Who are the top 50 HS football recruits in N.J. for 2019? Presenting the new NJ.com Top 50 (Part 5 of 5) | Who is the top recruit in N.J.?
Updated Sep 17, 2:19 PM; Posted Sep 17, 10:31 AM
Who are the top 10 members of the NJ.com Top 50 going into the 2019 season? (Getty Images)
By Todderick Hunt | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
NJ Advance Media presents the September update of the NJ.com Top 50, a ranking of the top 50 high school football recruits in New Jersey. The list ranks the state’s most highly-recruited prospects, grades nine through 12. It’s not solely a list of the state’s top performers, best reflected by our list of 75 top high school football players for 2019 released last week and all-state and all-group teams released each December.
The list has been broken down into five parts over the last week as we revealed 10 picks at a time.
Now, you get to find out who are the best of the very best as we enter the top 10.
Players rise up the list if they are trending positively at the time of the post. However, some may trend positively, yet drop due to being leapfrogged by recruits who have had better summers.
There are many high school football players who won’t make the cut, as the the Top 50 takes a number of factors into account broken down in the methodology section at the foot of this post. Some players drop due to inactivity, including injury -- which provides competing players a chance to leapfrog. Others drop due to poor performances or lack of recruiting progression.
The NJ.com Top 50 is an exclusive club.
It doesn’t really matter where you rank on the list as long as you are on it (or in the Next 35).
There are over 400 players from New Jersey’s class of 2020 down to 2023 with a chance to compete at the FBS level. Making the list means you project as a Power 5 recruit. So, congratulations.
You’ve earned it.
50. Jayson Raines, 2021 WR, West Orange: Raines is still a bit underrated considering the number of standout performances he’s put forth throughout the offseason, as he holds just two offers from Rutgers and UMass. However, he projects as the top receiver in New Jersey’s 2021 class due to his ability to adjust to the football and make tough, acrobatic grabs down the field. He’s also a big-time baseball player with upside.
49. Malachi Melton (6-0, 170), 2020 WR, Cedar Creek: Melton committed to Purdue in July, joining his older brother and junior Rutgers wide receiver, Bo, as a Big Ten receiver. He’s also an explosive track and field standout.
48. Xavier Coleman (5-10, 190), 2021 RB, Lenape: Coleman has some of the best feet in New Jersey and good size to go along with it, leading to offers from Rutgers, Washington State, West Virginia, Baylor, Temple, Central Michigan UMass and most recently Boston College.
47. Cameron Horsley (6-2, 280), 2020 DT, Cinnaminson: Horsley committed to Boston College in June over Power 5 offers from Rutgers and Wake Forest as well as various Group of 5 schools. His frame, size and athleticism project to the Power 5 level.
46. Bryan Felter (6-3, 310), 2020 OL, Bergen Catholic: Felter might be the meanest, most physical offensive lineman in New Jersey and he’s bringing that Jersey toughness and his lunch pail to Rutgers in 2020.
45. Steven Angeli (6-3, 190), 2022 QB, Bergen Catholic: Physically, Angeli is really gifted. He has a big arm, leading to early offers from Ohio State, Penn State and Rutgers. He also has enough bulk to help Bergen Catholic as a ball-carrier. He can make all the throws, throw on the move and across his body. He can hit spots and has a good deep ball. Also, at 6-3, he has size and athleticism for high level advancement.
44. Christian Abraham (5-11, 195), 2021 DB, St. Joseph (Mont.): Abraham holds double-digit offers, including heavy hitters Michigan, Nebraska, Minnesota, Pitt, Rutgers and Boston College. He projects to both running back and defensive back in college.
43. Sanoussi Kane (6-1, 195), 2020 DB, Blair: Kane picked Purdue over 19 other schools, four of which are from Power 5 schools. He’s developed into a rangy defensive back with elite size through hard work and dedication to his craft.
42. Johnnie Martin (5-8, 195), 2021 RB, Highland: Martin is one of the most confident, explosive backs in New Jersey and holds Power 5 offers from Rutgers, Boston College, N.C. State, Baylor, Syracuse and West Virginia. He’s also one of the state’s best leaders as he regularly galvanizes his group.
41. Tyreem Powell (6-4, 205), 2020 ATH, Vineland: Powell receiving a Penn State offer in August is an indication of just how busy his recruitment would’ve been if he hadn’t committed to Virginia Tech in February. Rutgers and Temple also offered.
40. Justin Evans-Jenkins (6-2, 280), 2022 DT, Irvington: Evans-Jenkins, 15, has a massive, wide build and some early production which has led to him announcing verbal offers from Alabama, Texas A&M, Boston College, Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia Tech, Kent State and in-state Rutgers. Justin is the nephew of former Irvington standout Josh Evans, who went on to play at the University of Florida before a short stint in the NFL.
39. Amari Clark (6-1, 180), 2022 ATH, Woodrow Wilson: Clark has plenty of time to ascend this list as he’s just now entering his second high school year. However, he already has a game-winner in his bag as well as a number of big plays made in big games. The sky is the limit for Clark, who is on his way to becoming a national recruit, as he already has offers from Florida, Pitt, N.C. State, Baylor, West Virginia, nearby Temple and in-state Rutgers.
38. Korey Smith (6-1, 235), 2020 LB, Peddie: Smith is a physical down-hill linebacker who plays with a reckless abandon. He committed to Boston College in March over various other Power 5 schools, including Rutgers, Purdue, Pitt, Syracuse, Vanderbilt, UNC and Colorado, while Stanford is still keeping a close eye. Smith has battled injuries over the past two years but is one of the top 10 N.J. players in his class when healthy, which he’ll prove in 2019.
37. Keon Sabb (6-3, 180), 2022 ATH, Glassboro: In addition to being a standout wide receiver and safety, Sabb competes in the long jump, high jump and javelin throw. He’s a point guard, shooting guard, high-percentage hitter, third baseman and pitcher, as well. In other words, the prodigy can do it all, and colleges have already taken notice. Sabb has already reeled in eight offers, seven of which come from Power 5 schools.
