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Recruit/Commitment Reactions

Recruit/Commitment Reactions
Earnest Daniels
Earnest Daniels May 14, 2025 @ 12:57 PM
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In this article:

Akeem Jones Jr.
Akeem Jones Jr. 6'1" | 190 lbs | EDGE | 2028
NJ
Jordan Evans
Jordan Evans 6'3" | 260 lbs | OL | 2026
NJ
Nick Costa
Nick Costa 6'4" | 240 lbs | DL/EDGE | 2026
NJ
Justin Simpson
Justin Simpson 6'2" | 285 lbs | OL | 2026
NJ
Marlen Bright
Marlen Bright 6'7" | 280 lbs | OL | 2026
NJ
Deshawn Stewart
Deshawn Stewart 6'2" | 185 lbs | DB | 2025
NJ
Quincy Porter
Quincy Porter 6'4" | 195 lbs | WR | 2025
NJ
Jordan Thomas
Jordan Thomas 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB | 2026
NJ
Dez Jones
Dez Jones 5'11" | 175 lbs | WR | 2025
NJ
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["284065"],"_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-6824d98ebf4a9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This is one the Buckeyes have had circled for a while. They fell in love with him last year at camp and told him he was the best defensive back in the country. That stuck. And now, the No. 1 player on Prep RedZone's board is officially headed to the defending national champs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6'2”, 185, Jordan brings elite versatility. He's dominant at DB but also dangerous at wide receiver. Honestly, I wouldn't be shocked if he gets some looks on offense once he's in Columbus. His tape on both sides is that good.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ohio State continues its strong run in Jersey, too. That's four top-tier guys in two cycles — [player_tooltip player_id='218550' first='Dez' last='Jones'], [player_tooltip player_id='750702' first='Deshawn' last='Stewart'], [player_tooltip player_id='525111' first='Quincy' last='Porter'], and Jordan. They're making this state a priority. And with talent like Jordan's, who can blame them?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/fS97TRELZ7">pic.twitter.com/fS97TRELZ7</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='284065' first='Jordan' last='Thomas'] ✞²¹ (@jordanthomas_21) <a href="https://twitter.com/jordanthomas_21/status/1922392869605683317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1205835"],"_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-6824d98ebf50c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I'm excited to see [player_tooltip player_id='1205835' first='Justin' last='Simpson'] get his first offer — Bucknell pulled the trigger after a strong PSR Combine showing, and it's well deserved.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We just talked about him the other day. He's 6'2”, 285, and already checks many of the boxes you want in an interior offensive lineman. Great balance. Strong anchor. Clean hand usage. And what separates him is the athleticism he brings to the position. He moves well in space, can pull and trap, and his pass pro is coming along nicely.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bucknell didn't comment on what stood out, but it's not hard to see. He's a high-upside prospect who could thrive with a few years of college development. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if he's one of those guys who eventually makes the FCS-to-FBS jump. The tools are there. He just needed that first offer — and now that it's on the table, I expect more to follow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Class of 2026 OL <a href="https://twitter.com/JSimp60121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JSimp60121</a> was offered by D1 FCS Bucknell after his performance at the PSR BIG Camp! <a href="https://t.co/SwiIaMi9bh">pic.twitter.com/SwiIaMi9bh</a></p>&mdash; Coach Nick Pennisi (@ScoutNickP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScoutNickP/status/1921741685593170244?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1279669"],"_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-6824d98ebf55b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1279669' first='Akeem' last='Jones Jr.'] picking up an offer from Pitt is big — and honestly, it feels like just the beginning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6'2”, 205 pounds, Akeem flashes some of the best explosions off Jersey's edge. Playing at St. Augustine, he's continuing that strong defensive line talent pipeline, lining up with guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1264830' first='Nick' last='Costa'] and Damari Simon. What stands out most right now is the burst. He's got that first-step quickness that makes offensive tackles uncomfortable, and while he's still raw, the upside is obvious.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This Pitt offer and Syracuse show that Power Five programs see the long-term vision. Once he hits that growth spurt and continues refining his technique, he will look like your prototypical edge rusher with twitch, length, and juice. Akeem's stock is rising — and this won't be the last big offer we see.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After a great conversation with <a href="https://twitter.com/coachjbronowski?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachjbronowski</a> I'm truly blessed to receive my 2nd division 1 offer from university of Pittsburgh , AGTG✝️🙏 <a href="https://twitter.com/HermitsFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HermitsFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rickymremax?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rickymremax</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNext?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNext</a> <a href="https://t.co/Jb4i5fWB0j">pic.twitter.com/Jb4i5fWB0j</a></p>&mdash; Akeem jones jr (@Akeemjones_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Akeemjones_/status/1922439730857177280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1270238"],"_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-6824d98ebf5a6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1270238' first='Jordan' last='Evans'] picking up an offer from the University of Maine is a firm nod to the kind of prospect he's becoming.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6'5”, 302 pounds, he brings that rare blend of length, athleticism, and strength you want in an actual offensive tackle. Whether he's working in tandem on combo blocks or holding up in pass protection, Jordan's been reliable, especially protecting one of New Jersey's top quarterbacks in Savion Adams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">His performance at the PSR Combine helped boost his visibility, and it's no surprise that Maine jumped in with an offer. The FCS level sees immense potential in schools like Bryant and New Hampshire. With another year to sharpen his technique and put more dominant reps on tape, Jordan's stock should only climb. He's shaping to be one of the more intriguing senior linemen to watch this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After a great conversation with <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_DiMeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_DiMeo</a><br>I am extremely blessed to receive an offer from the University of Maine!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForksUp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForksUp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachLucas74?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachLucas74</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachHarris56?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachHarris56</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AAA_Development?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AAA_Development</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RivalsFriedman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RivalsFriedman</a><a href="https://twitter.com/RVRHS_Athletics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RVRHS_Athletics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JOHN_TIRICO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JOHN_TIRICO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachStevensFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachStevensFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BlackBearsFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BlackBearsFB</a> <a href="https://t.co/NpR45sZ7Uo">pic.twitter.com/NpR45sZ7Uo</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1270238' first='Jordan' last='Evans'] (@Jordan_Evans54) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jordan_Evans54/status/1922655336449589708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1018136"],"_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-6824d98ebf5fb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1018136' first='Marlen' last='Bright'] is one of those offensive tackle prospects you can't help but take notice of. At 6'7”, 280 pounds, he checks all the boxes physically, but his grip strength and ability to control defenders in pass protection truly separate him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Currently ranked as Prep RedZone's No. 5 tackle, Marlen recently dropped a Top 7 that includes some serious national brands: North Carolina, Illinois, Texas A&amp;M, Syracuse, Tennessee, Stanford, and Penn State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If I'm reading the tea leaves, Penn State feels like the leader in the clubhouse. They have a strong track record developing linemen, and their Big Ten pedigree aligns well with what Marlen brings. But don't sleep on Syracuse. Coach Fran Brown's deep connections to North Jersey and aggressive in-state recruiting make the Orange a real contender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1018136' first='Marlen' last='Bright'] will be a difference-maker up front no matter where he lands. Expect his decision soon, and expect that program's offensive line to improve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Top 7!!! <a href="https://t.co/Q1LvCI0tEn">pic.twitter.com/Q1LvCI0tEn</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1018136' first='Marlen' last='Bright'] (@MarlenBright5) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarlenBright5/status/1890744518888079482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
Ohio State
Jordan Thomas

