Below are the highlight films of several of the top football players in the Class of 2012 or 2013 in the Lower Hudson Valley. If you will be a junior or senior this fall and have a highlight film, send me a link at jthomson@lohud.com. (Or, if you just have a film to recommend, feel free to e-mail me the link.)
UPDATE, 5/23, 12:30 A.M.: Arlington’s Troy Edwards, Mamaroneck’s Will Parkinson and Westlake’s John D’Onofrio and Tommy Hopkins.
UPDATE, 5/23, 1:32 P.M.: Bronxville’s Sean Triandis and Eastchester’s Rob Carinci.
UPDATE, 5/28, 5:25 P.M.: Six Poughkeepsie players, plus a link to Poughkeepsie’s very impressive channel on YouTube.
UPDATE, 7/18, 1:32 P.M.: New Ro’s Anthony Caldararo, Peekskill’s Diamonte Robinson and Fox Lane’s T.J. Hallock.
Arlington —
Troy Edwards, MLB
Bronxville —
Sean Callahan, OL/DL
Christian Conway, RB/LB
Jackson Conway, FB/LB
Sean Triandis, OL/DL
Croton-Harmon —
Jesse Mainiero, QB/S
Kyle Ricciardi, LB
Eastchester —
Rob Carinci, RB
Fox Lane —
T.J. Hallock, QB
Hackley —
A.J. Wolf, OL/DE/OLB
Horace Greeley —
Justin Ciero, QB/DB
Iona Prep —
Justin Combs, CB
John Jay-East Fishkill —
Bobby Henderson, FB/LB
Mamaroneck —
Will Parkinson, WR
Mount St. Michael —
Kenny Acquah, FB/LB
Najae Brown, DB
Omari Manhertz, LB
Bruce Parker Jr., DB
Mount Vernon —
Sherlon Bacchus, LB
New Rochelle —
Anthony Caldararo, TE/DT
Shaquille Evans, WR/DB
Ossining —
Brian Connolly, QB
Peekskill —
Diamonte Robinson, WR
Pelham —
Ke’Shaun Stallworth, RB/WR/DB
Poughkeepsie — (Check out the Poughkeepie Football channel on YouTube)
Lawrence Featherston, LB
Siddique Haddad, WR
Robert Johnson, NG
Josh Oliver, ATH
Justin Richardson, FB/LB
Damique Sellers, OLB
Rye Country Day —
Andrew Miller, RB/LB/DB
Chibueze Nwakeze, DL
Sam Stern, RB/DB
Garrett Washington, QB/DB
Sleepy Hollow —
L.J. Garrant, RB/CB/KR
Somers —
C.J. Silva, RB/DB/KR/P
Stepinac —
Caleb Gilligan-Evans, FB/LB
Garfield Heslop, OLB
Austin Taps, TE/DE
Tappan Zee —
Joe Letizia, RB
Westlake —
John D’Onofrio, QB
Tommy Hopkins, OL/DL
White Plains —
Darrell Everett, RB/DB
Odaine Franklin, WR/DB/OLB
Michael Scotman, FB/MLB
373 Comments
Just
When I look at taps tape you cnt help but notice the poor comp and strategy 97% of taps catches are lil quick dumps that are 3-4 yards from the line and not one team said let’s jam the best TE in the league!!.... No!!..... they allow him free release!!! Taps has good hands but could not tell how well he ran routes because they dump the ball too him I agree he looks more natural on offense but I think he is good enough defensively to play in college he was too big and to tough for chsfl A!!!... Just and even in the Iona game I belive ther tackles wher soph!!! It’s really tough to tell and yes we do need Caldararo tape too hav a better argument!!!!
Prince, I liked how he got after it on the limited blocks you see him make(limited blocks a product of the Spread O). I really think he has something going offensively, but do understand your point about no footage to prove how he gets off the line with a DE on him. Another problem with the Spread when trying to evaluate a kid for TE for a more conventional offense.
But worth mentioning, you do see HS kids tend to shy away from passes come game time and he doesn’t shy away. Now I know a majority of those passes were those quick slants/curls but I still liked how he seemed to want the ball. For a D-1A offer for TE, I would assume he would have to show more pass route running. But then again, if he shows he has the hands(which he already does), and they think he can block, with his frame, they might decide they can Coach him up on the route running.
