Class of 2019 An Early Look at the Top NYS Prospects for 2019

[sutomcat]

I have spent some time over the past month or two, poring over all region teams to get fairly comprehensive list of the top football prospects for the class of 2019. Then I tried to find and review film of these players, so I could create a couple of lists.

Before presenting the lists, note that I am ranking players based on their ability to play college football at the P5 level. There are some great HS players I am ignoring because they are too short, too light, too slow, etc. to play P5 football. Note also that while far more players have film out there than in the past, there are still a significant number who do not have a highlight film of their junior season. Some have highlights from a couple games. Some have no film at all. And some have film, but the production values are so bad that the film isn’t very useful.

I will also note that a significant number of the best football prospects in New York play other sports, and some are good enough to already have scholarship offers in those sports, which range from baseball, to lacrosse and basketball. The specialization and utter focus on one sport seen in many other states is rarely seen here.

There are lots of stories about these players I stumbled across doing research, and it is my intention to follow up this post with others, one for each position, to tell a little bit more about the players.

Overall 2019 looks like a year lacking in national recruit star power but with a lot of good to very good players. There aren’t a ton of players with offers to date. Syracuse has only offered two. It will be interesting to see if more offers are forthcoming from P5 schools.’

One last note: as in past years, I have compiled a list of the top players from the state for the class of 2020.

I hope you enjoy the info.

 

[CuseLegacy]

Symphony Steve your wish has been granted.

 

[dasher]

I have spent some time over the past month or two, poring over all region teams to get fairly comprehensive list of the top football prospects for the class of 2019. Then I tried to find and review film of these players, so I could create a couple of lists.

Before presenting the lists, note that I am ranking players based on their ability to play college football at the P5 level. There are some great HS players I am ignoring because they are too short, too light, too slow, etc. to play P5 football. Note also that while far more players have film out there than in the past, there are still a significant number who do not have a highlight film of their junior season. Some have highlights from a couple games. Some have no film at all. And some have film, but the production values are so bad that the film isn’t very useful.

I will also note that a significant number of the best football prospects in New York play other sports, and some are good enough to already have scholarship offers in those sports, which range from baseball, to lacrosse and basketball. The specialization and utter focus on one sport seen in many other states is rarely seen here.

There are lots of stories about these players I stumbled across doing research, and it is my intention to follow up this post with others, one for each position, to tell a little bit more about the players.

Overall 2019 looks like a year lacking in national recruit star power but with a lot of good to very good players. There aren’t a ton of players with offers to date. Syracuse has only offered two. It will be interesting to see if more offers are forthcoming from P5 schools.’

One last note: as in past years, I have compiled a list of the top players from the state for the class of 2020.

I hope you enjoy the info.

Tom, I loved the list you put together last year. Thanks for your work on this.

 

[Symphony Steve]

Thanks, Tom. I am in awe of what you do to put this together. Looks like SU has offered relatively few NYS players for 2019 so far.

 

[CuseLegacy]

Thanks, Tom. I am in awe of what you do to put this together. Looks like SU has offered relatively few NYS players for 2019 so far.

SU did offer Girard today...but for BB.

 

[rackman18]

SU did offer Girard today...but for BB.

I see he is a 3 point specialist. And boy do we need it.

 

[RF2044]

I have spent some time over the past month or two, poring over all region teams to get fairly comprehensive list of the top football prospects for the class of 2019. Then I tried to find and review film of these players, so I could create a couple of lists.

Before presenting the lists, note that I am ranking players based on their ability to play college football at the P5 level. There are some great HS players I am ignoring because they are too short, too light, too slow, etc. to play P5 football. Note also that while far more players have film out there than in the past, there are still a significant number who do not have a highlight film of their junior season. Some have highlights from a couple games. Some have no film at all. And some have film, but the production values are so bad that the film isn’t very useful.

I will also note that a significant number of the best football prospects in New York play other sports, and some are good enough to already have scholarship offers in those sports, which range from baseball, to lacrosse and basketball. The specialization and utter focus on one sport seen in many other states is rarely seen here.

