Patriot Silver Players that Need Recognition

In the Patriot Silver Division, it's looking like it may be a two team race to the top in 2024. While every team has the opportunity to surprise and come out on top, there's good reason to believe Hillside and Johnson will run away with it next season. Not only do I think that they have the potential to dominate in their division, but they have the ability to sneak into the statewide conversation and become one of those elite programs everybody talks about. Hillside in particular is equipped with everything needed to make a deep playoff run in 2024. With stars returning at pivotal positions, the early game experience will come in handy when the season arrives.    I don't know how any team can slow [player_tooltip player_id='849550' first='Talibi' last='Kaba'] down once he gets going. Talibi is a wrecking ball of a runner. Towering over most defenders, the 6'3" RB has the potential to break loose from any defender's grasp. Rushing for 1117 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023, Talibi has become one of the focal points of Hillside's offensive unit with his decisive cuts and quick acceleration out of the backfield.   Talibi has the ability to be a Brandon Jacob-like force at the next level. Committed to Rutgers, Talibi will be bringing to the team a powerful running back that isn't afraid to lower his shoulder between the tackles, but can also use his legs to break it to the second level.      1449 14 passing   A star in the making, [player_tooltip player_id='1004630' first='Zion' last='Risher'] is ready to help bring Hillside to the next stage in the program's maturation in 2024. A QB with decisive throwing abilities, Zion is the type of thrower that can hit his receivers with precision as they dart across the field. Zion is a true pocket passer, as he's excelled at stepping up in the pocket and evading the pass rush that is tearing towards him.   Though Zion may not be a major run threat, what Zion lacks with his legs he makes up for with a powerful arm. Lookout for Zion in 2024 as he winds up to heave the ball deep. With the receivers Hillside is equipped with, Zion will have plenty of opportunities to chuck it long and let his men run under it on their way to the end zone.      The first player representing Johnson and the second quarterback on this list, [player_tooltip player_id='1021040' first='Robert' last='Gallagher'] is looking to make it a shoot out when Johnson goes up against [player_tooltip player_id='1004630' first='Zion' last='Risher'] and Hillside. Robert is a dangerous duel threat QB. Opposing coaches hold their breath any time they see Robert tucking the ball on a designed run because they know he can do some damage to their D. Robert and Johnson's offense can be so intimidating to go up against because they can run their plays from a traditional option set up or they can spread the players out to give Robert less defenders to contend with in the box.   In only 7 games, Robert was able to find the end zone 7 times through the air and another 8 times on the ground. While he may be a smaller QB, Johnson's offensive play design allows him to get outside of the pocket to give him a clearer look at the field to make an accurate throw. And since defenses need to be concerned about Johnson's run game, the play action gives Robert's receivers an extra step of separation.      An up and coming talent for Johnson, Joshua Maltez-Torres is in a position to step up for his team in a big way in 2024. While he didn't put up huge stats offensively in 2023 (237 rushing yards, 138 receiving yards, and 3 touchdowns), there is reason to believe Joshua can be a legitimate threat on this offense. Equipped with quick cuts and slick lateral movement, Joshua has the potential to dice up defenses anytime the ball is in his hands. I foresee Johnson getting Joshua the ball out on the perimeter often to let him work his magic in the open field.   Joshua made an even bigger impact on the field last season on the defensive side of the ball. Compiling 38 tackles and picking the ball off as well, Joshua lined up as a rover where he played close to the line but also gave support in pass coverage. While Joshua may be a smaller defender, he packs a punch when he approaches the runner. Joshua builds up speed and closes in quickly on ball carriers and brings them to the ground before they know what hit them. Size works to Joshua's advantage in pass coverage, as he is able to stay with shifty receivers and keep close to them wherever they go.      Only a sophomore in 2023, Kamari is primed to make an impact on the field in 2024 in a big way. Another two way starter, Kamari's capabilities have him lined up to be a worry of a receiver to go up against, as well as a shut down defender in the secondary. Kamari prides himself in being a hard hitter on both sides of the ball. Not only does he deliver devastating hits to ball carriers, but he brings the heat and de-cleats defenders when he goes in for the block. Defensively, he often can blow up a play before it can get started if he lines up close to the line.   Offensively, Kamari has the potential to be a weapon downfield but also in the backfield as well, as he's often put in motion and given the ball to early in the play. If there is a seam for Kamari to go through, good luck trying to catch him. As soon as Kamari sees a hole open up he accelerates through and leaves the defenders in the dust. Kamari has big play capabilities, as he took a few short passes the distance in 2023. Catching 5 touchdowns and 427 yards last season, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Kamari doubled that number this upcoming fall.

In the Patriot Silver Division, it's looking like it may be a two team race to the top in 2024. While every team has the opportunity to surprise and come out on top, there's good reason to believe Hillside and Johnson will run away with it next season. Not only do I think that they have the potential to dominate in their division, but they have the ability to sneak into the statewide conversation and become one of those elite programs everybody talks about. Hillside in particular is equipped with everything needed to make a deep playoff run in 2024. With stars returning at pivotal positions, the early game experience will come in handy when the season arrives.