While Lamar Best Lamar Best 6'0" | 175 lbs | QB St. Joseph Regional | 2026 State NJ had one of Championship Friday’s biggest performances, Derek Zammit Derek Zammit 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB DePaul Catholic | 2026 State NJ matched that energy with a dominant effort of his own. He finished 8 of 9 for 58 yards, and added 13 carries for 74 yards while scoring all three of DePaul Catholic’s touchdowns.

Coming in, the word was that Zammit was battling a bad ankle — an injury he later revealed had bothered him most of the year. But in his final high school game, he gutted it out and delivered three huge scores: a 1-yard punch-in, a 22-yard burst, and a spectacular 69-yard run that broke the game open and gave DePaul a three-touchdown lead they never surrendered.

Zammit ended his high school career the same way he started it — as a state champion. With the way he played this season and the way he closed it out, he’ll go down as one of the best quarterbacks in New Jersey high school football history. Next stop: the University of Washington.

Despite entering the game with a reportedly injured ankle, Derek Zammit Derek Zammit 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB DePaul Catholic | 2026 State NJ eliminated any doubt the moment he touched the field. Instead of slowing down, he took over the Non-Public B Championship with one of the most memorable rushing performances of his career. Every DePaul touchdown came from his legs, and each score swung the game further in DePaul’s favor.

First, he powered in a 1-yard rushing touchdown to set the tone. Then he followed it with a 22-yard burst, showcasing his vision and acceleration. However, his most impressive moment came on a 69-yard scramble — a play that completely shifted control and put DePaul Catholic in command for good. Even on a bad ankle, he turned a broken play into the game’s defining highlight.

Zammit closed his high school career exactly the way he started it: winning a state championship. His consistency, leadership, and big-game dominance have shaped DePaul’s identity for years. As he now heads to the University of Washington, it’s hard to argue against his place among the best New Jersey high school quarterbacks ever.

And based on the way he finished this season, he looks like a player who will be competing for snaps in college sooner rather than later.

Derek Zammit Derek Zammit 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB DePaul Catholic | 2026 State NJ once again showed why he’s considered one of the top quarterbacks in New Jersey. The four-year starter displayed poise and toughness against Don Bosco, keeping his team competitive despite the loss. One of his signature plays came on a physical run that ended in a rushing touchdown, where he combined speed, vision, and power to finish in the end zone. Beyond his legs, Zammit proved he can stay accurate under pressure and keep the chains moving through the air. His ability to create both within and outside the structure of the offense stood out. While DePaul didn’t leave with a win, Zammit’s leadership and versatility were clear. The University of Washington commit continues to show why he’s one of the most reliable playmakers in the Garden State.

Derek Zammit Derek Zammit 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB DePaul Catholic | 2026 State NJ enters the 2025-2026 season as the reigning passing yards leader in New Jersey, and he’s got the tools to do it again. The DePaul Catholic signal caller threw for over 2,500 yards last fall, showing growth in his ability to extend plays and deliver deep strikes.

His chemistry with top targets Dez Jones and Elijah Burris helped ignite the Spartans’ offense, but both receivers have since moved on to Ohio State and Notre Dame.

Still, Zammit’s arm talent, poise, and playmaking ability remain elite. Now a University of Washington commit, he’s more experienced and refined—ready to carry the load again and push for back-to-back seasons as the state’s top passer.

The highlight of Zammit’s performance was on night one where he finished in the top three in furthest ball thrown and fastest ball thrown.

Zammit had a lot of zip on his throws and the numbers beared that out. He was in the top three of hardest throws that were tracked and the furthest balls tracked. Zammit was accurate throughout the drills and hitting receivers in stride.

Derek Zammit Derek Zammit 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB DePaul Catholic | 2026 State NJ earns the title of “Most Consistent” for the 2026 quarterback class, and for good reason. Since stepping onto the field as a freshman, he has been the steady force behind DePaul Catholic’s success. With three state championships under his belt, Zammit has delivered in the most significant moments, making clutch throws and handling pressure with poise.