36. Elijuwan Mack (6-0, 185), 2020 DB, St. Joseph (Mont.): Some guys are tough to compartmentalize and are best described as ballers. Mack is one of those guys -- a complete defender, who can play the run yet has the hips and foot quickness to also play the pass. Mack committed to Rutgers in June over 10 other offers, including Boston College, Louisville, Minnesota, Syracuse and Virginia Tech.
35. Chris Long (6-0, 160), 2020 WR, Willingboro: Long is one of the fastest players in New Jersey. He committed to Temple in June despite appearing closer to becoming a Scarlet Knight at the time. Other Power 5 schools to offer include Duke, Baylor, Boston College, Louisville, Maryland, N.C. State, Nebraska, UNC, Pitt, Wake Forest and West Virginia.
34. Alijah Clark (6-2, 180), 2021 ATH, Camden: A cousin of Amari (No. 39), Alijah also has elite movement skills and projects to both sides of the ball. He’s a long, athletic do-it-all athlete who’s just now coming into his own and projects to multiple positions in college, including receiver, safety and cornerback.
33. Devin Willock (6-6, 350), 2020 OL, Paramus Catholic: Willock recently committed to Penn State over what was becoming a national offer list, including Georgia, Georgia Tech, Rutgers, Indiana and Boston College. He has as much upside as any player on this list as he has an elite frame and surprising foot quickness for a player so large.
32. Jalen Cheek (6-1, 180), 2021 DB, Winslow Township: Cheek is the prototype -- a long, lean, athletic boundary cornerback-type with high developmental upside, leading to 16 offers including Penn State, Virginia Tech, Maryland and Baylor.
31. Darian “Duce” Chestnut (5-11, 185), 2021 DB, Camden: Chestnut is much better than his offer list, which includes eight schools. It appears that Rivals.com agrees, as it’s anointed Chestnut a four-star recruit, while I peg him as the top cover corner in New Jersey’s 2021 class.
30. Christian Forbes (6-4, 265), 2020 OT, Lawrenceville: Forbes might be the best tackle in New Jersey’s 2020 class. He’s still growing and developing, but has a cat-like quickness to him, a strong work ethic and strong pedigree, as his father, Donald, played offensive guard and tackle at Rutgers. He was also selected team captain prior to the start of the year, while also battling an incredibly-tough course load at Lawrenceville. Forbes will take his talents to Wake Forest next year over offers from Rutgers, Boston College, Duke and a dozen others.
29. Keshon Griffin (6-4, 230), 2021 ATH, St. Joseph (Mont.): Griffin is a freak athlete. Although standing 6-4, 230 pounds, he’s arguably the fastest player on St. Joe’s (Hammonton, N.J.) roster. He ran a 10.8-second 100-meter dash in middle school, although he no longer runs track. He can also dead lift 550 pounds. Miami, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Pitt are some of his bigger offers, while he just came off a visit to Clemson, the No. 1 team in the country.
28. Jaeden Gould (6-1, 190), 2022 DB, Bergen Catholic: Gould continues to reel in offers and attention as he fills out and develops into one of the top defensive players in the country. Notre Dame, Florida, Michigan, Texas A&M, Nebraska, Michigan State, Penn State and Duke are just some of the heavy-hitters to offer Gould, who is just beginning his sophomore year at Bergen Catholic. Gould was one of nine potential Division 1 recruits on the Matawan Huskies’ 14U roster -- a team I coached along with his father, Scott, and Jay Bellamy, both of which played at Rutgers, and head coach Charlie Rogers, who played in the NFL out of Matawan High and Georgia Tech -- to finish the No. 3 team in the country in 2016.
27. Christopher Mayo (6-5, 300), 2020 OL, Peddie: Mayo has a prototypical Power 5 offensive tackle frame and has progressed throughout his time at Peddie into one of the most highly-recruited players in the region. He’ll continue his football career at West Virginia University next fall.
26. Charlie Gordinier, 2020 TE (6-5, 230), Red Bank Catholic: Gordinier is a talented all-around athlete just as good on the hardwood as he is on the gridiron. He’ll be taking his talents to Chestnut Hill next fall as he pledged to Boston College in April over a national offer list, including LSU, Pitt, Rutgers, Syracuse, UCLA, West Virginia, Vanderbilt, Virginia and others. His older brother, Jamie, played linebacker at the University of Miami.
25. Mikai Gbayor (6-2, 210), 2021 LB, Irvington: There’s a reason why Irvington head coach Ashley Pierre’s phone won’t stop ringing. Well, there are plenty. But one of the biggest is his talented junior linebacker, who’s added almost 50 pounds over the last 12 months. Gbayor is the real deal. He’s a high-character kid who has played varsity since his freshman year. He has great size, is a student of the game, runs to the football, looks to make every play and has great natural instincts. He’s coming off of a 14-tackle, two-sack and a pick-six performance against Orange, and is hearing from Miami and LSU in addition to his already-national offer list.
24. Tirek Austin-Cave (6-0, 203), 2020 LB, Camden: There might not be a more high-volume play-maker on the list than Austin-Cave, who is headed to Miami next fall after picking the Hurricanes over 20 other schools, including Rutgers, West Virginia, Syracuse, Pitt, Maryland, Baylor, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Pitt, Nebraska, Texas A&M and others. He’s a throwback linebacker who can get sideline-to-sideline as well as take on plays in the tackle box. He’s the lead dog for the Camden Panthers, one of the most respected teams in South Jersey.
23. Keith Miles Jr. (6-3.5, 265), 2022 DE, St. Peter’s Prep: Miles has been on the scene for the past two years as a top up-and-comer, but has officially arrived as he enters his sophomore year at Prep. He’s put in tons of work throughout the offseason competing everywhere. If there was an event or opportunity to get better, he was there. He also plays offensive line out of team need, helping stabilize things up front for the Marauders. He’s not only an elite recruit but a true team player with work ethic.
22. Audric Estime (6-2, 215), 2021 RB, St. Joseph (Mont.): You rarely see a back with the size, power and explosion of Estime, who can also outrun members of the secondary. And that’s just one of the reasons why 15 Power 5 schools offered prior to his junior year and FCS schools haven’t even tried. This kid is big-time. Just look at that neck.
