New NJ.com Top 50 ranking of high school football recruits: June update (Full list) | Who made the top 10? Who’s No. 1?

NJ Advance Media presents the June 2021 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.

Tuesday marked the first day that high school football recruits were allowed in-person contact with college coaches and admittance to college football facilities across the country. Despite not having the usual body of work to assess, we’ve generated a list of New Jersey’s top high school football recruits. Find out who the state’s 50 most-highly recruited players are and where they stand heading into this new phase.

We released picks 41-50 on Tuesday, 31-40 on Wednesday, 21-30 on Thursday and 11-20 on Friday. Here are the Top 10 as we complete our countdown to No. 1.

The countdown to New Jersey’s No. 1 recruit begins ... again:

St. Joseph (Montvale, N.J.) running back Audric was New Jersey’s top high school football recruit where we left things off in January. With Estime off to South Bend, where he intends to bring his big-play ability to the Fighting Irish, the crown must change heads. But who has the ability and guts to take it?

Let’s count it down.

50. Famah Toure (6-3, 190) 2023 WR, Irvington (Undecided), Previous rank: Debut | 2023 N.J. rank: 12

Toure is a big, skilled athlete with an elite frame and strong bloodlines sure to eventually make him one of the top recruits in the region. Originally from Pleasantville, Famah is the brother of Rutgers linebacker Mohamed Toure. Rutgers, Maryland, Pitt, Temple and UMass have offered Famah thus far.

49. Z’Amir Thomas (6-2, 290) 2022 DT, St. Joseph Academy (Undecided), Previous rank: Debut | 2022 N.J. rank: 38

Thomas is a big, athletic defensive lineman with heavy hands who plays light on his feet and who will continue a strong lineage of defensive linemen at his school. He is explosive, a physical tackler and relentless pursuer of the football.

48. Damir McCrary (6-0, 190) 2022 LB/DB, Woodrow Wilson (Undecided), Previous rank: Debut | 2022 N.J. rank: 37

A three-star recruit out of Camden, McCrary has offers from Miami, Virginia Tech, Boston College and UMass per 247Sports. Nicknamed “The Hammer,” McCrary is physical, instinctive, has started every game he’s played in high school and is a team captain. It’s rare for a 14-year old freshman to join a good team and start at middle linebacker as a freshman, but that was McCrary’s path. And he’s been on a mission ever since.

47. Thomas Amankwaa (6-0, 180) 2022 DB, Hillsborough (Undecided), Previous rank: Debut | 2022 N.J. rank: 36

Amankwaa is a good-sized DB with long arms and good instincts. He has nine FBS offers, including Power Five offers from Pitt and Syracuse. His recruitment could take off with a strong camp outing or two as he runs a 4.6-second 40-yard dash and a 4.44-second shuttle according to his hudl.com page -- good metrics for a player his age/size.

46. Vince Carpenter (6-6, 287) 2022 OT, Red Bank Catholic (Undecided), Previous rank: Debut | 2022 N.J. rank: 35

The big-bodied lineman has 14 total offers -- a mix of Group of Five, Ivy League and FCS schools. He could boost that list this summer where he can showcase his ability to play in space. Carpenter was an anchor at left tackle for the Caseys last fall after transferring from Red Bank Regional.

45. LeQuint Allen (6-0, 180) 2022 RB, Millville (Syracuse), Previous rank: Returns to list | 2022 N.J. rank: 34

A Syracuse commit, Allen is related to Jacksonville Jaguars running back Ryquell Armstead. He flashes athleticism and upside on offense and defense, and picked the Orange over offers from Pitt, Rutgers, Virginia, West Virginia and Temple.

44. Jimmy Mullen (6-3, 250) 2023 Edge, St. Joseph-Montvale (Undecided), Previous rank: Debut | 2023 N.J. rank: 11

Mullen is strong, tough, physical and is developing into a force on the gridiron. And that’s not even his best sport as he’s New Jersey’s 2020 heavyweight state champ and one of the top high school wrestlers in the country. Rutgers is the first school to offer for football, but shouldn’t be the last.

43. Devin Kargman (6-3, 220) 2022 QB, Woodrow Wilson (Undecided), Previous rank: Returns to list | 2022 N.J. rank: 33

Kargman is one of the most prolific high school quarterbacks in state history and will take 20 extra pounds and 10 offers into his senior year. Despite having lots of skill talent around him in Camden, Kargman has never played behind an FBS offensive lineman. Yet, he’s been as productive as they come, breaking various state and team records throughout his career.

