A defensive lineman for Westwood, Dario Mathurin Dario Mathurin 6'2" | 200 lbs | DL Westwood | 2025 NJ made a big impact on the field in 2023 as he helped lead one of the most impressive defensive units in the state. Racking up 38.5 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and forcing a fumble, Dario was a threat to every offensive scheme. A bonafide run stuffer, Dario commanded the line of scrimmage as he rarely gave up an inch. Dario is a player we may see rack up double digit sacks in 2024.

This list can’t be complete without mentioning the defending champions in Westwood. Finishing the season undefeated, it would be disrespectful to not expect similar results in 2024. While the team is losing a lot of talent from the senior class, a few underclassmen got plenty of repetitions this past season and are ready to step it up in a big way. Dario Mathurin Dario Mathurin 6'2" | 200 lbs | DL Westwood | 2025 NJ is one of those players. A 2025 defensive force, Dario made a name for himself by finding his way to the QB 7.5 times last season. All in, he racked up 38.5 tackles and forced a fumble as well. With that type of success in only his sophomore year, expect Dario to continue on this trajectory and to dominate backfields in 2024.

The Westwood Cardinals had an amazing season. They went 11-0 before finally falling in the Group II state championship game by a mere six points. Their defense lead the way, allowing just 30 points through 10 games and shutting out opponents 6 times along the way. The Cardinals were led by a 6’2″ 200lb sophomore by the name of Dario Mathurin Dario Mathurin 6'2" | 200 lbs | DL Westwood | 2025 NJ . Mathurin was credited with 82 tackles (2 for loss), 8 sacks, 2 FF, 1 FR, 15 QB hurries, and 1 defensive TD.

A nuance that Mathurin has to his game is that he has a good forward lean when coming out of his stance. This allows him to explode into o-linemen’s chest plates when he gets hands on, stunning them and driving them backwards. He also knows to get his hands up when he cannot get home to the QB. Further, he can jump very high, giving the QB another element to contend with when dropping back. Mathurin rallies to the ball, wanting to be in on every tackle. He has also shown, when rushing the passer, the ability to bend, dip, and turn a corner. Remember, as only a rising sophomore the sky is the limit for Mathurin. He will further ascend quickly should he work his hands and gets his hips through when rushing the passer.

Mathurin is a really good, young talent. He and the Cardinals have all the potential in the world going into 2023 and the momentum to build upon a special season last year. My bet: they will be back with vengeance this fall as they have some unfinished buissness to settle.

Hudl