Elite V Showcase: OL/DL Standouts

The Elite V showcased some of the best talent around the state of New York. Coaches from high schools all over the state were in attendance for their players as well as strengthening the bond with other coaches for the greater good of New York football. The Harlem Jets. a youth team that was founded in 2005 has developed some of the best talent for football in New York and many have gone on to play in professional leagues. The lineage from youth football to professional leagues was on display Saturday as many position coaches who has success playing at a high level were able to give back. &nbsp; Another group that fired up the crowd and other players was the talent on display with the offensive and defensive line athletes. These young men are crucial parts to their teams overall success. Here are some standout athletes that dominated the trenches &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="232917" first="Tyriq" last="Blanding"] Christ The King, 2023</strong></span> We have already mentioned Tyriq among the best defensive lineman in the state and Saturday he showed us why he may be power 5 worthy. At 6’3 and 285 pounds, his impact as an anchor in the Royal defense extends back to his freshmen year. He had a good day Saturday showing next level speed and quickness through all of his drills and dominating his matchups. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>(DL) Dylan Page Kellenburg Memorial HS 2023</strong></span> At 6’5 265 pounds, Dylan is a scholar athlete who also wrestles for his school. He has great strength at the point of attack. He is not the flashiest guy with his moves but fundamentally sound. He can consistently penetrate and push the pocket. He can also hold and split double teams and make a play on the ball carrier or quarterback. Dylan has experience playing the end and he does well playing the interior as a 3 tech or at the nose. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>(OT)(DT) Joshua Taylor Port Richmond HS 2023</strong></span> Josh had a great day showing great strength at the point of attack and his ability to turn and drive his defenders in his one-on-one matchups. He is 6’5 310 pounds and move as if he is much lighter. He was dominant against even the best of the talented D-line group. He has strength to anchor and does a good job to punch and drive his defenders out of the play. Josh has next level size and ability and his senior year will cement his potential to play at the next level. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">[player_tooltip player_id="232917" first="Tyriq" last="Blanding"] vs Jorje Ruiz</span></strong></p> I have already mentioned Jorje amongst the best offensive lineman in the state and he is getting exponentially better. The 6’4, 285 pound, D1 prospect won most of his matchups on Saturday showing his strong anchor and athleticism as a lineman. [player_tooltip player_id="232917" first="Tyriq" last="Blanding"] lined up opposite Jorje and showed and explosive first step and very quick hands to combat Jorge’s punch. Tyriq attacked the outside shoulder and then initiated a spin move to get back inside. Jorge was able to maintain his feet and hips and redirect his strength to contain and pressure back which resulted in him on top of Tyriq on the ground. A solid rep to see two top lineman in the state go at it. &nbsp; <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Arinze Maijeh vs Jalen Thomas</strong></span></p> Arinze Maijeh is 6’1 260 defensive end 2024 class talent from Christ the King who showed some of the fastest and most violent hands of all the lineman on Saturday. Jalen Thomas won just about all of his matchups on Saturday and looked very well in all of his drills. Jalen is 5’11 and weighs 250 pounds at Stepinac who has great feet and understands positioning. Arinze attacked very quick using his quick hands to wipe down Jalen’s initial punch and using his quick hip turn and speed to circle is way into the backfield. Jalen was able to get a good set and move his feet in rhythm to anchor in front of Arinze keeping him from penetrating the pocket further. Arinze speed and effort landed him on the ground in the back of the passing pocket as Jalen was able to turn his shoulders and use his strength for the take down. &nbsp; <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="251417" first="Henry" last="Tabansi"] vs Tyler Partlow</strong></span></p> Henry was one of the most impressive offensive lineman of the day dominating all of his matchups and drills. He made many adjustments throughout the day that only made him more dominant throughout. He showed great strength to anchor and good lateral ability to stay in front of his attackers. Standing 6’5 and weighing 285 pounds, he has a high ceiling as he returns for his senior season at Moore Catholic to show why he is D1 talent. Yet another D1 bound athlete from the Christ The King’s 2025 class lined up opposite Henry to showcase more of his skills to penetrate the backfield. Tyler is 6’4 265 pounds who showed his strength and explosiveness off the line. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/trim.0DADBA90-D4F2-4F15-B4BF-81F10333B1CD.mov">trim.0DADBA90-D4F2-4F15-B4BF-81F10333B1CD</a> &nbsp;