21. Solomon DeShields (6-1, 200), 2020 ATH, Millville: DeShields can do it all, whether it be catching the ball, running with it, playing a little safety, linebacker and even cornerback if need be. That’s why he’s one of the top overall athletes in the region’s 2020 class -- his length, athleticism and position versatility. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win, which is what’s most important to him, despite the national recruiting attention he’s received.
20. Carnell Davis (6-0, 170), 2021 WR, St. Augustine: Davis started his high school career in South Jersey but spent a stint in Florida where he attended Eau Gallie High (Melbourne, Fla.). He’d earn 16 mostly-national offers, including Auburn, Duke, Baylor, Georgia Tech, Penn State, Kentucky, West Virginia, Rutgers, Syracuse, Boston College and others, along the way. He enrolled at St. Augustine Prep this Summer, where he’s being immersed into his new team. He has the athletic ability to provide coach Pete Lancetta a shiny new weapon on the outside as well as a highly-capable defender in space.
19. Tarheeb Still (6-0, 180), 2020 DB, Timber Creek: One of the most competitive, instinctual DBs in the state, Still won defensive back MVP at the Opening N.J. regional, where he put on a clinic during one-on-ones. He committed to Maryland on June 19 over offers from West Virginia, Baylor, Boston College, Duke, UNC, Pitt, Virginia Tech, Minnesota, N.C. State, Rutgers and more. He’s a versatile athlete -- a Division I receiver, as well. He has a high football IQ, plays multiple positions and thoroughly understands his team’s offense and defense. He has good ball skills and awareness of routes, due to playing receiver. He also reads quarterbacks well while playing off-man.
18. Charles Finley (6-4, 235), 2020 TE, DePaul: Finley has made the biggest jump of any player on this list (22 spots), following a productive offseason which saw him morph into one the the region’s top recruits. He’s grown a couple inches, added some weight and confidence, and is as much of a sure bet to succeed as any recruit in his class. He’s long, can be physical, has great hands and can run after the catch. He also has great chemistry with his quarterback which should lead to a productive year for the West Virginia commit, who should get every opportunity to succeed in the Mountaineers’ pass-happy offense.
17. Geno VanDerMark (6-6, 305), 2021 OL, St. Joseph (Montvale, N.J.): Five-star potential alert! VanDerMark has the frame and skill-set to become not only a member of the NJ.com Top 50, but one of the top 50 players in the country. He’s a big dancing bear with good feet and a competitive spirit. And he’s not afraid of hard work, demonstrated by how he changed his body since arriving at St. Joseph following his freshman year, allowing him to play with balance and power. The big man is still developing and has lots to learn but embraces the grind and opportunity to become special.
16. Lukas Ungar (6-4, 225), 2020 TE, Delbarton: A Stanford commit, Ungar has great athleticism, is a tremendous pass-catcher and can maneuver in space despite having tight end size. He’s a versatile athlete who also plays basketball and lacrosse. He’s been rated as high as four-stars by 247sports.com, and has received over 20 scholarship offers, highlighted by high-academic Power 5 schools like Duke, Cal, Northwestern, UNC and Vanderbilt. He also bagged the big factory offers like Michigan, Penn State, Ohio State, Wisconsin, LSU and Georgia.
15. Michael Alaimo (6-4.5, 230), 2020 QB, St. Joseph (Montvale, N.J.): It’s no easy task leading the No. 4 team in the country, but that’s what Alaimo is tasked with this year and is off to a tremendous start. A four-star recruit and the top-ranked quarterback in New Jersey, Alaimo has great size, a good arm and experience as a starting quarterback and wide receiver. He’s got good poise, accuracy and the athleticism to extend plays with his feet.
He’s also increased his arm strength going into his senior year, and will be looking for opportunities to drive the ball down the field, despite Joe’s usual conservative offensive plan. But they have the perfect guy for the job in Alaimo, a Purdue pledge ranked the country’s No. 3 pro-style quarterback and 109th-best player in the entire class of 2020 by ESPN.
14. Aaron Armitage (6-4, 245), 2021 DL, Blair: Armitage is ranked the No. 10 strong-side defensive end and No. 157 player in the 2021 class by the 247Sports.com composite, and that’s scary because his best football is ahead of him. Armitage has great physical tools which have been developed since transferring to Blair last offseason.
He’s worked hard, grown, got stronger and will put it all together on the field in 2019. He already holds upwards of 30 offers, including Cal, Florida, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech and West Virginia.
13. Clarence Lewis (6-1, 180), 2020 DB, Mater Dei: Lewis has as much upside as any defensive back on this list. The Notre Dame commit is long with long arms, big hands, he’s extremely athletic, can fly and turn defense to offense (think pick-six). He also has good hips, body control and remains in-phase down the field while running with receivers, and has the length to compete in the passing lanes and win the majority of the 50-50 balls which come his way.
He’s been winning since the days I coached him as an eighth-grader for the North Edison Shamrocks, where he led our Pop Warner team to a regional title in 2015. He boasts elite make-up speed and is known for hawking skill players down, even when they have a 20-yard head start. Lewis is also a play-maker at receiver, where he’s built a reputation for making tough acrobatic grabs down the field. And he can be physical as a blocker, too, demonstrating a team-first mentality.
12. Cody Simon (6-1, 215), 2002 LB, St. Peter’s Prep: Simon has continued his family’s legacy of producing blue chip talent as his older brother, Shayne, is currently a sophomore linebacker at Notre Dame. However, Cody could have even greater upside. The Ohio State commit is an athletic freak, who tested in the 98th percentile at The Opening Finals, recording a 4.53-second 40, 38.2-inch vertical leap, a 4.19-second shuttle, 8230 watts of peak power (99th percentile) and a 39.5 foot power ball throw (98th percentile).
He can really get to what he sees and has improved in coverage. His combination of size and athletic gifts provide him a chance to become an elite Power 5 player.
