Matt Occhipinti
Matt Occhipinti
About Matt
Expert Analysis
Earnest Daniels | Prep Redzone Scout
Matt Occhipinti Matt Occhipinti 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Don Bosco Prep | 2026 State NJ set the tone early, flying around the field and disrupting everything St. Joe’s tried to do. He finished with 10 tackles and a sack, showcasing his range and toughness throughout the first half.
Occhipinti read plays quickly, stuffed the run, and made stops both on the edge and inside the box. His instincts and physicality were on full display, reinforcing why he’s one of Don Bosco’s most reliable defensive leaders.
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Read EvaluationEarnest Daniels | Prep Redzone Scout
Matt Occhipinti Matt Occhipinti 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Don Bosco Prep | 2026 State NJ is the heart of a loaded Don Bosco defense. The UCF commit plays with intensity, instincts, and great pad level. He diagnoses plays quickly and wastes no time shooting gaps or working through blocks to find the football. His ability to consistently win in one-on-one tackle situations makes him one of the most reliable defenders in the state. With Bosco expected to be in a lot of high-stakes matchups, Occhipinti will have plenty of chances to rack up solo tackles and cement himself as one of New Jersey’s top defensive producers.
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Read EvaluationEarnest Daniels | Prep Redzone Scout
Matt Occhipinti Matt Occhipinti 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Don Bosco Prep | 2026 State NJ earns the superlative for Most Physically Gifted, and it’s easy to see why. At 6’3”, 210 pounds, he has the ideal frame for a modern linebacker, combining size, athleticism, and versatility. He thrives as a disruptor, whether blitzing, dropping into coverage, or making plays in run defense. His ability to create chaos in multiple ways was on full display during the Non-Public A Championship, where he also impacted special teams.
Occhipinti has been a recruiting darling since stepping onto the varsity stage, and his stock continues to rise. He’s recently picked up offers from West Virginia, North Carolina, and Louisville, proving just how coveted his skill set is. His physical tools set him apart, making him one of the most intriguing linebackers in this class.
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Read EvaluationEarnest Daniels | Prep Redzone Scout
Matt Occhipinti Matt Occhipinti 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Don Bosco Prep | 2026 State NJ stood out for Don Bosco in the non-public A championship. Despite the team’s tough loss, Matt anchored a defensive effort that held Bergen Catholic to just six points in the first half.
He made his presence felt early with a crucial sack that energized Don Bosco’s defense. In the second half, Matt continued to shine as the team’s most reliable tackler, consistently stopping the run and making key plays.
Heading into next season, Occhipinti will be one of the top linebackers in the state and a leader for Don Bosco’s defense.
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Read EvaluationBrendan Mankarious | Prep Redzone Scout
Previous Overall Rank: 64
New Overall Rank: 36
New Positional Rank: 3
As a linebacker set to graduate in 2026, you will be hard-pressed to find many better than Matt Occhipinti Matt Occhipinti 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Don Bosco Prep | 2026 State NJ . Occhipinti absolutely flies to the outside with passes along the perimeter, while bringing physicality to blockers along the perimeter. He also has the athleticism and speed to cover #2 in evens. When defending the pass, Occhipinti will play the hands, following through on hits bat. Occhipinti is solid when he breaks down and wraps even better. I liked how Occhipinti reads his keys, seeing and flying to the ball. He uses his hands very well, too, when disengaging and pass rushing. A good runner, Occhipinti is able to run with wheel routes most of the game and pursues the ball very well.
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Read EvaluationBrendan Mankarious | Prep Redzone Scout
An offer we initially overlooked prior to the no-contact period, another Ironman from Don Bosco racked up an offer back in February. Linebacker and 2026 graduate Matt Occhipinti Matt Occhipinti 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Don Bosco Prep | 2026 State NJ earned an offer back form West Virginia. The WVU offer marked Occhipinti’s first FBS scholarship opportunity.
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Read EvaluationEarnest Daniels | Prep Redzone Scout
Matt Occhipinti, a formidable linebacker standing at 6’3” and weighing in at 225 pounds, possesses a standout trait that sets him apart on the field: explosiveness. His remarkable burst and agility allow him to navigate the second level of the defense with ease, often wreaking havoc on opposing offenses.Another of Matt’s defining characteristics is his exceptional diagnosis skills, enabling him to quickly read and react to plays unfolding before him. This innate ability to anticipate movements allows him to play at an accelerated pace, effectively shutting down plays before they fully develop. Whether it’s sniffing out screen passes or penetrating the backfield for tackles for loss, Matt’s instinctive playmaking ability shines through on tape.Moreover, Matt’s versatility extends beyond his explosive playstyle, as he demonstrates proficiency in coverage, effectively shadowing slot receivers and running backs downfield. His adeptness in coverage adds another dimension to his game, making him a well-rounded linebacker capable of impacting the game in various facets.As one of the more complete linebackers in New Jersey, Matt is primed for a breakout junior year, where he’s poised to solidify his status as one of the top defensive players in the state. With his explosive athleticism and instinctive playmaking ability, Matt is a force to be reckoned with on the gridiron, poised to leave a lasting impression on the field. Matt holds one Power 5 offer from WVU.
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Read EvaluationEarnest Daniels | Prep Redzone Scout
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Read EvaluationJonathan Davalos | Prep Redzone Scout
Matt Occhipinti Matt Occhipinti 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Don Bosco Prep | 2026 State NJ is no ordinary freshman. Already standing at 6’2″ and over 200lb, he is young player with upperclassmen size packed on. Playing middle linebacker in 2022, Matt is the type of player who’s motor is always running. He’s able to penetrate the hole or rush fiercely off of the edge to collapse the pocket on the QB. And with the ability to use his hands and shake off blockers, he’s a clean tackler when going face to face with the runner. As a member of the 2026 class, he has plenty of time to show colleges how much of an impact he can make for their programs.
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