Five Players To Watch At The Start Of Training Camp

[player_tooltip player_id='1530066' first='Kai' last='Smith'] from Pascack Valley is one of New Jersey's most versatile and disruptive athletes. At safety, he closes downhill quickly, reads screens, fits the run like a linebacker, and makes plays in coverage. On offense, he turns jet sweeps into significant gains, runs through tackles, and makes defenders miss. He's also a force on special teams, already forcing a fumble on kickoff coverage.   With his smooth athleticism, speed, and relentless motor,Smith impacts every phase of the game. Already holding an offer from RPI, he's poised to showcase his skills even more this season as one of the state's top two-way players.        [player_tooltip player_id='1794517' first='Amaree' last='Ervin'] from DePaul Catholic is a young edge rusher ready to make noise this season. At 6'3”, 230 pounds, he's still developing physically and refining his game, but his relentless motor stands out. He closes quickly, chases down quarterbacks from behind, and is especially dangerous when unblocked on the backside.   After a summer packed with camps at Penn State, Syracuse, and LIU, Ervin looks poised to take a big step forward from his sophomore year. With two more seasons ahead, he has the tools to grow into one of New Jersey's most dangerous pass rushers.      [player_tooltip player_id='910904' first='Alex' last='Staten'], making the move from Ocean City to Donovan Catholic, brings game-changing speed and playmaking ability. At 5'9”, he's dangerous after the catch and surprisingly effective in contested situations. Staten also impacts special teams, as shown by his highlight of taking a muffed snap to the house.   Now on a bigger stage with highly recruited quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='205460' first='Kahden' last='Davis'], Staten has the tools to be a difference-maker in multiple phases. After finishing last season with a 10-touchdown campaign, he's poised to match or surpass that production in 2025.      [player_tooltip player_id='1476932' first='Brady' last='Shagawat'], a 5'11”, 205-pound running back, brings a complete skill set to Sparta's offense. His robust frame allows him to thrive through contact, consistently picking up yards after initial hits. He's also a proven threat in the passing game, excelling on underneath routes and wheel patterns out of the backfield.   A three-sport athlete, Shagawat is poised for a huge senior year and will once again be a central piece in Sparta's offensive attack.        [player_tooltip player_id='1476912' first='Nick' last='Huliev'] from Passaic Valley is an elusive back who thrives in open space. His burst through the hole is immediate, and he follows blocks well to find daylight. Huliev brings solid speed and creates explosive plays on the ground, but he's just as dangerous catching passes out of the backfield—especially on swing routes—where he quickly gets upfield and makes defenders miss.   A reliable punt returner, he can flip field position and set his offense up in prime territory. Huliev is poised to be a key contributor once again for Passaic Valley this season.