11. Tywone Malone (6-4, 290), 2021 DL, Bergen Catholic: Malone is developing into one of the country’s top overall recruits as he closes in the top 10. There might not be a player in the state with greater upside as he has five-star potential. Malone grew up a baseball-first athlete (pitcher and first baseman) but embraced football as an eighth-grader playing for the Matawan Huskies, which finished the No. 3 AYF 14U team in the country -- another staff I coached on, this time handling the offensive and defensive lines.
It worked out best this way as he didn’t have many bad habits to break. Now, he’s one of the most agile, skilled big guys in the country, which legendary N.J. coach Greg Toal, who handles the Crusaders’ defensive line, also had a lot to do with. Malone boasts a national offer list, headlined by Alabama, Texas A&M, Georgia, Florida, LSU, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Miami, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma and USC while in-state Rutgers has offered for football and baseball.
Malone opened the season with a bang and was the best player on the field during a nine-tackle, three-TFL, two-sack performance in a 25-6 season-opening win over Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia, Pa.), one of the more talented teams in the region. He’s one of a handful of players (including George Rooks, Geno VanDeMark, Aaron Armitage, Audric Estime and maybe Kevin Wigenton II, who has yet to quite crack the list) in consideration for top player in N.J.'s 2021 class. But Malone has the edge.
10. Amin Vanover (6-4, 265), 2020 DL, St. Joseph (Mont.): Vanover doesn’t say much, but lets his play do the talking for him. He’s one of the most violent, explosive players in New Jersey, leading to over 20 offers, mostly from Power 5 schools. In the end, Penn State won out, but Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon, TCU, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech and West Virginia also threw their hats in the ring, among others.
9. George Rooks (6-5, 260), 2021 DL, St. Peter’s Prep: Rooks is a long athletic, play-miking defensive lineman with NFL pedigree, who just keeps getting better. He’s currently holding off TyWone Malone for top player in New Jersey’s 2021 class, but it’s close. He’s got cat-like quickness, violent hands and has been well-coached. Rooks has already committed to playing in the Under Armour All-American Game in January of 2021. He’s fielded offers from Alabama, Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, Michigan, Nebraska, Penn State, Auburn, Rutgers and others.
8. Luke Wypler (6-3, 305), 2020 OL, St. Joseph (Mont.): Wypler committed to Ohio State over a year ago, is now focused on bringing a national championship to Montvale if his team can win out -- easier said than done when playing in the Super Football Conference, but still. Ending his recruitment early has hurt his ranking a tad as it shortened its lifespan, but Wypler’s one of the toughest players in the state, who has played through injuries other players wouldn’t dare. A four-star, Wypler picked the Buckeyes over 22 other offers including Florida, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Penn State, Tennessee, Stanford and a number of other Power 5 schools. He is as safe a pick-up as any player in his class.
7. Kevin Bauman (6-5, 240), 2020 TE, Red Bank Catholic: Bauman jumped three spots following a productive offseason, which saw him refine his craft and separate from the competition even more. I caught him at the Rutgers 7-on-7 passing camp where he proved just how unguardable he is. Bauman was a man among boys that day, moving the chains and providing a dominant red-zone target for his quarterback (along with fellow tight end Charlie Gordinier). He rebounds the ball out the air and is tough to get on the ground after the catch due to his Adonis-like frame.
6. R.J. Moten (6-0, 200), 2020 ATH, Delran: Moten might be the best overall athlete in New Jersey. From this spot down, any of these players have the opportunity to end the cycle as the top player in the state. Moten, as big of a baseball prospect as he is football, certainly has a chance if he can put his team on his back as a senior before moving on to Michigan in 2020. He’s even drawn comparisons to Bo Jackson, one of the greatest all-around athletes of all-time.
5. Jordan Morant (6-0, 215), 2020 DB, Bergen Catholic: Morant has been one of New Jersey’s top players since he entered high school in 2016. The explosive defender committed to Michigan over a national offer list on June 23 following on official visit to the school. He can do it all, from carrying the football, to playing cornerback, safety or linebacker, but will likely be used similarly to how the Wolverines used former in-state star and Heisman Trophy nominee Jabrill Peppers.
4. Aaron Lewis (6-6, 250), 2020 DL, Williamstown: Lewis might have the highest upside of any player in the state as he has elite length, athleticism, and doesn’t have the wear and tear a lot of players have by this stage as he started playing late. He originally committed to West Virginia before flipping to Michigan and giving the Wolverines three of the top six players on the list. Lewis passed on the offseason camp circuit in lieu of refining his craft for his senior campaign. However, he’s a four-star defensive end, who almost quit football in the past but is now headed to Ann Arbor. So it’s safe to say he’s doing okay.
3. Fadil Diggs (6-5, 235), 2020 DE, Woodrow Wilson: Diggs had a good summer. The Texas A&M commit dominated Rivals Camp-N.J. coming off a solid outing at The Opening N.J. Regional. He’s also started the season with a bang: Four catches for 59 yards and a TD, nine tackles, four sacks and three forced fumbles in a 60-20 route of Camden Catholic. N.J.'s former top recruit, Diggs has good reason to believe he’s still the best player in the state and it’s that confidence, and what he sees as disrespect that fuels him on the field. So, look out for the 6-5, 230-pounder who will be on a mission to prove anyone who doubts he’s the state’s best wrong. I look forward to it.
2. Isaiah Raikes (6-1, 324), 2020 DT, St. Augustine: Raikes had an outstanding offseason, displaying skilled hands, loose hips, quick feet and a competitive nature along the way. He was a top performer at The Opening-N.J. regional and just missed out on defensive line MVP to his close friend and future teammate Fadil Diggs at Rivals Camp-N.J. However, he’d go on to win Gatorade MVP on June 25.
Raikes is about as light on his feet as a 324-pounder can be, and his penchant for carrying the football has helped demonstrate his blessings. However, his team is off to an 0-2 start and will need a great effort from its best player to forge a significant playoff run and for him to become the top-ranked player in the state.
1. Jalen Berger (6-0, 205), 2020 ATH, Don Bosco: Berger started out as the most highly-recruited N.J. player in his class and has a chance to end it that way with the final update of the cycle to come at season’s end. Plus, he’s the sole recruit in the top 5 whose recruitment is still open, so it’s given him a bit of an edge.
