2029 (8th grade) Commitment Tracker: Pope John XXIII

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pope John XXIII's 2024 season had all the makings of a Disney movie: A team that won just two regular season games, gets into the playoffs and makes an incredible run to the State Championship Game. They battled in the big game and trailed by less than a touchdown as fourth quarter started, only to run out of magic and fall short. Turning the page, this group of incoming 2029 prospects will aim to build off the positive momentum for the Lions. Take a look at who's committed as of February 27th, 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1630185"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bdefd8e5003"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bergen County native.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Was a standout on a North Arlington Vikings team that finished the season 6-2 in a tough Meadowlands Football League, with their only two losses coming to the two squads that met in the championship game.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In my opinion, Porter has to be considered one of the most elite prospects the Lions have coming in with this 2029 class. Is listed at 6-foot-2 and 150-pounds with a lean, muscular frame. Overall Porter is an excellent athlete with a ton of natural ability. Has played QB up until this point, but is special enough to play nearly every skill position.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1568337"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bdefd8e50a3"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sussex County native.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In 2024, Cohan served as one of the most important pieces on a Wallkill Valley team that won the American Conference of the Morris County Youth Football League (MCYFL).</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>If there is something Pope John knows, it's how to maximize the skill set of shorter/muscular Running Backs. Cohan very much fits the mold of [player_tooltip player_id='344220' first='Tylik' last='Hill'] (Syracuse-bound/NJ Offensive P.O.Y.) and 2027 prospect, [player_tooltip player_id='205508' first='Luke' last='Gialanella']. Runs like a pinball between the tackles, but can also catch out of the backfield.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1622877"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bdefd8e50e0"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sussex County native.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A valuable commodity for a Hackettstown Tigers team that steamrolled through the National Conference of of the Morris County Youth Football League (MCYFL) in 2024. As a group, this 2029 class of Tigers finished their youth career 44-4.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Listed at 6-foot and 155-pounds, Severinsen has a great frame for an incoming freshman Wide Receiver. In addition to his size, he also appears to have pretty good speed on the outside. On top of his ability to catch the ball, he can also kick it. He handled kicking duties for the Tigers this year and claims to be from 45-yards out.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1630295"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bdefd8e511c"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Morris County native.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Part of one of the core Mount Olive eighth-grade group that won their third straight Morris County Youth Football League (MCYFL) Freedom Conference Championship and ended their youth career on a 39-game winning streak.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Played both Tight End and Edge/Defensive End during the 2024 season and finished seventh on the team with 30 tackles and a forced fumble. Was part of a very talented team with a lot of mouths to feed and I think the best is to come in terms of what he can contribute as a Tight End.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1630576"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67be3d7206955"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sussex County native.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In 2024 he played for the 13u Pope John Junior Lions Team of the North Jersey Pop Warner League.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In minimal film from this season, there should be reason for optimism with another Gesumaria hitting the high school level for the Lions. He's listed at 5-foot-11 and 170-pounds as of February 27th, and while I can't comment on his actual size, he has a great frame. Played RB/Edge in a weighted-league, but he looks more like an OLB than anything else at this point.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1631706"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c080311323d"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Morris County native.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Played for the Jr. Knights in the 2024 season and helped them to a fourth place finish in the American Conference of the Morris County Youth Football League (MCYFL).</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A prospect with a longer, leaner frame right as of this write up. With his build comes ample opportunity to put on a ton of good muscle mass as he moves onto high school. Guzman Gerardo is listed as an Athlete because of his versatility. Has played Running Back, Wide Receiver, Outside Linebacker, Safety and returned kicks. Keep an eye on this kid.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1417841"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c0803113290"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Morris County native.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>For the 2024 season Weagley took his talents to the Dark Knights travel ball squad and helped the team make a run at UYFL Nationals.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A two-sport (basketball) athlete with a ton of potential, Weagley's best football is still yet to come. The Dark Knights had a ton of talented players and only one ball to share, so production wasn't staggering this season. However, he has currently is and has the ability to become stay one of the best Tight Ends in the state for this 2029 class.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1631769"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c08031132d4"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sussex County native.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Undersized, multi-sport athlete (wrestling/track) with adequate muscle mass to his frame. A quick search did not provide any recent film or updated information on him.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has attended a&nbsp;<strong>PRZ Next Middle School Camp</strong>.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1594881"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c08295a5109"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sussex County native.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In 2024, Johnson was a standout up front on a Wallkill Valley team that won the American Conference of the Morris County Youth Football League (MCYFL).</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The starter at Left Tackle on the O-Line and Defensive Tackle on the D-Line, Johnson is an excellent piece to build the future Lions line around. I tend to like him on the O-Line more at this point. Does a great job of using his feet and hips to get in proper position to block. Does a lot well fundamentally, is just a bit raw. A lot of upside here.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1631808"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c08f3398680"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sussex County native.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The 2024 season saw Johnson line up for Sparta and help the Spartans to a second place finish in the Freedom Conference of the Morris County Youth Football League (MCYFL).</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Multi-sport athlete (lacrosse, wrestling, football) who runs hard. There isn't a ton of film out there on Johnson from this season--barely any, frankly. However, in the few clips I've seen there's reason to be optimistic for what he brings to the table as an overall athlete.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Additional Prospects</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The following athletes have also reportedly said they will be going to Pope John XXIII for high school next year. However, there is minimal information and/or not enough film to do a proper evaluation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>James Bortnick</strong> - Linebacker/Kicker</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Chuck Formo</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Jason Cofrancesco</strong> - His cousin Jarrod Cofrancesco is a 2025 PJ O-Line prospect and has signed to play football at Tufts University in Massachusetts</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Matthew Staub</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Vincenzo Ciliberti </strong>- Defensive Back</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Bobby DeJesus </strong>- Offensive/Defensive Line</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->