You know what his height/weight and 40 times are?
Prince, yeah, I dont get that with Caldararo. Forget about the positives, what negatives could there possibly be with putting his tape on youtube?
It wouldn’t make us any more right than we already are,
Prince/Hoops why should Franklyn be way behind Taps? I thought Franklyn made a lot of tackles defensively and he had a few INTS as well. He had a couple of nice hits, but not enough to say he is an intimidator back there at Safety. But personally I thought his tape showed some very good defensive play for a Jr. Evans only has film vs WP from what I saw so tough to put him in this discussion though he can definitely be listed as a wild card, because he might end up leading the league in INTS and INTS returned for TD’s.
My top 5 would be and in order:
1. Kenny Aquah Mt LB – No one will have a better season defensively IMO
2. Franklyn – I counted at least 4 INT’s on his tape, came up on the run pretty good. Couple big hits. Of course more of a OLB, but he played a very good safety as a Jr.
3. Taps – Very agile for a big guy. Tough to block, quick off the ball.
4. Caldararo – I think he could go higher once I see the tape, but if Prince has him behind Taps, most likely not.
5. Vacant
Contenders:
Evans, NR – front runner IMO
Edwards, Arlington-LB
Henderson( yes that Henderson, hope I don’t jinx him like I did Ercoli)
Bacchus, MV-LB
Combs, Iona – DB
Something tells me another New Ro player will enter this conversation by season’s end as well as atleast one Harrison player.
prince, but the fact that the bville player have d1 opportunities means they are talented & just as good if not better thn the others out there. for you to say their competition devalues their performance is totally ridiculous… they are goingg to play at the highest level and apparently college coaches think differently..
PRINCE, PURPLE RAIN 3G’Z June 1st, 2011 at 3:41 pm
jimmy
bxville having d1 talent does not mean they do not play in a very weak league!!!
playing d1 football will be a HUGE.. jump for them…
Jimmy I never said that the players wher not d1 players!!.... That’s why I reposted ^ what i said,..... which stand to be true!!!.......
Just
It depend on how wp uses franklynn ( as a sam, will, or mike backer) and how he adjust to stepn forward on the snap of the ball as oppose to stepn backwards ( db read step) on the snap!! I think he can do it but! The real ? Is when will it become very natural it may be too late in the season to really look like a defensive p.o.y.!!!...
As far Caldararo weak side end 6’3” 210-220lb being behind taps strong side end 6’3” 225-235lb I think it’s very very close I think taps is stronger and a lil faster!! But I also think Caldararo has played a lil better comp. I think step defensive scheme is different then new Ro and the fact that they see more spread teams so taps will get more chances to have more sacks I think Caldararo is better from sideline to sideline but taps is good at the point of attack!!
Just….. Of your top 4 how many wher all league or all section or sec1 recruit…all-star team!... Only taps and caldararo of your contender how many!.... evens, Henderson!!!. Just!.... All leaguer McDowell of mount Vernon is better then team mate bacchus!!...
McDowell is a all section football and basket ball player 6’5 270-280lbs dnt count him out!!! Can possibly be the best d/linemen in westchester
As far as combs he is not a dominating player he is not gonna overwhelm chsfl AAA offense!!...
I agree with Prince, Purple Rain. Caldararo and Taps are proven Defensive studs. The one thing we can’t do is get jaded by highlight clips. Highligts show all your good as it should but game film shows or watching these kids play as much as you can will show you how good they are on a consistent basis. Their ability to consistently make plays. Some kids are being talked about because of their speed and size and aren’t even the best players on their teams. I wish more coaches would post defensive stats to show this. I’ve watched Taps a couple of time as well as Caldararo both of these kids get it done consistently. Baccus and McDowell are probably two of the most physical players on the defensive side of the ball this year. Based on what I saw last year. There are alot of other players who have tremendous potential to contend as the Defensive Stud of the Year.
Prince, no McDowell tape above for me to check out, but maybe he deserves the 5th spot?