Updated Sep 17, 2:19 PM; Posted Sep 17, 10:31 AM
Who are the top 10 members of the NJ.com Top 50 going into the 2019 season? (Getty Images)
By Todderick Hunt | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
NJ Advance Media presents the September update of the NJ.com Top 50, a ranking of the top 50 high school football recruits in New Jersey. The list ranks the state’s most highly-recruited prospects, grades nine through 12. It’s not solely a list of the state’s top performers, best reflected by our list of 75 top high school football players for 2019 released last week and all-state and all-group teams released each December.
The list has been broken down into five parts over the last week as we revealed 10 picks at a time.
Now, you get to find out who are the best of the very best as we enter the top 10.
Players rise up the list if they are trending positively at the time of the post. However, some may trend positively, yet drop due to being leapfrogged by recruits who have had better summers.
There are many high school football players who won’t make the cut, as the the Top 50 takes a number of factors into account broken down in the methodology section at the foot of this post. Some players drop due to inactivity, including injury -- which provides competing players a chance to leapfrog. Others drop due to poor performances or lack of recruiting progression.
The NJ.com Top 50 is an exclusive club.
It doesn’t really matter where you rank on the list as long as you are on it (or in the Next 35).
There are over 400 players from New Jersey’s class of 2020 down to 2023 with a chance to compete at the FBS level. Making the list means you project as a Power 5 recruit. So, congratulations.
You’ve earned it.
50. Jayson Raines, 2021 WR, West Orange: Raines is still a bit underrated considering the number of standout performances he’s put forth throughout the offseason, as he holds just two offers from Rutgers and UMass. However, he projects as the top receiver in New Jersey’s 2021 class due to his ability to adjust to the football and make tough, acrobatic grabs down the field. He’s also a big-time baseball player with upside.
49. Malachi Melton (6-0, 170), 2020 WR, Cedar Creek: Melton committed to Purdue in July, joining his older brother and junior Rutgers wide receiver, Bo, as a Big Ten receiver. He’s also an explosive track and field standout.
48. Xavier Coleman (5-10, 190), 2021 RB, Lenape: Coleman has some of the best feet in New Jersey and good size to go along with it, leading to offers from Rutgers, Washington State, West Virginia, Baylor, Temple, Central Michigan UMass and most recently Boston College.
47. Cameron Horsley (6-2, 280), 2020 DT, Cinnaminson: Horsley committed to Boston College in June over Power 5 offers from Rutgers and Wake Forest as well as various Group of 5 schools. His frame, size and athleticism project to the Power 5 level.
46. Bryan Felter (6-3, 310), 2020 OL, Bergen Catholic: Felter might be the meanest, most physical offensive lineman in New Jersey and he’s bringing that Jersey toughness and his lunch pail to Rutgers in 2020.
45. Steven Angeli (6-3, 190), 2022 QB, Bergen Catholic: Physically, Angeli is really gifted. He has a big arm, leading to early offers from Ohio State, Penn State and Rutgers. He also has enough bulk to help Bergen Catholic as a ball-carrier. He can make all the throws, throw on the move and across his body. He can hit spots and has a good deep ball. Also, at 6-3, he has size and athleticism for high level advancement.
44. Christian Abraham (5-11, 195), 2021 DB, St. Joseph (Mont.): Abraham holds double-digit offers, including heavy hitters Michigan, Nebraska, Minnesota, Pitt, Rutgers and Boston College. He projects to both running back and defensive back in college.
43. Sanoussi Kane (6-1, 195), 2020 DB, Blair: Kane picked Purdue over 19 other schools, four of which are from Power 5 schools. He’s developed into a rangy defensive back with elite size through hard work and dedication to his craft.
42. Johnnie Martin (5-8, 195), 2021 RB, Highland: Martin is one of the most confident, explosive backs in New Jersey and holds Power 5 offers from Rutgers, Boston College, N.C. State, Baylor, Syracuse and West Virginia. He’s also one of the state’s best leaders as he regularly galvanizes his group.
41. Tyreem Powell (6-4, 205), 2020 ATH, Vineland: Powell receiving a Penn State offer in August is an indication of just how busy his recruitment would’ve been if he hadn’t committed to Virginia Tech in February. Rutgers and Temple also offered.
40. Justin Evans-Jenkins (6-2, 280), 2022 DT, Irvington: Evans-Jenkins, 15, has a massive, wide build and some early production which has led to him announcing verbal offers from Alabama, Texas A&M, Boston College, Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia Tech, Kent State and in-state Rutgers. Justin is the nephew of former Irvington standout Josh Evans, who went on to play at the University of Florida before a short stint in the NFL.
39. Amari Clark (6-1, 180), 2022 ATH, Woodrow Wilson: Clark has plenty of time to ascend this list as he’s just now entering his second high school year. However, he already has a game-winner in his bag as well as a number of big plays made in big games. The sky is the limit for Clark, who is on his way to becoming a national recruit, as he already has offers from Florida, Pitt, N.C. State, Baylor, West Virginia, nearby Temple and in-state Rutgers.
38. Korey Smith (6-1, 235), 2020 LB, Peddie: Smith is a physical down-hill linebacker who plays with a reckless abandon. He committed to Boston College in March over various other Power 5 schools, including Rutgers, Purdue, Pitt, Syracuse, Vanderbilt, UNC and Colorado, while Stanford is still keeping a close eye. Smith has battled injuries over the past two years but is one of the top 10 N.J. players in his class when healthy, which he’ll prove in 2019.
37. Keon Sabb (6-3, 180), 2022 ATH, Glassboro: In addition to being a standout wide receiver and safety, Sabb competes in the long jump, high jump and javelin throw. He’s a point guard, shooting guard, high-percentage hitter, third baseman and pitcher, as well. In other words, the prodigy can do it all, and colleges have already taken notice. Sabb has already reeled in eight offers, seven of which come from Power 5 schools.
