VARSITY ACES

How they fared: North Jersey's college football players in Week 1

Darren Cooper
NorthJersey

Back again, by popular demand ... my weekly look at how the North Jersey HS stars of, well, the last few years are doing at the next level.

Please know a few things....

1. I am sure I am missing a few kids. My loose rule is the player has to have played at a North Jersey high school. Ok, I made an exception from Brandon Wimbush, but he's from Teaneck. And everyone is watching him this season.

2. I can't do all of the kids at Division 2 and Division 3 schools. This thing is already 4000 words long, but if there is a special case, or a special performance, go ahead and email me at Varsityaces@northjersey.com

I changed the format this year, going by alphabetical order by school, instead of name. Should be easier for me to do.

Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Luke Timian (25) rushes with the ball after a catch while Ohio State Buckeyes safety Jordan Fuller (4) tackles him in the second quarter of the game at Memorial Stadium.

This is always so interesting, sure, you probably figure the college program with the most North Jersey products is Rutgers, but who do you think No. 2 is? Read on and you may be surprised to see. Also, count just how many St. Joe's offensive linemen there are playing major college football. I think I counted about a half dozen.

And hey, I've added some videos and stories in a few spots....

Albany – Lost to Old Dominion 31-17; plays at Morgan State Saturday

Elijah Ibitokun-Hanks (Don Bosco) RB – Ibitokun-Hanks was named Preseason All-American, but missed the Great Danes opener with an injury.

Isaiah Powell (Bergen Catholic) DL – The redshirt junior was listed as having played, but was not credited with a tackle.

Ibn Foster (St. Joes) DL – did not play

Army – Clobbered Fordham 64-6; hosts Buffalo Saturday at noon

John Trainor (Old Tappan) RB – Trainor had one carry for 13 yards and he made it county, scoring on a 13-yard TD run in the first quarter the Black Knights win.

Juwan Griffith-James (Bergenfield) DL – The junior did not appear, and has yet to see any action in his college career.

Boston College – The Eagles beat Northern Illinois, 23-20. They host Wake Forest at 1 p.m.

Nolan Borgersen (Westwood) WR – The game book spells his name Borgensen. Nolan played, but did not have a catch for the Eagles.

Korab Idrizi (Bergen Catholic) TE – Idrizi had two catches for 17 yards. It’s not much, but it is a new career high for the sophomore.

Tommy Sweeney (Don Bosco) TE – Sweeney started for the Eagles and was targeted three times but was unable to come up with a reception.

Marcus Valdez (Don Bosco) DE – The freshman, who suffered the knee injury last year, did not play.

Buffalo – The Bulls fell to Minnesota 17-7 in their opener; they are at Army this week.

Wankeith Akin (Don Bosco) DB – Did not play

Tyrone Hill (Don Bosco) DB – Hill is listed on the play list, but did not record a tackle.

Brandon Manoslovas (Paramus) OL – Manoslavas got the start at right guard for the Bulls. I’m sorry, but we don’t have time to grade out his blocking.

Colgate – The Red Raiders actually started two weeks ago, beating Cal Poly, 20-14 on August 26. They host Richmond Saturday.

Zach Alsharif (Old Tappan) WR – Looking through the box score, I don’t see Zach listed. He is now a senior, having played some DB for the Red Raiders early in his career.

Keyon Washington (Paramus Catholic) – Keyon is now a senior and was All-Patriot League second-team last season, but I don’t see him as having played against Cal Poly.

Columbia – The Lions open up September 16 against Wagner

Dan DeLorenzi (Bergen Catholic) DL

Parker Tobia (Bergen Catholic) LB

Colorado – The Buffaloes took down Colorado State, 17-3. They host Texas State Saturday.

Juwann Winfree (Englewood) WR – Now listen, every kid on this list probably has a great story, but cheer for Juwann, who came back from a knee injury last year to play for the Buffs and had a catch for five yards in their win.

