Senior Spotlight, 2023 Prospects Who Warrant a Second Look, Pt.2
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Matthew Martinez PA #610 DL #87 HEIGHT 5'8" WEIGHT 215 POS DL CLASS 2023 View Player Boost Profile Download Image Matthew Martinez Class 2023 Position DL Height 5'8" HS Executive Education | PA Senior Spotlight, 2023 Prospects Who Warrant…
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Continue ReadingWe can get the obvious out of the way, yes, Matthew Martinez Matthew Martinez 5’8″ | 215 lbs | DL Executive Education | 2023 State PA is undersized. Anyone can scout and understand that. Let’s not write the kid off, take my word for it, I’ve seen him dominate in person and in-game. How does a 5’8 defensive lineman dominate? With intangibles, with incredible quickness, with elite play recognition skills applied with leverage usage. The motor doesn’t stop on this kid, It won’t at the next level either, he’s got a chip on his shoulder that will not crumble. We speak about how Aaron Donald’s stature and quickness allows him to eat inside, the same goes for Martinez, who is often too quick to get a grip of inside. Not often do I pick apart a defensive linemen’s smarts, Martinez’s IQ and understanding of what’s coming are legitimately elite. It has to be considering he wouldn’t see much time on the field if he couldn’t disrupt the way he does. TFLs, FFs, reps at linebacker, EDGE, head up on the center/guard, you name it. This kid is a dog that wants what everyone else has. No offers to date.
Another District 11 kid, one that I am fond of as well. I got the chance to see Zyaire Morris Zyaire Morris 5’10” | 190 lbs | RB Bethlehem Catholic | 2023 State PA for the first time at one of our camps last year, I got a second chance this past weekend in a playoff matchup against Blue Mountain. BecaHi didn’t need much effort out of Morris to pull out the win, yet the senior running back had some big-boy runs to show off his tough running style, something that just doesn’t show up at a camp or combine. Was very pleased seeing him work with each rep that’s given. His mid-season tape flashed some of his pass-catching abilities, something I didn’t get a chance to see because of the blowout win I saw live. Reps at linebacker are looking good too, Zyaire Morris Zyaire Morris 5’10” | 190 lbs | RB Bethlehem Catholic | 2023 State PA is a truly underrated senior who could potentially make a local program very happy down the line. The weight room will be crucial when projecting his future. Good kid.
Highlights
State champion who is under-recruited, even though he is probably more than grateful for any and all opportunities. Offers out of Grove City and Waynesburg, Carsen Rupp Carsen Rupp 6’3″ | 235 lbs | OL Redbank Valley | 2023 State PA is going to make some program at the next level very happy. A lot to say about Carsen Rupp Carsen Rupp 6’3″ | 235 lbs | OL Redbank Valley | 2023 State PA , all good things. His position versatility stands out, especially considering he is often playing out of position because of necessity, something that has helped Redbank Valley reach the heights they have achieved in recent years, including 2022. IDL, DE, left tackle, Rupp has put quality reps on film at these vital positions. My favorite trait of Rupp’s is his overall rawness. This kid is dominating off the ball in run-blocking sets, displacing kids 10-15 yards off the ball. He’s causing turnovers left and right, whether directly or indirectly through his QB pressures. He’s doing all of this and is so technically raw, his true potential is still unlocked, which makes him an intriguing prospect at the least. He wins with raw power most of the time, I can only imagine his ceiling if focused development could be placed on his head. Exciting team-first player.
I’ll be straight honest, I was way off on Leonard Sherrod’s ranking before the season. To say he’s outplayed it is an understatement. I’m excited to reflect not only his recruitment but his tape on our latest rankings update. Offers out of St. Vincent College and West Minster College, Sherrod’s build alone is one that I know college coaches covet, especially at defensive back. Every coach I speak to wants a DB with long limbs, standing over 6’0. That’s what you get with Sherrod. The young man can do things on offense too, not to put a ceiling on his potential, yet it’s tough to not fall in love with his projection to DB at the next level. Safety skills, can track the ball and stride hash to hash with ease when in single-high sets. Impressive play recognition when coming downhill, can sniff out outside zone runs well, not over-pursuing the football much. Pass coverage skills are impressive. There’s real attention to detail, discipline in his hips and feet, not showing too many false steps off the snap or when reading the play. One interception to his name, could have been many many more if targeted often. Sherrod has put forth top 300 prospect tape, a far shot from his current 530 rank. He’s looking like a steal for western PA recruiting classes.
Much like Leonard Sherrod, Richie Woods Richie Woods 5’10” | 180 lbs | ATH Peters Township | 2023 State PA is drastically under-ranked on our site. We are excited to reflect that change. Waynesburg, Allegheny, and St.Vincent College are all courting Richie Woods Richie Woods 5’10” | 180 lbs | ATH Peters Township | 2023 State PA , the list should be longer. Richie Woods Richie Woods 5’10” | 180 lbs | ATH Peters Township | 2023 State PA ‘ career stats at Peters Township go as follows.
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- 17 starts.
- 235 attempts, 1,823 rushing yards, 17 TDS
- 24 recs, 293 yards
Practically two seasons’ worth of starts, 2,100 scrimmage yards to his name. Hell of a feat from a kid who, like many on this list, has a chip on his shoulder. Woods checks off many boxes, he’s the ideal weapon that can be utilized in numerous ways. He’s got that home-run hitting straight-line speed, he’s got that second gear that so many coaches at the next level deem a mandatory trait. He is cut up well, his frame serving well at this level to run between the tackles. Not sure if that will translate to the next level, he’s put it on tape though. He’s elusive enough to break games open late, some kids simply can’t tackle him in the fourth quarter. I think he’ll grow as a pass-catcher too, just give him one offseason and a bigger role, I think local programs won’t regret it.
Very happy to see a Philly kid that I’m high on, put together a great Fall season. Isiah Thomas Isiah Thomas 6’3″ | 290 lbs | OL George Washington | 2023 State PA , former camp standout and left tackle for George Washington HS, has stamped his status as an under-recruited senior with a solid 2022 campaign. Coaches have been weary of Thomas because of a previous injury, understandably so. It’s vital to get a full season on tape for his recruitment to reach new heights. He’s done just that in my opinion. He’s looking like a much more confident prospect with a tad bit more aggressive and assertiveness to his game. I hope he can continue to stack positive momentum in his favor, he’s a steal who needs to put everything together. I know coaches have eyes on him, he’s got to put the fieldwork, the tape, and the grades together to make it happen. I know he’s capable.