I am basing my picks off what I see from the tapes. Obvious, not all plays going to be shown but you tend to get a good feel for each player(who has a tape). I think Franklyn has enough plays made to be on the list. And his tape shows more impressive Defensive plays than Taps IMO. Cant’ see Caldararo’s tape. Plus in Fall 2011, teams will run away from a good DE. No stat for that. LB and DB like RB’s, QB’s, they usually get the PUB. And I am sticking with Acquah at #1. Love how he plays LB.
BTW, is Franklyn definitely playing LB this year or Safety? Both?
HS Football fanatic, you definitely have a point. You can’t get jaded but the film, but here are some keys to look for:
– how many plays are they making
) being used
– what type of plays are they making
a)reading the play to get to the ball
b)shedding lineman to get to the ball
c)using quickness to beat blockers to get to the ball
d)chasin down RB’s
e)open field tackles
f)creating turnovers/INT’s
– how is the technique (
– does the kid play with a can of NASTY
– is the kid laying anyone out on the field
– does the film show good plays just against one or two teams ro a bunch of teams
– what is the quality of the competition
These would be some of the things that come to my mind when watching tapes. So though the thought of a highlight tape is to put the best plays on there, I think if you use the above, you get a good feel for what is happening out there.
On Day 10 of “10 Days of Shame”
The 10th Commandment:
“Thou shall acknowledge STATS”
Stats are part of everything we do in life. It measures our successes (and failures). Stats are kept in all professional sports, there must be a reason for that!!!!
I get the idea of no stats and no names on the back of the jersey’s to promote team unity. But if that is your team motto, fine, but no need to spread lies about STATS!!
STATS Matter!! It builds confidence, it allows players to set goals, and it allows the player to measure how they are doing against the other competition. Plus, it HELPS in getting recruited.
Some of the best HS programs, keep STATS:
Miami North Western,
Don Bosco,
St. Thomas Aquinas,
Should I continue?
St. A
Stepinac
Convinced?
Note to the people who continue to attack Prince personally:
Here are your Ten Bloggin Commandments:
1. Thou shall not hate on other bloggers for no reason
2. Thou shall not be jealous of other bloggers
3. Thou shall not steal material of other bloggers without properly footnoting
4. Thou shall not bear false witness against other Bloggers or in other words, NO SPINNING of what other Bloggers have said.
5. Thou shall not make thyself an idol
6. Thou shall honor Big Joe and jim(Rye fan)
7. Thou shalll not use multiple Bloggin names
8. Thou shall not Blog like thy wears pink panties
9. Thou shall not Blog like a Fugazy
10. Thou shall acknowledge STATS
Follow these and you wont get so jealous and feel the need to be him.
Now GO IN PEACE and leave Prince be!
JUST
THAT WAS A MASTER PIECE!!........ THE MONA LISA OF BLOGGIN!!!
PRINCE, PURPLE RAIN 3G’Z May 27th, 2011 at 9:26 am
just i repost this just too show how sick these guys are!!!!!!
I got a email yesterday and for the life of me I can not figure out wher this came from.
Dear: prince
We have shown you nothing but respect from day 1. When we see you, we always go out our way to say hello, and when you do not speak we do not let that stop us from trying to keep a good relationship with you. But time after time you continue to show us no respect. And we do not understand why. We do not want any problems with you we just want you to accept us. We are at a point wher we do not know what to do the things you say about us really hurt in ways you can not imagine. When you expose us to people we are hurt and embarrassed, so we act out and call you stupid names, saying things about you to try to hurt your feelings. I wish you could understand our point on this. We are hating on you because we are scared and hurt. All we are asking of you is to stop speaking the truth to expose us, we have bills that we have to pay. We hope that you will think about what we are asking of you. We are trying really hard for you to accept us and to be on your good side..
Thx
Us!
10X
HIGH SCHOOL FAN
NAME YOUR TOP 5!!!!!!
JUST
I THNK FRANKLYNN IS MOVING TOO BACKER
JUST
TERREL HUNTS HILIGHT TAPE
THOUGHTS!!!...... (CHRIST THE KING)
http://youtu.be/2cBdtQB90s0
Just
I agree, everything you listed needs to be taken into account when evaluating a player. Film is the best tool to evaluate these attributes. Stats backup and support film. This year for teams like New Ro, Step and WP competition won’t be an issue because all 3 play a tough schedule. This years film and consistent play for the rising seniors will be very big to their recruitment because 90% of their schedule is very competitive. Caldararo has already proven against quality teams that he’s a force. Tapps is a beast, but against the stepped schedule Stepinac has and the absence of Simmons on the other end who received the majority of the attention from O Linemen last year it will be interesting and opportunity for him to show is ability.