Juwann Winfree's Hard Work Will Pay Off for the Colorado Buffaloes in 2017

Dartmouth – The Big Green open up next Saturday (the 16th) against Stetson

Harrison Farber (Cresskill) LB

Eric Miele (Don Bosco)

Delaware – The Blue Hens took down Delaware State, 22-3, in the “First State Cup” kinda closer than the score would show. They are at Virginia Tech on Saturday.

Gene Coleman (Bergen Catholic) WR – Coleman had a 20-yard grab in the third quarter for the Blue Hens, his only catch of the game. It would help set up the game’s final TD that made it 22-3.

Mario Farinella (Bergen Catholic) OL – Looks like Mario is a DNP.

Duke – Duke clobbered North Carolina Central, 60-7. I will always remember NC Central, the Saints drafted a DB from there a long time ago, name was Robert Massey.

Joe Giles-Harris (St. Joes) LB – Not a big surprise to say that Joe led the Blue Devils in tackles against NC Central. He had eight total tackles, four solo, a sack, two tackles for loss and a pass break-up. Joe was selected a Freshman All-American by multiple publications last season. He’s a redshirt sophomore.

Georgia Tech – I missed the game, but heard it was a doozy, Tennessee knocked off the Yellow Jackets, 42-41 on Monday.

Ricky Jeune (St. Joes) WR – Jeune had another big play for the Yellow Jackets, catching two passes for 55 yards, including a 44 yard gainer in the first quarter. He was targeted two other times. Would you believe Georgia Tech had the ball for over 41 minutes and still lost? Amazing.

Holy Cross – The Crusaders were beaten by U.Conn 27-20 last week. They are at Bucknell on Saturday.

Will McGrail (Don Bosco) P – McGrail punted six times for the Crusaders for a 46.2 yard average, and boomed one 75 yards. He’s our unofficial Punter of the Week.

Corey Stefanik (Don Bosco) LB – The junior LB did play for the Crusaders, but was not credited with a tackle.

Iowa – The Hawkeyes took down Wyoming, 24-3. They are at Iowa State on Saturday at noon.

Brandon Simon (Don Bosco) DE – Was redshirted as a freshman. I don’t see his name on the box score for the opener.

James Madison – The Dukes, the reigning FCS champs, started 1-0 by beating East Carolina, 31-14. They host East Tennessee State on Saturday. They are ranked No. 1 in the nation at the FCS level.

Curtis Oliver (Paramus Catholic) LB – Oliver had three solo tackles, and was credited with a quarterback hurry against the Pirates.

Liam Fornadel (Don Bosco) OL – Listed as having played for the Dukes.

Zaire Bethea (DePaul) OL – Also listed as having played for the Dukes, but he and Fornadel did not start.

Maine – The Black Bears missed a PAT with nine minutes left and lost to No. 13 New Hampshire 24-23. They host Bryant on Saturday.

Alejandro Alvarado (Bergenfield) OL – Not listed as playing for Maine last week.

Ben Davis (Old Tappan) WR – Davis did make the play sheet, but does not have a stat.

Miami – The U whipped up on Bethune-Cookman, 41-13 and are at Arkansas State Saturday. In case you were wondering, Bethune-Cookman is at Southeastern Louisiana Saturday, Strawberry Stadium, about 40 miles from where I grew up. My Uncle Bub will be there.

Zach Feagles (Ridgewood) P – The freshman punted the ball twice, once for 51 yards and once for 47. Let’s hope he’s safe this weekend with the impending (real) Hurricane Irma.

Evidence Njoku (Wayne Hills) WR – The true freshman is not listed in the box score as having played. I wonder if he will be redshirted.

Michigan – What did you think of the maize jerseys? I never saw them. I was driving. Michigan beat Florida 33-17 in Dallas and hosts Cincinnati on Saturday in Ann Arbor.