There are lots of stories about these players I stumbled across doing research, and it is my intention to follow up this post with others, one for each position, to tell a little bit more about the players.

Overall 2019 looks like a year lacking in national recruit star power but with a lot of good to very good players. There aren’t a ton of players with offers to date. Syracuse has only offered two. It will be interesting to see if more offers are forthcoming from P5 schools.’

One last note: as in past years, I have compiled a list of the top players from the state for the class of 2020.

I hope you enjoy the info.

Tom, awesome stuff -- thanks for putting so much effort into that summary -- incredible detail.

 

[Shrmdougluvr]

Nice work Tom. Looks like a couple steps back though from the Class of 2018.

 

[SUforme]

Here is the question are any of them actually interested in Syracuse?

 

[sutomcat]

The Quarterbacks

As far as I know, the only NYS QB with a solid offer to play football in college is probably the most talked about recruit on the basketball recruiting board, Joe Girard III, the People’s Choice. While he has many offers for basketball, some to big time programs, he also has at least one for football: Tulane.

His film is just a long series of broken plays where he runs around until he finds a way to make a play for a big gain. He does not appear to be more than 6’0 tall, and not very muscular either, While he runs well, he doesn’t have great speed. While he throws the ball accurately, he does not appear to have a tremendously strong arm. Watching him play, I kept thinking how much he reminded me of how Doug Flutie used to play.

Joseph Girard III on Hudl

Whether he would be successful playing at the P5 level is moot; I don’t think for a minute he is going to play football in college. It is a shame though because it would be great fun to watch him play.

Freddy June Jr is a junior at Irondequoit HS in Rochester. The All Greater Rochester player of the year in 2017, Freddy is also a fine basketball player, though not nearly at the level of Girard III.

A true dual threat QB, he ran for 1220 yards and passed for 1293 yards in 2017. Very good athlete who is a better runner than a passer right now. Has a strong arm but isn’t in a program where he is going to throw the ball a lot. I think he could be a fine BCS level QB but it will take some time for him to catch up on other QBs that come from more sophisticated offenses (the same would apply to JG III).

Freddy June on Hudl

Casey Kelly goes to St Joseph’s Collegiate Institute in Buffalo. Casey is the brother of Chad Kelly and the nephew of Jim. While he looks a little heavy on film, he can run very well (reportedly a 4.6 40) and he has a strong arm.

While he has a world of talent, according to Maxpreps, he only played in 4 games his junior season. He has played there for 3 seasons, during which he has thrown for 1262 yards and ran for 969, which are good numbers, but he also has thrown for 9 TDs and 9 interceptions, and his career completion percentage is 52.4. Not good.

If he figures things out, he could end up being a national recruit. If not, his only offer might be from UB. He is a huge wild card, One major positive: his gpa is said to be 3.8.

Casey Kelly on Hudl

Tylik Bethea is probably the best QB out of NYC in the class of 2019. At 6’4, he has nice height but at only 180 pounds, he needs to get stronger. Threw for 2133 yards and 23 TDs for Lincoln HS in 2017. Looks very poised in the pocket, has a nice arm and a very relaxed throwing motion. Doesn’t run much.

Tylik Bethea on Hudl

Cole Snyder is a 6’2 190 lb QB out of Southwestern HS. He passed for 1587 yards and 23 TDs in 2017. Has a strong arm. Also is a gifted runner and an excellent athlete who could probably play safety as well.

Cole has been a visitor in the SU campus and played at the Dome in a state championship game last fall. Works with former SU QB John Kinder, also a star hockey player. I like his film. Kid is a winner.


Darren Smith plays at little Sidney HS but he has put up some great numbers there, passing for 2766 yards and 30 TDs as a junior. He probably has the most accurate arm of any of these quarterbacks, but I don’t see great arm strength. Don’t see a lot of athleticism from him either. Likes to stay in the pocket. Might be a little chunky as well.

