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PRZNE Team Previews: 2025 Taft School Connecticut

PRZNE Team Previews: 2025 Taft School Connecticut
Roger Silva
Roger Silva August 19, 2025 @ 09:43 AM
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In this article:

Nicholas Cesta
Nicholas Cesta 6'2" | 230 lbs | DL | 2027
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Matthew Tashdjian
Matthew Tashdjian 6'4" | 260 lbs | TE | 2027
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Max Hoke
Max Hoke 6'7" | 315 lbs | OL | 2027
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James Penkett
James Penkett 6'4" | 290 lbs | OL | 2026
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Tyler Spellman
Tyler Spellman 5'10" | 175 lbs | WR | 2026
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Colin Overy
Colin Overy 6'4" | 250 lbs | OL | 2026
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Logan Scott
Logan Scott 6'5" | 280 lbs | OL | 2026
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Brian Oliver
Brian Oliver 6'3" | 260 lbs | DL | 2026
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Xavier Hairston
Xavier Hairston 6'0" | 185 lbs | RB/ATH | 2028
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Charlie Garnett
Charlie Garnett 5'11" | 200 lbs | RB/ATH | 2026
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Stephen Soares Jr.
Stephen Soares Jr. 6'0" | 228 lbs | LB | 2028
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Myles Petitjean
Myles Petitjean 6'2" | 260 lbs | OL | 2027
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Logan Reed
Logan Reed 6'0" | 180 lbs | WR | 2026
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Michael Votto
Michael Votto 6'0" | 184 lbs | DB | 2027
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Jonah Oquendo
Jonah Oquendo 6'3" | 229 lbs | TE/DL | 2026
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Kavontae Whipple
Kavontae Whipple 6'0" | 175 lbs | DB | 2026
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William Palmer
William Palmer 6'3" | 265 lbs | OL/DL | 2026
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Jude Okeleke
Jude Okeleke 6'3" | 290 lbs | DL | 2026
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Gilbert Kimrin
Gilbert Kimrin 6'5" | 200 lbs | QB/P | 2026
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Damon Hibbert
Damon Hibbert 5'10" | 175 lbs | DB/ATH | 2027
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<!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Top Player Prospect(s): </h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["437026"],"_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-68a34a92ea87d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Preseason Report: [player_tooltip player_id='437026' first='Jude' last='Okeleke'] - Class of 2026</strong><br>Meet [player_tooltip player_id='437026' first='Jude' last='Okeleke'], a phenomenal prospect hailing from Connecticut with nine verbal offers from programs like Temple, Connecticut, Duke, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, West Virginia, Boston College, and Dartmouth! Jude is an exceptional lineman who masterfully combines speed and power, easily running around or through blockers. His ability to control space and his remarkable nose for the football make him a playmaker on every snap.<br>With elite quick-twitch get-off skills, Jude dominates the line of scrimmage, consistently commanding double-teams and winning his battles. He displays great technique, developing impressive pass rush moves, and his footwork and leverage in the run game are outstanding. Jude stuns and sheds blockers while maintaining gaps and penetrating at will. Coaches seeking a high-impact lineman with a tremendously high ceiling should prioritize [player_tooltip player_id='437026' first='Jude' last='Okeleke']—he's a generational talent poised to elevate any program to new heights!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17652300/670fbb4b3436524e54fc28c4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a34a92eab94"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["815895"],"_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-68a34a92eac19"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Preseason Report: [player_tooltip player_id='815895' first='Kavontae' last='Whipple'] - Class of 2026</strong><br>Introducing [player_tooltip player_id='815895' first='Kavontae' last='Whipple'], a rising star from Connecticut with an impressive eight verbal offers including Toledo, Howard University, Mercer, Akron, Kent, Youngstown State, Eastern Michigan, and Fordham! Kavontae is a standout free safety prospect whose skills truly shine on the field. He possesses exceptional hip-flipping ability and smooth transitions, allowing him to get in and out of breaks with remarkable agility. Rarely taking false steps, his instincts are sharp, making him a formidable presence in both the run game and when defending against screens.