2028's Finest Defenders this Fall

[player_tooltip player_id='1270594' first='Jackson' last='Vaughn']: Bergen Catholic DL   There is a good chance you've heard of [player_tooltip player_id='1270594' first='Jackson' last='Vaughn'] by now. Arguably the top prospect coming out of NJ in 2028, Jackson stepped right into a lead role on a dominant state championship defense. I got the chance to see Jackson perform over the offseason at the Prep Redzone Next Combine and I can say he put up on an absolute show that morning and left a lasting impression on every scout in attendance. Leading Bergen Catholic in sacks as a freshman, Jackson compiled 8 sacks in 12 games and recorded 4 of those sacks in the 25-7 state championship win over Don Bosco. Jackson has elite speed off of the edge. With an extremely quick first step, Jackson can beat the offensive lineman off of the line while maintaining a low pad level and delivering an arsenal of hand moves. This is a high motor athlete that was playing at an upperclassmen level all season long. Jackson is destined to make his name known at a national level.    [player_tooltip player_id='1140610' first='Anthony' last='Nelson']: Camden DL   A freshman we highlighted earlier on in the season, [player_tooltip player_id='1140610' first='Anthony' last='Nelson'] continued to grow during his first year on the field at the varsity level. Anthony was able to contribute to Camden's success all season long, as his presence on the defensive front was well known to his opponents. Anthony recorded a tackle in each game this year and finished the season with 21 total tackles and 3.5 sacks. Standing 6 foot and over 200lbs, Anthony's larger frame has been commanding up front, and his strength and leverage is only going to get better with time.   [player_tooltip player_id='1011769' first='Jesse' last='Roth']: St. John Vianney DL   Second on the team in sacks in his first season at the varsity level, [player_tooltip player_id='1011769' first='Jesse' last='Roth'] is set up for a very successful high school career. Built different than your average freshman, Jesse commanded the field with his dominant presence and overpowering size. Jesse has impressed scouts, as he has been the focal point of attention at every event and combine he has been a part of. Another player I got the chance to see last May, Jesse has continued to shine by showing he is a versatile weapon on the defensive side of the ball and has the potential to line up in multiple roles. Jesse's quickness, grit and ability to secure the tackle with strong hands allowed him to rack up 36 tackles tackles on the season, with 12 of those for a loss and 5 sacks. Jesse is a gem for St. John Vianney.    [player_tooltip player_id='916571' first='Phoenix' last='Evans']: Don Bosco DB   [player_tooltip player_id='916571' first='Phoenix' last='Evans'] was the most impressive prospect I saw last May at the Prep Redzone Next Combine, and he continued to live up to the hype in his first year on the field for Don Bosco. It was clear back then that he had the ability to make an immediate impact at the varsity level, as he stuck around at the Combine last May to compete against the high schoolers and proved on the field that he was even amongst the best at that level as well.   Phoenix is one of the most fluid movers in the entire state. He can quickly transition from a backpedal to a sprint to stay glued to the receiver downfield, and also does an exceptional job chopping his feet to get back towards the line of scrimmage to halt any success on shorter routes. An excellent open field tackler as well, Phoenix keeps his head up and can blow up the run quickly with a low approach and a sweep of the feet of the runner. A high IQ DB, Phoenix is the top corner in the NJ 2028 class.    [player_tooltip player_id='1017479' first='AJ' last='Pena']: Donovan Catholic   One of the top tacklers from the freshman class, [player_tooltip player_id='1017479' first='AJ' last='Pena'] made his name known with 43 total tackles on the season and an interception as well. AJ is a versatile defensive back, as he really has the potential to shine as a corner, safety, or if he puts on more size, a rover as well. AJ is another one of those naturally gifted DBs that plays the position with intelligence and a high motor. AJ has shown that his quick play recognition allows him to spring into action quickly and make a play, regardless if it's a run or a pass. He provides excellent run support with hard hitting capabilities and also does a great job at anticipating routes and breaking up the pass immediately. AJ is primed for a big sophomore campaign, which should elevate his status as a top target in the state.    [player_tooltip player_id='992003' first='Chaz' last='Cusimano']: Delbarton   [player_tooltip player_id='992003' first='Chaz' last='Cusimano'] has been not only one of the top freshman DBs in the entire state this season, but one of the top DBs amongst all classes. A quick reacting safety, Chaz was a menace to all QBs trying to find success across the middle, as Chaz was always there ready to break up the pass and make a play on the ball. Chaz really stood out with his ability to diagnose the play and distinguish between a pass or a run quickly. Chaz can identify the play extremely quickly, having the ability to tear up field to make a play in the backfield or drop into coverage and find his man coming across the middle. You need to check out Chaz' highlights to get a sense of how fast he can change direction and break in the direction of the play. His agility not only helped him make 37 tackles in 2024, but also allowed him to pick off an astounding 4 interceptions. Chaz will be one of the most sought after defenders in the NJ 2028 class.

Jackson Vaughn: Bergen Catholic DL