Patriot's Divisions Top Juniors from 2024

With a diverse array of players from multiple positions, there is a lot to look forward to for the junior class in the Patriot Divisions. These teams have some of the most talented 2026 prospects in the state, with each of them gaining a ton of experience and leading the charge for strong offensive units. I think these will be names the whole state will be familiar with before the 2025 season begins.    I talked [player_tooltip player_id='534373' first='Adam' last='Shaw'] up all season long and I will continue to through the offseason until he gets the recognition he deserves. Currently ranked as the #12 QB in the 2026 NJ class, I am confident Adam will break the top 10 in the near future. Before we dive into the 2025 season, we need to put attention towards how well Adam and Pascack Valley performed in 2024.   As mentioned before, Adam has proven on the field that he is a force to be reckoned with. A QB with all the tools needed to lead his team to a state championship run, Adam led Pascack Valley to a 10 win season and a section title in 2024. Adam has a cannon for an arm, outthrowing coverages in every matchup of the year. I am thoroughly impressed with the ease at which Adam can get the ball down the field quickly. He found success at every level down field, as he threw for 1342 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. With poise in the pocket, Adam not only stayed calm and collected as he scanned the field, but also has the ability to absolutely dominate a defense on the ground. In 2024, Adam ran for 999 yards and found the end zone 15 times. Adam is truly the full package.      Leading his squad to an 8-4 record and an appearance in the section finals, [player_tooltip player_id='1530053' first='Zion' last='Yoon'] is a QB to start getting familiar with. While he didn't light up the scoreboard through the air (7 passing touchdowns), Zion found a ton of sucess running the ball near the goal line this past season as he ran in 12 touchdowns.   An extremely mobile quarterback, Zion ran circles around D linemen in 2024 as he consistently evaded the pass rush to extend the play. What stands out from this past season wass Zion's ability to keep his eyes down field when the pressure was coming, and only tuck it and run when no other options were available. When he did take off, Zion shined with nifty moves and quick, agile cuts. Passing wise, Zion has some power behind his arm. He can get the ball to his receiver quickly, really shining with receivers going across the middle and throwing into a tight window. Throwing for 1158 yards and 7 touchdowns, look for Zion to continue that trend in 2025.      [player_tooltip player_id='1021095' first='Nick' last='Mignone'] has the ability to return Caldwell back to prominence in 2025. While the team ended the 2024 season on a losing record, they held their own against a strong Shabazz team and lost narrowly in the first round of the playoffs. There is a lot to look forward to in 2025, however. With lead back [player_tooltip player_id='1021095' first='Nick' last='Mignone'] returning for his senior season, I think this team has the chance to get back into the conversation as one of the better teams in their division. In 2024, Nick ran all over opposing defenses as he ran loose for 1047 yards and 14 touchdowns. Nick is one of the top athletes in the state, as he comes in ranked as the #17 athlete in all of New Jersey. To go with his rushing abilities Nick also provides help through the air as he compiled 193 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown as well.     One of the top passers in the entire state this fall, [player_tooltip player_id='1048181' first='Shane' last='Hoover'] impressed in multiple ways for Sparta. Throwing for an astonishing 30 touchdowns and 2265 yards, Shane helped Sparta get to the playoffs, but unfortunately did not make it through the first round. Out of all the QBs covered so far, Shane is much more of the traditional pocket passer. Delivering crisp throws to his receivers all season long, Shane showed exceptional timing and great throwing mechanics to completely pick apart opposing defenses. Shane can throw the ball with the right amount of touch, getting it over the defender to his receiver in the corner of the end zone or zipping it in on a shorter crossing route. Shane is currently on the Watchlist for Prep Redzone, but I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if he made the biggest jump in the rankings for all QBs in the state.      One of the top receivers in northern NJ this fall, [player_tooltip player_id='1054149' first='Dante' last='Benvenuti'] stood out with his impressive ability to make the most out of every pass thrown his way in 2024. A tall, big bodied target, Dante shined in every aspect of the game for Passaic Valley. Rangy with his dimensions (6'2"), Dante showed off his strong hands and longer arms to outcompete defenders for the ball and reel it in at it's highest point. I was really impressed with Dante's route running skills, as he was able to change speeds and accelerate out of no where to leave DBs trailing behind him. Once he brought the ball in, Dante kicked it to another gear and out ran the defenders with track speed and long strides. To go with all of this, Dante ran the ball extremely hard once it was within his grasp, breaking through arm tackles with a strong leg drive and determined running style. Bringing in 31 catches for 679 yards and 6 touchdowns, there is a lot to look forward to in Dante's play on the field.

With a diverse array of players from multiple positions, there is a lot to look forward to for the junior class in the Patriot Divisions. These teams have some of the most talented 2026 prospects in the state, with each of them gaining a ton of experience and leading the charge for strong offensive units. I think these will be names the whole state will be familiar with before the 2025 season begins.