HSFF, very good points above. I do think Taps ahs avery good shot. I do like what Franklyn did last season watching the highlight tape. As you pointed out, with Step going to AAA and Sect 1 AA revamped schedule, a great chance for all the above to showcase what they are made of against good to great competition most weeks.
Prince, Terrel Hunt very athletic for 6’4”. Very good speed when he gets going. Very nifty back there avoiding sacks. His cuts are not crisp, probably because of his size. Got a very strong arm. Looked like he through some accurate long balls from the tape, but tough to give a true assessment there. I am sure you could break down the mechanics for us that he might need to refine.
Defensively, he does a good job getting to the ball as a DB, but I will assume going to Cuse, that will not be his position.
Do you know what he was recruited for? I see TE or WR written all over him, but maybe they will give him the keys to the car and let him play QB. Defensively, most likeluy D-End because of size and athleticism.
Thoughts?
BTW, just read Hunt’s back story, got to root for him!
http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-02-02/sports/27738709_1_fort-hamilton-local-signings-holy-cross
JUST
i will break him down!.. but what i really wanted you to see was the level of comp.. too me it was very bad and im not taking anything away from him just pointing out the comp.
JUST
VERY SAD STORY!!... WITH A GREAT ENDING!!... IM A AUTO FAN OF HIS!!!... HE HAS MY BLESSING!!...
JUST
I SEE DB OR WR AT CUSE!! MOST LIKELY SAFETY
Prince, very good point. I was going to mention it then I put the bloggin breaks on, because the tape really is not good, blurry and the film angles not good. But he is getting away with some things that clearly would not get away with against a New Ro D.
The one thing when lookin at the tape, check out some of the long passes, the WR’s are covered to an extent so there is some accuracy there.
Break it Down for us!
***talking about competition level there
Prince, to keep this all on the same thread, that North Team is looking quite strong. Love how a lot of these kids are hitting the NY Colleges.
Good sign from NY Colleges, though maybe it is a little of other States don’t want us?
Footnote – PPR has made this point before.
General point to all: See how it easy it is to give other Bloggers credit!
JUST
some do give credit (just fact , husky,) just too name a few.. )
but ther are a alot of bolgg policing!!....
just
north is loaded im very surprise ther are no TROY PLAYERS ON THE ROSTER!!... but the whole staff is coaching!!.... ( scratchng head at this point)!!!.... thoughts!!
just
hunts comp on that tape was very poor and it wasn’t 1 team it was about 3 teams the tackling, the def line tech, the effort was very poor!!...
just
im glad too see them going too college but yes it’s b/c alot of other schools do not want our talent!!
the sad part, alot of it
is getting under recruited!!
JUST
AFTER LOOKING AT HUNT HE PRETTY SOLID AT QB ( HE NEED JUST LIL THINGS TO WORK ON) BUT HE HAS THE PHYSICAL SKILL SET TO PLAY D1!! ( HE IS PROBABLY THE BEST QB WITH THE WORST TALENT AROUND HIM GOODMAN, BROYLD) .. I HOPE SYRACUSE GIVE HIM A SHOT AT QB!!... I THINK HE IS HAS THE BIGGEST UPSIDE OUT OF ALL OF THEM HE HAS A GOOD ARM HE THROWS A VERY FAST FOOTBALL, WITH A QUICK RELEASE , HE IS VERY AGILE/ELSUIVE , HE HAS GOOD SPEED AND GREAT ATHLETCISM HE IS MORE ATHLETIC THEN THE OTHER TWO ,.. GOOD HEIGHT 6’4” AND HE IS PRETTY ACCURATE FROM THE THE TAPE HE LOOKS LIKE HE THROWS VERY CATCHABLE (BALL PLACEMENT) BALLS , GOOD FIELD VISION AND HE LOOKS LIKE HE CAN THROW EVERY ROUTE IN THE PASSING TREE!!...