Juwann Bushell-Beatty (Paramus Catholic) OL – Bushell-Beatty did not start, but did play for the Wolverines in the win. If I remember right, he usually was a blocker on special teams for the Wolverines.

Mike Dwumfour (DePaul) DL – The sophomore from Wayne isn’t on the play list for the opener. He did play last year against Hawaii in the opener. I was there to see that one.

Rashan Gary (Paramus Catholic) DL – Lots of hype about Rashan this season. The box score lists him as having started for the Wolverines Saturday, which I think is probably his first college start. He had two tackles, and was credited with a QB hurry.

Drew Singleton (Paramus Catholic) – Drew is wearing No. 8 for the Wolverines. I just scanned his bio, it says nothing about a knee injury. As much as I’m sure he’s healed, I would be very surprised if he’s not redshirted this year. He did not play against Florida.

Kareem Walker (DePaul) – Walker is one of three No. 6s on the Michigan roster (was that Michigan roster kerfluffle something or what?) North Jersey still waits for his first carry as a collegian.

Monmouth – The Hawks took down Lafayette 31-12 in their opener in their shiny new field. Monmouth faces Lehigh Saturday.

Pete Guerriero (Lyndhurst) RB – What a debut for the sophomore from Lyndhurst HS (he could always fly). Guerriero led the Hawks with 144 yards on 21 carries and scored twice. I know he made his coaches back in Lyndhurst extremely proud.

Lyndhurst's Guerriero back on football field at Monmouth

Erik Massey (Bergen Catholic) LB – Erik had a half a sack in the win.

Ben Hartwick (Mahwah) TE – The junior appeared in two games for the Hawks last year, and was listed on the participation list against Lafayette.

North Carolina – I think it was one of the bigger surprises of opening weekend, Cal knocked off UNC, 35-30. UNC takes on Louisville (and Lamar Jackson) Saturday.

Tommy Hatton (St. Joes) – The sophomore had a good year last year, appearing in nine games, most at left guard. He did not play against Cal in the opener.

North Carolina State – South Carolina beat the Wolfpack 35-28. NC State hosts Marshall Saturday at 6 p.m.

Louis Acceus (St. Joes) LB – Acceus is not on the play list for the Wolfpack in week 1. He’s wearing No. 10 – along with two other NC State players.

Joshua Fedd-Jackson (St. Joes) OL – Josh is on the participation list for the season opener, meaning he did get in, but it isn’t clear when or at what position.

Notre Dame – The Irish opened 1-0 by spanking Temple 49-16. They are home for Georgia Saturday night in one of the bigger games of the weekend.

Andrew Trumbetti (NV/Demarest) DL – Trumbetti had a good start to his senior season. He didn’t start (he started seven games last year), but had a quarterback hurry, and a 1.5 tackles for a loss. Hard to believe he’s a senior.

Brandon Wimbush (St. Peter’s Prep) QB – The Teaneck product finished 17-30 for 184 yards and two touchdowns making his starting debut for the Irish.

Northwestern – The Wildcats opened with a 31-20 win over Nevada. They travel to Duke on Saturday for an 11 a.m. kickoff.

Garrett Dickerson (Bergen Catholic) WR – Dickerson has always been productive for the Wildcats. In the opener, he caught 4 passes for 29 yards. Hard to believe he’s a senior as well.

Kyle Quiero (Bergen Catholic) S – I finally only have to worry about one Quiero (his brother Cam has graduated). Kyle had a big game for the Wildcats, leading them in tackles with eight, intercepting a pass, and breaking up another.

Ohio State – Yes, the Buckeyes trailed early, but was anyone really worried? Ohio State came back to stomp Indiana, 49-21. They host Oklahoma Saturday in another big game.

Kevin Feder (Don Bosco) OL – The redshirt sophomore has had foot trouble since arriving at Columbus, but may be finally healthy. I am rooting for big “6-9.” He didn’t play against Indiana. Almost wonder why they don’t find a spot for him on FG block or something.