Darren Smith on Hudl

Matt Sluka appears to be the best QB coming out of Long Island in this class. A dual threat guy, he ran for 1619 yards and 24 TDs and passed for another 984. Has good size at 6’2 195 lbs. Good athlete who knows how to make people miss, his passing skills need refinement. He is another guy who might project best in college with a switch to safety,

Matthew Sluka on Hudl

The most impressive stats of the QBs in this class belong to Pat Hackler of Skaneateles. He threw for 3124 yards and 53 TDs in 2017. Another really smart winner type, Pat has excellent speed and very good accuracy throwing, but did not show great arm strength. He is headed to Yale to play lacrosse.

PATRICK HACKLER on Hudl

Lastly, let’s talk about Nathaniel Prophete of Christ the King HS in Middle Village. This is the same school Terrel Hunt went to. Like Terrel, Nathaniel is big (6’3 190 lbs). Has a strong arm and runs fairly well (4.8 40). Army, BC, Duke, Rutgers and Syracuse are all said to have interest in him.

Nathaniel has really bad numbers but is handicapped playing for an awful team. C the K finished 2017 0-8, and was outwcored by its opponents 280-76.

Nathaniel Prophete on Hudl

 

[CuseLegacy]

Here is the question are any of them actually interested in Syracuse?

Adisa Isaac has an offer and is supposedly visiting today for Jr Day. It is early in the 2019 recruiting cycle.

 

[721Comstock]

Dhyquem Lewinson Spankenkill RB Poughkeepsie 5’10 220 Ran for 1525 yards & 22 TDs as a junior, squats 740, 11.5 100m. Manchild.

Spankenkill sounds like snuff porn - it's Spackenkill

Kid is a beast already.

** PSA - for everyone who ever wondered why so many things in this region - Catskill, Fishkill, Wallkill, etc - are named "kill" - it's not that our predecessors were sociopathic serial killers -

"kill" means creek, stream, river, or brook in Dutch.

 

[sutomcat]

The Running Backs...

Deyvon Wright is from Half Hollow Hills High on Long Island, the alma mater of Devante McFarlane and Cam Jordan. He is one of the few NYS kids with a P5 offer (West Virginia). At 5’11 and 173 pounds, he might not be big enough to play RB in college full time. Ran for 1307 yards and 23 TDs as a junior. Excellent speed and cutting ability; he is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

If he were to come to Syracuse, I would expect him to be used in the slot like Erv Philips was. Kids with this kind of play making ability are rare in NY, but seem to be relatively common in Florida.

Deyvon Wright on Hudl

Dhyquem Lewinson is from Spackenkill HS in Poughkeepsie. Probably the strongest RB in the state, he benches 315 lbs and squats 700. Set a world record when he became the youngest person to ever deadlift 500 lbs 5 times at age 14. Hence his nickname ‘Manchild’.

Ran for 1001 yards and 18 TDs as a frosh but missed most of his sophomore year due to a broken collarbone. He was healthy in 2017 and responded well, running for 1525 yards and 21 TDs, averaging 11.5 ypc. His film is fun to watch. He has very good speed, cuts well and consistently makes good reads.

Was recently named second team all state class B at RB, along with teammate Kyiev Bennermon, a senior headed to BC. Given his skill set and the way BC plays, would not be surprised if he ends up there.

Dhyquem Lewinson on Hudl

The best returning RB in NYC, at least according to News 12 Varsity, is Vin Wagner of Monsignor Farrell on Staten Island (he was first team All NYC). At 6’1, 206 lbs, Vin is another power back who can run. Rushed for 1487 yards and 10 TDs (8.5 ypc) last season.

While Lewinson gets most of his yardage on outside runs and doesn’t break lots of tackles, Wagner is a true inside runner who thrives on contact. Vin is a junkyard dog on the field, a great competitor and very tough. Also looks very good catching the bill out of the backfield. Might be an upgrade over Elmore at the power back position Chris tried to play last year though he would have work to do in the weight room.

He would be a great fit at Army or Navy.

