New Kids on the Block: NJ's Top 2028 Defensive Players Pt. 2 - Prep Redzone (2024)

<!-- wp:paragraph --><p>If you haven't been convinced yet that New Jersey's 2028 class has loads of talent at each position, here is another list of athletes to convince you. This group in particular has players I've gotten the chance to meet and watch compete in person; so I am more confident in saying they are guaranteed studs and will be household names in the very near future. </p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["916571"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65411b575a0be"} --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>[player_tooltip player_id='916571' first='Phoenix' last='Evans'] may be the most sought after prospect coming out of New Jersey in 2028 when all is said and done. There are few, if any holes in his game. Phoenix moves better and reacts quicker than any other 2028 DB that I got the chance to see in person. It feels like he practically already mastered his craft as a middle schooler and is now prepared to unleash it at the high school level. An extremely talented cornerback in man to man, Phoenix can press up close with the receiver, jam them at the line, and stay toe-to-toe with them as they move across the field. It's not easy for a receiver to shake Phoenix off of their route, as his hip mobility and explosive nature allows him to stay locked in throughout the route. Phoenix is already well known, as he has received offers from Syracuse Rutgers, Purdue, and many more. He is sure to gain more interest from nearly every powerhouse school in the nation. </p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p></p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["992003"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65411b575a169"} --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>[player_tooltip player_id='992003' first='Chaz' last='Cusimano'] could really line up anywhere in the secondary, but to me, it feels like he will prosper as a hard hitting safety for Delbarton. Chaz is a player that is quickly becoming one of the more established 2028 DBs in the state. After multiple camps and combines, he has continued to grow and has shown that all of his attention to detail is paying off. Being part of the FBU Freshman All-American bowl, Chaz competed against some of the best athletes in the country and held his own against each that he went up against. He is extremely explosive, can make sharp cuts and can stop on a dime to change directions. Chaz also starred as one of the top receivers at the NYNJ Next Combine, so don't be surprised if he gets recognition on the offensive side of the ball as well. He is a true all-around talent. </p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --><!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --><p class="text-gray-700"></p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1049176"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65411b575a1de"} --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Paul VI not only has a talented player on the offensive side of the ball in their 2028 class ([player_tooltip player_id='1087135' first='Zach' last='Merhar']), but they are balanced on defense as well with [player_tooltip player_id='1049176' first='Jackson' last='Reuter']. Jackson's not your average freshman; he outsizes nearly every other defender in his class and has the potential to be known as one of the best in the state. Standing tall at 6'3", Jackson is a versatile tool across the defensive front that could really line up on the edge or interiorly. He has the speed to explode off of the edge and an arsenal of hand moves to fight into the backfield, but also has the bigger frame and lower body strength to command the middle of the line and shut down any run heading his direction. It will be interesting to see what position Jackson ends up gravitating towards.</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --><!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["836216"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65411b575a24e"} --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Another player I got the chance to see in live action earlier this year, [player_tooltip player_id='1270594' first='Jackson' last='Vaughn'] may be the most talented D-lineman entering high school. Once again, Bergen Catholic has brought in elite talent at the position. The tandem of [player_tooltip player_id='991935' first='Jayden' last='Beckley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1270594' first='Jackson' last='Vaughn'] may be near impossible to stop once they hit their prime. Mark my words, this will be the most destructive and dominant defense front in the state 4 years from now. While Jayden is more of the bull rushing type, [player_tooltip player_id='1270594' first='Jackson' last='Vaughn'] is extremely versatile and really shines with his finesse movements and quickness off of the line. If you're an offensive tackle, you better not get caught with you feet stuck in the ground. Jackson can tear right by them or use his long arms to extend into the blocker and drive them into the pocket. To go with his speed, Jackson already has varsity level size as he measured in at 6'3" and 220lb at the NYNJ Next Combine. Jackson is destined for greatness, so it is best to get offers to him as soon as possible. He has already received offers from Penn State, Syracuse, Boston College, and many more. </p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --><!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --><p class="text-gray-700"></p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["835479"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c7563ec93b5"} --><!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --><p class="text-gray-700">A speedy, and nimble defensive back, Nyko is off to St. Peter's Prep and is sure to gain a reputation early in his career. Nyko may be undersized at the moment, but his natural abilities and crafted skills gives him an edge versus players that aren't in the same category. Nyko is right up there with [player_tooltip player_id='916571' first='Phoenix' last='Evans'] as one of the best 2028 CBs in the NJ class. Nyko has spring loaded quickness, giving him the ability to jump routes and get between the receiver and the ball. His reactivity to the ball and ability to make a play on it will pay off dividends in the near future. On top of his pass deflection skills, Nyko is a natural runner that can maintain a leveraged position as the receiver navigates downfield. His footwork is pivotal to his success, as it allows him to make quick, sudden movements and never lose sight of the receiver. </p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->