PRZNY: 2029 Spotlight Players to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These are the spotlight players to watch that had outstanding freshman seasons. Heading into their sophomore seasons, they'll be aiming to raise their stock and attract even more college attention. Take a look below.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1134769"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2107782,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-69685762a5740"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1134769' first='CJ' last='Nicholson'] came off his rookie season at McQuaid Jesuit, primarily lining up at WR, where he displayed promising talent. The ability to make toe-tapping catches and contested catches showed. Equally, Nicholson worked primarily out at the boundary. Lots of out and curl routes are hauled in for key first downs. Nicholson's quick feet allow him to uncover space to create separation. He will run clean slant and drag routes over the middle and isn't afraid to take big hits. Additionally, he will play DE where the athleticism in his get-off was present. For his age, he flashes raw power and an ability to close on the ball carrier.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19389085/69128f74bc771ff6fab75693' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69685762a5902"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2103006"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2107910,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-696afe9c4e120"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2103006' first='Gavin' last='McDermott'] is a young QB for Canisius that has a strong arm. That arm was on display, as he was able to push the ball 35-40 yards with velocity. For his age, McDermott demonstrates impressive balance, body control, and hip drive, allowing him to generate power and maintain accuracy. One action is for certain, he is confident attacking tight windows, particularly over the middle of the field and between the seams. Continuing to develop at getting the ball out of his hands quickly, and his footwork progression in drop backs will be key.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/21366867/692cd3ad266f7c1db1822e2a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696afe9c4e2d0"} /--> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Offseason work with <a href="https://twitter.com/GavinMcD2029?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GavinMcD2029</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/OPQuakersFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OPQuakersFB</a> <a href="https://t.co/zobywjtUoD">pic.twitter.com/zobywjtUoD</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='2104000' first='Liam' last='Gardner'] (@Liam_Gardner10) <a href="https://twitter.com/Liam_Gardner10/status/2011952603010126145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1642197"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2107745,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-696afe9c4e32a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1642197' first='Cole' last='Kennedy'] is an athletic OT that has a lot of raw high-upside skills that consistently flashed all over his tape during his freshman season. Straightaway, he already possesses notable size at 6'3", 210 pounds, and showed light feet throughout his play. That quickness was beneficial, especially in pass protection in his kickbacks and mirroring pass rushers. Thereupon, he does have emerging power that would present itself in the run game, in detail on wham blocks. Kennedy did spend some time as a DE, where his athleticism translated well to run support.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/26625575/691bb87e04391959c46d7e8d' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696afe9c4e352"} /--> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">[player_tooltip player_id='1642197' first='Cole' last='Kennedy'] is a 14 year old freshmen who played on the three time defending state champions this year at DE and OT. He is 6'3” and 210 lbs and his stats are:<br>275 bench<br>365 squat<br>405 deadlift <br>4.9 40<br>4.0 GPA<br><br>College coaches please reach out!! <a href="https://t.co/p6AswAWqkz">pic.twitter.com/p6AswAWqkz</a></p>&mdash; Somers Football (@SomersFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/SomersFootball/status/2006183454795325690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1607937"],"_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-696c05ffcbd52"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1607937' first='Jeremiah' last='Burch'] is a brute OG with upfront force that is difficult to move in all of the areas of attack. His game is built on pure power and physicality, which consistently is show up on film. Conversely, Burch's 280-pound size paid dividends moving linemen forward in the run game. The in-line and reach blocks to create lanes were an evident portion of his game, helping establish the interior presence of the offense. Continued development of athleticism, footwork, and balance will be key functions in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Freshman regular Season Highlights. Finished undefeated championship game tomorrow ! <br><br>‘29 Offensive Guard <a href="https://twitter.com/ionafootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ionafootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Joespags12?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Joespags12</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/vinnysullivan77?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vinnysullivan77</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMoffitt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachMoffitt</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coachlindberg78?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachlindberg78</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNY?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNY</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AlPopsFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlPopsFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/jn6ekiipaz">pic.twitter.com/jn6ekiipaz</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1607937' first='Jeremiah' last='Burch'] (@JBurch99) <a href="https://twitter.com/JBurch99/status/1989497504543519040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1639318"],"_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-696c05ffcbd9b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1639318' first='Anthony' last='Menghi'] is a talented TE that was able to show his versatility in the receiving and blocking game in all functions. Moreover, he has the ability to line up out wide, with his hand in the dirt, and in the slot. Even more, Menghi has the ability to stretch the field and uncover in the intermediate and deep areas. He was also an option on shorter concepts such as outs, slants, and digs, frequently providing his quarterback with a dependable target. The blocking ability to be set in motion and be an asset in the run game from shotgun is a benefit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22598343/691b2c9c17066f96c16ef6e7' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696c05ffcbf2c"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Social Media:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/Cj_Nicholson011">Christopher (Cj) Nicholson (@Cj_Nicholson011) / X</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/GavinMcD2029">[player_tooltip player_id='2103006' first='Gavin' last='McDermott'] (2029 Grad) (@GavinMcD2029) / X</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/ColeKennedy_61">[player_tooltip player_id='1642197' first='Cole' last='Kennedy'] (@ColeKennedy_61) / X</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/JBurch99">[player_tooltip player_id='1607937' first='Jeremiah' last='Burch'] (@JBurch99) / X</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/AnthonyMenghi57">[player_tooltip player_id='1639318' first='Anthony' last='Menghi'] (@AnthonyMenghi57) / X</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->