Vin Wagner on Hudl

 

[money3189]

Appreciate the work Tom. We keep a google doc of Rochester players. I will be happy to share with you in the future. Gerald Drumgoole is getting a lot of attention. Has Toledo and UB offers along with ODU. He can be one of the those kids that gets more offers if he attend camps. Schools like him as a TE/DE prospect. He's a basketball kid too. He good in hoops but he's a better football prospect. Also Bobby Searight plays for East, big lineman that has interest from D1 schools. Pittsford has a TE/DE prospect. Victor has a Offensive lineman.

 

[sutomcat]

The Wide Receivers...

Let’s start with Lavonno Mitchell, a 6’1, 175 lb WR out of Albertus Magnus HS in Bardonia. Bardonia is on the West side of the Hudson River right by the Tappan Zee Bridge, across from Tarrytown.

Lavonno was named first team all state class C. He had 25 catches for 621 yards and 10 TDs in 2017. He can run, has a 11.16 100m. Deep threat, hands look good, needs to get stronger. But he can definitely run. Plays FS and could play there in college as well.

Lavonno Mitchell Jr. on Hudl

Out of all the players on my top 64 list, Jaheim Jones might be the most intriguing. He plays for Our Lady of Lourdes HS in Poughkeepsie. Definitely not a traditional powerhouse. At 6’0, 180 lbs, he is not physically imposing. But he is fast. Really fast, surely the fastest football player in the state.

As a frosh, he competed in the New Balance track national championships and won a national championship for freshmen in the 100m. Last spring he finished 4th and 6th in the 100m and 200m. His best times are 10.66 fit the 100m and 21.54 for the 200m.

He plays RB for Lourdes but given his relatively slight build, I think he projects best as a deep threat outside WR. He could play CB or FS as well. Watching his film, you can see his elite speed; he gets an opening and he is gone. There isn’t much film of him catching the ball but his hands look good. He needs to hit the weight room regardless of where he plays. But this kid can fly.


I thunk the best possession receiver prospect in the state is Chris Ledlum, who plays at St Peter’s on Staten Island. Ledlum is a basketball player who plays football. He already has at least 1 offer for basketball (NJIT).

At 6’4, 195 lbs, he has ideal size. Runs well, and as you might expect, he has excellent hands and can go up and get it. Had 4bcatches for 684 yards and t TDs in 2017. While he isn’t well polished, his ceiling is high.

He has highlights from individual games from his junior season but sadly no unified junior highlight clip. What a shame.

Chris Ledlum on Hudl

Another promising WR from NYC is Dontae McGriff of Midwood HS in Brooklyn. Dontae was 2nd team All NYC as a junior. Tough, fast and he might well have the best hands in the state. Makes catches in traffic, can handle physical corners. I think would fit best as a slot receiver. Had 49 catches for 717 yards and 10 TDs in 2017.

Dontae mcgriff on Hudl

I think it is pretty telling that the best WRs I could find in the state all have around 600-700 yards receiving and 6-10 TDs. Part of this is the relative short football season in NY. Part is because most HS coaches in NY just do not throw the ball very often. I hope that with the sterling example Dino Babers has in front of them, the coaches get more in tune with the times and implement more progressive offenses where passing the ball is embraced more.

 

[orangenauburn]

Looks like some barren years in section three

 

[kcsu]

Freddy June JR is a Junior. Say that 5 times fast. Great stuff Tom thank you for all of the time and effort.

 

[sutomcat]

The Tight Ends...

I saw 3 promising players at TE in this class.

Thomas Nealis is the best returning TE out of Long Island. At 6’3, 210 pounds, he has work to do in the weightroom.

But he is very athletic, has excellent hands and he can run. Had 38 catches for 894 yards and 13 TDs as a junior.

The best TE prospect out of Western NY is Gerald Drumgoole, a 6’4, 205 pound athlete out of Irondequoit HS in Rochester. Like Nealis, Gerald needs to make the transition from WR to TE and needs to get stronger. He has offers from Old Dominion, UB and Toledo (thanks money).

That leaves James Altenburger, a 6’4 240 pound beast out of Shenendehowa HS near Albany. James has the size and the blocking ability for the position but needs to work on his speed. He has 21 catches for 257 yards and 3 TDs as a junior.

 

[sutomcat]

The Offensive Linemen...

