RCS New Jersey: What to watch for
The Rivals Camp Series Presented by Under Armour rolls into the Garden State this weekend where some of the Northeast's best will showcase their talent. With so many big names expected on hand, there will be plenty of storylines to watch. Here's a breakdown of what we're looking forward to seeing when things get
started on Sunday.
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Talent in the trenches
Five-star defensive tackle Rashan Gary will be one of
several talented defensive linemen competing on Sunday.
The lineman one-on-ones are always a favorite during the Rivals Camp Series and this group of defensive linemen should be one of the best we've seen this year. The headliner is five-star defensive tackle
Rashan Gary. The Paramus (N.J.) Paramus Catholic star is the top-ranked defensive tackle in the country and will be looking to prove he deserves to move up from
No. 4 spot in the Rivals100. Rivals100 defensive end Ron Johnson has been working hard since the end of last season and has even grown a couple inches. He will be a handful for every offensive tackle he competes against.
also have big days.
For as much star power as there is among the rising senior defensive linemen set to compete on Sunday, the underclassmen in the trenches could steal the show. Four-star defensive end Josh Kaindoh has the potential to be a 40-offer type of player. Sophomores Damion Barber, Luiji Vilain,
hoping a good performance could really jump-start their recruitments. Micah Parsons, Bartek Rybka and Tyler Friday could steal the show as freshmen.
Opportunities on the OL
The defensive line is will be loaded, but there are some big-time players on the offensive line that will have a chance to shine. The most well-known is Rivals100 offensive tackle Michal Menet. He will be tested by the big, athletic defensive ends. Lucas Niang, from New Canaan, Conn., hasn't seen this type of competition before so it will be interesting to see how he fares.
If the offensive line is going to win the majority of the one-on-one reps, the underclassmen are going to have to step up. Big things are expected of 2017 four-stars Isaiah Wilson, Cesar Ruiz and Carter Lynch.
will get their time in the spotlight to show how far along they have come. It's going to be hard to miss 6-foot-5, 315-pound Chris Bleich. He already
Catching the MVP award
The group of wide receivers and tight ends is absolutely stacked. The highest-ranked receiver on hand will be Rivals100 standout Ahmir Mitchell but Rivals250 prospects Cameron Chambers, Brad Hawkins Jr. and Hasise Dubois will challenge him. Four-star Steven Smothers, three-star Kelvin Harmon and local standout
Donald Stewart will make plenty of plays and should be in the running for the MVP award.
The tight ends will have a lot to say before this award is handed out. Rivals100 prospect Naseir Upshur, four-star Jovani Haskins, Boston College commit Scooter Harrington and many others will make if a long day for some of the linebackers.
Several underclassmen receivers should make some noise as well. Tarik Black, a member of the 2017 Rivals100, already has double-digit offers. That's a major accomplishment for an underclassman from New England. Warminster (Pa.) Archbishop Wood receiver Mark Webb has drawn a lot of attention and will look to really show how dominant he can be. Darryle Simmons, a
freshman from Philadelphia (Pa.) St. Joseph's, already holds offers from
Rutgers and Pittsburgh. The early hype will make him a target for the hungry defensive backs.
Scanning the field
Four-star quarterback Jarrett Guarantano committed to Tennessee on
Wednesday.
The talented pass-catchers will have a deep group of quarterbacks throwing them the ball. Rivals100 prospect and new Tennessee commit
Jarrett Guarantano will be trying to cement his status as one of the nation's top quarterbacks while four-star South Carolina commit Brandon McIlwain will be out there looking to boost his ranking. Three other 2016 quarterbacks have a chance to make their mark. Anthony Brown, Jacob Hallenbeck
and Anthony Russo all have offers and a good performance could propel them to a strong offseason.
Two of New Jersey's young stars in the making will try to prove there is some legitimacy to the hype. Sophomore Tommy Devito has been on the scene since he was in middle school and he will likely be the starter for national powerhouse Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco this year. Paramus (N.J.) Paramus Catholic freshman Allan Walters saw significant playing time last year and his recruitment is already heating up.
Freaky freshmen
By Rivals Camp Series standards, an unusual number of freshmen will be competing this Sunday, but all 19 of them will be or are already major college prospects. From Pennsylvania, outside linebacker Micah Parsons already has three scholarship offers while offensive lineman Chris Bleich and wide receiver Darryle Simmons each have two.
Five of New Jersey's rising freshmen stars already have offers and will be on the field Sunday. Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peter's Prep twins Justin Ademilola
and Jayson Ademilola could play either defensive end or outside linebacker. Powerhouse Sicklerville (N.J.) Timber Creek is sending quarterback
Devin Leary to represent southern New Jersey. Paramus (N.J.) Paramus Catholic is sending quarterback Allan Walters and linebacker Bartek Rybka. The Ironmen are also sending defensive end Tyler Friday.
The 6-foot-3, 225-pound defensive end doesn't have an offer yet but don't be shocked he gets one in the next few days.
