Inside the Reps: PRZ NY/NJ Showcase DB/WR Part 2 

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Inside the Reps: PRZ NY/NJ Showcase DB/WR Part 2&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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 <strong>Brendan Makarious</strong> (Prep Redzone New Jersey), <strong>Caleb Holfoth </strong>(Prep Redzone New York), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1685945' first='Vic' last='Castillo']</strong> (Northeast Regional Recruiting Analyst), and me (Prep Redzone Maryland/Virginia), 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 second article in a two-part series focusing on what transpired during these matchups. This analysis does not constitute a top performer list; unidentified athletes are marked as N/A. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/inside-the-reps-prz-ny-nj-showcase-db-wr-part-1/">Click here to check out Part 1</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Receiver vs. Cornerback Battles</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1203417' first='Marquise' last='Chapman'] (2028) found separation quickly against No. 70 with a corner route but was let down by an inaccurate pass. Similarly, [player_tooltip player_id='1355470' first='Rory' last='McDermott'], utilizing his height advantage over No. 29, ran an impressive stride downfield but couldn't connect due to an overthrown pass. Conversely, [player_tooltip player_id='819995' first='Nieem' last='Hardy'] (2026) delivered one of the day's standout defensive performances, mirroring a receiver's post-corner move and breaking up the pass with textbook technique.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='277164' first='Gianni' last='Pasqualone'] (2026) showcased his closing speed on multiple reps, including one against No. 10, where he intercepted an underthrown deep ball. However, his press coverage mechanics could improve to avoid relying solely on recovery speed. Meanwhile, [player_tooltip player_id='1127302' first='Hazmire' last='Jones'] displayed excellent route running and concentration, beating [player_tooltip player_id='1236608' first='Jason' last='Louis'] with a well-executed slant route. On the other hand, Louis redeemed himself in a battle with No. 50 by securing a pass despite a near-breakup effort.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Route Running and Press Coverage</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The ability to win at the line of scrimmage was a recurring theme. [player_tooltip player_id='1105272' first='Christian' last='White'] utilized a savvy inside fake to gain separation against No. 79, though the high pass sailed through his hands. [player_tooltip player_id='1208805' first='Jordyn' last='Eaton'] excelled against No. 3 with sharp cuts and a burst of speed on a square-in route, showing elite quickness. Meanwhile, [player_tooltip player_id='1575748' first='Justin' last='Rizzo-Troxell'] consistently exploited free releases, making uncontested catches on vertical routes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensive backs often struggled with press coverage mechanics, as seen with [player_tooltip player_id='379045' first='Isa' last='Thomas'] (2027), who whiffed on a jam attempt against No. 55 but displayed solid recovery speed. There were other defensive backs that didn't get their hands on wide receivers at the line of scrimmage and that relied too much on their recovery speed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Height and Physicality Dynamics</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Height mismatches were a significant factor in several reps. [player_tooltip player_id='1355470' first='Rory' last='McDermott']'s size advantage allowed him to outjump defenders like No. 44 for contested catches. On the other hand, [player_tooltip player_id='379045' first='Isa' last='Thomas'] (2027), a shorter defensive back, overcame his disadvantage by climbing the ladder to make plays on the ball. His quick feet allowed him to stay competitive despite often facing taller opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quarterback Impact</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overthrown or underthrown passes are to be expected when quarterbacks are throwing to new receivers for the first time. There were missed opportunities for [player_tooltip player_id='1575778' first='Dwayne' last='Campbell'] (2026) and [player_tooltip player_id='1105216' first='Jacob' last='Pappas'] (2025), who beat their man in coverage but needed to be thrown a passable ball. Accurate throws, like those of [player_tooltip player_id='1127302' first='Hazmire' last='Jones'] (2028) and [player_tooltip player_id='1430743' first='Brett' last='Kunkel'] (2027), showcased both athletes' ability to adjust to the football while it's in the air and make catches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FINAL EXTRA THOUGHTS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Based on the reps I was able to watch, [player_tooltip player_id='819995' first='Nieem' last='Hardy'] (DB), [player_tooltip player_id='1355470' first='Rory' last='McDermott'] (WR), and [player_tooltip player_id='1208805' first='Jordyn' last='Eaton'] (WR) made some of the best plays during 1v1's.<strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From a size and potential standpoint, Class of 2028 wide receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1575773' first='Colin' last='O'Meara'] (</strong>6-3.5) is an intriguing prospect. He's pushing towards 6-4, has a nice stride, and good hands. He looked fluid during drills and testing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>JD Johnson</strong> (2026 WR) competed on both sides of the football during 1v1's. I thought he did a good job in press coverage; he needs to work on transitioning from the initial jam at the line of scrimmage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1236608' first='Jason' last='Louis']</strong> (DB) battled all day. I would just suggest that he trust his technique a little bit more and lessen the slight holds downfield. He has the speed to recover, and he was in position to make plays on the football. One of a few defensive backs to keep wide receivers from winning at the line of scrimmage with an inside release.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='277164' first='Gianni' last='Pasqualone']</strong> (2026) might've had the best closing speed out of all the defensive backs during the 1v1's. He did a great job of getting in phase with the receivers. On a few reps, he also showed good trail technique. I would only recommend that he gets more consistent in getting his hands on the wide receiver at the line of scrimmage. He has the recovery speed, but better technique at the line of scrimmage will make his job easier.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've seen 2026 wide receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1208805' first='Jordyn' last='Eaton']</strong> on several occasions. It's not a surprise to me that he would be considered one of the top performers at the camp. His speed, quickness, and reliable hands are evident. Eaton just needs more opportunities, like this one, to showcase his talent.</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-1/">Inside the Reps: PRZ NY/NJ Showcase DB/WR Part 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->