There might not have been a bigger breakthrough player in the state last season than Mainland’s Jake Blum Jake Blum 6'1" | 175 lbs | WR Mainland | 2026 State NJ . As a receiver, Blum does a superb job of breaking down and snapping his hips to create space. Concentration and grace are a part of his game, too, as he can win the tip drill and maintain possession for himself. As the ball travels through the air, it seems as though quarterbacks may just throw it up and trust Blum’s ability to redirect and contort his body to make acrobatic catches where he has to awkwardly turn. With deceitful speed, Blum will lull defenders to sleep, yet often outrun the throw – where he does a great job coming back and playing it. Lastly, Blum is used and wins a high number of vertical routes.

52 receptions, 1287 yards, 15 TD, 24.75 yards per reception

10-4 team record
88.73 Strength Index
61.11 Opponents’ Strength Index
#3 seed in South, Group III
Defeated in Group III State Final

Other stats: 7 carries, 22 yards, 1 TD; 11 tackles (10 solo), 2 interceptions

Best game: 4 receptions, 242 yards, 3 TD in 37-7 victory vs. Hammonton

Worst game: 5 receptions, 61 yards in 14-0 victory vs. Ocean City

In this, his junior season, Jake Blum Jake Blum 6'1" | 175 lbs | WR Mainland | 2026 State NJ came as something of an offensive revelation for Mainland. Blum capped off his 53 reception, 1287 yard, 15 touchdown breakthrough season with a 3 catch, 51 yard, 1 score performance in the state final. Although he played more defense last season (29 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 FF, 2 Int, 1 pick-six as a sophomore), Blum was utilized on defense in the state final and made an immediate impact. The results were good: 11 tackles (10 solo) and first-half 1 interception that kept the game close.

As Blum enters the offseason, expect him to be a high riser in the state rankings.

Jake Blum Jake Blum 6'1" | 175 lbs | WR Mainland | 2026 State NJ has been Mainland’s go-to receiver all season, and he delivered again in their semifinal victory against Somerville. He kicked things off in the first half with a 43-yard touchdown up the right sideline, showcasing his ability to stretch the field. Blum made several contested catches throughout the game, using his physicality and focus to secure the ball in traffic. However, his most significant moment came in overtime. After a Mainland touchdown, quarterback John Franchini John Franchini 5'10" | 160 lbs | QB Mainland | 2026 State NJ found Blum in the end zone for a game-winning two-point conversion, sealing the victory and sending Mainland to the state finals. Jake Blum Jake Blum 6'1" | 175 lbs | WR Mainland | 2026 State NJ ‘s consistent production and clutch performance made him the game’s standout player.

Jake Blum Jake Blum 6'1" | 175 lbs | WR Mainland | 2026 State NJ has been Mainland’s go-to receiver all season, and he delivered again in their semifinal victory against Somerville. He kicked things off in the first half with a 43-yard touchdown up the right sideline, showcasing his ability to stretch the field. Blum made several contested catches throughout the game, using his physicality and focus to secure the ball in traffic. However, his most significant moment came in overtime. After a Mainland touchdown, quarterback John Franchini John Franchini 5'10" | 160 lbs | QB Mainland | 2026 State NJ found Blum in the end zone for a game-winning two-point conversion, sealing the victory and sending Mainland to the state finals. Jake Blum Jake Blum 6'1" | 175 lbs | WR Mainland | 2026 State NJ ‘s consistent production and clutch performance made him the game’s standout player.

Jake Blum Jake Blum 6'1" | 175 lbs | WR Mainland | 2026 State NJ continued his dominance through the air in Week 1, following up his strong showing in Week 0 at the Battle at the Beach. Against Atlantic City, Jake hauled in 242 yards on just four catches, scoring three touchdowns. He showed he could be a downfield threat, winning above the rim, high-pointing the football in contested situations, and using his route running and ball-tracking skills to exploit defenses. Jake’s versatility as a deep threat who can win in multiple ways has become a crucial element in Mainland’s new-look offense, airing it out like never before. His impact is proving to be one of the driving forces behind their early success.