The final nominee of today’s list is calling it a prep career as a champion. Mainland’s Hunter Watson Hunter Watson 6'0" | 170 lbs | WR St. Peter’s Prep | 2026 State NJ , who recently signed his letter of intent to Monmouth, was in many respects the heart and soul of his team. Immediately we see Watson’s ability for his body to explode low-to-high akin to if he was working out in the Hammer Strength Jammer machine. He is super fast off the ball at times and pass rushes with a plan. An arsenal of moves at his disposal, Watson is a maestro at the spin & pin move. He will utilize his speed rush well and has that internal landmark in his mind as to when he should trace back to when a quarterback steps up into the pocket. When dealing with offensive lineman, we see Watson often work his hands under their breast plate and fight to maintain that hand placement. Watson will try for the strip sack and create momentum changing plays for his team. Physical with oncoming blockers, Watson will also pursue the ball anywhere it winds up on the field of play. Reach plays are rendered ineffective the way he sets the edge. For Watson to be a two-phase game wrecker at the next level, I want to see him continue to stay square to the line of scrimmage when playing the run and work on flipping his hips more when rushing the passer. Generally he could stand to play a tad bit lower, and this will come as enters college; however, he is 6’5″.

After having long-committed to Holy Cross some time ago, one of Jersey’s top defenders – who happened to go out as a state champion – changed his mind and is staying closer to home. With Head Coach Bob Chesney moving on for a different job, Mainland’s Hunter Watson Hunter Watson 6'0" | 170 lbs | WR St. Peter’s Prep | 2026 State NJ rescinded his commitment to Holy Cross. Watson will spend the next several years fighting offensive linemen during the season and Benny’s during the summer as he has committed to Monmouth.

After going on the road and upsetting Millville last week, Mainland turned around and did it again. This week their victim was Winslow, a 41-7 win. Watson, the Holy Cross commit tied a season high with 10 total tackles and 5 tackles for loss. However, Watson was able to set a new season high with 3 sacks in the victory.

Watson is a prospect that our team here at Prep Redzone New Jersey has collectively liked for some time now; and with his recent commitment to Holy Cross there is plenty to celebrate about his game. Blessed with great size the 6’5″ 220lb defensive edge player has tremendous explosion. This is first evidenced by his 121″ broad jump and then again later, as his quick-twitch muscle fibers were activated too. Watson owns a get off that immediately had defenders off balance, on their heels, and struggling to recover.

Another physical athlete with the build and size to literally play anywhere on the football field has made a decision as to where he will continue his his academic and athletic career. It is not crystal-clear as to what offers Watson, a 6’5″ 225lb edge player out of Mainland, held. Rumors swirled about him being on the radar for both Army and Temple; however, Holy Cross has earned Watson’s commitment. In the fall of 2024 Watson will partake in a crusade to Worcester, MA to suit up for the Crusaders.