Players to keep an eye on this fall

The last two years, Morris Hills' two-way lineman Ryan Jackson went head-to-head with Pope John's Noa Merritt and Mount Olive's Zach Heeman - and he was not swallowed up like everyone else.

In fact, Jackson was one of the few players in the NJAC who matched Merritt and Heeman hit for hit.

"He held his own," Morris Hills coach Mike Sabo said of Jackson's interior line wars with Merritt, now at Boston College, and Heeman, now at Rutgers.

Jackson (6-2, 245), a center-defensive tackle who was an All-NJAC-American player last year, wants to play at the highest level possible in college. He certainly has Sabo's full endorsement.

"He's a great kid who has worked so hard to get to where he is now," Sabo said. "He's a 12-month football player who is very coachable and has excellent technique."

This past offseason, Jackson attended Division I-AA showcases at Marist, Wagner, Fordham, and Monmouth. All four are now recruiting him. Jackson is a tireless player who is technically sound and versatile.

"He can play at that level," Sabo said. "He can shotgun snap. We'll use him for PATs and punt snapping. He is versatile and can play center, guard, or tackle. He's a hard worker, disciplined and a good student. He helps his dad (Joe) coach the Rockaway Rockets youth program in town. He does volunteer work for his church. You couldn't ask for a better kid."

Last year, Jackson was a force who helped the team win its last five games to finish 6-4. He had 52 tackles (five for loss) and four sacks on defense. He also was one of the leading blockers for a Scarlet Knights team that rushed for over 2,000 yards.

Other standouts to watch in Morris County this fall include:

Ryan Cirillo, RB, Butler: As usual, the Bulldogs had a terrific offense and Cirillo (178 carries for 1,255 yards rushing, 13 TDs) spearheaded the attack.

Andrew Otterman, OL, Delbarton: The Northwestern University-bound Otterman is the latest in a long line of standout blockers for the Green Wave.

Bill Murray, DE, Delbarton: On a senior-dominated team last year, Murray was good enough to draw the attention of Patriot League and Ivy League recruiters as a junior.

Connor Thompson, RB-LB, West Morris: The senior is a hard-nosed, physical, hustling player, a typical member of the Wolfpack.

Brian Olshanski, LB, Mountain Lakes: New Jersey recruiting guru Dennis McCarthy said that Olshanski is good enough to be a "game changer" in college. Olshanski's work at linebacker and on the offensive line helped Mountain Lakes go 12-0 last year.

John DuBose, OL-DL, Mountain Lakes: When the Herd run their vaunted Wing-T offense, expect them to go behind DuBose in critical situations.

Brad Smith, QB, Mountain Lakes: Herd coach Darrell Fusco likes to mix in some passing to complement the run. Smith can do both equally well.

Ian Campbell, TE, Pequannock: The 6-7 Campbell committed to UConn after a junior year in which he caught 29 passes for 485 yards and four TDs. He was also recruited by Temple and Rutgers.

Dwayne Brown, WR, Dover: Rookie Tigers coach Nick Gregorio looks forward to coaching the electric Brown, who caught 28 passes for 541 yards (19.3) and five TDs last year. Brown may also line up behind center.

Andrew Sanders, RB, Delbarton: Sanders has been banged up in the preseason but is one of the most explosive runners in all of Morris County.

Andrew Massesfski, RB, Parsippany: The senior rushed for 803 yards (4.8) and was a beacon of light for the Red Hawks.

David Luttinger, RB-LB, Madison: The Dodgers are one of the main contenders in the NJAC-Freedom and Luttinger's all-around influence will be one of the key factors.

A.J. Schmitz, QB, Madison: Schmitz has looked sharp during the preseason after throwing for 1,000 yards and running for another 500 last year.

Matt McFadden, RB-DB, Morristown-Beard: McFadden rushed for 795 yards and 12 touchdowns and caught 21 passes for 418 yards and five more TDs for the Crimson, who are back in the NJAC after four years of independent status.

Alex Oriolo, QB, Mount Olive: The Marauders were hit hard by injuries last year but Oriolo still managed to throw for 1,400 yards. He is being recruited by Patriot League schools.

Jordan Powell, DB, Morristown: The Colonials had one of the best defenses in the NJAC-National last year and Powell (77 tackles, four INTs) was one of the leaders. FBS recruiters have taken notice.

Chris Jones, DB, Mendham: Jones was one of the reasons behind the Minutemen's late resurgence last year when he was the team's second-leading tackler.

Jesse Maka, LB, Dover: The Tigers made the playoffs for the first time in 10 years and Maka (112 total tackles, 7½ tackles for loss) keyed the defense. He is expected to carry much of the offensive burden.

Josh Corporan, DB, Boonton: The Bombers are counting heavily on Corporan, who had 113 total tackles last year, two INTs, five passes defensed, and two tackles for a loss. He also averaged 19.8 yards per punt return.