Midseason New Jersey Run-Stuffer of the Year Candidates

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With just over half the season past, it is time that we look at some of the top run-stuffing play from across our great, Garden State. Below you will breakout candidates and a brief case as to why they deserve to be the top player at their position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["218547"],"_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-671159b0bae0b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Season Stats:</strong> 95 tackles (59 solo), 3 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, 1 fumble recovery, 1 interception </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Game: </strong>17 tackles (11 solo), 3 tackles for loss, 1 interception @ Kingsway</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Worst Game: </strong>9 tackles (5 solo), 2 tackles for loss vs. Delsea</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case For:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has played in three one-score games</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Also leads the team in offensive touches</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Team leader in tackles for loss, by a wide margin</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case Against:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Moderately strong team with 71.38 Strength Index</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Schedule could be tougher. 56.33 OSI.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Opponents apparently run the ball a whole lot. One of four players on the team with 50+ tackles; one of two players with 85+ tackles.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1467565"],"_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-671159b0bafa8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Season Stats:</strong> 90 tackles (53 solo), 2 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 pick-six </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Game: </strong>18 tackles (14 solo), 1 pick-six @ North Hunterdon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Worst Game: </strong>9 tackles (4 solo) vs. Woodbridge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case For:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Consistently making plays in the backfield</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Leads team in tackles by a wide margin of 35 tackles</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Team got off to a hot start. Strength Index has cooled to 58.28.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case Against:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A one-way player.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Weak schedule at a 44.28 OSI</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["736704"],"_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-671159b0bb023"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Season Stats:</strong> 83 tackles (64 solo), 3.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, 1 fumble recovery, 1 interception</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Game: </strong>15 tackles (6 solo), 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks @ Toms River East</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Worst Game: </strong>6 tackles (1 solo), 3 tackles for loss vs. Jackson Liberty</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case For:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Makes several plays in the backfield on a consistent basis</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Leads team in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks by a wide margin of over 30 tackles</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Respectable team with a Strength Index of 54.94</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case Against:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A one-way player.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Plays a very week schedule with an OSI of 38.97</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1523190"],"_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-671159b0bb09a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Season Stats:</strong> 81 tackles (29 solo), 3 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, 2 fumbles forced, 1 interception</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Game: </strong>15 tackles (4 solo), 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception @ Lower Cape May</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Worst Game: </strong>9 tackles (3 solo), 1 forced fumble vs. Ocean City</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case For:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Capable of monster games. Had two to open the season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Leads team in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks by a wide margin of over 30 tackles</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Plays both ways. Spell/rotational running back.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has more than double the amount of tackles than his next closest teammate</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case Against:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A one-way player.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Plays a weak schedule. OSI is at 38.22.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Slightly above-average team with a Strength Index of 60.30</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has a few games where his production is limited.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1522100"],"_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-671159b0bb127"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Season Stats:</strong> 104 tackles (28 solo), 3.5 sacks, 3 tackles for loss</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Game: </strong>25 tackles (6 solo), 2 sacks vs. Kittatinny</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Worst Game: </strong>9 tackles (5 solo) @ Morris Hills</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case For:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Currently leads the state in total tackles</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hustles to the ball, great pursuit as evidenced by 73 assisted tackles. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Leads his team in sacks</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case Against:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Not one to make many solo stops. Assisted tackles outpace solo stops by better than 4:1. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Not one to make many havoc plays</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Weaker team with a Strength Index of 53.22 with a weak schedule (35.71 OSI).</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1532426"],"_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-671159b0bb1a4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Season Stats:</strong>&nbsp;86 tackles (46 solo), 3 sacks, 6 tackles for loss</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Game:&nbsp;</strong>13 tackles (8 solo), 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks @ Kingsway</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Worst Game:&nbsp;</strong>14 tackles (7 solo) @ Camden</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case For:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Consistent production stopping the run</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Producing big-time results as just a sophomore </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Seems to be a sure tackler. Most of his games he makes more solo stops than assisted tackles.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case Against:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Does not make many havoc plays</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Most disruptive play seem to occur in in one game, not game-to-game</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Opponents seem to prefer to run the ball. He is one of four players on the team with 50+ tackles; one of two players with 85+ tackles.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->