Grit and Greatness Invitational: Saturday Top Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was at the Grit &amp; Greatness invitation at Under Armour Stadium in Baltimore this past Saturday. Featuring 3 games on the day representing teams from MD, DC, and PA. I highlight a few prospects from the day that balled out and really showed up for their teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1644202"],"_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-6a9f1b222bfed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sonny had a huge game for McDonogh in their back &amp; forth entertaining game vs. Haverford School (PA). Listed as an ATH, Sonny dominated as a WR with 6 total catches with 2 TDs. He secured McDonogh's only first half points as the game was tied 7-7 at half. Scoring on a quick slant grab where he beat his man right off the snap and showed secure hands snatching the ball. The second half opened up and both teams went back and forth with big scores, Sonny making one of the biggest late for McDonogh. Late in game, Sonny ran a clean wheel route getting wide open. He then showcases excellent body control and ball skills to make the catch. He made the grab with soft natural hands while making an impressive toe tap to stay in bounds by the front end zone pylon. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Off to strong start to the season already, I expect Sonny to continue having a big junior year. Athletic enough to play on either side of the ball his recruitment should take off this fall. He currently only holds offers from Rhode Island &amp; UCONN, but expect that to change in near future. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">6 catches and 2 touchdowns in a great team win against Haverford! 0 catches allowed in 2 targets. <a href="https://t.co/rp2USirRqD">pic.twitter.com/rp2USirRqD</a></p>&mdash; robert “sonny” moore (@sonnymoore_2) <a href="https://x.com/sonnymoore_2/status/2096605758867603772?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1894727"],"_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-6a9f1b222c054"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jackson's play was a key reason for McDonogh's offense explosion in the the 2nd half of their victory over Haveford (PA) on Saturday. On the game he totaled 4 total passing TDs. After a slow start of only one in the first half, he lit it up and threw 3 in the second half. Doing a good job distributing the ball as well, those 4 TD passes were to 3 different receivers. On the game Jackson showed poise, toughness and a live arm. Completed passes across all three levels of the passing game and doing so with impressive accuracy &amp; velocity. Showing he can read defenses, Jackson got the ball out quick to his playmakers and put it on them for easy catches &amp; RAC. This game more then backed up Jackson's high ranking and being a top QB in the 2029 class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Grateful for the opportunity to have competed at the UA Next showcase a few weeks past! Here are a few throws.<a href="https://x.com/McDonoghFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@McDonoghFB</a> <a href="https://x.com/QB_Factory?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@QB_Factory</a> <a href="https://x.com/McDCoachSule?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@McDCoachSule</a> <a href="https://t.co/6g0V7EIFIZ">pic.twitter.com/6g0V7EIFIZ</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1894727' first='Jackson' last='Herbert'] (@Jacksonherb11) <a href="https://x.com/Jacksonherb11/status/2069833256304849221?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1668985"],"_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-6a9f1b222c0a2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kameron was a do it all impact player for Oakland Mills this past Saturday as they dismantled Poly (MD) 30-6. Playing both QB and DB all game, he was key to the Scorpion's performance on the day. At QB, he had the offense humming. Running the mis-direction, read option game plan to great success. Making correct decisions, getting the ball to his playmakers quickly &amp; in the right spots, while also running around for yards himself. On the defensive side he was all over the place. Throwing his body into hits and coming away with 2 INTs on the game. Kameron is an athlete that just knows how to make plays. A strong academic prospect as well, he is starting to generate some recruiting interest from Patriot/IVY programs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sophomore 2025 highlights<br>2028 WR/DB<br>Long Reach High School (Columbia MD)<a href="https://t.co/rbnLENwmMy">https://t.co/rbnLENwmMy</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1668985' first='Kameron' last='Jennifer'] (@kamjennifer2) <a href="https://x.com/kamjennifer2/status/1988686800618156158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2220150"],"_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-6a9f1b222c0ef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jacob