Yandel Pelaez
Yandel Pelaez
About Yandel
Expert Analysis
Caleb Holfoth | Prep Redzone Scout
Pelaez is a two-way player who could just be considered an ATH or RB. I feel stronger about his evaluation projecting him to DB in combination with some DB film, although you see him play multiple positions for Moore Catholic. Pelaez can also have an impact in the return game.
Pelaez has excellent short area bursts and changes of direction. These explosive movements can translate to either side of the ball, and he shows a willingness to be physical on both sides of the ball. While either side of the ball is an option, his athleticism and skillset can take him further as a defensive back.
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Read EvaluationCaleb Holfoth | Prep Redzone Scout
Pelaez could be listed as an ATH and is a good enough athlete where to play RB at the next level – when I saw Moore Catholic play Curtis early in the season, Pelaez stood out on a field loaded with D1-caliber athletes.
I am not set on where Pelaez will play positionally; his athleticism sets him apart from many players in New York. Pelaez did some good things for Moore Catholic in his first year playing in Staten Island after moving from Rhode Island.
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Read EvaluationCaleb Holfoth | Prep Redzone Scout
On a team stacked with really good athletes, it can be tough to stand out – especially as an offensive skill player when that’s where your team is loaded. During a Staten Island Pub V Private matchup of Curtis v Moore Catholic, I got to see probably around 7-8 D1 players on the field – in his first game with Moore Catholic, Pelaez stood out for a couple of reasons.
He could be one of the most explosive movers in the ’26 class coming from Staten Island; his tape has tons of reps showcasing good change of direction and explosive jumpy movements from his cuts. He has a bit of a slippery running style, and his contact balance is good, but it is because he avoids significant contact with how loose his lower body is.
I like his tape a lot. There are tons of explosive plays on film, and I saw that live also -the only thing you would like to see is the ability to turn those 10+ gains into longer runs in HS. I wouldn’t call it a lack of speed because he looks good on tape and doesn’t get hawked, but I would like to see some 25+ yard gains on his tape.
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Read EvaluationMarquisse Silva | Prep Redzone Scout
5’11 190 RB/DB/ATH class of 2026 cell 401 408 2177 3.2 GPA
Yandel Pelaez
Yandel
Pelaez
5'11" | 190 lbs | DB/RB
Moore Catholic | 2026
State
NY
aka Pop was all over the field on both sides of the ball making plays week 1. Offensively, he lined up all over the field but mainly at slot receiver. He caught everything thrown at him. He has a strong physical frame to go with a set of strong hands. Made several contested catches with defenders draped all over him. After, Week 1, Pop finished in second place in the league with 8 receptions. He also finished tied for 3rd in the league in touchdowns with three. On defense he was lined up at Safety and showed off his ability to make plays on that side of the ball as well. He plays with a ton of passion and energy even in this type of 7v7 setting. Definitely a player worth following this fall.
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Read EvaluationRoger Silva | Prep Redzone Scout
5’11 190 RB/DB/ATH class of 2026 cell 401 408 2177 3.2 GPA
Pelaez is a rising junior next year in fall 2023. He is a high-level defender who can surely cover. His physical presence caught my attention during the event. This is uncommon at a 7v7 event. I viewed him several times lock down a WR at the snap of the ball only to see the same WR be denied his route and sometimes fall to the ground. I asked him where he learned his technique. He told me he has studied Professional defensive backs such as Jalen Ramsey, and he commits to watching film on defensive backs consistently. A self taught DB is who enjoys watching film to get better is what you get with him. Then throw in his impressive athletic abilities such as the ability to flip hips and gets in and out of breaks. Rarely takes false steps. Good instincts. Flashes ability to come up in the alley to support in the run game and against screens. Good feet. Very good speed and a pit bull mentality when on the field.
Yandel is a new-name prospect not known to me prior to the event. His fall season fill is being edited during this publication and is not readily available. After his performance in the tournament, I believe once I view his fall 2023 highlight film, I will confirm him as a prospect we should rank during our next rankings update in July and August. I spoke with him during the event about his current recruitment activity. (See Youtube video Below)
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Read EvaluationRoger Silva | Prep Redzone Scout
Yandel Pelaez
Yandel
Pelaez
5'11" | 190 lbs | DB/RB
Moore Catholic | 2026
State
NY
(7v7 Program Breakthrough Elite) One of my favorite athletes though out the tournament. A rising talent that stands 5’10 and lean with good muscle. He is a physical DB that can play press man coverage. Has a smooth and fluid back pedal. His hips are loose and he can open in either direction quickly. He grabbed my attention with his consistent press man coverages. When he plays press man, he has an aggressive/strong hand technique at the line of scrimmage, that prevented a few receivers from even getting off the line of scrimmage. I project he will be a name known during the fall 2023 season and beyond.
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