The Best Players in North Jersey and NY without a single Division 1 offer.

New Jersey generates some of the best teams and Division 1 talent in the nation. Often times, colleges turn their heads to phenomenal athletes just because of a few inches or pounds. These underrated players could easily be top prospects in other states. Some of them are put in the shadows by their teammates who have a plethora of offers. Just like Virginia Tech commit Billy Ray Mitchell said, “The bottom line is, if you can ball, you can ball!” I could’t agree more. Each of the players below have made their claim on the field and they deserve to be recognized by Division 1 coaches.

Nick Flores, Paramus Catholic, senior– The senior defensive tackle was the captain of the Paladin’s defense this year. After taking a look at his film, you can’t help but think, how come Flores doesn’t have a single Division 1 offer? The 6’1, 290 pound stud served as the core for a the Paladins defense, which hosted four players with Division 1 offers this season. He has made his presence known on the field by establishing himself in the backfield regularly by stopping the run and putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Not to mention, he was often double-teamed by opponents. Flores, a four year starter, had 74 tackles, including 19 for loss and eight sacks this season for the Paramus Catholic defense, which won its second Non-Public, Group 2 title in as many years. Flores was named first team all state by MSG Varsity and The Star Ledger. I could definitely see him as a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense at the next level.

Austin Barber, St. Joseph Montvale, senior- The two way starter for one of the state’s top teams came out of absolutely nowhere and delivered several noteworthy performances this year for the Green Knights. Barber is 6’2, 205 and runs a 4.7 40-yard dash. He could play as a stand up defensive end, outside linebacker, or tight end at the next level. Barber told me he definitely wants to play college football. The thing about Barber that strikes you is that he makes plays like he has been there before. I remember he picked off Paramus Catholic quarterback Steve Shanley on the first play from scrimmage and took it to the house. That’s when you knew this kid was legitimate. Barber told me he has plans to visit Sacred Heart, Springfield College and Trinity College. Some FCS program should really take a chance on him.

Daivon Ellison, Don Bosco, junior- The first team all-state selection by MSG Varsity and second team all-state by the Star Ledger has somehow made his way through his junior season without any offers. Despite being recruited as a cornerback, Ellison has made plays as a slot receiver and on special teams for the Ironmen. He has started at cornerback since sophomore year. Ellison exhibits very good technique when it comes to defensing the pass and can lay the wood. Although he may be undersized at 5’9, 180 pounds, his attitude and technique definitely outweighs all of that. The bottom line is that he has been a playmaker since his sophomore year. Ellison has without a doubt, held his own when matched up with Division 1 bound players such as Quai Jefferson, Jabrill Peppers, Tyrone Washington and Kiy Hester. He will land at a D1 program in the fall of 2015 and should see offers before start of his senior season. Ellison tells me he has interest from NC State, Nebraska, Arkansas, Maryland, UConn, Pitt, and Temple. Recently, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Georgia, and Miami have all stopped by Don Bosco to express their interest as well.

Andrew McElroy, New Milford, junior – There is not much of a down side for the 6’1, 190 pound wide receiver and outside linebacker. McElroy earned first team all-county honors and recorded 38 receptions for 557 yards and four touchdowns this season. Defensively, he had 92 tackles, which included 10 for loss, two sacks, and two interceptions. McElroy was a straight up all-star for New Milford this season and I have no doubt that he will continue to dominate in his senior season. McElroy has a 3.9 GPA and that should really help him when it comes to recruiting. He plays for a small group 2 school at New Milford. McElroy is being primarily recruited as an outside linebacker. His talent and playmaking ability should disregard the fact that he plays solely against public school opponents. McElroy camped last summer at Penn State, Syracuse, Temple, Army, Yale & Akron. Has taken unofficial visits to Rutgers, UConn & Dartmouth. Patriot and Ivy League schools should be flying towards this prospect.