36. Elijuwan Mack (6-0, 185), 2020 DB, St. Joseph (Mont.): Some guys are tough to compartmentalize and are best described as ballers. Mack is one of those guys -- a complete defender, who can play the run yet has the hips and foot quickness to also play the pass. Mack committed to Rutgers in June over 10 other offers, including Boston College, Louisville, Minnesota, Syracuse and Virginia Tech.
35. Chris Long (6-0, 160), 2020 WR, Willingboro: Long is one of the fastest players in New Jersey. He committed to Temple in June despite appearing closer to becoming a Scarlet Knight at the time. Other Power 5 schools to offer include Duke, Baylor, Boston College, Louisville, Maryland, N.C. State, Nebraska, UNC, Pitt, Wake Forest and West Virginia.
34. Alijah Clark (6-2, 180), 2021 ATH, Camden: A cousin of Amari (No. 39), Alijah also has elite movement skills and projects to both sides of the ball. He’s a long, athletic do-it-all athlete who’s just now coming into his own and projects to multiple positions in college, including receiver, safety and cornerback.
33. Devin Willock (6-6, 350), 2020 OL, Paramus Catholic: Willock recently committed to Penn State over what was becoming a national offer list, including Georgia, Georgia Tech, Rutgers, Indiana and Boston College. He has as much upside as any player on this list as he has an elite frame and surprising foot quickness for a player so large.
32. Jalen Cheek (6-1, 180), 2021 DB, Winslow Township: Cheek is the prototype -- a long, lean, athletic boundary cornerback-type with high developmental upside, leading to 16 offers including Penn State, Virginia Tech, Maryland and Baylor.
31. Darian “Duce” Chestnut (5-11, 185), 2021 DB, Camden: Chestnut is much better than his offer list, which includes eight schools. It appears that Rivals.com agrees, as it’s anointed Chestnut a four-star recruit, while I peg him as the top cover corner in New Jersey’s 2021 class.
30. Christian Forbes (6-4, 265), 2020 OT, Lawrenceville: Forbes might be the best tackle in New Jersey’s 2020 class. He’s still growing and developing, but has a cat-like quickness to him, a strong work ethic and strong pedigree, as his father, Donald, played offensive guard and tackle at Rutgers. He was also selected team captain prior to the start of the year, while also battling an incredibly-tough course load at Lawrenceville. Forbes will take his talents to Wake Forest next year over offers from Rutgers, Boston College, Duke and a dozen others.
29. Keshon Griffin (6-4, 230), 2021 ATH, St. Joseph (Mont.): Griffin is a freak athlete. Although standing 6-4, 230 pounds, he’s arguably the fastest player on St. Joe’s (Hammonton, N.J.) roster. He ran a 10.8-second 100-meter dash in middle school, although he no longer runs track. He can also dead lift 550 pounds. Miami, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Pitt are some of his bigger offers, while he just came off a visit to Clemson, the No. 1 team in the country.
28. Jaeden Gould (6-1, 190), 2022 DB, Bergen Catholic: Gould continues to reel in offers and attention as he fills out and develops into one of the top defensive players in the country. Notre Dame, Florida, Michigan, Texas A&M, Nebraska, Michigan State, Penn State and Duke are just some of the heavy-hitters to offer Gould, who is just beginning his sophomore year at Bergen Catholic. Gould was one of nine potential Division 1 recruits on the Matawan Huskies’ 14U roster -- a team I coached along with his father, Scott, and Jay Bellamy, both of which played at Rutgers, and head coach Charlie Rogers, who played in the NFL out of Matawan High and Georgia Tech -- to finish the No. 3 team in the country in 2016.
27. Christopher Mayo (6-5, 300), 2020 OL, Peddie: Mayo has a prototypical Power 5 offensive tackle frame and has progressed throughout his time at Peddie into one of the most highly-recruited players in the region. He’ll continue his football career at West Virginia University next fall.
26. Charlie Gordinier, 2020 TE (6-5, 230), Red Bank Catholic: Gordinier is a talented all-around athlete just as good on the hardwood as he is on the gridiron. He’ll be taking his talents to Chestnut Hill next fall as he pledged to Boston College in April over a national offer list, including LSU, Pitt, Rutgers, Syracuse, UCLA, West Virginia, Vanderbilt, Virginia and others. His older brother, Jamie, played linebacker at the University of Miami.
25. Mikai Gbayor (6-2, 210), 2021 LB, Irvington: There’s a reason why Irvington head coach Ashley Pierre’s phone won’t stop ringing. Well, there are plenty. But one of the biggest is his talented junior linebacker, who’s added almost 50 pounds over the last 12 months. Gbayor is the real deal. He’s a high-character kid who has played varsity since his freshman year. He has great size, is a student of the game, runs to the football, looks to make every play and has great natural instincts. He’s coming off of a 14-tackle, two-sack and a pick-six performance against Orange, and is hearing from Miami and LSU in addition to his already-national offer list.
24. Tirek Austin-Cave (6-0, 203), 2020 LB, Camden: There might not be a more high-volume play-maker on the list than Austin-Cave, who is headed to Miami next fall after picking the Hurricanes over 20 other schools, including Rutgers, West Virginia, Syracuse, Pitt, Maryland, Baylor, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Pitt, Nebraska, Texas A&M and others. He’s a throwback linebacker who can get sideline-to-sideline as well as take on plays in the tackle box. He’s the lead dog for the Camden Panthers, one of the most respected teams in South Jersey.
23. Keith Miles Jr. (6-3.5, 265), 2022 DE, St. Peter’s Prep: Miles has been on the scene for the past two years as a top up-and-comer, but has officially arrived as he enters his sophomore year at Prep. He’s put in tons of work throughout the offseason competing everywhere. If there was an event or opportunity to get better, he was there. He also plays offensive line out of team need, helping stabilize things up front for the Marauders. He’s not only an elite recruit but a true team player with work ethic.
22. Audric Estime (6-2, 215), 2021 RB, St. Joseph (Mont.): You rarely see a back with the size, power and explosion of Estime, who can also outrun members of the secondary. And that’s just one of the reasons why 15 Power 5 schools offered prior to his junior year and FCS schools haven’t even tried. This kid is big-time. Just look at that neck.
