Nottingham has two for 2008

Nottingham, N.J. features a stud 2007 lineman in Wayne Thomas, but it is never too early to look to the future in the 2008 class where the school features two Division I prospects. Assistant coach C.J. McKenna believes his two solid players are linebacker Tahj Paden and defensive tackle Richard Cunningham.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Paden racked up 122 tackles as a sophomore.

"I don't like to start sophomore linebackers, but he was unbelievable," he said. "He is a boy that can hit and brings the wood on every play. He of course made some sophomore mistakes, but showed an ability to get by big-time offensive linemen and made some huge plays for us. I'd say he is probably the best linebacker I've coached in relation to talent level and once he learns to play the position he'll be really impressive to watch."

Paden is joined in the 2008 class by defensive tackle Richard Cunningham. The 6-foot-3, 270-pounder registered 58 tackles last season.

"Richie is strong as an ox and benches over 300-pounds and squats 550-pounds," he said. "I truly believe he might be better than Wayne (Thomas) this time next year because he has great feet and strong legs. His body is thick and he already looks like a professional defensive tackle. He even has a nasty streak. He has the ability to do all the moves too including bull rush, swim and rip."

Currently the Garden State tackle is receiving interest from Syracuse and Rutgers. Cunningham is close friends with 2007 tackle teammate Wayne Thomas and McKenna believes the two could end up at the same college together.

"Wherever Wayne goes that could be a big factor in landing Richie next year," he said. "Richard really looks up to Wayne and I could definitely see him following in his footsteps."