Kargman has good arm strength, he’s accurate and throws with anticipation. He also has a quick release, is makes good decisions with the football, despite coming off a year when he didn’t do those things as well as he usually does. His coach, Preston Brown, believes Kargman will grow into an NFL quarterback and play on Sundays.

42. Nick Alvarado (6-0, 190) 2022 DB, Union City (Undecided), Previous rank: Debut | 2022 N.J. rank: 32

Pitt, Boston College and Virginia Tech stand out among a list of 11 offers for Alvarado, one of the most underrated players in the state. Not only is he tough, physical and can play inside the box, but he can open up, turn and run with receivers, too. Alvarado will play his final high school season closer to home at Union City after spending his first three years in Ramsey at Don Bosco.

41. Justin Jenkins (6-2, 280) 2022 DT, Irvington (Undecided), Previous rank: Returns to list | 2022 N.J. rank: 31

Jenkins earned some massive offers early in his high school career -- Texas A&M, Virginia Tech -- but it’s unclear which schools he’s in contact with now. However, one thing is clear: His latest offer arrived by way of North Carolina State on March 22.

Jenkins is one of the most dominant wrestler-slash-defensive linemen in-state, built with power, leverage and quickness. The skills he’s gained through one-on-one competition in wrestling translate to football and have helped him stand out heading into his final year.

40. Marcus Johnson (6-3, 220) 2022 Edge, Camden (Undecided), Previous rank: Debut | 2022 N.J. rank: 30

Johnson should continue to cause havoc at defensive end, but for a new school after transferring from Wilson to cross-town rival, Camden. Boston College, Western Michigan, Old Dominion and Toledo were named as his top four on May 30 while Virginia Tech, East Carolina, Central Michigan and Temple have also offered.

39. Pat Caughey (6-5, 235) 2022 TE, Delbarton (Undecided), Previous rank: Debut | 2022 N.J. rank: 29

Rutgers, Arizona State, West Virginia, Wake Forest and Buffalo have offered the two-way end thus far. He’ll take an official visit to Wake Forest on June 14, where ex-teammate and fellow end Will Smart plays. The Demon Deacons like Caughey more on defense as he can lock-out and set an edge. Caughey hopes to pick his school by “late June or early July.”

38. Kyle Louis (6-0, 195) 2022 DB, East Orange (Undecided), Previous rank: Debut | 2022 N.J. rank: 28

It feels like East Orange has a breakout athlete each year and its 2022 class is no different. Louis is a thick, athletic versatile defender with six offers, featuring FBS schools Penn State, Pitt and Maryland. He will take an official visit to Pitt, which offered on April 16, beginning June 10. He’s played everything from defensive end to outside linebacker to nickel cornerback to free safety for his high school team, showcasing his big skillset.

37. James Heard Jr. (6-2, 210) 2023 Edge, Eastern (Undecided), Previous rank: 45 | 2023 N.J. rank: 10

Heard made 25 stops (20 solo), 6.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks in three games in 2020. Nebraska, Penn State, Rutgers, Maryland, Texas A&M, West Virginia, Virginia Tech and Temple have offered thus far. A backfield disruptor, Heard followed-up a quiet performance at the Roman’s Soldiers Showcase with a defensive end MVP at the Baltimore Under Armour All-America camp last month.

36. Owen Anderson (6-4, 235) 2022 TE, The Hun School (Illinois), Previous rank: Debut | 2022 N.J. rank: 27

Anderson committed to Illinois on April 28 over offers from Georgia Tech, UMass, Buffalo and others, and will take his official visit to the school on June 4. Bret Bielema is known for utilizing two-and-three tight end personnel, which lured Anderson to Champaign, after receiving his offer on March 15. Anderson originally picked Monmouth as a 2021 prospect, but earned Power Five offers, beginning with Michigan State, after reclassifying to the Hun’s 2022 class.

35. Avery Powell (5-10, 170) 2022 CB, St. Peter’s Prep (Undecided), Previous rank: 34 | 2022 N.J. rank: 26

Powell is an athletic, explosive, versatile play-maker, who can stop and start, tackle and also stands out on special teams. Most importantly, he has elite feet and ability to transition, making him one of the top N.J. cover corners in his class. According to 247Sports, Powell has received 35 offers -- the latest from Colorado in January. Mississippi, Ole Miss, Nebraska, Penn State and Wisconsin are listed as his favorite schools heading into his summer decision.

34. Kanye Udoh (6-0, 210) 2022 RB, St. Augustine Prep (Undecided), Previous rank: 40 | 2022 N.J. rank: 25

A three-star back who plays in Richland, Udoh is an explosive, physical ball carrier who can finish off the run. He’s a space player with good leg drive, who’s a threat to score any time he hits a hole with a full head of steam. West Virginia was rumored to have led at one point, but Udoh has remained untethered to a school thus far.

