Inside the Reps: PRZ NY/NJ Showcase DB/WR Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Redzone Stock Up Showcase held in New Jersey this past weekend provided a unique platform for athletes from New Jersey, New York, and neighboring states to refine their skills through learning, testing, and competition. The camp, attended by scouts and analysts such as Brendan Makarious (Prep Redzone New Jersey), Caleb Holfoth (Prep Redzone New York), [player_tooltip player_id='1685945' first='Vic' last='Castillo'] (Northeast Regional Recruiting Analyst), and myself, featured highly competitive 1-on-1 reps between wide receivers and defensive backs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> After reviewing my notes and recordings from the event, I've compiled observations and recommendations for improvement based on individual performances during these reps. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is the first article in a two-part series focusing on what transpired during these matchups and how athletes can enhance their game. This analysis does not constitute a top performer list; unidentified athletes are marked as N/A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wide Receiver Observations and Recommendations</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1105253' first='Ethan' last='Espinal'], a 2027 prospect from New York, showcased adaptability against No. 29. After an inside release attempt failed, he adjusted his route effectively to beat the defensive back for the catch. Espinal should develop a quicker release off the line to create separation earlier in the route.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1105216' first='Jacob' last='Pappas'], a 2025 wideout from New York, ran a well-executed out route against No. 3, although the pass fell short. Pappas can improve by avoiding rounding his breaks, allowing for sharper route execution and increased separation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1575744' first='Jesiah' last='Godfrey-Pelham'], another 2027 talent from New Jersey, impressed against No. 94 by leveraging inside positioning to secure an underthrown ball. Working on more consistent separation off the line will elevate his overall game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1248860' first='Jahkari' last='Silva'], a 2026 wide receiver, executed a convincing fake inside before breaking outside for a catch. Silva's ability to deceive defenders is notable, but he should continue varying his routes and sharpening his fakes to keep opponents guessing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1430743' first='Brett' last='Kunkel'], a 2027 prospect from New Jersey, took advantage of No. 66's poor leverage on an up-and-out route to gain an easy separation. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1575285' first='Jaden' last='Jones'], a 2026 player from New York, won his rep against No. 72 early but delayed his release, limiting his separation. Jones should work on quicker transitions to maximize his separation potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1355470' first='Rory' last='McDermott'], a young 2028 receiver from New York, impressed with a contested high-point catch against No. 52. His ability to secure contested catches is an asset, particularly in red-zone situations. Continued practice in this area will enhance his value as a receiver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1249378' first='Isaiah' last='Gerstung'], a 2026 athlete from New York, used excellent hand technique to beat No. 3 on a slant route. Refining his hand usage further will help him handle more physical coverage better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1208805' first='Jordyn' last='Eaton'], a 2026 prospect, displayed explosiveness off the line and quick breaks against No. 66 but lacked smooth execution. Eaton should focus on fluid transitioning out of breaks to maximize his explosiveness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1203417' first='Marquise' last='Chapman'], a 2028 talent, gained quick separation on a corner route against No. 70 due to the defender's poor leverage. Chapman can ensure greater consistency by continuing to capitalize on defensive weaknesses and refining his route-running.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Back Observations and Recommendations</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Issa Thomas, a 2027 defensive back, struggled against No. 50's quick inside moves and sometimes appeared flat-footed. Improving his footwork and staying on the balls of his feet will allow him to react more effectively to fast movements. As a young prospect, refining these technical aspects will significantly enhance his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1575745' first='Joe' last='Ketusky'], a 2028 defensive back, maintained leverage initially against both No. 76 and No. 85 but struggled to stay tight in coverage during breaks. By focusing on staying low and disciplined during transitions, Ketusky can minimize rounding and maintain tighter coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1284784' first='Logan' last='Direny'], a 2026 player from New Jersey, had issues with initial leverage and engaging his hands early but recovered well to force an incompletion. Direny should work on disrupting routes earlier with a more effective jam and better positioning at the line of scrimmage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1276018' first='Jayden' last='Carter'], a 2026 defensive back from New Jersey, demonstrated good leverage and stride-for-stride coverage but faced transition challenges. Improving the fluidity of his transitions and reactions to receiver movements will make his coverage even more effective.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='819995' first='Nieem' last='Hardy'], a 2026 defensive back from New York, lost inside leverage against No. 19 on a crossing route but executed a solid speed turn to recover. By quickening his speed turns and staying in phase during transitions, Hardy can increase his chances of making plays on the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>JD Johnson, a 2026 defensive back from New Jersey, contested a jump ball against No. 87 but was out-positioned. While his stride-for-stride coverage was commendable, improving his positioning and timing in contested situations will help him win more of these battles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay tuned to Prep Redzone New Jersey and Prep Redzone New York for more Stock Up Showcase insights in the coming days.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/prznj-stock-up-showcase-4-offensive-prospects-im-pumped-to-see/">Event Preview: Offensive Prospects</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/prznj-stock-up-showcase-4-defensive-prospects-im-pumped-to-see/">Event Preview: Defensive Prospects</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/immediate-reaction-to-the-prep-redzone-njs-stock-up-showcase/">Immediate Reaction</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/skills-eye-test-college-ready-bodies-from-the-stock-up-showcase-2/">College-Ready Bodies: DB, LB, WR, TE</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/skills-eye-test-college-ready-bodies-from-the-stock-up-showcase/">College-Ready Bodies: OL, DL, QB, RB</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/inside-the-reps-prz-ny-nj-showcase-db-wr-part-2/">Inside the Reps: PRZ NY/NJ Showcase Part 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->