<br>With strong footing and excellent range, Kavontae can effectively play center field or patrol the deep half. His ball skills are noteworthy, complemented by impressive leaping ability that enables him to high-point passes or take them away from taller receivers. His potential was recognized when he received an offer from the former UMass staff in February 2024. Coaches looking for a versatile and instinctive safety should definitely keep an eye on [player_tooltip player_id='815895' first='Kavontae' last='Whipple']—he's a game-changer waiting to be unleashed!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17385856/6755e76b43059904691af30a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a34a92eac50"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">X FACTOR PROSPECT:</h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1257690"],"_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-68a34a92eacca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Preseason Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1257690' first='Stephen' last='Soares Jr.'] - Class of 2028</strong><br>Introducing [player_tooltip player_id='1257690' first='Stephen' last='Soares Jr.'] from Taft School, a linebacker prospect to watch as he strides into his freshman year! At 6'0" and 228 pounds, Stephen has already garnered verbal offers from UConn and Syracuse, a testament to his dynamic skills on the field. As a young, active player, he showcases an impressive ability to be constantly around the ball, knocking blockers and ball-carriers backward on impact.<br>Stephen plays downhill in the run game, exhibiting notable strength on contact and the ability to change the line of scrimmage. His agility allows him to change direction quickly in the box, making him effective in both zone and man coverage. With the ability to cover sideline to sideline at high speed, he demonstrates early high-level skill that will make him a rising college prospect to keep an eye on. Coaches looking for an impactful linebacker should definitely follow Stephen's journey!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1657452"],"_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-68a34a92eadb1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Preseason Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1657452' first='Brian' last='Oliver'] - Class of 2026</strong><br>Introducing [player_tooltip player_id='1657452' first='Brian' last='Oliver'], a formidable defensive lineman from Taft School in Connecticut, boasting an impressive 10 verbal offers, including Columbia, Fordham, and Navy! Standing tall at 6'3" and weighing 260 pounds, Brian is a post-grad talent who has transferred from West Haven High School, showcasing his skills at a higher level.<br>Brian possesses excellent balance and demonstrates the ability to either overpower or out-quick high school offensive linemen. His quick-twitch get-off skills allow him to control the line of scrimmage effectively. With good footwork and leverage, he excels in the run game, adeptly getting off blocks and showing the ability to penetrate gaps with ease. His skill set will be an X factor in his team's success this season. <br>Having had multiple Division II offers and keen interest from Division I FCS programs before his post-grad decision, [player_tooltip player_id='1657452' first='Brian' last='Oliver'] is a prospect that NCAA coaches should be excited about—his physicality and skill set make him a potential game-changer at the collegiate level!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18678289/65d560bb4deb920128083b68' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a48afc76449"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">BREAKOUT PLAYER PROSPECTS:<br></h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["421065"],"_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-68a34a92ead44"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Preseason Report: [player_tooltip player_id='421065' first='Gilbert' last='Kimrin'] - Class of 2026</strong><br>Introducing [player_tooltip player_id='421065' first='Gilbert' last='Kimrin'], an exciting quarterback prospect from Taft School in Connecticut! Standing at 6'5" and weighing 195 pounds, Gilbert has already drawn interest with a verbal offer from Sacred Heart University following a challenging 2024 season. After suffering a collarbone injury in Week 1, he made a remarkable return just 45 days post-surgery, leading his team to a thrilling victory with a game-winning touchdown in the final seconds of Week 8.