NJ Freshman Racking Up Stats

Through six weeks of play, a few freshman have stood out amongst the crowd and have made an immediate impact on the field. As the season progresses, we should see and hear about more players from the 2028 class playing a part in their team's success. For now, here are six freshman that made the most of the opportunities thus far at the varsity level.    [player_tooltip player_id='1548605' first='Patrick' last='Randolph'] is leading all freshman in multiple categories so far in the 2024 season. Not only has he been a workhorse of a running back for Park Ridge, but Patrick has doubled as a devastating defender. Patrick has been one of the major reasons for Park Ridge's defensive success thus far this season, as he ran sideline to sideline to get involved in the play and it has lead to 52 total tackles and 2 sacks. Patrick is a player we will hear about on both sides of the ball for years to come.   Lining up as a full back for Park Ridge, [player_tooltip player_id='1548605' first='Patrick' last='Randolph'] already outsizes and over powers opposing upper classmen as a freshman. Park Ridge can confidently hand Pat the ball up the gut and he'll take the ball up the middle up with authority and determination. A bruiser of a back, Patrick's size and stature overwhelms defenders when they meet him in the hole. In 6 games, Patrick has put up an astonishing 11 touchdowns and 891 yards off of 121 carries. Even more impressive, Patrick put on a show when Park Ridge faced off against Wallington. In that matchup, Patrick was able to find the end zone 4 times and popped off for 207 yards on the ground. If you're not familiar with Patrick yet, it's safe to say you're missing out.      A player already on Prep Redzone's NJ 2028 watchlist, [player_tooltip player_id='1140610' first='Anthony' last='Nelson'] is making his presence felt as he gets his reps in for Camden. While he hasn't gotten a ton of time on the field quite yet, he's made the most of his opportunities and is quickly becoming more involved in Camden's defensive scheme. Through the first 7 games of the season, Anthony has been able to accumulate 10 tackles from the defensive line and more impressively, has gotten to the QB in the backfield 2.5 times. Camden will look to continue their winning ways in week seven, as the enter the contest with a 5-2 record and face off against divisional foe Lenape. Keep your eyes not only on Camden as we near the playoffs, but also their young playmaker in [player_tooltip player_id='1140610' first='Anthony' last='Nelson'].     [player_tooltip player_id='1529500' first='Cole' last='Anderson'] is another freshman running back starting his high school career off quickly by making an immediate impact on the field in the first few weeks of play. Cole has been given 107 opportunities to carry the rock and has produced at a very high level . Averaging 5.69 yards per carry, Cole has exploded onto the scene with 609 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns so far this season. Maybe even more impressive, Cole got a large chunk of his season's stats in the matchup against Rancocas Valley. In that one game, Cole went off for some huge numbers, rushing for 210 yards and scoring 3 of his 5 touchdowns. There is no film to break down quite yet, but I am sure by season's end we'll get a good sense of the player Cole is and can become.     Find me another freshman performing at this high of a level on a very successful team. Playing a major part on Delbarton's defense, [player_tooltip player_id='992003' first='Chaz' last='Cusimano'] has stepped right into a varsity role and has not skipped a beat. A star at the safety position, Chaz seems to always be at the right place at the right time. With the 3 interceptions he has on the season, Chaz either screamed up field to jump the route or was overtop in the right position to close in on the receiver. Chaz is extremely quick in getting out of his back peddle and coming back up field, forcing QB's to misjudge the openness of their receiver. You can tell Chaz was coached extremely well and has focused on perfecting his technique, as there is very little to critique in how he plays the position. From what I've seen so far, in my mind Chaz is the top safety coming out of NJ in 2028. Delbarton has their toughest opponent to date on Saturday, as they square off against the number 1 team in the state in Bergen Catholic.      One of the other leading rushers from the 2028 class, [player_tooltip player_id='1141023' first='Trey' last='Alexander III'] has started to build some buzz as he has impressed thus far with the opportunities he's been given. Trey is a true do-it-all back, and I believe is destined to become a household name within the state. Trey has a little bit of everything you're looking for in a lead ball carrier. With good size as a freshman (5'9" and 170lb), Trey is not one to shy away from contact but on the contrary is the one delivering the hit to defenders. Trey's running style is not strictly as a bruiser, but also as an elusive back that shines in the open field. Trey has the lateral quickness and vision to react instantaneously to incoming defenders and avoid the tackle. He has been extremely successful thus far this season, as he has found the end zone 3 times and has just under 400 offensive yards. Keep a close eye on Trey as he develops into one of the best backs in the state.      Adam's last game alone has put him on this list of freshman to look out for. While he has totaled 20 receptions, 193 yards, and 3 touchdowns so far this season, the majority of those stats were put up in his last outing. Facing off against Fort Lee, Adam was fed the ball the entire game as he caught 12 passes for 116 yards and 2 touchdowns. Adam is a sneaky quick receiver that can take the quick bubble screen or slant and tear on downfield. a YAC specialist, Adam can find the seam in the secondary and carve his way through on the way to the end zone. I expect to see Adam given the ball a lot more over the next few weeks, as he has proven to be a valuable asset to Teaneck's offense.

Through six weeks of play, a few freshman have stood out amongst the crowd and have made an immediate impact on the field. As the season progresses, we should see and hear about more players from the 2028 class playing a part in their team's success. For now, here are six freshman that made the most of the opportunities thus far at the varsity level.