was a defensive force for Oakland Mills as the nearly shut out Poly (MD) on Saturday. Getting all over the field causing havoc, JSA racked up 12 total tkls and some big hits to add. A box SS, Jacob can come downhill, fill and make tackles at the LOS as well as rack up TFL's. He can also drop back in coverage and lock down the middle of the field. With strong ball skills and athleticism, he gets his hands on passes for PBUs. JSA is the leader of that defense and plays like it with great intensity. A high academic prospect as well, Patriot level and FCS schools should be all over Jacob this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Week 1 highlights vs Poly<br>12 tackles <br>2 pbu's<br>1 tfl<br>0 receptions allowed<br>30-6 Win<br>Most physical player on the field!!!<a href="https://x.com/tdhald?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tdhald</a> <a href="https://x.com/NPCoachZim?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NPCoachZim</a> <a href="https://t.co/OvGzWBAHlp">pic.twitter.com/OvGzWBAHlp</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='2220150' first='Jacob' last='Kusi-Amponsah'] (@Jacob_Amponsah3) <a href="https://x.com/Jacob_Amponsah3/status/2096952822407233971?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1134909"],"_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":2381721,"_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-6a9f1b222c13a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Japhya was a force at RB for SJC in their big win over Spalding (MD) Saturday night. He totaled 3 TDs on the night, two rushing and one receiving TD. All night long Japhya was punishing defenders. Running with power, ripping through tacklers and also showing nice agility in open space. That wiggle ability was shown in his receiving TD as he took a dump off from Nye Woods and ran by would be tacklers 45yds for the score. A running back who runs with a purpose. Japhya is a yoked up player who looks to run through defenders face and seems to get strong &amp; stronger as the game goes on. He is off to a very impressive start to the year with 7 total TDs in 2 games. Backing up that pre-season #1 RB ranking in 28 class, it is no surprise why he carrier double digit P4 offers already. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">45 yard receiving touchdown!!💪🏾💪🏾<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/swissarmyknife?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#swissarmyknife</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/versatility?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#versatility</a> <a href="https://x.com/coachbyrd75?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachbyrd75</a> <a href="https://x.com/GRIFFbgriffin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GRIFFbgriffin</a> <a href="https://x.com/patward71?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@patward71</a> <a href="https://x.com/MikeWard71?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MikeWard71</a> <a href="https://t.co/OJjhzFB8eB">pic.twitter.com/OJjhzFB8eB</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1134909' first='Japhya' last='Rouson'] 3⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Phyarouson) <a href="https://x.com/Phyarouson/status/2096976992365068597?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["264860"],"_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":2381722,"_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-6a9f1b222c181"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">DJ put on an extremely impressive defensive performance Saturday in St. John's close win over Spalding (MD). He totaled 12 tkls, 3 TFLs, 1 sack and 1 FF, and honestly it seemed like he was in on every play making an impact in some way. Coming down hill, closing quickly on the ball and plugging holes-no ball carrier was getting by him. An LB with nice athleticism, DJ has real fluid hips and good COD ability. He gets sideline to sideline in a flash and can track down the ball from any angle. There were multiple plays where as the snap he opened up and explode to meet the outside run at the LOS and stop the RB in his tracks. DJ hits through the ball carrier and lays the wood. An imposing force at LB, DJ is the #1 LB in the 2029 class for MD/DC/DE and I can see him being the #1 LB prospect for 29 in the country. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Week 2 St John's vs Archbishop Spalding <br><br>Dominate defensive showing walking away with the Win! <br><br>Sack with the forced fumble 🎥<br> <br>12 tackles<br>3 TFL<br>1 sack<br>1 FF <br><br>[player_tooltip player_id='264860' first='DJ' last='Butler'] (VA) <br>#1 2029 Linebacker in DMV<br>6'2 215<br>St John's (DC) <a href="https://t.co/56WBApZ1nY">pic.twitter.com/56WBApZ1nY</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='264860' first='DJ' last='Butler'] (@DakotaButlerJr) <a href="https://x.com/DakotaButlerJr/status/2096622113733988398?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->