Playmakers I’ll Watch Closely this Upcoming Season

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["991979"],"_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-67e82cdad3608"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='991979' first='Thomas' last='Mitchell'] has all the tools to be unique. The Don Bosco freshman wide receiver already holds the title of Prep Red Zone's top-ranked pass catcher in New Jersey's 2028 class. His game backs it up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What separates Mitchell early on is his positional versatility. He's won outside and in the slot, getting open and developing an effective release package. His footwork is still coming along, but he already knows how to beat defenders off the line. His understanding of coverages also stands out. He finds soft spots in zones, positions himself well, and has reliable hands when the ball comes his way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With more varsity snaps on the horizon, Mitchell is poised to be the next big-time playmaker out of Don Bosco. Expect his name to be one of the most talked about in the state sooner rather than later.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22652170/6744b84ae9384d1f2736954e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e82cdad3870"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["972304"],"_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-67e82cdad38f5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='972304' first='TJ' last='Maddox'] is next up at Winslow. At 6'0”, 170 pounds, he's already one of the most electric playmakers in New Jersey. The scary part? He's just getting started.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maddox doesn't need a high volume of targets to make an impact. Whether lined up outside or in the slot, he's a constant deep threat. His speed jumps off the tape, but his contact balance sets him apart. For a wiry receiver, he absorbs hits well and keeps moving. He's more than just a vertical weapon, too. Maddox can work the intermediate game, make defenders miss, and turn short passes into first downs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Winslow has a history of producing elite playmakers, and Maddox is next in line. With players like Cam Miller paving the way, he's on track to be another high-level prospect. His recruiting reflects that—he's already earned offers from Penn State, Syracuse, and Southern Miss. Expect that list to keep growing as he proves he's one of the best in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20080628/6758417321648d82fc448b62' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e82cdad393c"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212382"],"_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-67e82cdad3997"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='212382' first='Ausar' last='Heard'] has been a dominant force at linebacker for the past two seasons, and he's just getting started. He has the ideal frame at 6'1” and 200 pounds, but his instincts make him unique. He's rarely out of position, diagnoses plays quickly, and impacts every phase of the game—defense, special teams, and coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His varsity debut didn't disappoint. He recorded 119 tackles and 11 for loss, proving he belongs among New Jersey's best. But there's still room for more. He's shown flashes of being a playmaker in coverage, and if he can generate more turnovers this season, his stock will soar even higher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Already regarded as one of the top defensive players in the country, Heard is set to take his game to another level. Expect him to dominate once again and further solidify himself as the best linebacker in New Jersey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11592444/6758a71d981bb03af2b562ab' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e82cdad39d8"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["690078"],"_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-67e82cdad3a4d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='690078' first='Nicky' last='Mauro'] is a young prospect to watch at Bergen Catholic. At 5'11”, 175 pounds, he's already showing promise at both linebacker and wide receiver. But right now, his defensive play stands out the most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mauro isn't afraid to get physical. He's a disciplined tackler who fights through blocks to make plays in the backfield. He reads plays well and plays with aggression, traits that will serve him well as he continues to develop. Offensively, he's shown flashes as a receiver, especially after the catch. More opportunities on that side of the ball could unlock another level of his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Still early in his high school career, Mauro has the potential to emerge as a key contributor. With his versatility and physicality, he's a player worth watching.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19620516/66fea5e70f0e2006985e5861' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e82cdad3a93"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["852585"],"_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-67e82cdad3ae4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='852585' first='Joaquin' last='Phillips'] has emerged as one of the most physical and versatile defensive backs in New Jersey. The Don Bosco standout has taken snaps at both safety and cornerback but played primarily on the outside last season—and thrived.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Phillips plays with an edge. He's aggressive in the run game, willing to step up and make tackles, and has a knack for blowing up screens. His ability to read plays and react quickly stands out. One of his most impressive moments on film came when he abandoned his coverage to jump a route and snag an interception—an instinctual, high-level play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He has room to add weight at 6-foot with a wiry frame, which could help him become an even more complete cover corner. He's got the foot speed to stay with most receivers, but refining his technique will take his game to another level. His skill set brings to mind Chiefs defensive back Trent McDuffie—a player who can line up anywhere in the secondary and impact the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">[player_tooltip player_id='852585' first='Joaquin' last='Phillips'] #22<br>2024 Don Bosco Varsity Season Highlights <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/joaquinphil2421?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#joaquinphil2421</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/joaqnation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#joaqnation</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/defensiveback?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#defensiveback</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/dbacks_academy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dbacks_academy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachHawk_5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachHawk_5</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoAcHKeLZZz3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoAcHKeLZZz3</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachSpence33?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachSpence33</a> @CoachAhmadPSU <a href="https://twitter.com/DBP_Football?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DBP_Football</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Metro7Football?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Metro7Football</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachDS_CSCS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachDS_CSCS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNJ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNJ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coachschuman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachschuman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/classof2027?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#classof2027</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/VarsityAces?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VarsityAces</a> <a href="https://t.co/yrrzMVKbys">pic.twitter.com/yrrzMVKbys</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='852585' first='Joaquin' last='Phillips'] (@Joaquinphil2421) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joaquinphil2421/status/1863359110013387094?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->