His growth has been evident each season. He’s sharpened his ability to evade pressure, read blitzes, and extend plays when necessary. Last year, he added a rushing element to his game, making DePaul’s offense even more dynamic. With the departure of top weapons like Nolan James Nolan James 5'11" | 185 lbs | RB DePaul Catholic | 2025 State NJ , Elijah Burris, and Dez Jones Dez Jones 5'11" | 175 lbs | WR DePaul Catholic | 2025 State NJ , Zammit must take on even more responsibility.

As he enters his senior year, all eyes will be on him to keep DePaul at a championship level. With multiple Division I offers and a track record of winning, he’s arguably the top quarterback in New Jersey. When it comes to consistency in production, leadership, and big-game performances, Zammit stands alone.

Derek Zammit Derek Zammit 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB DePaul Catholic | 2026 State NJ has built a legacy at DePaul. Three state titles. Years of varsity experience. A résumé that few quarterbacks in New Jersey can match. But now, with so much offensive talent gone, the question is straightforward: Was it him, or was it his weapons?

Gone are running back Nolan James Nolan James 5'11" | 185 lbs | RB DePaul Catholic | 2025 State NJ (Notre Dame), wide receiver Elijah Burns (Notre Dame), and wide receiver Dez Jones Dez Jones 5'11" | 175 lbs | WR DePaul Catholic | 2025 State NJ (Ohio State). That’s a massive chunk of offensive production walking out the door. Zammit must lead a younger, less experienced group back to the state championship.

I’ve tracked his progress closely, watching him grow in his ability to create outside of structure and extend plays. That skill will be even more crucial this season. Can he still make the big throws? Can he keep the offense moving without the elite playmakers he’s used to?

This season will test him like never before. If Zammit can carry DePaul’s offense and maintain their championship standard, he’ll leave no doubt—he’s the unquestioned No. 1 quarterback in New Jersey.

With well over 15 offers from D1 programs, Derek Zammit Derek Zammit 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB DePaul Catholic | 2026 State NJ is very well known at the national level at this point. Receiving offers from schools across the country, Derek has one more season left to garner even more. Having an extremely successful junior season as a passer, Derek was able to help lead DePaul to an 11-1 record and bring home a state championship. Throwing for an astonishing 35 touchdowns and 2576 yards, Derek put up some of the most impressive stats in the entire state this past fall.

Derek is elite in the truest sense. Ranked as the number 1 QB in the state, Derek has all of the attributes programs are looking for in a signal caller. Athletic in the pocket, Derek has a sixth sense for pass rushers closing in on him, having the ability to slide around the pocket without having to take his eyes away from down field. He is arguably the most accurate “on the run” thrower in the state, placing the ball just far away enough from the defender as he moves at a near full sprint. And with a hair trigger release and a powerful arm, Derek can get the ball where it needs to be anywhere on the field with great precision. Derek dominated on designed runs and scrambles in 2024 as well, as he ran for 531 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Derek Zammit Derek Zammit 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB DePaul Catholic | 2026 State NJ had an outstanding year in 2024, leading an explosive DePaul Catholic offense that averaged over 40 points per game and secured the Non-Public B state championship. Derek’s growth this season has been evident, particularly in his pocket movement. He has shown significant improvement in navigating and maneuvering against pressure, consistently keeping plays alive, and avoiding sacks.

One of the most noticeable changes in Derek’s game this year has been his newfound athleticism. He’s become a legitimate rushing threat for DePaul, and his ability to extend plays has become a consistent weapon. Whether scrambling for over 10 yards or executing designed runs, his decisiveness has been remarkable. Derek’s ability to quickly move from his first to second read and take off when necessary has added another dynamic layer to his skill set.

Derek’s development as a passer has been equally impressive. He’s shown the ability to layer the ball effectively, especially over the middle of the field. His accuracy, particularly on the run, has improved, as he consistently hits open targets precisely.

Currently ranked as Prep Red Zone’s top quarterback in the 2026 class, Derek has solidified his spot after this season. However, the upcoming season poses a significant challenge as he adjusts to the loss of key offensive weapons, including Des Jones (Ohio State), Elijah Burris (Notre Dame), and Nolan James Nolan James 5'11" | 185 lbs | RB DePaul Catholic | 2025 State NJ Jr. (Notre Dame). How Derek adapts to this change will determine his continued success. The question remains: what part of his game will he elevate to compensate for the departure of such elite talent?