<br>Gilbert showcases all the intangibles coaches covet in a QB—poise, confidence, and exceptional footwork that translates into impressive accuracy. While he displays the traditional pocket-passing ability expected from a player of his stature, his mobility allows him to escape pressure and extend plays. With a solid combination of arm strength, size, and agility, [player_tooltip player_id='421065' first='Gilbert' last='Kimrin'] has the makings of a breakout star. Keep an eye on him as he aims to dominate this season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/GKimrin/status/1939806525616476199","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/GKimrin/status/1939806525616476199 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1708367"],"_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-68a34a92eae1d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Preseason Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1708367' first='Max' last='Hoke'] - Class of 2027</strong><br>Introducing [player_tooltip player_id='1708367' first='Max' last='Hoke'], an imposing offensive lineman from Taft School in Connecticut, who is turning heads with his exceptional potential! Standing at an impressive 6'7.5" and weighing 315 pounds, Max is a transfer from the NFL Academy, bringing Power 4 measurables and outstanding technique to the field. With a staggering 7-foot wingspan, he is a force to be reckoned with, consistently controlling the line of scrimmage against top-tier competition.<br>Max's ability to move well in space, paired with his strength, makes him a mismatch for almost any opponent. Once engaged, he rarely loses a battle, showcasing solid footwork and a strong base of support. His snap-to-whistle mentality demonstrates his desire to dominate the line. With verbal offers from Nichols State and UMass, Max is projected to be a top recruit in the Power 4 before his senior season and will be a breakout player at Taft this Fall.. Coaches should prioritize [player_tooltip player_id='1708367' first='Max' last='Hoke'] for their future offensive line!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14841358/6743865b2b1d32398304aec2' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a48afc764d2"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Additional Prospect Names To Know:</h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Name</strong><br></td><td><strong>Region</strong><br></td><td><strong>Class </strong></td><td><strong>Est. Height </strong></td><td><strong>Est. Weight </strong></td><td><strong>Current Positions: Primary &amp; Secondary</strong></td><td><strong>NOTES </strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='840096' first='Jonah' last='Oquendo']&nbsp;</strong></td><td>New England.</td><td>2026</td><td>6' 3.5"</td><td>229</td><td>TE/DL</td><td>&nbsp;Jonah has impressive combination of&nbsp; size and athleticism. Offensively, he projects as a TE because of his size. He creates space and runs clean routes. Hands catcher of the football. Jonah is a big target to throw too. Defensively, Jonah plays DE. He is effective at rushing the passer. Shows a good burst and quickness off the LOS. Jonah is coming off an injury shortened season so I am looking forward to watch more game film on him this fall.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704365' first='James' last='Penkett']&nbsp;</strong></td><td>New England</td><td>2026</td><td>6'4"</td><td>290</td><td>OL</td><td>&nbsp;James is a versatile big man that can play on both sides of the ball. On offense, he has a good first step and can get hands on defenders quickly. He can drive players out of gaps, and looks to finish every block. On defense he moves well, and can handle blockers of any size. He does play a bit high, but has enough strength to handle any situation. He moves well for a big player and is someone to watch this summer.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1685246' first='Colin' last='Overy']&nbsp;</strong></td><td>New England</td><td>2026</td><td>6'4</td><td>250</td><td>OL</td><td>Post grad trasfer from Fairview High School Boulder, CO to taft School Fall 2025. /&nbsp; Colin is a very well sized offensive linemen that shows great feet and speed at the point of attack. While playing in a mostly run based offense at Fairview HS (CO), Overy's skillset will transfer immediately to the NEPSAC style of football. The Taft School offensive linemen moves extremely well once engaged in blocks and has ability to finish. He shows his ability to be both an inline blocker and pull with speed and power. Colin is violent but under control. A very good athlete for his size, Colin will make an immediate impact for Taft School in 2025.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801239' first='William' last='Palmer']</strong></td><td>New England.</td><td>2026</td><td>6'2.75"</td><td>254.7</td><td>OL</td><td>Will is a versatile OL that plays mostly at RT. He shows good total body strength by neutralizing the defender. Will shows good technique using his hands and keeps a balanced base of support in both the pass and run game. I like his athleticism and versatility as an offensive lineman.