The best film I saw from an OT in this class belongs to Peter Sluder, a 6’5, 308 pound lineman from St Peter’s HS on Staten Island. He is physical, aggressive and athletic. Could also play on the DL. Very impressed with him.

Trentyn Rupert has great size (6’6 290 pounds) and was named first team all state as a sophomore and a junior. By all accounts, he has all the tools to play at the P5 level but as of today, I can’t find any film for him. Part of the reason is surely where he is from: Newark Valley.

Jonathan Mucciolo is a 6’6, 300 pound OT out of Archbishop Stepinack in White Plains, the same school Trill is from. Mucciolo is really physical and nasty, has good quickness but sometimes looks awkward and inflexible. He is a Doug Marrone type lineman.

The best interior OL in the state is AJ DeSantis of Maine-Endwell HS near Binghamton. AJ is 6’4 285 pounds, strong as a bull and very agile. Great balance. Could play center of guard, or DT for that matter. I want him. Badly.

Another solid prospect at OG is Will Zimmerman of Churchville-Chili HS near Rochester. He has size (6’4 295 pounds), and moves really well. Pulls a lot and is great at destroying linebackers. This guy can play.

 

[sutomcat]

The Athletes...

Allan Houston III is a 6’1, 180 pound player at Rye Country Day school in Rye. He ran for over 500 pounds and scored a couple TDs receiving, but his future in football, if he has one, is probably at safety. Fast, strong and aggressive. The things, he plays basketball too. And yes, his dad is exactly who you think it might be.

Jaron Johnson of Clinton HS in The Bronx. is only 5‘9, 170 pounds but he has excellent speed, cuts well and excels at returning kickoffs and punts.

Rickey Gamble plays at Wilson HS in Rochester. He has 4.47 40 speed, and is a big play specialist. Also has a 3.5 gpa. Might be best suited to the slot in college. And returning kicks.

The Kickers...

Anthony Pecorella plays at Chaminade HS in Mineola on Zlong Island. 6’2, 186 pounds. Averaged 43.3 ypp, made 9 of 11 FGs he tried, with a long of 42 yards. He is one of the top placekickers in the class.

Another Anthony, this one with a last name of Muratore, is the 2nd best placekicker in the state. He is 5’9, 165 pounds and plays for Wayne HS near Rochester. Had 8 FGs as a junior, including two of over 40 yards. Gets excellent height on his kicks.

 

[sutomcat]

The Defensive Tackles...

If you had to pick one position where SU needs help the most, it would probably be defensive tackle.

The best prospect in the state might be Alex Barshaba, a 6’6, 330 refrigerator out of McKee HS on Staten Island. Alex is reasonably athletic and has exceptional strength. He is unblockable.

Alex Barshaba on Hudl

Ryayan Buell of Hornell HS in Western NY is one of the top athletes in the state. He plays middle linebacker for Hornell at 6’2, 265 pounds, is really agile and has racked up over 200 tackles in the past 2 seasons. Has huge potential.

Rayyan Buell on Hudl

EJ Buck, one of the best prospects out of CNY, is a 6’1, 325 pound DT from ESM HS. Buck is very physical, tough and has excellent lateral agility.

EJ Buck on Hudl

The Defensive Ends...

If someone out of NYS is going to develop into a national recruit, it most likely be Adisa Issac, a 6’5 210 DE out of Canarsie HS in Brooklyn. Adisa has explosive speed and has the potential to develop into a premiere pass rusher. He is one of two players from the state to have an offer from Syracuse, as well as offers from Minnesota, Maryland, Illinois and Rutgers.

Adisa Isaac on Hudl

Jason Blissett is a 6’3 255 DE out of Poly Prep in Brooklyn. Quick and physical, Jason is more of a run stopper than a pass rusher and it looks likely he will eventually grow into DT. He has offers from Maryland, Temple and UConn to date.

Jason Blissett Jr. on Hudl

Anton Juncaj is 6’4, 215 pounds and plays at Minisink Valley HS in Slate Hill (lower Hudson Valley). He is fast, athletic and specializes in creating violent collisions. Could also play at TE. I think he has a world of talent.

