Midseason New Jersey Wide Receiver 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 wide receiver 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":["1043544"],"_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-67093794dcacf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Season Stats:</strong> 42 receptions, 864 yards, 12 TD, 20.6 yards per reception; 27 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 fumble recovery, 1 blocked kick</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Game: </strong>9 receptions, 254 yards, 2 TD @ Camden</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Worst Game: </strong>3 receptions, 31 yards vs. Pascack Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case For:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Solid schedule with OSI of 56.03</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Clear #1 target with 42 receptions. Next closest receiver has 11.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Team's offensive production is nearly balanced with 1364 passing yards to 1371 rushing yards</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has accounted for 63% of team's passing yardage and 12 of 18 receiving touchdowns. </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>Strong team with Strength Index of 79.80</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Plays in a run-oriented offense. Three ball carriers have 44+ carries. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1090750"],"_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-67093794dcb2b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Season Stats:</strong> 26 receptions, 710 yards, 6 TD, 27.3 yards per reception; 1 Int</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Game: </strong>7 receptions, 202 yards, 2 TD @ Avon Old Farms (CT)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Worst Game: </strong>2 receptions, 52 yards @ Wyoming Seminary (PA)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case For:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Solid schedule with OSI of 56.03</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hard-pressed to find a more explosive, big-play target</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>All 6 games played have been on the road; only 1 game played in state</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Plays a national schedule</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>Unfamiliar opponents due to out of state schedule</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>At a 5-year prep school, may have re-classed</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>School recruits on a national level, team may be loaded</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["796165"],"_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-67093794dcb72"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Season Stats:</strong> 35 receptions, 672 yards, 9 TD, 19.2 yards per reception</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Game: </strong>6 receptions, 121 yards, 3 TD @ Passaic County Tech</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Worst Game: </strong>11 receptions, 121 yards vs. Phillipsburg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case For:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bonafide FBS-caliber prospect</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Blessed with height, making him an instant red zone target</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Knows how to score. Has accounted for 20 of his teams 28 touchdowns.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Big-time performer. Best game was against one of Group V's best teams. Worst game was against one of Group IV's best teams, and was only deemed his "worst game" because he did not score in a one-score loss.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Demands huge share of the offense. Has accounted for 49% of team's receiving yards and 47% of receiving touchdowns</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>Strong team. Strength Index of 81.06</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Slightly weak schedule. OSI of 47.97.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Two losses on schedule thus far, both by teams that were arguably considered better.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Not a contributor on defense</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["218554"],"_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-67093794dcbb7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Season Stats:</strong> 27 receptions, 654 yards, 9 TD, 24.2 yards per reception; 1 rush TD; 16 tackles, 1 scoop &amp; score, 1 Int</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Game: </strong>5 receptions, 200 yards, 3 TD @ Holy Spirit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Worst Game: </strong>4 receptions, 34 yards vs. Winslow</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case For:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Perhaps the fastest, quickest prospect in the state of New Jersey in quite some time</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Four-year varsity starter</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Accounts for 65% of team's receiving yardage and 75% of their receiving touchdowns</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Plays a extremely tough schedule with an OSI of 77.1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Playing with a sophomore quarterback who made his first career start this year</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Plays in a balance offense: 112 passing attempts to 117 rushing attempts</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>Two very pedestrian games in last two contests</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Extremely good team with a Strength Index of 96.20</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Came up very small in a big-time matchup where opponent made a big statement</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["321783"],"_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-67093794dcbfb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Season Stats:</strong> 23 receptions, 642 yards, 9 TD, 27.9 yards per reception; 15 tackles, 2 Int, 1 pick-six</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Game: </strong>5 receptions, 224 yards, 3 TD @ Mount Carmel (IL)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Worst Game: </strong>3 receptions, 39 yards @ Rabun Gap-Nacoochee (GA)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case For:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Solid schedule with OSI of 56.03</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>One of the states top, big-play targets</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>All 6 games played have been on the road; only 1 game played in state</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Plays a national schedule</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>Unfamiliar opponents due to out of state schedule</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>At a 5-year prep school, may have re-classed</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Loaded roster due to school's ability to recruit nationally</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1170233"],"_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-67093794dcc3d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Season Stats:</strong> 25 receptions, 637 yards, 10 TD, 25.5 yards per reception; 5 interceptions, 1 scoop &amp; score</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Game: </strong>5 receptions 161 yards, 2 TD vs. Franklin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Worst Game: </strong>2 receptions, 61 yards, 1 Int @ Paramus Catholic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case For:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Accounts for a 65% of team's receiving yardage and 10 of 13 receiving scores</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Plays in an offense that favors the run 199 rushes to 93 passing attempts that have netted 1544 yards to 980</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has a slightly above average schedule. OSI at 52.16.</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>Strong team that has a Strength Index of 83.48</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Plays a heavy public school schedule.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Three out-of-state opponents on their schedule, unknown caliber of opponent </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Completely takes plays off when a run play or he is not the primary target</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1525016"],"_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-67093794dcc7f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Season Stats:</strong> 35 receptions, 669 yards, 11 TD; 17 carries, 160 yards, 2 TD; 26 tackles (20 solo), 2 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles; 2 kickoff returns for TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Game: </strong>6 receptions, 170 yards, 2 TD; 2 rushes, 28 yards, 1 rush TD; 85-yard kick return TD @ Caldwell</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Worst Game: </strong>2 receptions, 35 yards, 1 TD; 5 rushes, 28 yards; 10 tackles (7 solo), 2 forced fumbles vs. Weequahic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case For:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Accounts for 49% of all receiving yards and 40% of all receptions</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Very tough schedule. OSI of 65.63</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has scored 47% of all his team's total touchdowns scored, across all three phases of the game</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>Very strong team. Strength Index of 86.39</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Group I school</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->