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1685245' first='Logan' last='Scott']</strong></td><td>New England</td><td>2026</td><td>6'5</td><td>280</td><td>OL</td><td>Post grad Transfer from Wilmington Friends High School Wilmington, DE to taft School for fall 2025. / Logan is a very well sized OT that will make an immediate impact on the Taft OL. The Wilmington Friends product out of Wilmington, DE will bring an athletic and nimble frame to Connecticut. Logan is very athletic with his feet and does a good job of keeping balanced hips. He is very intentional with his hands and the way he eliminates the pass rush. Logan is a good run blocker that has a high motor and will finish the play. For a large OL, he plays really well in space in the run game and moves side to side well verse defensive ends. It will be exciting to see him as a more conventional OT at Taft school and be able to get out of always being in a 3 point stance. Logan is a good prospect that will add athleticism and power to the Taft OL in 2025.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1685247' first='Tyler' last='Spellman']</strong></td><td>New England</td><td>2026</td><td>5'10</td><td>175</td><td>WR</td><td>post grad trasfer from Darien H.S. Ct to taft School for fall 2025. / Tyler is a fast and shifty WR who although he is undersized, will fit into the slot WR role well for Taft School. He shows flashes of breakaway speed and ability to catch in traffic. Tyler shows to have good field awareness and ability to make the big play in critical situations. The Darien HS (CT) product will benefit from the higher level competition and ability to get the ball more often. His ability to get in an out of breaks make him tough to cover and allow him more space when catching the football. Spellman is dynamic playmaker and shows flashes of good speed and agility, will be excited for him to have a bigger role for Taft School this fall.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1257859' first='Charlie' last='Garnett']</strong></td><td>New England.</td><td>2026</td><td>5'9.5"</td><td>179</td><td>RB</td><td>Garnett will be transferring to The Taft School after his state championship-winning season as a sophomore on varsity with Rye. the RB/LB prospect was a rotational back and defensive back for a loaded offense and Garnett looks to continue to develop his game at Taft where his quickness and athleticism will bring more athleticism to an already strong roster. Garnett has the skillset and talent to play on both sides of the ball and although now a prospect on PrepRedzone New England I am excited to see what he can do against strong competition.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1253343' first='Logan' last='Reed']</strong></td><td>New England</td><td>2026</td><td>6'0</td><td>180</td><td>WR</td><td>Very athletic has long strides when he runs in open field. Very aggressive blocker on the perimeter He will high top the ball when targted and needed. Has a good release off the line of scrimmage into his routes.&nbsp; His speed being verified will help determine his college potential level of play.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1708368' first='Matthew' last='Tashdjian']&nbsp;</strong></td><td>New England</td><td>2027</td><td>6'4</td><td>260</td><td>TE</td><td>Matthew is a class of 2027 prospect that has transferred from the Selwyn House in Canada to the Taft School.<br>Matt is a stout defensive lineman. He can play both on the interior and outside because of his size. He shows the ability to take on double teams and win. Matt shows great technique to shed defenders and keep his leverage to make plays at the line of scrimmage. His athleticism shines when coming off the edge. He can rush the passer and track down players from the backfield. Matthew is an impressive player with a strong combination of size and skill.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='283711' first='Damon' last='Hibbert']</strong></td><td>New England.</td><td>2027</td><td>5'10</td><td>175</td><td>DB</td><td>He is an athlete with a skill set that can be used on defense or offense. He was being recognized in our rankings as a RB but make no mistake, he can play WR and DB also.&nbsp; We have now projected his postion at the college level as a rising DB. His RB skill set shined as a tough runner who can deliver a tough and effective stiff arm to any defender wishing to tackle him. Has 1 step juke ability and a physical presence when running the ball. However, his Db skills appear to be what college coaches are targeting as he contniues his development. His field awareness skills are of high level.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='851271' first='Michael' last='Votto']</strong></td><td>New England</td><td>2027</td><td>6'0</td><td>184</td><td>DB</td><td>He plays both WR and Strong safety. on defnese, He plays with a motor. Has no fear when tackling.&nbsp; He is Aggressive.&nbsp; Very good in run support. Flies up to help in run support. he is violent when tackling. On offense, he gets in and out of his breaks quickly when running routes. Has reliable hands.&nbsp; Appears to know how to find the open holes in zone coverages.&nbsp; Runs good routes.