Jordan Fuller (NV/Old Tappan) DB – My phone buzzed Saturday night after the Fuller interception. Is there anyone surprised that he’s making plays already? Fuller finished with five solo tackles for Ohio State and made one of the game’s biggest early plays. Indiana was ahead 7-3 and inside the Buckeyes 20 when Fuller picked off a pass and went back 40 yards to the plus-40. Ohio State would capitalize and kick a FG.

Navy – Last Friday night, while I was in South Carolina, Navy licked Florida Atlantic, 42-19. They will be in Annapolis Saturday to take on Tulane.

Mike Adzima (Bergen Catholic) OL – I know Mike has had some injury issues in Annapolis, and has yet to play for the Midshipmen. Only a sophomore.

Peter Nestrowitz (Paramus Catholic) OL – The true freshman did not play against Florida Atlantic.

Nebraska – The Cornhuskers had a dickens of a time with Arkansas State, before winning 43-36. They are at Oregon Saturday night.

Quayshon Alexander (DePaul) LB – Quayshon is now a redshirt freshman for the Cornhuskers. He did not play in the opener.

Penn – The Quakers open their season against Ohio Dominican on the 16th. I’ve been following football a long time, never heard of Ohio Dominican either.

Steve Farrell (Pascack Valley) WR

Austin Stapleton (St. Joes) OL

Penn State – The Nittany Lions lit up Akron, 52-0. They play Pitt on Saturday in a classic rivalry game.

Robbie Martin (St. Joes) OL – The true freshman did not play against Akron.

Corey Bolds (Paramus Catholic) DL – Ditto. Bolds didn’t play against Akron either. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were both redshirted.

Pitt – Pitt struggled, but defeated Youngstown State, 28-21. They play Penn State Saturday.

Saleem Brightwell (Paramus Catholic) LB – The redshirt sophomore made one of the biggest plays of the year last year (look him up against Clemson) and started strong against the Penguins with five total tackles, a hurry and a tackle for loss. He started at MLB.

Carter Warren (Passaic Tech) OL – The true freshman did not see action against Youngstown State. Probably the first time his team played in a game and he didn’t play in a very, very long time.

Princeton – The Tigers open up their season next Saturday against San Diego. Too bad it’s not a road trip.

Mark Fossati (St. Joe’s)

Kurt Holuba (Bergen Catholic)

Rhode Island – Lost to Central Michigan 30-27 in OT; plays Stony Brook Saturday.

Kwadir Brown (DePaul) DB
Joey Kenny (Wayne Hills) TE – Kenny, a sophomore, made one catch for 18 yards for the Rams.

William Mack (Don Bosco) LB – “LB” played, but didn’t have a stat in the book from Saturday.

Emil LaMarca (Paramus) OL – He’s a did not play.

Tyler Wipper (Paramus Catholic) LB – The Wipper did not play.

Justin Hogan (Wayne Hills) LB – Hogan had 7 tackles, including one for a loss. He also had a fumble recovery.

Isaiah Hill (Don Bosco) DB – Hill finished tied for team honors with 11 tackles, a tackle for loss, a forced fumble and a QB hurry.

Khilyni Kennedy (Paramus Catholic) LB – Kennedy was credited with one tackle for the Rams.

Raees Johnson (DePaul) OL – Raees is listed as having played.

Marcus Pantoja (Paramus Catholic) OL – Pantoja is listed as having played for the Rams.

Rutgers – The Scarlet Knights led early, but fell to Washington, 30-14 Friday night in the “War before the Shore.” They have their home opener Saturday against Eastern Michigan. The Eagles are 1-0, having beaten UNC-Charlotte last week.

David Bonagura (Ramapo) PK – The redshirt senior did not have an attempt against Washington. Post-grad transfer Andrew Harte made both PATs.