Jordan Thomas

NJ
DB
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 185
POS DB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Jordan
Thomas DB
Class
2026
Height
6'1"
Weight
185
HS
Bergen Catholic
|
NJ
Recruit/Commitment Reactions
This is one the Buckeyes have had circled for a while. They fell in love with him last...
Written by Earnest Daniels
Ohio State
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jordan Thomas

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State: New Jersey
School: Bergen Catholic
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Highlights

Justin Simpson

Justin Simpson

NJ
OL
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 285
POS OL
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Justin
Simpson OL
Class
2026
Height
6'2"
Weight
285
HS
Bridgewater-Raritan
|
NJ
Recruit/Commitment Reactions
I’m excited to see Justin Simpson get his first offer — Bucknell pulled the trigger after a strong...
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Justin Simpson

State: New Jersey
School: Bridgewater-Raritan
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Akeem Jones Jr.

Akeem Jones Jr.

NJ
EDGE
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 190
POS EDGE
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Akeem
Jones Jr. EDGE
Class
2028
Height
6'1"
Weight
190
HS
St. Augustine Prep
|
NJ
Recruit/Commitment Reactions
Akeem Jones Jr. picking up an offer from Pitt is big — and honestly, it feels like just...
Written by Earnest Daniels
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Akeem Jones Jr.

State: New Jersey
School: St. Augustine Prep
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Highlights

Jordan Evans

Jordan Evans

NJ
OL
HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 260
POS OL
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Jordan
Evans OL
Class
2026
Height
6'3"
Weight
260
HS
Rancocas Valley
|
NJ
Recruit/Commitment Reactions
Jordan Evans picking up an offer from the University of Maine is a firm nod to the kind...
Written by Earnest Daniels
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jordan Evans

State: New Jersey
School: Rancocas Valley
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Highlights

Marlen Bright

Marlen Bright

NJ
OL
HEIGHT 6'7"
WEIGHT 280
POS OL
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Marlen
Bright OL
Class
2026
Height
6'7"
Weight
280
HS
DePaul Catholic
|
NJ
Recruit/Commitment Reactions
Marlen Bright is one of those offensive tackle prospects you can’t help but take notice of. At 6’7”,...
Written by Earnest Daniels
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Marlen Bright

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State: New Jersey
School: DePaul Catholic
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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Rankings

695 Players Ranked

  • 1
    Jordan Thomas

    Jordan Thomas

    Bergen Catholic

    Ohio State
  • 2
    Luke Wafle

    Luke Wafle

    The Hun School

    USC
  • 3
    Damari Simeon

    Damari Simeon

    St. Augustine Prep

    Ohio State
  • 4
    CJ Edwards

    CJ Edwards

    St. Joseph's Metuchen

  • 5
    Nakeem Powell

    Nakeem Powell

    Winslow

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