surprise, as Dylan is committed to Marquette as a goalie for lacrosse.   To go with [player_tooltip player_id='1027668' first='Dylan' last='Duerring'] is [player_tooltip player_id='1027666' first='Brock' last='Duerring'] as well. Just as dominant on the ground, Brock took off for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns. This Duerring duo may be tough to slow down come playoff time.

Two weeks into the season and New Jersey's northern athletes are producing some big time performances. If you're not familiar with any of theses players yet, now is the time to get introduced. Some of these names are players I have come back to frequently because they continue to live up to the hype, while others on the list are making their first appearance in an article and are on the path to statewide recognition.