Freedom Division's Top Players from the 2026 Class

From the Freedom division, a few juniors performed at such a high level that it's hard to go into the offseason without discussing what they accomplished in 2024. The best thing about it, we have one more season with each of these players to see if they can' take their team to the next level and elevate their status in the recruiting market.    [player_tooltip player_id='1538176' first='Gabe' last='Miles'] was pure electricity in his first season as the quarterback for the Bulldogs. Leading his team to a 9-2 record and a narrow loss to Union City in the section finals, Gabe was everything Passaic Tech could ask for in a 1st year starter. Gabe is a quick-release, gunslinger with an athletic build. Gabe found a ton of success through the air in 2024, as he threw for 1766 yards and 17 touchdowns. He has a lot of confidence in his arm, having the ability to decipher the defense and get the ball to the far reaches of the field. While this often paid off with deep, long field gains, he does make the risky throw every once in a while that goes the other way (10 interceptions).   However, Gabe is truly a weapon, especially on the option. When Gabe calls his own number he is off to the races and has a good chance of picking up an easy 1st down or going the distance. He's shifty with the ball in his hands, making defenders look foolish as he forces missed tackles. Gabe did it countless times last season, as he took off for 643 yards and 10 touchdowns. Get your eyes on Gabe's film, as it's sure to stun.     One of the top running backs in the entire state, [player_tooltip player_id='990209' first='Justin' last='Griffin'] lived up to the hype as he ran loose for 1616 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Justin proved to be extremely versatile lining up in the backfield for Passaic. Breaking down Justin's tape, it's apparent that if Justin's on the field, he is the fastest one there. Not only is he quick out of the backfield, but when he breaks into the open field there is a slim chance defenders are catching him. I think where Justin really shines is his ability to see the whole field at once and use that vision to break the run to the outside or split the defense down the middle.   Though Justin is smaller than your average D1 recruit, he is just as explosive as the rest and can make a huge impact on the game any time the ball is in his hands. Ranked as the #5 RB in the NJ 2026 class, colleges need to start giving Justin more attention.      If you haven't noticed yet, the Freedom Divisions are loaded with offensive talent, particularly at the running back position. [player_tooltip player_id='1307608' first='Farad' last='Green'] is another one off those RBs you need to know, as he helped West Orange to a 9-3 record and an appearance in the section finals. Farad is explosive right out of the gate. Farad is able to accelerate quickly out of the backfield and can hit his top speed in a very short amount of time, making it extremely challenging for defenders to take the appropriate angle on him. Farad's stop and start capabilities are arguably his most powerful skills, as Farad can stop on a dime and get out of that standstill position extremely quickly. This skill also applies to Farad's lateral speed and cutting abilities as well, as he's able to carve through opposing defenses with impeccable footwork. Rushing for 1388 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, expect a big jump in those numbers next season.      Once again, we have another running back to highlight in these divisions. Honing from Bayonne, we have Chance Fisher. Chance actually reminds me a lot of one of the top backs this season, [player_tooltip player_id='344220' first='Tylik' last='Hill']. He is a little undersized, but finds a way to still break through tackles with nimble movement through the hole and a determined running style to break through tackles. Arm tackles and not wrapping up fully are never the answer against Chance, as his leg drive, powerful stiff arms, and elusive nature allows him to slip by defenders as he heads down the field. Chance impressed all season long as he ran for 1235 yards and 16 touchdowns. Look for Bayonne to make a big splash when the 2025 season begins.      The second junior that played at a high level last season for Bayonne is quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1183273' first='Nico' last='Sampson']. While Bayonne started off slow in 2024 with a 0-2 record, Bayonne turned things around and won 6 straight games before losing in the first round of the playoffs. Nico and Chance provide a dynamic 1-2 punch for Bayonne's offense, and that showed as the season progressed this past fall. While Nico didn't light it up through the air (876 yards), he was extremely efficient in the pocket as he threw 12 touchdowns to only 1 interception. Nico showed that he has the touch needed to place the ball where only his receiver can go up and get it. And Nico doesn't fold under pressure; he stays composed in the pocket and has the quick release to get the ball out right before the pressure can get to him. Nico's hair trigger release allows him to see an open man last minute and zip it across the field on a line. Nico is truly a star in the making.

From the Freedom division, a few juniors performed at such a high level that it's hard to go into the offseason without discussing what they accomplished in 2024. The best thing about it, we have one more season with each of these players to see if they can' take their team to the next level and elevate their status in the recruiting market.