&nbsp; plucks the ball in the air. &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1253347' first='Myles' last='Petitjean']</strong></td><td>New England</td><td>2027</td><td>6'2</td><td>260</td><td>OL</td><td>&nbsp;Flashes the ability to move the LOS. Can get to the second level. Displays good balance, stays off the ground. Plays with solid pad level by demonstrating decent knee bend. Can pass set and move his feet. Hustles to the ball.&nbsp; He is also a long snapper on special teams.&nbsp; His height and weight must be vertfied for higher projection grade.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1725494' first='Nicholas' last='Cesta']&nbsp;</strong></td><td>New England</td><td>2027</td><td>6'2</td><td>230</td><td>DL</td><td>Post grad trasfer from Canada to Taft school./ Displays ability to beat HS offensive linemen. Solid get-off. Flashes ability to win at the line of scrimmage. Solid footwork and leverage in the run game. Can get off blocks.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1636016' first='Xavier' last='Hairston']</strong></td><td>New England.</td><td>2028</td><td>5'10</td><td>179</td><td>RB</td><td>Hairston has a breakout season this fall 2024, rushing for 1,307 yards on 215 carries, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. He rushed for 15 touchdowns and added three receiving touchdowns along with his 33 receptions and 304 receiving yards. Hairston also returned seven kicks for 149 yards as a kick returner.&nbsp; In total, he had 1,760 yards from scrimmage, 18 touchdowns, and two two-point conversions. He was named the NFP/BWWA CCC Player of the Week against Rocky Hill and was the GameTime CT Player of the Week against Weston.&nbsp; Hairston was named All-Conference in CCC Tier 4 as well as All-State in Class S/SS. &nbsp; Xavier is coming off one of the most productive sophomore campaigns in the state of Connecticut. Xavier is an every-down back. He runs the ball with speed outside the tackles and with a physical presence in the box. He shows good patience and reads his blocks well. Xavier highlights his change of direction ability in space. Shows good hands and can come out of the backfield to be a pass threat. I think Xavier has a complete skillset at the RB position.&nbsp; Xavier is an 2024 CT All-State selection. He is a threat to score any time he touches the ball &amp; he can lock down opponents on the defensive side of the ball.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Hussein, Alyan</strong></td><td>New England.</td><td>2026</td><td>6-3</td><td>210</td><td>WR/LB/S</td><td>On the Roster&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Palmer, Owen</strong></td><td>New England.</td><td>2026</td><td>6-0</td><td>215</td><td>K/LB</td><td>On the Roster&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Cesta, Nicholas</strong></td><td>New England.</td><td>2027</td><td>6-2</td><td>230</td><td>OL/DL</td><td>On the Roster&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Antonino, JP</strong></td><td>New England.</td><td>2027</td><td>6-2</td><td>185</td><td>WR/DB</td><td>On the Roster&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Allen, Jaiden</strong></td><td>New England.</td><td>2027</td><td>5-10</td><td>175</td><td>WR/DB</td><td>On the Roster&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Pangaro, Chris</strong></td><td>New England.</td><td>2027</td><td>5-10</td><td>170</td><td>WR/DB</td><td>On the Roster&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Watson, Marco</strong></td><td>New England.</td><td>2027</td><td>6-2</td><td>180</td><td>QB</td><td>On the Roster&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Eke, Nathan</strong></td><td>New England.</td><td>2027</td><td>6-3</td><td>175</td><td>CB</td><td>On the Roster&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Schechter, Harry</strong></td><td>New England.</td><td>2027</td><td>5-11</td><td>170</td><td>P</td><td>On the Roster&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Marku, Liam</strong></td><td>New England.</td><td>2027</td><td>5-8</td><td>150</td><td>WR</td><td>On the Roster&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Kalombo, David</strong></td><td>New England.</td><td>2027</td><td>6-0</td><td>190</td><td>LB</td><td>On the Roster&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Sim, Eric</strong></td><td>New England.</td><td>2027</td><td>5-10</td><td>200</td><td>LB</td><td>On the Roster&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Friess, Foster</strong></td><td>New England.</td><td>2028</td><td>6-6</td><td>290</td><td>OL/DL</td><td>On the Roster&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Hodges, Hud</strong></td><td>New England.</td><td>2028</td><td>6-3</td><td>180</td><td>WR/LB/S</td><td>On the Roster&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Regan, Thomas</strong></td><td>New England.</td><td>2028</td><td>6-3</td><td>190</td><td>WR/S</td><td>On the Roster&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Pangaro, Matt</strong></td><td>New England.