November New Jersey Recruiting Update

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1642034"],"_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-692795e4e2f4b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1642034' first='Julian' last='Peterson']'s recruitment took a major turn this month. He originally committed to Penn State, but after James Franklin left for Virginia Tech, Peterson reopened his recruitment. Today, he found his new home — committing to the University of North Carolina.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This move continues a clear trend. Since Bill Belichick arrived in Chapel Hill, UNC has become aggressive in New Jersey, and he's openly praised the state for producing high-level football talent. Now he's backing that up with action. Peterson marks the second Winslow star the Tar Heels have flipped, reinforcing UNC's growing footprint in South Jersey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Peterson brings exactly the type of versatility Belichick has valued for decades. He can play wide receiver and defensive back and contribute across multiple phases without losing impact. Moreover, his length, athleticism, and natural instincts give him a ceiling that few two-way prospects possess.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ultimately, UNC is landing a high-upside athlete with the kind of flexibility that can shape a roster. Peterson fits the mold of a modern hybrid playmaker — and if he continues developing on both sides of the ball, he has a chance to become a Travis Hunter–type chess piece for the Tar Heels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I want to thank every school and every coach who recruited me and believed in me throughout this process. I'm very grateful for every opportunity.<br>With that said, I'm blessed to announce my commitment to the University of North Carolina! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHeels?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoHeels</a>🐏 <a href="https://twitter.com/chillbelton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chillbelton</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/winslowtwpfb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@winslowtwpfb</a> <a href="https://t.co/b0FLu5BXwF">pic.twitter.com/b0FLu5BXwF</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1642034' first='Julian' last='Peterson'] (@Julian_athlete) <a href="https://twitter.com/Julian_athlete/status/1993751937024709088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212405"],"_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-69279b086b24d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In one of the more surprising moves of November, St. Peter's Prep quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='212405' first='Tyler' last='Bell'] flipped his commitment from UMass to the University of Delaware. Bell is coming off a career season, throwing for more than 1,700 yards and 29 touchdowns, and he did it while running an up-tempo offense with confidence and precision.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To start, Bell showed he could attack every level of the field. His deep ball improved dramatically, and he consistently hit explosive throws that stretched defenses. Moreover, he made strong decisions, operated with poise, and looked completely in control of Prep's offense — traits that naturally caught the attention of bigger college programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Bell flipping to Delaware, it's clear his stock was on the rise. The timing is also notable. Just a week earlier, St. Joe's Regional star [player_tooltip player_id='402227' first='Lamar' last='Best'] decommitted from Delaware. Instead of staying idle, the Blue Hens moved quickly and locked in Bell, another high-level Super Conference quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's another interesting layer here. Delaware's current starting quarterback, Nick Minicucci, also came out of Don Bosco Prep. This tells you the Blue Hens' staff is extremely comfortable recruiting New Jersey's Super Conference and trusting its quarterbacks to lead their program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ultimately, Delaware is landing a polished signal-caller with room to grow. If Bell continues refining his decision-making and builds on the momentum from his senior season, he has the tools to develop into a very solid college quarterback — and this flip adds major intrigue to Delaware's future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After careful consideration and talks with my family and coaches, I have made the decision to decommit from UMass. I am now 100% committed to The University of Delaware 🟡🔵 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoHens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HENergy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HENergy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Delaware_FB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Delaware_FB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/UDBlueHens?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UDBlueHens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ryancarty10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ryancarty10</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachGoldrich?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachGoldrich</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ryanoccc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ryanoccc</a> <a href="https://t.co/LLjPdYZGtR">pic.twitter.com/LLjPdYZGtR</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='212405' first='Tyler' last='Bell'] (@TylerBell2026) <a href="https://twitter.com/TylerBell2026/status/1993409422438080726?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1703268"],"_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-69279b086b2b5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">RJ Wortman's recruitment exploded over the final stretch of November, and it ended with a major in-state win for Rutgers. After rising quickly on multiple recruiting boards, Wortman chose to stay home and commit to the Scarlet Knights — a move that strengthens the program's New Jersey footprint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A key factor in his decision was his connection to assistant coach Eric LeGrand, a former Rutgers standout who also graduated from Colonia. That relationship helped build trust, but Wortman's production is ultimately what pushed Rutgers to make him a priority.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wortman delivered a spectacular senior season, leading New Jersey in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns — a true triple crown performance. His size, his ability to stretch the field, and his consistency in traffic made him one of the state's most difficult receivers to defend. Moreover, he proved he could play both ways, contributing on defense and showing the competitiveness that coaches value.