Returning Contributors: The Clifton Mustangs’ Linemen

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the past half-decade or so the Clifton Mustangs have been a staple in the North, Group V playoff picture. Culminating in a North, Group V Regional title game appearance in 2021, Clifton has made the playoffs and had records of 3-7, 5-5, 10-3, 7-4, and 8-3 over the last six seasons when the playoffs held.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For this level of sustained success two things must be true: a prevailing culture, standard, and way of doing must be established and you must have a baller or two. Here are some of those ballers Clifton will be relying on in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Returning Contributors Series</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-bayonne-fighting-bees-linemen/">Bayonne Fighting Bees' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-bayonne-fighting-bees-skill-players/">Bayonne Fighting Bees' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-bridgewater-raritan-panthers-linemen/">Bridgewater-Raritan Panthers' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-bridgewater-raritan-panthers-linemen-ii/">Bridgewater-Raritan Panthers' Line, Part 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-bridgewater-raritan-panthers-skills/">Bridgewater-Raritan Panthers' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-clifton-mustangs-skill-positions/">Clifton Mustangs' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-east-orange-jaguars-defensive-skills/">East Orange Jaguars' Defensive Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-east-orange-jaguars-offensive-skills/">East Orange Jaguars' Offensive Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-elizabeth-minutemen-big-men/">Elizabeth Minutemen Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-hackensack-comets-skill-positions/">Hackensack Comets' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-linden-tigers-linemen-2/">Linden Tigers' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-linden-tigers-skill-positions/">Linden Tigers' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-montclair-mounties-skill-positions/">Montclair Mounties' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-morristown-colonials-big-men/">Morristown Colonials' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-morristown-colonials-skill-positions/">Morristown Colonials' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-passaic-county-tech-bulldogs-skills/">Passaic County Tech Bulldogs' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-phillipsburg-stateliners-skills/">Phillipsburg Stateliners' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-piscataway-chiefs-skill-positions/">Piscataway Chiefs' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-ridgewood-maroons-skills-line/">Ridgewood Maroons' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-st-joseph-metuchen-falcons-linemen/">St. Joseph (Metuchen) Falcons' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-st-joseph-metuchen-falcons-skills/">St. Joseph (Metuchen) Falcons' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-st-thomas-aquinas-trojan-skills-line/">St. Thomas Aquinas Trojans' Skills &amp; Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-union-farmers-linemen/">Union Farmers' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-union-farmers-skill-positions/">Union Farmers' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-union-city-soaring-eagles-skills/">Union City Soaring Eagles' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-watchung-hills-warriors-linemen/">Watchung Hills Warriors' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-watchung-hills-warriors-skills/">Watchung Hills Warriors' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-westfield-blue-devils-linemen/">Westfield Blue Devils' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-westfield-blue-devils-skills/">Westfield Blue Devils' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-west-orange-mountaineers-skills/">West Orange Mountaineers' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1210990"],"_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_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1210990' first='Justin' last='Gaviria'] is a two-way lineman with the ability to play several techniques and, like his brother, guard. Defensively Gaviria is a two-way threat with pulling guards: he is either a hammer who looks to blow them up or a speed demon who can disrupt the backfield before anything can happen, squeezing directly to the mesh point. Gaviria is capable of pressing offenders off of him and is well trained to finish with his hands above his eyes. Something of a risk-reward analyzer, on plays past him Gaviria has made several plays spinning under the block to make a tackle for no gain or a loss. He is also has shown the ability to get home with the swim move. On offense prioritizes helping and then climbing to the next level to seal off incoming 'backers. In pass protection Gaviria is balanced and does not over commit to any one gap. He also looks to deliver the big blow on his trap or kick out blocks. As he prepares for his senior campaign I would want to see Gaviria's bend improve. Doing so will make him twitchier, play with lower leverage, and ultimately a more dynamic player. Gaviria was credited with 27 tackles last year, 12 of which were solo stops.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f310447e566"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16231645/65327c8ef55f9c0ac4e63f29' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f310447e633"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1210989"],"_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_0_evaluation":"The second of the Gaviria brothers is [player_tooltip player_id='1210989' first='Jassin' last='Gaviria']. Also a guard, Gaviria is an excellent, and I might assume Clifton's primary pulling guard. We see Gaviria execute technically sound skip pulls and check pulls. When pulling Gaviria finds the first opposite color and threat, picking them up and laying his body into them. Due to his height, approximately 5'8u0022, he manages to often win in terms of leverage as he is more often the low man. If he finds himself in a touch matchup Gaviria will snatch and pull down his opponent to eliminate them as a threat. I think that Gaviria would benefit from a tremendous offseason. Adding size and strength will make him an even more effective interior linemen for the 'Stangs.rnrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f310447e6af"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16231642/6539212fbed7470568270906' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f310447e6d7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1210986"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Upon watching his film [player_tooltip player_id='1210986' first='Aidan' last='Romero'] is an intriguing college prospect. Listed at 6'2u0022 240lbs entering his junior season he has the frame to add mass and be a quality college player. He has an ideal base that provides balance in the run and pass game. Moreover, why I am so optimistic about Romero is his feet. Romero showcases quick and fluid lateral movement, manifesting itself in his kick step. For a young man his size he pulls with a clear sense of urgency. Another thing college's will love is that, although primarily a tackle at the high school level, he has taken snaps at center - a skill coaches at the next level do not necessarily want to teach and also caters more to his size. Well coached, Romero showed an instance or two where he uses push-pull technique to gain leverage and turn a defender's shoulders. He also does a great job executing the chop-and-drop when dealing with pass rushers who are engaged. One thing I was hoping Romero would show on his film was how he powers down. He showed the ability to kick step and block an uncovered 7 or 7 technique, however I was just waiting to witness an edge rusher taking the inside rush lane to see Romero power slide to close the B gap. Romero is a prospect who has huge upside that I look forward to tracking this fall. He also pitched in with 4 tackles (2 solo) and 1 TFL on defense.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f310447e739"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17836768/653950b25ca99e04d87d6f9f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f310447e758"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1210992"],"_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_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1210992' first='Isaac' last='Cazimoski'] is another returning lineman for the Mustangs. Last fall the plug in the middle of their 30 front was credited with 12 tackles (7 solo) and 2 TFL. At 5'11u0022 250lbs, Cazimoski has the size and stout build to routinely absorb double teams, terrorize centers, and penetrate A gaps. Unfortunately I was unable to find recent film on Cazimoski, so we are left to hope that he provides mid-season highlights to follow up on.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f261ae91e98"} /-->