Five Player You Need To Watch This Upcoming Season

[player_tooltip player_id='1562000' first='Adekunbi' last='Adetayo'] from Malcolm Shabazz is a name to circle heading into the season. The 6'2”, 245-pound edge rusher brings serious juice off the ball. His first-step explosiveness is elite, and it's often too much for offensive linemen to handle. He thrives as a run-game disruptor, using quick hands and excellent timing to shoot gaps and cause chaos in the backfield.   Adetayo's ability to consistently win one-on-one and finish as a sure tackler stands out. He also flashes the ability to neutralize blocks, giving him even more upside. What makes him intriguing is his versatility. He can play off the edge, stand up as an outside linebacker, or kick inside as a gap-shooting interior lineman. While he's more of a penetrator than a true block-eater inside, the flashes of power show there's more development coming.   With a recent offer from Wofford and the trajectory he's on, more schools will come calling. Expect a big leap from Adetayo this year as he builds his case as one of the most versatile and disruptive defenders in the state.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Full sophmore season highlights <a href="https://t.co/ItTool3xCc">https://t.co/ItTool3xCc</a> <a href="https://t.co/cBnGjpnwMV">pic.twitter.com/cBnGjpnwMV</a>— [player_tooltip player_id='1562000' first='Adekunbi' last='Adetayo'] (@1ts_israel) <a href="https://twitter.com/1ts_israel/status/1866100996587335855?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2024</a></blockquote>     [player_tooltip player_id='432324' first='Jamel' last='Hammary'] is stepping into the spotlight at Bergen Catholic, and the timing couldn't be better. The 6-foot, 155-pound wide receiver made noise on JV last season, consistently looking a cut above the competition. Now, with [player_tooltip player_id='525111' first='Quincy' last='Porter'] off to Ohio State, Hammary has a real chance to carve out a significant role on varsity.   What makes him special is his combination of athleticism and suddenness in his routes. He creates space quickly and wins with polished footwork. He's not just a finesse guy either—Hammary competes at the catch point and shows real toughness in 50-50 situations. He already runs a deep route tree and plays with confidence beyond his age.   Bergen Catholic doesn't hand out snaps easily, but Hammary has the traits to rise fast. He's got the tools to be a difference-maker and the mindset to handle the moment. Keep an eye on him—he's ready to break through.        [player_tooltip player_id='1551140' first='Talib' last='Shakir'] is built like the modern-day prototype at defensive back—and plays like it, too. At 6'1”, 170 pounds, the Camden standout brings impressive length, physicality, and one elite trait that jumps off the tape: recovery speed. He's rarely out of position, and even when it seems like he's beaten, he has a second gear most corners don't have.   That speed, paired with his fluid hips and ability to cover ground, makes him dangerous in man or zone. He's shown he can thrive at both corner and safety, which adds serious value to his profile. His recent offers from Rhode Island and Eastern Michigan reflect his rising stock, but he's just scratching the surface.   Shakir has the tools to lock down top receivers and the versatility to be moved around as a defensive chess piece. This fall, don't be surprised if his name starts coming up in conversations about the top DBs in the state.        [player_tooltip player_id='1467533' first='Michael' last='Rogers'] wasted no time making a statement. As a freshman at Franklin, the 6-foot, 190-pound back ran with a level of maturity and physicality that's rare for his age. He's explosive through the hole, hits top speed in a flash, and brings that punishing, downhill style that wears out defenses.   He's not just a straight-line back either. Rogers has shown the ability to create missed tackles, stay upright through contact, and finish runs with authority. The offer from Temple is just the beginning—he has the build, burst, and balance that college programs crave.   If he continues to develop, he won't just be one of the top backs in New Jersey—he could be one of the top young offensive prospects in the entire region.        [player_tooltip player_id='1515038' first='Jaiden' last='Steele'] is electric. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound back from Camden has the kind of speed that makes defenders look like they're in slow motion. His 10.6 in the 100 meters shows up every time he hits the open field. But Steele isn't just a track athlete playing football—he's a complete running back.   What makes him special is how he blends patience with burst. He reads blocks like a veteran, waits for lanes to develop, then explodes through them with purpose. Add in his ability to catch out of the backfield, and you've got an actual three-down threat.   With his offer from Rhode Island, Steele is starting to get the recognition he deserves. Don't be surprised when more programs come calling.