Anton Juncaj on Hudl

Keith Winfrey, 6’3, 229 pounds, is from Long Island power William Floyd HS in Mastic Beach. He has a good blend of strength and agility, an offer from Stony Brook and interest from BC, Temple and UConn.

Keith Winfrey on Hudl

Nasiere Tisdale is another good prospect out of Churchville-Chili. 6’3, 233 pounds, Nasiere runs a 4.61 40 and excels at penetrating. Makes a lot of tackles behind the line of scrimmage.

Nasiere Tisdale on Hudl

Lastly, Nathan Genevick of Cambridge HS near Albany,is a 6’5, 245 pound lieman who made 112 tackles as a junior. He is athletic and very tough.

Nathan Genevick on Hudl

 

[sutomcat]

The Middle Linebackers...

Archbishop Stepinac won a state title last year and gave Syracuse Trill Williams. Thry have another player Syracuse is interested in in Kevin Gray, a 6’3, 220 pound MLB. Gray is quick, tackles really well and excels at blitzing. SU and BC are involved early.

Kevin Gray on Hudl

Jeremy Hernandez is the best MLB out of NYC. He is a little under-sized at 6’0, 220 pounds but he is a sure tackler who makes big hits and is fundamentally solid.

The Outside Linebackers...

Douglas Simmons is another linebacker for Stepinac. A bit undersized at 6’0,205 pounds, he has a laser timed 4.6 40 to his credit, runs really well and is a big hitter.

Douglas Simmons on Hudl

Tyler Bartholomew is a 6’1 220 pound OLB from Midwood HS in a Brooklyn. He can run, anticipates well and is a sure tackler in space.

Tyler Bartholomew on Hudl

Andrew Diamond is a 6’2, 210 athlete from Tilden HS in Brooklyn. Led Brooklyn in sacks as a junior, very athletic and quick, might grow into a DE. He diesn’t have a junior highlight tape, but looks good in single game highlights.

Tilden HS Football Video "Diamond Andrew's highlights Eagle Academy Ocean Hill" | MaxPreps

 

[sutomcat]

The Safeties...

The top safety out of NYC this year is Jailen Nias of Clinton HS in the Bronx, Jailen is 6’1, 180 pounds. Good speed, hard hitter, smart player, He is a dual threat QB/safety and he has an offer from Army.

Jayden Cook is one of the top athletes in the state. 4.5 40, 38’ vertical, 6’0, 205 pounds, ran for 1750 yards and 13 TDs as a junior. Plays safety like he is very angry. Think Tebucky Jones,

The Cornerbacks...

Prince-Elijah DeGroat is the other player who currently has an offer from Syracuse. P-E is 6’0, 170 pounds and fast. Needs to get stronger but has the height and athletic ability to someday be a top cover guy.

Prince-Elijah Degroat on Hudl

Saleh Robinson is from Midwood HS in Brooklyn. He is 5’11 and 175 pounds. Looks like he anticipates well, not afraid to jump a route, can tackle and has the good closing speed you want here. Had 5 picks as a junior.

Saleh Robinson on Hudl

Kordell Jackson looks like the best CB prospect from the Rochester area. He is 6’1 but only 166 pounds. He can run (4.54 40). Good cover skills, tackles well in the open field. Has reported interest from SU, PSU and UB.

Kordell Jackson on Hudl

The best CB from CNY appears to be Jeremiah Willis. Willis is another of the top athletes in the state. He has great speed (11.o6 100m), and won state titles in the long jump and triple jump as a junior. His size isn’t ideal (5’10, 160 pounds) but speed overcomes a lot.

Jeremiah Willis on Hudl

Lastly, let’s talk about Rashad Law of Cheektowaga. He has been a dominant force for two seasons, can run and tackle and at 5’11, 175 pounds, has decent size too. I like his toughness.

Rashad Law on Hudl

 

[SUFaninNJ]

I see he is a 3 point specialist. And boy do we need it.

That's what Buddy is for.

 

[Trueblue25]

Thank you tomcat