Little-known Prospects in Need of the Notoriety They Deserve
In a talent-deep football state such as New Jersey, for us football fanatics we are fortunate enough to see gifted talents in every conference, every division, and on every team. Some players make headlines because of their recruiting status, while…
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Continue ReadingIn a talent-deep football state such as New Jersey, for us football fanatics we are fortunate enough to see gifted talents in every conference, every division, and on every team. Some players make headlines because of their recruiting status, while others do so because of their individual performances. Another group, however, fly under the radar despite being outstanding players for their teams in their own right.
That is where my job comes in. To scour the state and deliver to you, my fellow football fanatic, little-known prospects you should be aware of. Without further ado…
James Curnal James Curnal 6'1" | 150 lbs | LB Spotswood | 2024 NJ
James Curnal James Curnal 6'1" | 150 lbs | LB Spotswood | 2024 NJ
Although the Spotswood chargers leaned on the offensive output of Trey Lazar, their defensive tempo was paced by LB James Curnal James Curnal 6’1″ | 150 lbs | LB Spotswood | 2024 NJ . Curnal, a 6’1″ 150lb linebacker, was credited with 56 tackles, 12 TFL, 1 FR, 2 safeties, and 4 sacks on the season.
When backside Curnal does a great job of pursing flat down the LOS, particularly when trailing the QB who is rolling away from him. He does this without blowing backside contain. This allows him to prevent cutbacks, reverses, and plays of that nature. When play side and an offensive lineman engages him at the LOS, Curnal does a nice job locking out his arms, shedding blocks, and chasing/making the tackle. An opportunity for Curnal to improve is when he takes on pullers or kick outs. There was an instance or two were I noticed he passed up oncoming blockers rather than taking them on and blowing up the play at the point of attack.
Daniel Sanchez
Daniel Sanchez
The Highland Park Owls have one hoot of an offensive lineman on their hands: Daniel Sanchez. Measuring 5’8″ 200lbs, Sanchez is a bit more of an athletic lineman. It appears that in 2022 he started the season at LG to only later find a home at LT.
Sanchez does a great job of moving on the football field. This includes when he is called to pull, when going to the second level, and when moving in space. One thing he does a great job of, perhaps more so than any other offensive lineman I have scouted thus far, is come off of his double team to block a LB. He and his adjacent teammate get movement on the down lineman, but then it appears Sanchez communicates that he is coming off the double and gets his body on the LB. This is a great thing to have on film and has led to numerous gains of 7+ yards. For whatever reason, he looked more comfortable to me in pass protection once he was moved to LT. If I am Sanchez’s coach, there are two things I would coach him up on for the coming season. First, I would love to see him pull on a flatter path down the LOS. He should not round his track or chase defenders upfield. Secondly, when in pass protection he should look to punch and recoil, rather than locking onto defenders.
With his athleticism and the benefit of a rigorous offseason, there is much to be excited about for Highland Park and Daniel Sanchez in 2023.
Sebastian Saracino
Sebastian Saracino
Freshmen. Often considered “fresh meat” by their varsity counterparts, they must prove their keep if they expect to survive camp, break the lineup, and excel on Friday nights. Freshman Sebastian Saracino did exactly that, and more, from his safety spot for the Spotswood Chargers. The 5’9″, 148lber was credited with 48 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 FF, 1 FR, and 1 Int for the season.
In limited game clips we see that Saracino is an efficient tackler. What makes him so economical when making stops is that he is trained to tackle low, wrap and roll ball carriers. He has a smooth back pedal when taking his initial read step and shoots the alley aggressively in run support. Saracino should look to improve his general strength, agility, and speed this offseason. This is absolutely no shot at him what so ever, but yet a product of circumstance. Consider this: Saracino graduated 8th grade, lifted for maybe two months, and was inserted into the Chargers’ starting lineup. He had complete against seniors who had three full offseason of conditioning – both for his varsity spot and on game days – and still managed to ball out. Now imagine how Saracino will build off of his rookie campaign after he endures three full off seasons.
Having gone 1-8 in his first year to improving to 7-3 in his second year, and a roster that features the likes of Saracino, Trey Lazar, and James Curnal James Curnal 6’1″ | 150 lbs | LB Spotswood | 2024 NJ , Head Coach Chris Meagher and company are a team on the rise to look out for in 2023 and beyond.
Giuseppe Lombardi
Giuseppe Lombardi
The Brearley Bears’ offense knew how to score points in bunches last season. Impressively, they scored 34 or more points in 7 of their 11 contests last fall. One player who had much to do with this was offensive lineman Giuseppe Lombardi. Also a wrestler, the 175lber was credited with 3 tackles on defense, as well as having an immeasurable impact on offense. Immeasurable is the appropriate word to describe Lombardi’s impact and production. I only say this because, despite many offseason superlatives, Giuseppe does not have a highlight film nor does Brearley have any game highlights from the last two season.
I hope that in 2023 Lombardi handles his business on the field, as well as show off to the state what he can do.
John Ranieri
John Ranieri
The Roselle Park Rams’ defense was full throttle ahead, with the 5’7″ linebacker John Ranieri leading the way. Also a wrestler, he made 23 stops, 2 TFL, 4 sacks, and 1 FR. He also was credited with 3 carries for 9 yards.
Ranieri is a name we should be aware of, but yet one we cannot get film on at this point. He, too, received several offseason superlatives that put him on our radar; however, he is one that we unfortunately cannot evaluate how he gets his job done.
Ranieri is a prospect to lookout for this upcoming season.