Shore-handed: WRs that will Dominate the Shore Conference in 2023
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Perhaps I have this misguided picture in my head on how Shore Conference football players get ready for the season during the summer. For some reason I picture them running 7on7’s in the sand, perfecting their craft while making their…
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Continue ReadingPerhaps I have this misguided picture in my head on how Shore Conference football players get ready for the season during the summer. For some reason I picture them running 7on7’s in the sand, perfecting their craft while making their legs crazy strong. Afterwards they get to the Jersey Shore’s version of Muscle Beach as they hit the weights.
Now that is in an idealistic world. The reality? They are likely in their schoolhouse over the summer like they never left.
Below are a handful of wide receivers who I expect to make big play after big play all season long for their respective teams. These athletes all play for teams within the Shore Conference.
Howell had an emotional-rollercoaster of a season. They finished 5-5 and suffered just a one point loss in their state playoff game. Surely motivated by this, the Rebels will look to 6’1″ 185lb receiver Kevin Maloney Kevin Maloney 6’1″ | 150 lbs | WR Howell | 2024 State NJ to exact their revenge this season.
Maloney has a clean release, making no false steps. He has really strong hands, using them exclusively to make grabs and win countless 5050 balls. At times Maloney can lull defenders to sleep in order to gain a step over the top, while he also has shown that he can hit double-moves to win big vertically. With deep passes Maloney does a nice job of coming back and winning under-thrown balls. Maloney is a deep threat; however, I suspect he can win on underneath and in-cutting routes as well – something we would want to see on film.
This Rebel is certainly with a cause: Maloney and the rest of Howell HS is a team on the rise and out to show they are contenders.
With their crosstown rival stealing all of the thunder, Toms River South has their share of talent on the field as well. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 170lbs, Danny Pierson Danny Pierson 5’10” | 160 lbs | WR Toms River South | 2025 NJ works his tail off to leave his own mark on his town. Pierson was credited with 19 receptions for 349 yards and 1 score. He made 30 tackles, 2 for a loss, and 0.5 sacks on defense.
Lining up mostly in the slot, Pierson runs good route fakes to get the DBs body turned out of position. He also has an uncanny ability to get loose when the scramble drill is in effect. Pierson makes the most of his catch radius. Routinely we see him stretching his arms in in every direction and making sure-catches with his hands. Going into this season Pierson would benefit from cleaning up his route running. Doing so will make him more wide open.
I imagine within the locker room at Toms River South they are sick and tired of being the town’s “other” team. With Pierson in the fold, he and his fellow Indians are chomping at the bit to prove themselves this fall.
We have covered Rumson Fair-Haven’s successful 2022 season in the past, explaining how players like Jack Mauthe Jack Mauthe 6’0″ | 210 lbs | OL Rumson-Fair Haven | 2025 NJ keeps a clean pocket for Owen O’Toole Owen O’Toole 6’1″ | 190 lbs | QB Rumson Fair Haven | 2024 NJ . But who is O’Tool’s favorite target? His name is Nick Rigby Nick Rigby 6’2″ | 180 lbs | WR Rumson Fair Haven | 2024 State NJ . At 6’1″ 182lbs, Rigby slashed 61/789/7 on offense, while also playing basketball for the Bulldogs.
Using his basketball skills, Rigby wins the jump ball when thrown his way. In about three steps he can reach top speed, which enables him to get free against either press- or off-coverage. Rigby is a true vertical threat who can make back shoulder catches and tight-rope sideline catches alike. My advice for Rigby this year is to run routes on the beach. This will increase his speed and explosion, making him even more of a dynamic threat.
With a talented receiver in Rigby split out wide it only re-affirms our position that Rumson Fair-Haven is a top-contending Group II program in the state.
Perhaps the most electric WR in the Shore Conference plays for Red Bank Catholic. Listed at 6’2″ 190lbs Emanuel Ross Emanuel Ross 6’2″ | 185 lbs | WR Red Bank Catholic | 2024 State NJ caught 29 balls for 615 yards, scoring 10 TDs and 1, two-point play. Ross is also the Casey’s placeholder.
Ross wins because he has such an explosive get off. Winning at the line makes for an easy transition for his smooth hips to be on display as he turns defenders out. When Ross possesses the ball, he simply has break away speed. As a violent runner, he generates so much power with each stride he takes. This power and speed allows him to constantly take the top off of defenses, getting behind them often. College coaches would love to see Ross’ full route tree on display on his highlight film.
With teammates like Patrick Magee Patrick Magee 6’2″ | 250 lbs | OL Red Bank Catholic | 2024 State NJ in front setting up screens for him, Ross and Red Bank Catholic’s offense will a tough out as a unit this coming season.
Central Regional closed out their season with a win. The Golden Eagles look to carry that momentum into the 2023 season. One Golden Eagle who will have a big say in how 2023 goes is the 6’2″ 160lb Royalty Riley Royalty Riley 6’3″ | 170 lbs | WR Central Regional | 2025 NJ . Riley gained 508 yards on 23 catches, scoring three times. This big-framed receiver made big plays, averaging over 20 YPR.
Riley is a pleasure to watch make plays on the ball. He demonstrates great balance along the sideline and can make tough catches amid contact and through tight coverage. In about four steps Riley hits full speed and makes lesser defenders look silly with his superior speed and athleticism in the process. We also see Riley settle down or even slow down once he hits the soft spot of a zone defense in anticipation of a pass; but then blow past defenders who overplay him if the ball is not delivered. With the ability to make the first man-or-two miss, Riley’s film will benefit from displaying a wider variety of routes to fully show how gifted he is as a prospect.
Fully expect Riley to soar above the competition and elevate the game of each and every Golden Eagle around him this fall. He a gifted prospect that is flying under the radar.