Vincent Favorito, Pascack Hills, senior- He has improved dramatically in his two years as a starter at Pascack Hills. Favorito has a nice frame at 6’3, 230 and knows the game well. He works out daily with former Rutgers defensive end Evan Lampert, who graduated in 2011. Favorito can currently bench press 255, squat 335, and deadlift 405. He has interest from Sacred Heart, Marist, Bryant and a handful of Division 3 programs.

Nolan Borgersen, Westwood, junior- Borgersen spent his weekends this fall absolutely tearing apart secondaries in North Jersey. he broke the state single-season record for receiving yards with 1,894 and also caught 26 touchdowns. Borgersen scored in all but one game this year and helped the Cardinals to and 11-1 record which included the North 1, Group 2 title. Some may think its hard to get a gage of Borgersen’s skills because he plays for a Group 2 schools and the talent level might not be very high. But how could you ignore the numbers? There is no doubt that Borgersen possesses the skill to play at a Division 1 school. He runs smooth routes and knows how to go up and get the ball. The 6’2 recruit should have more than a handful of offers by the start of his senior season, which comes in the fall of 2014. Borgersen tells me he has interest from Yale, Harvard, Duke, Boston College, Kansas and Maryland. I could also see a few FCS schools with a good academic reputation such as William and Mary and Villanova getting involved in his recruiting process.

D’won Walker, St. Peter’s Prep, junior- Walker plays on one of states top teams at St. Peter’s Prep. He was surrounded by Division 1 talent this year on defense with Minkah Fitzpatrick, Shamir Bearfield, and Jordan Fox. Walker has the potential to become the next Division 1 bound player from St. Peter’s Prep. The 6’0, 180 pound free safety recently announced that he has plans to visit pitt sometime in February. Walker also has interest from Boston College and Indiana.

Amir Crenshaw Cardinal Hayes, NY, senior- The 6’4, 195 pound wide receiver helped Cardinal Hayes to a 9-3 record and CHSAA AA title in his senior season. I saw him play in the spring at the Rutgers 7 on 7 tournament and couldn’t help but notice him. He absolutely dominated against good talent and proved he was legitimate throughout his senior season. Crenshaw had 45 catches for 710 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2013. He really knows how to use his body and can go up and get the ball. Crenshaw can also block, which is something that a lot of wide receivers lack at the high school level. He is not afraid to be aggressive and i really like that about him. Crenshaw is an ideal prospect for any FCS school and. He has interest from James Madison, Albany, Maine, Towson, Stony Brook, Delaware State, Delaware, and Lehigh.

Chris Jordan, Archbishop Stepinac, NY, junior- The junior from White Plains, NY has a really quick first step off the ball and has good lateral speed for a nose tackle. He made a habit of shedding blockers during his junior year, which helped him to 60 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Keep an eye out for Jordan heading into his senior year. He has gone virtually unnoticed despite an impressive highlight tape. Jordan tells me he can bench press 300 pounds and squat 450. He took an unofficial visit to Rutgers on Dec. 7 for their game vs. South Florida and has received letters from Georgia and Pitt.

Jake Pickard, Millburn, junior- He was selected to the all-junior Star Ledger team. Pickard was a force for every opponent on the field as a defensive end and offensive lineman. He also punted for the Millers. Pickard is quick off the ball for his size at 6’6, 220. He also does a good job at shedding blocks. There is no reason Pickard cannot be a Division 1 athlete. Not to mention, he is being recruited as a tight end as well. Pickard did not play tight end during his junior year because he was needed on the offensive line. The two-way starter has a lot to look toward to heading into his senior year. He has taken unofficial visits to Rutgers, Michigan, and Penn State. Pickard will be a guest of Rutgers at the Pinstripe bowl on Saturday, December 28 at Yankee Stadium. He also has interest from Ohio State, Notre Dame, Miami, Florida, Tennessee, Northwestern, Stanford, Nebraska and Maryland.