New York Spotlight: 2026 Varsity Standouts
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Today, we’re in the empire state, looking at some of the state’s most promising freshmen prospects. These youngsters have become consistent contributors in their first season at the varsity level. They have a wide array of talents to go with…
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Continue ReadingToday, we’re in the empire state, looking at some of the state’s most promising freshmen prospects. These youngsters have become consistent contributors in their first season at the varsity level. They have a wide array of talents to go with some serious potential. Look for them to be on colleges’ radars as they progress throughout the early stages of their careers. With that being said, here’s who you need to know!
QB: Dominic Anzalone, Bishop Timon-St. Jude
- Puts plenty of air under his level three throws.
- Has some dual-threat elements to his game that can be utilized.
- Shows no issues throwing outside the pocket.
WR: Jacob “Hurricane” Butler Jacob “Hurricane” Butler 5'10" | 165 lbs | ATH Long Island Lutheran | 2026 State NY , Long Island Lutheran
- Impressive speed at the early stages of his career.
- A homerun threat every time he touches the football.
- Balance and body control force a ton of missed tackles.
RB: Brennen Pressley Brennen Pressley 5'10" | 190 lbs | LB Iona Prep | 2026 State NY , Iona Prep
- Vision to spot open cutback lanes.
- Change of direction is smooth and painless.
- Patient to the hole, waiting for his blocks to set up before kicking in the turbos.
DL: King Mercer, Mount Vernon
- Steady production in year one, totaling five sacks entering week eight.
- Creates serious issues when left unblocked on the backside.
- Has some raw power that can be unleashed.
QB: Justus Kleitz Justus Kleitz 6'0" | 160 lbs | QB Iroquois | 2026 State NY , Iroquois West
- Footwork and timing are outstanding.
- Terrific ball placement inside the holes of zone coverage.
- Arm slot can be altered to fit the football into awkward windows.
RB: Brayden Richardson Brayden Richardson 5'11" | 190 lbs | ATH Sleepy Hollow | 2026 State NY , Sleepy Hollow
- Extremely shifty with great composure through contact.
- A determined runner with no quit in him.
- Cuts are forceful and make defenders look silly at times.
ATH: Aiden Simon, Long Island Lutheran
- Accelerates out of his cuts, gaining easy build-up speed.
- Phenomenal anticipation at the cornerback position.
- Undeterred going up and catching the football in traffic.
DL: Preston Carey, St. Anthony’s
- Looks to punish ball carriers every time he gets his hands on them.
- Strong hands help control the blocker before effortlessly administering his push-pull technique.
- A rare combination of size, quickness, and strength.
ATH: Quenten Liciaga, Monticello
- Get the football to him and let him go to work in space.
- Creativity and wiggle create a ton of missed tackles.
- Goes up and gets the football at its highest point.
DB: Demari Clemons, Canisius
- Feet are quick and stay within the framework of his body.
- Is a ballhawk that will bait quarterbacks into making poor throws.
- A textbook tackler when forced to come down in run support.