33. Zion Cheeks (6-2, 190) 2022 LB, Penns Grove (Cincinnati), Previous rank: Debut | 2022 N.J. rank: 24

Cheeks picked up-and-coming Cincinnati on Feb. 24 over Power Five offers from Boston College, Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Syracuse, and other Group of Five and FCS schools. He’s rated three-stars and has been utilized mostly as a pass rusher off the edge, but has the anticipation and quickness to cover down the field and play in space, which he showcased at the Pylon 7-on-7 in Orlando in April.

32. Denis Jaquez (6-4, 240) 2022 DE, St. Augustine (Undecided), Previous rank: 38 | 2022 N.J. rank: 23

Jaquez has looked good early this camp season after sustaining a lower body injury toward the end of last year. He boasts 20 offers, including Power Five options Boston College, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, Rutgers, Maryland and Wake Forest. However, the Hokies are trending after shifting the rising senior’s recruitment to new defensive line coach J.C. Price. He plans to return to Blacksburg this month after sneaking in a visit prior to the dead period.

31. D.J. Samuels (6-0, 240) 2023 Edge, Bergen Catholic (Undecided), Previous rank: Debut | 2023 N.J. rank: 9

Samuels is arguably New Jersey’s top returning pass rusher heading into the 2021 season, which he’s showcased both on the field last year and throughout the camp circuit this year. Heavy hitters like Michigan, Ole Miss and Penn State have offered, as well as in-state Rutgers, Boston College, Virginia, Syracuse and Temple.

30. Q’yaeir Price (6-1, 245) 2022 Edge, DePaul Catholic (Undecided), Previous rank: 37 | 2022 N.J. rank: 22

Price is coming off a strong performance at the Under Armour Baltimore camp and has official visits scheduled to Syracuse and West Virginia this month. Boston College and Rutgers have also continued to recruit the three-star edge disruptor. His motor and athletic ability stand out as he can play off the edge, standing up off the line of scrimmage, inside with his hand on the ground or even in coverage.

29. Marco Lainez (6-3, 220) 2023 QB, The Hun School (Undecided), Previous rank: Debut | 2023 N.J. rank: 8

Lainez is the top quarterback in New Jersey’s 2023 class and one of the hottest in the region, holding early Power Five offers from Michigan State, Illinois, Iowa, Louisville, Pitt and West Virginia. He can fit multiple systems as he’s not just a pocket passer but is athletic enough to run the football. He’s strong, has a live arm, good footwork, mechanics and he’s a hard worker.

28. Ejani Shakir (6-0, 175) 2023 WR, Pennsauken (Undecided), Previous rank: 46 | 2023 N.J. rank: 7

Ranked a four-star recruit by 247Sports.com, Shakir is a natural play-making wide receiver as productive as any pass catcher in the state. He heads into his junior year with double digit FBS offers, including Rutgers, Florida State, Boston College, Miami, Nebraska, Pitt and West Virginia.

27. David Siegel (6-6, 285) 2022 PG OL, The Hun (Undecided), Previous rank: Debut | 2022 N.J. rank: 21

Siegel will play a postgraduate year at the Hun this fall, after migrating from New Canaan high school in Connecticut. He has offers from Vanderbilt, Louisville, Georgia Tech and will visit Penn State this week. Siegel should earn offers wherever he works out. Not only does he have good size, but he’s twitchy, has quick feet and a 6-11 wingspan. Siegel is a top 10-type recruit without the offer list. But it’s coming.

26. A’Khoury Lyde (5-10, 170) 2022 CB, DePaul Catholic (Undecided), Previous rank: Debut | 2022 N.J. rank: 20

A three-star recruit, Lyde has 17 offers, including Boston College and Wisconsin which are trending. His latest offer came from Louisville on May 18 and he has official visits set for Wisconsin on June 4 and Boston College on June 18. Lyde has a strong work ethic and comes from a long line of good athletes from Paterson. He boasts good balls skills, can really cover and is a physical tackler. He’s also a dangerous punt returner and strong student who comes from a good family.

25. Nyair Graham (6-1, 210) 2022 LB, Woodrow Wilson (Maryland), Previous rank: 35 | 2022 N.J. rank: 19

Graham transferred to rival Woodrow Wilson from Camden this offseason where he will play out his senior year. He picked Maryland on Dec. 5, 2020 over 16 other offers. Graham was recruited by ex-Rutgers wide receivers coach Henry Baker. He’s a scrappy, high-motor, downhill linebacker who has also improved in space after playing on the 7-on-7 circuit so long.

