Sleeper Recruits Set to Make Big Noise This Season

[player_tooltip player_id='1286666' first='Evan' last='Kennedy'] is a name that will make serious noise this season. The 6'2”, 290-pound lineman from Pope John brings strength and control that jumps off the tape. He anchored a line that paved the way for [player_tooltip player_id='344220' first='Tylik' last='Hill']'s 2,000-yard season, and that pedigree shows up in his play.   Kennedy dominates with lower-body power and grip strength. When he gets his hands on defenders, the rep is usually over. He rarely gets moved off his spot and thrives in pass protection. That might be the most underrated part of his game. His base stays clean, and he keeps rushers from collapsing the pocket with ease.   He's also comfortable in gap and zone schemes, which speaks to his football IQ. At the second level, he finds linebackers quickly and engages with purpose. He could play a little lower sometimes, but that's a technical fix, not a knock on his ability.   With his tools, technique, and growing offer list—including a recent one from Denson University in Ohio—[player_tooltip player_id='1286666' first='Evan' last='Kennedy'] is trending toward a massive senior year.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Full Junior season highlights. <a href="https://t.co/C66jTusCfw">https://t.co/C66jTusCfw</a><a href="https://twitter.com/CoachGaston_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachGaston_</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachBrianGibbs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachBrianGibbs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PopeJohnLionsFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PopeJohnLionsFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNJ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNJ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ScoutNickP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScoutNickP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BrendanScoutsNJ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrendanScoutsNJ</a>— [player_tooltip player_id='1286666' first='Evan' last='Kennedy'] (@Evan_Kennedy26) <a href="https://twitter.com/Evan_Kennedy26/status/1865836919109619974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote>     John Mason Beck looks primed for a breakout season on the interior. The Cedar Creek defensive lineman stands at 6'2”, 290 pounds, and plays exactly how you'd expect a big-time disruptor to play—violently on contact, tough to move, and constantly in the mix.   He wins early in reps with his hand placement and leverage, which allows him to neutralize blockers before they get any movement. For a guy his size, he plays with surprising control. He rarely loses sight of the ball, which helps him stay in position to make key stops. Whether stacking blocks or shooting gaps, Beck consistently finds ways to impact the run game.   While he makes his name as a run-stuffer, there's also some pass-rush upside. He's agile for 290 and can create pressure when asked. Once he continues developing his body and adding more pop to his game, don't be surprised if he becomes a true three-down lineman.   John Mason Beck isn't just a space-eater—he's a playmaker in the middle. He'll be one of the key interior defensive linemen to watch this season.      [player_tooltip player_id='1676344' first='Axcel' last='Bailey'] is one of those guys you can't keep off the field. The 5'10”, 190-pound athlete from Paterson Eastside flashes every time the ball touches his hands—and now the offers are starting to follow. New Hampshire and Wofford were the first to jump in, and it's not hard to see why.   Bailey lines up primarily at running back, but calling him that sells him short. He plays all over the field and brings elite acceleration and vision to every position. What stands out most is his patience. Many fast backs want to outrun every play, but Bailey waits. He lets the blocks develop, then turns on the jets and leaves defenders in the dust.   That combo of vision, speed, and one-cut explosiveness makes him a threat to score from anywhere. And when he's out wide? He's just as dangerous. Jet sweeps, bubble screens, quick slants—he turns routine touches into game-breaking plays.   Bailey's highlight tape looks like a cheat code, but this season will allow him to prove he can dominate against higher-level competition. If he does that? Expect more offers—and a lot more noise.      [player_tooltip player_id='1566516' first='Jaxon' last='Bastante'] is built for today's game. At 6'2”, 210 pounds, the DePaul Catholic linebacker fits the mold of the modern hybrid defender—long, athletic, and incredibly versatile. Whether he's lined up off the ball or rushing off the edge, Bastante makes plays all over the field.   What jumps out first is his instincts. He reads and reacts quickly, purposely crashes downhill, and consistently finds ways to slip blocks. Whether he's wrecking screens on the perimeter or blowing up plays inside the box, he always seems to be around the ball.   Off the edge, he brings legit juice. He's explosive when unblocked, but even when linemen get a piece of him, his length and motor still affect the quarterback. He's also a strong, sure tackler who finishes what he starts.   Where Bastante separates himself is in coverage. He shows the awareness and athleticism to drop back and make plays in space—something that's becoming a must at the next level. Add in his special-teams value—he's the center on kickoff—and you get a complete linebacker with few weaknesses.   Offers from Rhode Island, Maine, Bryant, Monmouth, and Stony Brook are already rolling in. A Power Five offer feels like it's only a matter of time. Bastante is Prep Redzone's No. 1 linebacker in New Jersey's 2026 class, and this fall he'll have a chance to prove he's one of the state's top defenders, period.      [player_tooltip player_id='910758' first='Sean' last='Nevers'] is a name that could explode onto the scene this fall. The 6-foot, 202-pound running back split time between varsity and JV last season, but that didn't stop him from picking up early offers from Rhode Island and Temple. With his compact frame and powerful lower body, Nevers brings a rare mix of size, speed, and explosiveness to the position.   He doesn't just bounce off contact—he creates it. His contact balance is elite, and when he gets downhill, he's tough to bring down. What separates Sean, though, is how patient he is. He doesn't rush into traffic. Instead, he lets blocks develop and hits the crease with purpose. On film, you see a back who's just as comfortable running through defenders as he is running away from them.   DePaul Catholic lost several key playmakers from last year, opening the door for Nevers to step into a feature role. If he seizes the opportunity, he could emerge as one of the top breakout backs in the state. All the tools are there—now it's just about proving it against top competition.