Brendan DeVera (Wayne Hills) HB – DeVera is at a TE/H-Back kind of position. He made his college debut on special teams against Washington.

Jelani Garvin (Northern Highlands) DB – The sophomore was redshirted last season and has yet to play for the Scarlet Knights.

Nakia Griffin-Stewart (Tenafly) TE – Nakia is a redshirt sophomore and he made his first collegiate reception against Washington – a 5-yard gain.

Gavin Haggerty (St. Joes) P – Gavin has yet to play for the Scarlet Knights. He’s a redshirt sophomore.

Hunter Hayek (Wayne Hills) WR – Hunter, a true freshman, did get on the field for the Scarlet Knights against Washington, but was not targeted and did not have a catch.

Tyler Hayek (Wayne Hills) WR – Tyler did not play against Washington.

Kiy Hester (St. Joe’s/DePaul) SS – Hester got the start for the Scarlet Knights and had three tackles and a pair of pass break-ups. He’s now a redshirt junior.

Jimmy Hogan (Ramapo) DL – The redshirt junior did get some action against Washington, but did not make a tackle.

Michael Maetti (Don Bosco) OL – Maetti was redshirted as a freshman, so his athletic clock just started. He did not play against Washington.

Davante McDuffie (Bergen Catholic) DB – Davante was redshirted as a junior in 2016 at Rutgers. He attended West Virginia Wesleyan before coming to Piscataway. He did not play against Washington.

Matt Sportelli (Wayne Hills) LS – My first long snapper on the list. Matt was redshirted as a freshman. He did not play against Washington.

Larry Stephens (Don Bosco) DB – One of my favorite players to cover up at Don Bosco. Larry played in three games last year before getting hurt and was redshirted. He did play against Washington on special teams.

Kevin Wilkins (St. Joes) DL – Wilkins got the start at defensive end and the big man played well coming up with three tackles, one pass break-up (get your hands up!) and a quarterback hurry.

Sacred Heart – The Pioneers clobbered Stetson 42-3 in their opener. Next up, they are at Lafayette.

Aaron Thompson (Paramus Catholic) DB – Thompson had two tackles and broke up a pass in the contest.

Brandon Ricketts (Elmwood Park) WR – Ricketts had one catch for 20 yards and is also listed on the defensive stats with an assist on a tackle, maybe a turnover or a special teams play.

Tom Jaten (Ramapo) QB – Did not play.

Noah Provenzano (West Milford) DB – Provenzano made two total tackles.

Anthony Merejo (Ridgewood) LB – Did not play.

Vincent Favorito (Pascack Hills) DE – Vincent is listed as having played, but don’t see that he contributed a stat.

Anthony Della Fave (St. Joes) OL – Anthony did play.

RJ Trimble-Edwards (Don Bosco) WR – I didn’t remember RJ until I saw his name on the play sheet. He did play for the Pioneers, but didn’t record a stat. He did play against Steton. He is now a sophomore.

Stanford – The Cardinal went out to Australia (for some reason) and clobbered Rice, 62-7. For some reason I am on the Rice SID email list. Stanford is back stateside and plays at USC Saturday – that’s a good one.

Donald Stewart (Paramus Catholic) WR – The sophomore set a career high for yards (46) and made two catches in the Cardinal victory.

Stony Brook – The Sea Wolves lost their opener to a really good South Florida team 31-17 in Tampa. Stony Brook is at Rhode Island Saturday.

Sherman Alston (Joes) RB – Sherm had one run for four yards. He ran back kicks last year, but I don’t see him listed as doing that against South Florida. He is now a senior. He led the Sea Wolves in all-purpose yards last year with 803.

Kyle Vadis (Bergen Catholic) WR – Kyle is not listed in the participation sheet for the Sea Wolves. He is a sophomore, played in one game last year.

Julius Wingate (Englewood) WR – A senior now (time really does fly) Julius played in all 11 games last year and made one start. I don’t see that he played against South Florida.