</td><td>2029</td><td>6-2</td><td>175</td><td>QB/DB</td><td>On the Roster&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Schedule:</h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Date</th><th>Opponent</th><th>Time</th><th>Game Info</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>9/12</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ct/cheshire/cheshire-academy-cats/football/">@Cheshire Academy</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/09-12-2025/football-25/cheshire-academy-vs-taft-school.htm?c=xHdxKt-0IE6t_KiXtO-5uA">6:00pm</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/09-12-2025/football-25/cheshire-academy-vs-taft-school.htm?c=xHdxKt-0IE6t_KiXtO-5uA">Preview</a></td></tr><tr><td>9/20</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ct/windsor/loomis-chaffee-school-pelicans/football/">vsLoomis Chaffee School*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/09-20-2025/football-25/loomis-chaffee-school-vs-taft-school.htm?c=YvOdAAW0wUO9BnlRvbNl-A">3:00pm</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/09-20-2025/football-25/loomis-chaffee-school-vs-taft-school.htm?c=YvOdAAW0wUO9BnlRvbNl-A">Preview</a></td></tr><tr><td>9/27</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ma/brookline/dexter-southfield/football/">vsDexter Southfield*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/09-27-2025/football-25/dexter-southfield-vs-taft-school.htm?c=59bH01atZUKlDdrolruCcw">3:00pm</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/09-27-2025/football-25/dexter-southfield-vs-taft-school.htm?c=59bH01atZUKlDdrolruCcw">Preview</a></td></tr><tr><td>10/4</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ct/suffield/suffield-academy-tigers/football/">@Suffield Academy</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-04-2025/football-25/suffield-academy-vs-taft-school.htm?c=mCVTcwwtRE6ElDLX6fIaGA">6:30pm</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-04-2025/football-25/suffield-academy-vs-taft-school.htm?c=mCVTcwwtRE6ElDLX6fIaGA">Preview</a></td></tr><tr><td>10/11</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ct/wallingford/choate-rosemary-hall-school-wild-boars/football/">vsCRHS*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-11-2025/football-25/choate-rosemary-hall-school-vs-taft-school.htm?c=ifTxb-PGNEWG7-cAbAlNAg">3:00pm</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-11-2025/football-25/choate-rosemary-hall-school-vs-taft-school.htm?c=ifTxb-PGNEWG7-cAbAlNAg">Preview</a></td></tr><tr><td>10/17</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ct/avon/avon-old-farms-beavers/football/">@Avon Old Farms*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-17-2025/football-25/avon-old-farms-vs-taft-school.htm?c=8NwZP4A7NUiulMjmXa0Tgw">7:00pm</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-17-2025/football-25/avon-old-farms-vs-taft-school.htm?c=8NwZP4A7NUiulMjmXa0Tgw">Preview</a></td></tr><tr><td>10/25</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ct/kent/kent-school-lions/football/">vsKent School*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-25-2025/football-25/kent-school-vs-taft-school.htm?c=S04aIOQHR0uaVi5K_IU8ig">3:00pm</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-25-2025/football-25/kent-school-vs-taft-school.htm?c=S04aIOQHR0uaVi5K_IU8ig">Preview</a></td></tr><tr><td>11/1</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/nj/lawrenceville/lawrenceville-school-big-red/football/">vsLawrenceville School</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/11-01-2025/football-25/lawrenceville-school-vs-taft-school.htm?c=oxEXd6aXPEiooBEHBWNtcQ">3:00pm</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/11-01-2025/football-25/lawrenceville-school-vs-taft-school.htm?c=oxEXd6aXPEiooBEHBWNtcQ">Preview</a></td></tr><tr><td>11/8</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ct/lakeville/hotchkiss-school-bearcats/football/">@Hotchkiss School*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/11-08-2025/football-25/hotchkiss-school-vs-taft-school.htm?c=2cVe6tUsckGK9aMoiOrGJw">3:00pm</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/11-08-2025/football-25/hotchkiss-school-vs-taft-school.htm?c=2cVe6tUsckGK9aMoiOrGJw">Preview</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>P</strong>REVIOUS SEASON:</h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><th>2024 Overall Record</th><td>3-5</td></tr><tr><th>2024 League Record/Finish</th><td>3-3 (tied for 3rd)</td></tr><tr><th>2024 Points For Average</th><td>13.1</td></tr><tr><th>2024 Points Against Average</th><td>25.9</td></tr><tr><th>2024 Differential</th><td>-12.8</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://athletics.sps.edu/sports/football/roster">Hudl Roster</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ct/watertown/organization/6145/the-taft-school-high-school/team/16326/boys-varsity-football/roster?ss=2025">(Click Here)</a><br></h1> <!-- /wp:heading -->

