PRZNY Team Previews: Archbishop Stepinac Crusaders

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Last Season (1-10)</h2>   <p>Stepinac collected only one win a year ago, but the Crusaders return some exciting talent for this upcoming season along with a new head coach. AJ Magee enters his first year at the helm, as longtime coach Michael O'Donnell retired after 37 seasons. Here's a look at some of the top players on Stepinac's roster this season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Prospect </h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Murray already picked up his first Division I offer from Wagner earlier in the summer. He put together a strong junior season, showing incredible flashes against some of the top teams in the Catholic league. Murray is a smart player with a high motor. Every time he's on the field, he is relentless, proving to be a great pass rusher at 6-foot-1 and 285 pounds — though he's longer and more athletic than many expect. Murray will be the leader of the Crusaders' defensive line this season.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">X Factors </h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">He isn't the biggest back, but Smith showed flashes in his junior year of why he'll be a name to know in New York this season. Smith has great vision and is one of the shiftiest backs in the Catholic league. He's elusive in the open field, and his speed and strength are underrated parts of his game. He picked up an offer from St. Anselm and now, as the potential feature back for the Crusaders, his stock could rise even more.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">The measurables and physical tools for Guinyard are eye-catching for colleges. He's a terrific athlete, listed at 6-2, 230 pounds with an 81-inch wingspan. He's coming off a solid junior season where he produced at a high level and gained valuable experience, recording over 50 tackles, six sacks and more than 10 tackles for loss. He forms a scary combination with [player_tooltip player_id='1345061' first='Elias' last='Murray'] for a Stepinac defense aiming for a bounce-back season.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">The senior receiver is expected to take a leap this year. A high-academic, high-IQ player, DeMarco has looked great on the 7-on-7 circuit. He's a skilled route runner with reliable hands, finishing his junior season with 21 catches for 224 yards and three touchdowns. With an elevated role, DeMarco could be in for a big senior year.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Hardy is a talented player with excellent instincts and was always around the ball last season. He'll start at safety for the Crusaders and plays much bigger than his 5'8 frame. Hardy is an excellent tackler and can deliver big hits in the open field. He finished last year with over 50 tackles and two interceptions and will be a leader in the Stepinac secondary.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Another undersized but fearless defensive back, Williams is tough as nails and brings physicality to the Crusaders' defense. He had a solid junior season, showing strong tackling ability and holding up well in man coverage. After developing significantly during his first varsity season, Williams is ready to make a major impact this fall.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Breakout Player</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Last season, Eaton was impressive for Stepinac. As a junior, he performed well against some of the top teams in New York and against elite programs in Maryland. Eaton is a smooth athlete with great hands and is a strong, physical receiver. His yards after contact stood out, as did his ability to use his physicality to his advantage. He's only gotten more athletic since then, as shown in 7-on-7 play, and he has the chance to become Stepinac's top wide receiver in an offense with a high ceiling.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Names To Know</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Position</td><td>Player</td><td>Class</td><td>Notes</td></tr><tr><td>OL/DL</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1635487' first='Rodney' last='Walker']</td><td>2026</td><td>Could be an impactful two-way player; high IQ and tough.</td></tr><tr><td>WR</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1236538' first='Ian' last='Thomas']</td><td>2026</td><td>Track speed; big-play threat.</td></tr><tr><td>OL</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1364039' first='Daniel' last='Davitt']</td><td>2027</td><td>6'8 lineman with a high ceiling.</td></tr><tr><td>DL</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1639424' first='Samuel' last='Richardson']</td><td>2027</td><td>Solid lineman who could make a big impact on varsity.</td></tr><tr><td>OL</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1635673' first='Jeron' last='Byam']</td><td>2028</td><td>Played as a freshman; big OL prospect with lots of potential.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key Losses (All League Recipients)</h2>   <p>OL- [player_tooltip player_id='1561156' first='DJ' last='Williams'] </p>   <p>ATH- Zaire Spellman </p>   <p>LB- Anthony Terilli </p>   <p>LB- Julian Ramos </p>   <p>LB- Andrew Walters </p>   <p>DL- Adrian Sukalic </p>   <p>DB- Garrison Heslop</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Schedule </h2>   <p><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/white-plains/archbishop-stepinac-crusaders/football/schedule">https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/white-plains/archbishop-stepinac-crusaders/football/schedule</a></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2025 Outlook</h2>   <p>Business as usual for the Crusaders, who have assembled another tough schedule. They open with a marquee matchup against PSAL powerhouse Abraham Lincoln. Tough out-of-state opponents include Central Catholic (Mass.) and DePaul Catholic (N.J.). In league play, their slate is highlighted by late-season matchups against St. Anthony's and Iona Prep. They'll also face Cardinal Hayes, Chaminade, and defending AA-1 champion St. Joseph by-the-Sea, among other Catholic league teams.</p>   <p></p>