Syracuse – The Orange licked Central Connecticut State, 50-7, and host Middle Tennessee State Saturday. I work with Syracuse alums, so have to say nice things.

Daivon Ellison (Don Bosco) DB – Got used to seeing Daivon fill up the stat book last year, so I’m kinda surprised I don’t see anything listed for him. He did play though, but was not credited with a tackle.

Kyle Kleinberg (Don Bosco) TE – The junior usually shows up in the special teams, but I don’t see anything credited to him.

Tommy DeVito (Don Bosco) QB – Tommy is wearing No. 13 at Syracuse, but the true freshman has yet to make his debut.

Temple – Lost to Notre Dame 49-16 and host Villanova on Saturday.

Frank Nutile (Don Bosco) QB – I swore I saw somewhere that Frank had been seeing action in the preseason with the Owls, but he didn’t play against Notre Dame. If he had, then we would have had two North Jersey QBs in the game (Wimbush).

Benson Israel (St. Joes) OL – Looks like Benson didn’t play against Notre Dame.

Tennessee – The Vols beat Georgia Tech, 42-41 Monday night and have a short week to prepare for Indiana State Saturday.

Jarrett Guarantano (Bergen Catholic) QB – Guarantano did not play in the Vols crazy win Monday, but don’t be surprised if he makes his college debut really soon.

Virgina – The Cavaliers took down William and Mary, 28-10. They are home for Indiana on Saturday.

Hasise DuBois (DePaul) WR – Hasise did play, but was not targeted and did not have a catch for the Cavaliers.

Virginia Tech – The Hokies beat back West Virginia 31-24 on Sunday and now host Delaware on Saturday.

Billy Ray Mitchell (Paramus Catholic) OL – Billy Ray is not listed as having played for the Hokies on Sunday.

Tyrell Smith (Don Bosco) OL – Tyrell did see action against West Virginia.

Villanova – The Wildcats edged Lehigh 38-35 and take on FCS foe Temple next.

Zach Bednarczyk (DePaul) QB – As usual, Bednarczyk did plenty for the Wildcats. He finished 17-23 for 209 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air, while also rushing nine times for 73 yards and another score.

Adeyemi DaSilva (Pal Park/Leonia) WR – Looks like Adeyemi has made a position switch, going from QB to WR for the Wildcats. He’s not listed in the box score.

John Hinchen (Northern Highlands) P – Hinchen punted four times for an average of 45.5 yards with a long of 51. Looks like he also made a tackle. That’s not necessarily a good thing.

Anthony Malaguti (Don Bosco) DL – Not listed in the player participation page.

Corey Russo (Bergen Catholic) RB – Looks like he did not play.

Terrell Vassel (DePaul) DB – Terrell is listed as having played, but did not click the stat sheet.

Wagner – The Seahawks flew past Saint Anselm 37-7 in their season opener. They are at St. Francis of Pennsylvania Saturday at noon.

Dante Capurso (Ridgefield Park) LB – Not listed in the box score as having played.

Christian Correa (New Milford) RB – Him either.

Ya’sin Ali (Teaneck) DB – Or him either.

West Virginia – Lost to Virginia Tech 31-24, host East Carolina Saturday.

Jovani Haskins (Bergenfield) – Remember Jovani? I do, and his sweetheart of a mother who I met multiple times. Jovani was redshirted at Miami last year and transferred to West Virginia. He is listed as a TE/Fullback. Looks like he didn’t play against Virginia Tech, but I bet his time will come too.

Western Michigan – Lost to USC 49-31, are at Michigan State Saturday at 3:30.

Najee Clayton (Paramus Catholic) LB – Here’s another name from the past. Najee was at Rutgers and played in eight games for the Scarlet Knights before leaving the school and transferring to Western Michigan. He is a junior. I don’t see him in the box score from the USC game.