Top Player Prospect(s):

Temple (PA)
Jude Okeleke

Jude Okeleke

New E
DL
HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 290
POS DL
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Jude
Okeleke DL
Class
2026
Height
6'3"
Weight
290
HS
The Taft School
|
New E
PRZNE Team Previews: 2025 Taft School Connecticut
Preseason Report: Jude Okeleke – Class of 2026Meet Jude Okeleke , a phenomenal prospect hailing from Connecticut with...
Written by Roger Silva
Temple (PA)
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Jude Okeleke

State: New England
School: The Taft School
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Highlights

Kent State
Kavontae Whipple

Kavontae Whipple

New E
DB
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 175
POS DB
CLASS 2026
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​
Kavontae
Whipple DB
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
Weight
175
HS
Taft
|
New E
PRZNE Team Previews: 2025 Taft School Connecticut
Preseason Report: Kavontae Whipple – Class of 2026Introducing Kavontae Whipple , a rising star from Connecticut with an...
Written by Roger Silva
Kent State
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Kavontae Whipple

Twitter
State: New England
School: Taft
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Highlights

Stephen Soares Jr.

Stephen Soares Jr.

New E
LB
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 228
POS LB
CLASS 2028
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​
Stephen
Soares Jr. LB
Class
2028
Height
6'0"
Weight
228
HS
Taft
|
New E
PRZNE Team Previews: 2025 Taft School Connecticut
Preseason Report: Stephen Soares Jr. – Class of 2028Introducing Stephen Soares Jr. from Taft School, a linebacker prospect...
Written by Roger Silva
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Stephen Soares Jr.

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State: New England
School: Taft
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Brian Oliver

Brian Oliver

New E
DL
HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 260
POS DL
CLASS 2026
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​
Brian
Oliver DL
Class
2026
Height
6'3"
Weight
260
HS
Taft School
|
New E
PRZNE Team Previews: 2025 Taft School Connecticut
Preseason Report: Brian Oliver – Class of 2026Introducing Brian Oliver , a formidable defensive lineman from Taft School...
Written by Roger Silva
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Brian Oliver

Twitter
State: New England
School: Taft School
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Gilbert Kimrin

Gilbert Kimrin

New E
QB/P
HEIGHT 6'5"
WEIGHT 200
POS QB/P
CLASS 2026
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​
Gilbert
Kimrin QB/P
Class
2026
Height
6'5"
Weight
200
HS
The Taft School
|
New E
PRZNE Team Previews: 2025 Taft School Connecticut
Preseason Report: Gilbert Kimrin – Class of 2026Introducing Gilbert Kimrin , an exciting quarterback prospect from Taft School...
Written by Roger Silva
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Gilbert Kimrin

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State: New England
School: The Taft School
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Max Hoke

Max Hoke

New E
OL
HEIGHT 6'7"
WEIGHT 315
POS OL
CLASS 2027
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​
Max
Hoke OL
Class
2027
Height
6'7"
Weight
315
HS
Taft School Ct.
|
New E
PRZNE Team Previews: 2025 Taft School Connecticut
Preseason Report: Max Hoke – Class of 2027Introducing Max Hoke , an imposing offensive lineman from Taft School...
Written by Roger Silva
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Max Hoke

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State: New England
School: Taft School Ct.
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Rankings

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