Prince, yeah somewhat shocking. You would like to see Lewis and Blauobber as definites. I say Marsh is a definite, but thats me,
#44 was Defesnive co-POY, where is he? So I agree shocking.
But here is a question, what are we selling? Most of these kids are committed. What is their to gain?
I love the idea North vs South; NY vs NJ, but would these games be better served by Jrs playing in them instead of Srs who are already decided on where they are headed?
Thoughts?
Prince, I will watch the tape again, but I thought Broyld made better cuts(maybe because one inch/1.5 inch shorter) when running the ball. You could tell Hunt had the better arm vs Broyld. Speed wise they both are fast, tough to tell who is faster. I do agree Hunt is more nifty at getting out of the way of pass rushers than Broyld. But as you know, Broyld is my RB in the I,
Is Cuse really going to have a 6’ 4” safety? Seems too tall. What are your thoughts there?
JUST
it shock me that NOBODY from troy didn’t show up!.. im lil disappointed by it!... and surprise by it!!.. would have love to see marsh, lewis, anzeri, blauuber compete with the elite!!....no linemen qualified for troy!!! .....
i think some kids that are undecided can get late offers or better !!.. it would be nice to have a jr all-star game i believe texas or cali…. has one!! i think it would texas i remember reading!!....
just!!... 6’4 safety are becoming very popular ray ray armstrong is a safety for the univ of miami and he is 6’4 220lb taylor mays former usc once ran 4.2 forty at usc is 6’4” 230lb free saftey plays in the nfl now edwards that played for the cardinals was 6’5” safety those guys are nothing but point guards in basketball!!.. but had the
ballz to play a warriors sport!!
!!!!
just
just!!......... another question the downstate has two d1 qb’s and some solid wr do you think they gonna run the ball 50x and throw it 12x?.... or are they gonna let the qb’s put on a show???
just
ashton runs like a rb he runs low with shoulder pads leaning forward!!.. make it very hard to tackle!!.. could possibly turn into a rb on the next because of his low bent style i wouldnt be surprise if he grew up playing rb and was switch to qb!!...
just
whats your prediction for sunday game!!.....
Prince, I am thinking North has too much weapons. Any webcasts? Maybe I will check Section 2 website.
LOL at South Running it all day. Would be shocked if they pass it more than 20% of the time. Though keep in mind, Coach Burger(North Coach) likes to run as well.
I have to get with the program. Did not think they had safeties that tall. I remember Merton Hanks for SF. He was 6’2” but look taller out there. Serious ball hawk and play maker. I guess with WR’s so tall like Plaxico, it makes sense to have taller Safeties. I just think it has to be hard to tackle the shorter RB’s like a Sproles and MJD who can cut and change direction on a dime.
I guess you have to pick your poison in that regards.
Thoughts?
Who do you have for Sunday?
Interesting battles:
Coach D vs Coach Burger – part deux
Goodman vs Broyld
Others?
JUST
THOUGHTS
http://youtu.be/GM5u7vqSA5A
JUST
THE UPSTATE TEAM PLAYERS COME FROM ALOT OF SPREAD OFFENSES!!... THIS SHOULD WAY IN THER FAVOR AND ASHTON HAS TWO OF HIS WR!.. THEY WILL RUN FLORIDA GATORS SPREAD IT’S LIKE POWER FOOTBALL FROM THE SPREAD!!!.. COACH D HAS SIDNEY WESTON THE ONLY D1 RB ON THE ROSTER WITH A COUPLE OF GOOD O-LINEMEN SO THIS SHOULD MAKE FOR A GOOD ONE DOWNSTATE HAS THE BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYERS BUT UPSTATE HAS THE BETTER OFFENSIVE LINE!! SHOULD INTERESTING!!
. WILL POST SUNDAY BEFORE THE GAME MY FINAL SCORE!!! 
Prince, what school is Weston going to? I thought he was trying to walk on a team(if I remember “preferential” walk on). Of course you can educate us on the language of what that actually means. I am lossed.
