Players Poised for Big Strides in 2025-26

[player_tooltip player_id='833951' first='Amari' last='Jones'] from Seton Hall Prep had a solid freshman campaign, proving he could handle the responsibilities of an outside receiver. Despite playing with two different quarterbacks and dealing with inconsistency at the position, he still made an impact.   At 6-foot, 160 pounds, Amari already shows promise with his physical tools. He's strong at the catch point and uses his frame well to shield defenders. However, where he'll take the next step is in expanding his route tree. His current film is heavy on hitches and slants, allowing him to capitalize on his size, but developing a wider array of routes will elevate his game.   Improving his hip mobility, suddenness, and ability to change direction will be key to his growth. He'll become a much more complete receiver if he polishes those areas. [player_tooltip player_id='833951' first='Amari' last='Jones'] is a name to watch in New Jersey, and by the 2025-2026 season, he'll be one of the top young playmakers in the state.      [player_tooltip player_id='1515097' first='James' last='Giammanco'], a 6'4”, 255-pound lineman, excels on both sides of the ball. His blend of size, explosiveness, and length makes him a problem for opponents, whether he's lined up as an offensive or defensive lineman.   On the defensive side, James is more technical than he gets credit for. He uses a solid set of pass-rush moves and understands how to take advantage of angles when attacking offensive linemen. His ability to generate power off the ball and use his length effectively makes him a disruptive force.   As an offensive lineman, James plays with consistent leverage, a key strength in both pass protection and run blocking. He moves well, particularly on pulls, where he quickly gets out of his stance and finds defenders to block with force. He also finishes blocks aggressively, playing through the whistle and showing a mean streak that coaches love.   Despite not being offered yet, James has the traits to garner plenty of interest. Once more scouts see his tape, he'll gain traction, whether before the season kicks off or midway through the year.       Reggie Brophleh has smoothly transitioned from Nottingham to St. Joseph Metuchen and continues to shine in every game phase. His presence is felt at 6'1”, 180 pounds, especially as a defensive back.   Reggie primarily plays cornerback, where his instincts and ball skills stand out. He reads and plays well, always seems in the right place, and consistently finds ways to take the football away or break up passes. This past season, he added another layer to his game by showing more physicality in the box, proving he can be an aggressive, downhill defender when needed.   On offense, he flashed playmaking ability at wide receiver, making defenders miss and making explosive plays. His impact was also felt on special teams, where he returned a kickoff to the house, further proving his ability to change the game in multiple ways.   Reggie is on the verge of earning his first Division I offer. Suppose he continues on this trajectory and shows versatility across all three phases. In that case, it's only a matter of time before college programs start taking notice—whether during the season or shortly after.      Next up is Stephen Rosselli from St. Peter's Prep, one of the most solid centers in New Jersey. At 5'9”, 254 pounds, he uses his natural leverage to his advantage, holding up well against bull rushes and staying consistent in the trenches.   One of the things that stands out about Rosselli is how quickly he processes the game. He diagnoses defensive fronts, makes his blocks efficiently, and promptly reaches the second level. His consistency is another major plus—he started every game for St. Peter's Prep this past season, proving to be a reliable anchor in the middle of the offensive line.   Heading into next year, I expect him to get bigger, faster, and stronger while continuing to refine the mental side of his game. If he improves his ability to recognize blitzes and coverages pre-snap, he'll take another step forward in his development and solidify himself as a top interior lineman to watch.      [player_tooltip player_id='1547074' first='August' last='Cassidy'], a 6'1”, 215-pound running back and linebacker from Nottingham, thrives on physicality. He has impressive contact balance as a runner and rarely goes down on first contact. His well-developed frame allows him to overpower defenders, making him a tough assignment for any defense. While he could improve his vision and footwork, his ability to win with strength is undeniable. He ended the season with six touchdowns, proving to be a key piece of Nottingham's offense.   However, August might have the most long-term potential on defense. His size, physicality, and downhill playstyle make him an intriguing linebacker prospect. He flashes some coverage ability, showing he can spot drops and disrupt passing lanes. He could raise his stock significantly if he commits to refining his defensive game.   Right now, I see him as a lower-level Division I prospect, but his recruitment could take off if he fully explores his potential as a linebacker. Expanding his defensive game could make him a more well-rounded and sought-after recruit.