Spotlight Series: 2024 Athletes
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It’s that time of the year to wrap up the 2024 Spotlight Series. We’ve dissected the best of the best on the offensive side of the ball. The play makers that may become household names in the near future. The…
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Continue ReadingIt’s that time of the year to wrap up the 2024 Spotlight Series. We’ve dissected the best of the best on the offensive side of the ball. The play makers that may become household names in the near future. The defensive portion of the Spotlight Series was filled with hard hitters, sack artists, and the ones that force turnovers when you need it the most. Now we move onto the last stone unturned, the players that are so dynamic it is difficult to box them into one position this early on. Here are 5 of the top Athletes in the 2024 class.
One of the top players coming out of New Jersey, Vaboue Toure Vaboue Toure 6’0″ | 185 lbs | ATH Irvington | 2024 State NJ is the archetypical athlete. His true calling may be the safety position, but he also excelled at linebacker too. He has great size for both position, and utilizes that size multiple ways. He was able to protect the edge and prevent the running back from bouncing it to the outside, and he was a sure tackler in every situation. Vaboue is very quick twitch. His reflexes and instincts are on full display throughout his highlight reel. As a player with an amazing knack for finding the ball, expect to hear his name pop up often in 2023.
Meikhi Cuttino Meikhi Cuttino 6’3″ | 200 lbs | ATH Paramus Catholic | 2024 State NJ is again of those players that could play multiple positions at the next level. Lined up as an outside linebacker as well as a safety in 2022, Meikhi has the height to play both positions. With his current size he is more fitting for the latter, but with additional off season workouts Meikhi could put on enough size to move into the outside linebacker position permanently. He has the long arms needed to extend the offensive linemen away from his body, but he also can use them to snatch the ball out of the air. He is a true pocket disruptor, closing the pocket in and causing the QB to get the ball out quick or regret holding onto it.
If you want to watch a tackle get driven to the ground consistently, come watch Fatim Diggs Fatim Diggs 6’3″ | 225 lbs | ATH Woodrow Wilson | 2024 State NJ play the edge position. This player straight up mows offensive linemen over, and continues onto the quarterback right after. He reeks havoc on all those lined up against him through his size, extraordinary strength, and speed.
Fatim has also played a pivotal role on the offensive side of the ball. As a tight end and receiver, he has been a reliable target for jump balls so far in his career. He extends his arms well to put the ball out of reach of the defender, and has hands big enough to pick the ball out of the sky. As much of an impact Fatim makes on offense, his true calling for the next level is most likely on the other side of the ball. I foresee Fatim racking up a good amount of sacks this upcoming fall.
Jackson Memorial’s Albert D’Alesandro was a true athlete for this team. He not only played both sides of the ball, but he played them very well. As a receiver, Albert exposed defensive weaknesses with his quickness. He’s extremely agile and has great hops for his size. He will make his way through pass coverage and find his way to open field for the catch. On the defensive side of the ball, you will find Albert flying down from the safety position to deliver a heavy hit to every ball carrier. He is also a play maker on special teams. I expect to see him return a few punts back for touchdowns in 2023.
Highlights
Derrick Bryan is a force. This man may be listed as an Athlete, but his true calling may be as a power running back. Derrick is the type of running back you need when the game is on the line on 4th and 1. You can bet he will be the one to carry the ball across the first down line. He sheds would be tacklers very easily, and has the patience to allow the play to develop and follow his blockers. Derrick and his team will make another run for a Section Title, with a large put of the success attributed to this play maker.