21. Solomon DeShields (6-1, 200), 2020 ATH, Millville: DeShields can do it all, whether it be catching the ball, running with it, playing a little safety, linebacker and even cornerback if need be. That’s why he’s one of the top overall athletes in the region’s 2020 class -- his length, athleticism and position versatility. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win, which is what’s most important to him, despite the national recruiting attention he’s received.
20. Carnell Davis (6-0, 170), 2021 WR, St. Augustine: Davis started his high school career in South Jersey but spent a stint in Florida where he attended Eau Gallie High (Melbourne, Fla.). He’d earn 16 mostly-national offers, including Auburn, Duke, Baylor, Georgia Tech, Penn State, Kentucky, West Virginia, Rutgers, Syracuse, Boston College and others, along the way. He enrolled at St. Augustine Prep this Summer, where he’s being immersed into his new team. He has the athletic ability to provide coach Pete Lancetta a shiny new weapon on the outside as well as a highly-capable defender in space.
19. Tarheeb Still (6-0, 180), 2020 DB, Timber Creek: One of the most competitive, instinctual DBs in the state, Still won defensive back MVP at the Opening N.J. regional, where he put on a clinic during one-on-ones. He committed to Maryland on June 19 over offers from West Virginia, Baylor, Boston College, Duke, UNC, Pitt, Virginia Tech, Minnesota, N.C. State, Rutgers and more. He’s a versatile athlete -- a Division I receiver, as well. He has a high football IQ, plays multiple positions and thoroughly understands his team’s offense and defense. He has good ball skills and awareness of routes, due to playing receiver. He also reads quarterbacks well while playing off-man.
18. Charles Finley (6-4, 235), 2020 TE, DePaul: Finley has made the biggest jump of any player on this list (22 spots), following a productive offseason which saw him morph into one the the region’s top recruits. He’s grown a couple inches, added some weight and confidence, and is as much of a sure bet to succeed as any recruit in his class. He’s long, can be physical, has great hands and can run after the catch. He also has great chemistry with his quarterback which should lead to a productive year for the West Virginia commit, who should get every opportunity to succeed in the Mountaineers’ pass-happy offense.
17. Geno VanDerMark (6-6, 305), 2021 OL, St. Joseph (Montvale, N.J.): Five-star potential alert! VanDerMark has the frame and skill-set to become not only a member of the NJ.com Top 50, but one of the top 50 players in the country. He’s a big dancing bear with good feet and a competitive spirit. And he’s not afraid of hard work, demonstrated by how he changed his body since arriving at St. Joseph following his freshman year, allowing him to play with balance and power. The big man is still developing and has lots to learn but embraces the grind and opportunity to become special.
16. Lukas Ungar (6-4, 225), 2020 TE, Delbarton: A Stanford commit, Ungar has great athleticism, is a tremendous pass-catcher and can maneuver in space despite having tight end size. He’s a versatile athlete who also plays basketball and lacrosse. He’s been rated as high as four-stars by 247sports.com, and has received over 20 scholarship offers, highlighted by high-academic Power 5 schools like Duke, Cal, Northwestern, UNC and Vanderbilt. He also bagged the big factory offers like Michigan, Penn State, Ohio State, Wisconsin, LSU and Georgia.
15. Michael Alaimo (6-4.5, 230), 2020 QB, St. Joseph (Montvale, N.J.): It’s no easy task leading the No. 4 team in the country, but that’s what Alaimo is tasked with this year and is off to a tremendous start. A four-star recruit and the top-ranked quarterback in New Jersey, Alaimo has great size, a good arm and experience as a starting quarterback and wide receiver. He’s got good poise, accuracy and the athleticism to extend plays with his feet.
He’s also increased his arm strength going into his senior year, and will be looking for opportunities to drive the ball down the field, despite Joe’s usual conservative offensive plan. But they have the perfect guy for the job in Alaimo, a Purdue pledge ranked the country’s No. 3 pro-style quarterback and 109th-best player in the entire class of 2020 by ESPN.
14. Aaron Armitage (6-4, 245), 2021 DL, Blair: Armitage is ranked the No. 10 strong-side defensive end and No. 157 player in the 2021 class by the 247Sports.com composite, and that’s scary because his best football is ahead of him. Armitage has great physical tools which have been developed since transferring to Blair last offseason.
He’s worked hard, grown, got stronger and will put it all together on the field in 2019. He already holds upwards of 30 offers, including Cal, Florida, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech and West Virginia.
13. Clarence Lewis (6-1, 180), 2020 DB, Mater Dei: Lewis has as much upside as any defensive back on this list. The Notre Dame commit is long with long arms, big hands, he’s extremely athletic, can fly and turn defense to offense (think pick-six). He also has good hips, body control and remains in-phase down the field while running with receivers, and has the length to compete in the passing lanes and win the majority of the 50-50 balls which come his way.
He’s been winning since the days I coached him as an eighth-grader for the North Edison Shamrocks, where he led our Pop Warner team to a regional title in 2015. He boasts elite make-up speed and is known for hawking skill players down, even when they have a 20-yard head start. Lewis is also a play-maker at receiver, where he’s built a reputation for making tough acrobatic grabs down the field. And he can be physical as a blocker, too, demonstrating a team-first mentality.
12. Cody Simon (6-1, 215), 2002 LB, St. Peter’s Prep: Simon has continued his family’s legacy of producing blue chip talent as his older brother, Shayne, is currently a sophomore linebacker at Notre Dame. However, Cody could have even greater upside. The Ohio State commit is an athletic freak, who tested in the 98th percentile at The Opening Finals, recording a 4.53-second 40, 38.2-inch vertical leap, a 4.19-second shuttle, 8230 watts of peak power (99th percentile) and a 39.5 foot power ball throw (98th percentile).
He can really get to what he sees and has improved in coverage. His combination of size and athletic gifts provide him a chance to become an elite Power 5 player.
