Nicholas Rossi
Nicholas Rossi
About Nicholas
Expert Analysis
Brendan Mankarious | Prep Redzone Scout
As the game entered its later stages,
Nicholas Rossi
Nicholas
Rossi
5'11" | 205 lbs | LB/RB
Old Tappan | 2025
State
NJ
‘s tough, hard nosed, and physical running style took over. For the game Rossi finished second amongst all participants in touches with his 16 carries, which accumulated 83 total yards and a score. Moreover, Rossi led all defenders in the game with 12 tackles (5 solo).
Showing his abilities on either side of the ball, Rossi produced tough yardage when his team needed it most. Offensively Rossi calls it a career with 280 carries, 1993 yards, and 27 touchdowns – 168, 1041, and 12 of which, respectively, came this season. Defensively he made 105 tackles this season (55 solo), 8 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. For his career he has been credited with 247 tackles (137 solo), 18 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 scoop & score.
What I loved most about watching Rossi over the play is his enthusiasm and excitement to play the game. Some college, somewhere, is going to get a quality football player who is totally stoked to play the greatest game God ever created.
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Read EvaluationEarnest Daniels | Prep Redzone Scout
NVOT’s running back,
Nicholas Rossi
Nicholas
Rossi
5'11" | 205 lbs | LB/RB
Old Tappan | 2025
State
NJ
, was crucial in securing the team’s 27-21 win over Ramapo. Consistent throughout the game, Rossi’s real impact came in the fourth quarter when he delivered two big first-down runs to ice the game. His solid vision and strong contact balance allowed him to fight through tackles, showing he’s a big, sturdy runner who doesn’t go down quickly. When NVOT needed to run out the clock, Rossi was the go-to player. In addition, his contributions to special teams were equally valuable, as he made several key tackles. Rossi’s all-around performance was instrumental in the victory.
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Read EvaluationBrendan Mankarious | Prep Redzone Scout
Having mentioned
Nicholas Rossi
Nicholas
Rossi
5'11" | 205 lbs | LB/RB
Old Tappan | 2025
State
NJ
by name a few times by now, you should realize that he is a standout linebacker who plays the game with a fire, passion, and the right way. Perhaps he was born to play in a different era of football, you could say of Rossi’s game that “they don’t make ’em like this no more.” Rossi is a linebacker who flies down hill and is smart, keeping his head out of the tackle. He will also execute a squared-up hit, wrap, drive tackle. Seeing his keys well enough, he gets to the direct of the play with ease and tracks the ball carrier’s hip extremely well. He is efficient with his movement and, perhaps my favorite thing about his game, Rossi is excited and fired up to make big plays and play the game of football.
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Read EvaluationBrendan Mankarious | Prep Redzone Scout
A bit hard for me to strictly categorize as one motion, let along project where a college will play him,
Nicholas Rossi
Nicholas
Rossi
5'11" | 205 lbs | LB/RB
Old Tappan | 2025
State
NJ
is simply good at playing football. However for his current team, Old Tappan, Rossi is a linebacker and running back – a running back who profiles as a power back in a spread scheme. Rossi runs with a forward lean and prioritizes protecting the ball at all times until he breaks into the back-end of the defense’s second level. Watching his tape, he has surprising speed and equally delightful feet. These feet allow him to maintain balance as would-be tacklers try to trip him up and change direction when needed. As a straight-away runner, we see Rossi lower his shoulder to gain extra yardage and run with a solid pad level. He also serves as a more-than-willing/borderline eager blocker on QB lead plays. As a linebacker it is as clear as the sky is blue that Rossi loves, and is excited about, playing football. With disciplined eyes, we see Rossi read his keys and get to the point of attack quickly, always putting himself in position to make plays. More importantly, he does not second-guess himself. He manages to wrangle ball carriers down, yet could improve his tackling technique some. Two things I need from him on defense: clips of him in coverage and using his hands to block shed. Add these two elements to his tape and who knows where he will wind up in the fall of 2025. As a junior in 2023, Rossi slashed 106/918/15 on the ground and made 74 tackles (43 solo) with 5 for a loss on defense.
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Read EvaluationJonathan Davalos | Prep Redzone Scout
Nick Rossi is a player ready to attack any ball carrier. A LB for Old Tappan, Nick was able to bring in 61 tackles and force a fumble last season. This is a player that is built tough and has a motor that is always running. Delivering hard hits, Nick has a nose for the ball and quickly anticipates the direction of the play. A player that can put pressure on the QB very quickly, Nick is fast into the backfield and truly flies all over the field. Nick also played a role on offense as a wing back/ H back last season, and I expect him to get more work in 2023.
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