Just
Weston is going too Akron!!! As a preferred walkon he basically he has to pay for the first semester or year ….. The Coach promise you a spot on the roster and if they like what the see they pretty much offer you a scholarship
Just
Merton hanks played at Iowa!!! The game will be televised on msg varsity live!!!!Those safety add to the run support and the can handle the tight ends!!!.... Hand they long range body closes the
Window eve more the deliver crushing hits on the small wr coming over the middle!!!!
Prince, hopefully Weston makes the team and he and Goodman both do well. It might be the start of something more for Akron and this area.
He wont be enough. I think the North has too many weapons. Where is Woolford(#4 for Rush) going. Above says undecided. He will be one of the best RB’s on the field Sunday. Who do you think is #1 out there and why?
Prince, does preferential walk on mean you are on the roster but red shirted? Because someone had said and it was true, all people on a D-1A team have to be under scholarship.
Educate!
Merton Hanks one of the best I have ever seen at making plays. He had two year stretch where no one could touch him at Safety.
Dont have msg, $89 for the triple play. Time to switch? lol
Cant do, they employ one of the Circle of friends,
Actually two, 
Prince, Coleman is a good player. His tape shows him making a lot of plays. And when he gets there he knows how to make something happen. A PLAY MAKER. But here is some questions. His tape shows a lot of plays where he is unblocked.
I personally cannot tell how is does with a man on him. Can he get off blocks, keep contain and make plays? That the tape does not show a lot of.
Second, what are these opposing Coaches thinking? I spent 5 mins and know you need to account for this kid on every play. Even if you run away from him, he needs to be checked. The kid has very good pursuit and like I said when he gets there, he knows how to strip the ball. Very good player. Dont know what position he could play at his size in college. To me, with his frame, his best shot would be at ILB, but do not know if he has the tools for such.
Thoughts?
Just
offenses and alot of them are being converted too db on the next level and Weston from
Im not sure what wolfford doing but alot times at this point it’s usually juco, prep or d2 hopefully if wolfford does well someone delivers a offer he wants!!! I think it’s tough to tell actually who is better but I think some do stand out a lil more I think Weston is one of them and being considered a preferred walk-on says that the coach feels that he is a d1 rb!!...because they are offering you a spot on the roster is saying alot!!! For what ever reason they didn’t offer a scholarship I’m not exactly sure but most likely they didnt have any more… But if they ask you too come they like you!!!...but from what i see most of the backs are from ( spread)
What I can see is the only d1 player and from the tape I seen he looks like the only d1 rb
Just and I agree Weston and goodman in the backfield will be something special for akron but they also carrying the WHOLE STATE of new York on there back!!!...... If they do well I promise you we will see a increase in offers to new York players!!!!.... But I agree they will need some help around them and that start with the upfront and defense!!.....
Just not everyone that plays d1 has to be on scholarship!!!... That’s untrue… If Weston stand out yes he can play! He will just be paying from his pocket!!.... And it’s a possibilty they might redshirt him!!... And you can get redshirted for numerous reason! But alot teams go with the redshirt!! Remember I told you that 3 Miami northwest players came straight from high school and started a’s true frosh also Adrian Peterson did the same, ray rice also
Just lol…. Get msg for the weeknd then cancel it on Monday!!
they dnt hav a contract!!! 
. 
yes they have a couple of the “friends” and a couple who wish they had hired them also!! Lol 
As far Coleman he had some killer hits on the begin of the tape!......Pow!!! Very nasty player with a good motor and a very good first step I couldn’t understand why he was not accounted for and on two plays he was just physically to strong for the tackle!! And it looks like too me that some else was a bigger problem because he wasn’t accounted for!!!... He just blitz off the edge every play I didnt see him read anything!! It look like they just have him going on a mission to find the ball and destroy who ever got it!! And he looks like he has a pretty good nose for it but on the next level he will have to read a alot more!! Because on tape he look like Lawrence Taylor no responsiblity!! Just going to the ball and Carl banks was the reader and the strong side backer (the more complete) and that make me feel someone else might have been a more solid player on defense but his hustling and nasty nasty attitude made more big plays!!!... I agree he might be a ilb or a weak side backer!!! But we will learn more about him Sunday because he is playing in the game!!!....
I cannot believe no props for Harrison’s Nocita or Crenedino,