11. Tywone Malone (6-4, 290), 2021 DL, Bergen Catholic: Malone is developing into one of the country’s top overall recruits as he closes in the top 10. There might not be a player in the state with greater upside as he has five-star potential. Malone grew up a baseball-first athlete (pitcher and first baseman) but embraced football as an eighth-grader playing for the Matawan Huskies, which finished the No. 3 AYF 14U team in the country -- another staff I coached on, this time handling the offensive and defensive lines.
It worked out best this way as he didn’t have many bad habits to break. Now, he’s one of the most agile, skilled big guys in the country, which legendary N.J. coach Greg Toal, who handles the Crusaders’ defensive line, also had a lot to do with. Malone boasts a national offer list, headlined by Alabama, Texas A&M, Georgia, Florida, LSU, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Miami, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma and USC while in-state Rutgers has offered for football and baseball.
Malone opened the season with a bang and was the best player on the field during a nine-tackle, three-TFL, two-sack performance in a 25-6 season-opening win over Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia, Pa.), one of the more talented teams in the region. He’s one of a handful of players (including George Rooks, Geno VanDeMark, Aaron Armitage, Audric Estime and maybe Kevin Wigenton II, who has yet to quite crack the list) in consideration for top player in N.J.'s 2021 class. But Malone has the edge.
10. Amin Vanover (6-4, 265), 2020 DL, St. Joseph (Mont.): Vanover doesn’t say much, but lets his play do the talking for him. He’s one of the most violent, explosive players in New Jersey, leading to over 20 offers, mostly from Power 5 schools. In the end, Penn State won out, but Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon, TCU, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech and West Virginia also threw their hats in the ring, among others.
9. George Rooks (6-5, 260), 2021 DL, St. Peter’s Prep: Rooks is a long athletic, play-miking defensive lineman with NFL pedigree, who just keeps getting better. He’s currently holding off TyWone Malone for top player in New Jersey’s 2021 class, but it’s close. He’s got cat-like quickness, violent hands and has been well-coached. Rooks has already committed to playing in the Under Armour All-American Game in January of 2021. He’s fielded offers from Alabama, Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, Michigan, Nebraska, Penn State, Auburn, Rutgers and others.
8. Luke Wypler (6-3, 305), 2020 OL, St. Joseph (Mont.): Wypler committed to Ohio State over a year ago, is now focused on bringing a national championship to Montvale if his team can win out -- easier said than done when playing in the Super Football Conference, but still. Ending his recruitment early has hurt his ranking a tad as it shortened its lifespan, but Wypler’s one of the toughest players in the state, who has played through injuries other players wouldn’t dare. A four-star, Wypler picked the Buckeyes over 22 other offers including Florida, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Penn State, Tennessee, Stanford and a number of other Power 5 schools. He is as safe a pick-up as any player in his class.
7. Kevin Bauman (6-5, 240), 2020 TE, Red Bank Catholic: Bauman jumped three spots following a productive offseason, which saw him refine his craft and separate from the competition even more. I caught him at the Rutgers 7-on-7 passing camp where he proved just how unguardable he is. Bauman was a man among boys that day, moving the chains and providing a dominant red-zone target for his quarterback (along with fellow tight end Charlie Gordinier). He rebounds the ball out the air and is tough to get on the ground after the catch due to his Adonis-like frame.
6. R.J. Moten (6-0, 200), 2020 ATH, Delran: Moten might be the best overall athlete in New Jersey. From this spot down, any of these players have the opportunity to end the cycle as the top player in the state. Moten, as big of a baseball prospect as he is football, certainly has a chance if he can put his team on his back as a senior before moving on to Michigan in 2020. He’s even drawn comparisons to Bo Jackson, one of the greatest all-around athletes of all-time.
5. Jordan Morant (6-0, 215), 2020 DB, Bergen Catholic: Morant has been one of New Jersey’s top players since he entered high school in 2016. The explosive defender committed to Michigan over a national offer list on June 23 following on official visit to the school. He can do it all, from carrying the football, to playing cornerback, safety or linebacker, but will likely be used similarly to how the Wolverines used former in-state star and Heisman Trophy nominee Jabrill Peppers.
4. Aaron Lewis (6-6, 250), 2020 DL, Williamstown: Lewis might have the highest upside of any player in the state as he has elite length, athleticism, and doesn’t have the wear and tear a lot of players have by this stage as he started playing late. He originally committed to West Virginia before flipping to Michigan and giving the Wolverines three of the top six players on the list. Lewis passed on the offseason camp circuit in lieu of refining his craft for his senior campaign. However, he’s a four-star defensive end, who almost quit football in the past but is now headed to Ann Arbor. So it’s safe to say he’s doing okay.
3. Fadil Diggs (6-5, 235), 2020 DE, Woodrow Wilson: Diggs had a good summer. The Texas A&M commit dominated Rivals Camp-N.J. coming off a solid outing at The Opening N.J. Regional. He’s also started the season with a bang: Four catches for 59 yards and a TD, nine tackles, four sacks and three forced fumbles in a 60-20 route of Camden Catholic. N.J.'s former top recruit, Diggs has good reason to believe he’s still the best player in the state and it’s that confidence, and what he sees as disrespect that fuels him on the field. So, look out for the 6-5, 230-pounder who will be on a mission to prove anyone who doubts he’s the state’s best wrong. I look forward to it.
2. Isaiah Raikes (6-1, 324), 2020 DT, St. Augustine: Raikes had an outstanding offseason, displaying skilled hands, loose hips, quick feet and a competitive nature along the way. He was a top performer at The Opening-N.J. regional and just missed out on defensive line MVP to his close friend and future teammate Fadil Diggs at Rivals Camp-N.J. However, he’d go on to win Gatorade MVP on June 25.
Raikes is about as light on his feet as a 324-pounder can be, and his penchant for carrying the football has helped demonstrate his blessings. However, his team is off to an 0-2 start and will need a great effort from its best player to forge a significant playoff run and for him to become the top-ranked player in the state.
1. Jalen Berger (6-0, 205), 2020 ATH, Don Bosco: Berger started out as the most highly-recruited N.J. player in his class and has a chance to end it that way with the final update of the cycle to come at season’s end. Plus, he’s the sole recruit in the top 5 whose recruitment is still open, so it’s given him a bit of an edge.