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rutgers likely views Wortman as a high-upside athlete with the potential to develop into a versatile offensive weapon. His blend of length, physicality, and ball skills fits the mold of receivers who flourish in the Big Ten. Now, with Wortman staying home, it will be fascinating to see how quickly he assimilates into Power Five football and how he grows within the Scarlet Knights' system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Blessed to say I'm 100% committed to <a href="https://twitter.com/RFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RFootball</a> ! Thank you to the Rutgers coaches, my family, friends, trainers and coaches for always supporting me! <a href="https://twitter.com/GregSchiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GregSchiano</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachSparber?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachSparber</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EricJosephsRU?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EricJosephsRU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coloniafootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coloniafootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coachTRroarty?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachTRroarty</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nextlvlculture?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nextlvlculture</a> <a href="https://t.co/ri403IIcho">pic.twitter.com/ri403IIcho</a></p>&mdash; RJ Wortman 3 ⭐️ (@rjwortman7) <a href="https://twitter.com/rjwortman7/status/1991702012778672440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["284069"],"_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-6927a71a61995"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='284069' first='Najee' last='Calhoun'] has been one of the most heavily recruited running backs in the Super Conference, and his recruitment drew serious attention from major programs — including North Carolina. However, despite the national interest, Calhoun chose a different path, announcing his commitment to Harvard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This move also marks Harvard's second Super Conference commitment, joining St. Joe's Regional playmaker [player_tooltip player_id='212398' first='Nate' last='Bailey']. And for good reason. Calhoun brings a complete skill set: solid top-end speed, excellent contact balance, and sharp vision that allows him to consistently create yards after contact. He runs with patience and power, traits that translate well to the college level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When asked why he ultimately chose Harvard, Calhoun pointed to several key factors. First, he developed a strong relationship with the coaching staff — a connection that clearly mattered. Additionally, Harvard offers him the chance to earn his degree in three years, opening the door for him to develop physically, grow as a player, and then potentially transfer to a Power Four program as a graduate student with two years of eligibility remaining.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This model has become increasingly common in Ivy League recruiting. Recruits use the academic advantage to secure a degree early, then enter the transfer portal and pursue opportunities at higher-profile programs. Calhoun sees this as a smart long-term path, one that balances academics, development, and future competitive opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ultimately, Calhoun's commitment gives him the chance to secure an elite education while continuing to grow as a running back. And for Harvard, landing another Super Conference standout only strengthens its foothold in New Jersey recruiting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Blessed! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/commited?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#commited</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/harvard?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#harvard</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachFalaki?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachFalaki</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MicFein?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MicFein</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Aurich?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_Aurich</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HarvardFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HarvardFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/bccoachvito?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bccoachvito</a> <a href="https://t.co/4J1lBOmZjv">pic.twitter.com/4J1lBOmZjv</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='284069' first='Najee' last='Calhoun'] 26' RB (@JeeCalhoun) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeeCalhoun/status/1993364906972692768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1642035"],"_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-6927a71a619eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1642035' first='Roseby' last='Lubintus'] has experienced one of the more intriguing recruiting journeys in New Jersey this cycle. He initially committed to Penn State, but later flipped to Syracuse to join Fran Brown's first recruiting class. Now, his recruitment has taken another turn, as Lubintus appears to be strongly considering yet another flip — this time to Virginia Tech under new head coach James Franklin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Recently, Lubintus expressed a strong interest in an official visit to Blacksburg, a clear sign that he's seriously considering a move. Moreover, his pattern throughout this process has been consistent: he gravitates toward coaches he trusts, and Franklin has been one of his strongest relationships dating back to Franklin's time at Penn State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From an evaluation standpoint, Lubintus carries legitimate upside as an offensive lineman. He's physical in the run game, plays with a strong base, and shows the kind of malleable traits college staffs love to develop — length, flexibility, and the ability to add more strength. His ceiling is still climbing, which is why multiple programs continue to recruit him aggressively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Right now, all signs point toward Lubintus trending heavily in Virginia Tech's direction. While nothing is official yet, the Hokies have momentum, and a commitment in the near future would not be surprising.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ultimately, Lubintus is a high-potential lineman who plans to align himself with coaches he trusts most. And as of today, Virginia Tech looks like the program poised to land him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mess with the Post!! @Iamroselubintus on IG <a href="https://t.co/SiIoMmc9gv">pic.twitter.com/SiIoMmc9gv</a></p>&mdash; Roseby “Purgatory” Lubintus 🇭🇹 (@RosebyLubintus) <a href="https://twitter.com/RosebyLubintus/status/1992692908768805327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->