24. Donovan Leary (6-2, 190) 2022 QB, Timber Creek (Illinois), Previous rank: 47 | 2022 N.J. rank: 18

Leary picked Illinois on March 29, two weeks after receiving the offer, and will take his official visit there on June 4. He has a huge arm but can also tuck it and run. Leary threw for 996 yards and 5 TDs (to 7 INTs) for the 3-4 Chargers in 2020, connecting on 83-of-162 passes for a 62.7 quarterback rating. He also rushed for 33 yards and two additional scores. His older brother, Devin, was a starting QB at N.C. State.

Donovan finished second in overall testing among all quarterbacks to attend Rivals camp in New Jersey after posting a .37-second release time, 47.8 miles per hour of velocity, 817 RPMs (the spin rate) and 68 percent spiral efficiency.

23. Adon Shuler (6-1, 190) 2023 ATH, Irvington (Undecided), Previous rank: Debut | 2023 N.J. rank: 6

Shuler is an athletic, up-and-coming athlete with the size and the ability to press a receiver at the line of scrimmage, sit in his hip pocket, and cover him down the field. Despite being so young, he’s humble, a quick learner and coachable. Twelve schools have offered thus far, including Notre Dame, Florida, Penn State and West Virginia.

22. Kahlil Ali (6-1, 190) 2023 DB, Pennsauken (Undecided), Previous rank: 44 | 2023 N.J. rank: 5

Ali is a big, explosive DB and brother of Kareem Ali (23 offers in 2015), who ended his college career at Western Michigan after starting at Temple. Kahlil is bigger than his brother and has greater upside. Ali already has 13 offers, including Florida State, Maryland, Boston College, Miami and Michigan State. He caught 25 passes for 550 yards and eight scores and made 36 tackles in 2020.

21. Matt Fries (6-5, 285) 2022 OL, Cranford (Undecided), Previous rank: NR | 2022 N.J. rank: 17

Fries is an explosive, talented, underrated offensive lineman who plays with a flat back and a meaner streak than his older brother, Will, who was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts last month after appearing in 48 games at Penn State. More than 20 teams have offered Matt heading into his senior year.

20. Amari Clark (6-1, 205) 2022 DB, Woodrow Wilson (Maryland), Previous rank: 48 | 2022 N.J. rank: 16

Clark has been committed to the Terps since August 8, 2020. He’s a thick, physically built receiver, which allows him to win on 50-50 balls thrown down the field. He also uses that size to create separation and gets off the line of scrimmage quickly, helping move the chains for his offense. And he’s a big hitter on defense.

19. Jasire Peterson (6-4, 275) 2023 DE, Union City (Rutgers), Previous rank: Debut | 2023 N.J. rank: 4

Peterson is ranked a four-star recruit. When his coach, Wilbur Valdez, suggested to Rutgers tight ends coach Nunzio Campanile and running backs coach Augie Hoffmann that they recruit his explosive two-way sophomore, head coach Greg Schiano signed off. Peterson committed to Rutgers, on Jan. 18, on the spot.

18. Eric King (6-3, 300) 2023 OL/DL, St. Peter’s Prep (Undecided), Previous rank: Debut | 2023 N.J. rank: 3

King has a mature, muscular frame despite being new to lifting weights and learning to play offense last year. It’s striking how effortless his one-on-one reps at the Roman’s Soldiers Showcase were. He showed good anticipation, feet, and the ability to anchor down and finish with leverage, earning him the offensive line bronze medal that day. Now, he’s one of the top rising juniors in the region.

17. Andre Oben (6-4, 285) 2022 OL, St. Peter’s Prep (Undecided), Previous rank: Debut | 2022 N.J. rank: 15

In camp settings, Oben displays good feet and a competitive edge that brings energy to the OL/DL one-on-ones. He usually takes the toughest assignments off the edge and holds his own despite edge rushers carrying less size and having the quickness advantage. Andre is the son of former New York Giants offensive lineman Roman Oben and brother of Duke defensive end RJ Oben. His offer list, which includes Purdue and Syracuse as his only Power Five offers, doesn’t reflect his ability nor upside.

16. JoJo Bermudez (5-10, 170) 2022 WR, Cedar Creek (Rutgers), Previous rank: Debut | 2022 N.J. rank: 14

Bermudez might not be the biggest player on this list, but he’s one of the top space players in region. He’s a playmaker who loves to compete and impact games from various roles on both sides of the ball. He boasts elite speed, quickness, ball skills, and is an electric wide receiver with glue for hands and an elite return game.

15. Nelson Monegro (6-7, 285) 2022 OL, Union City (Rutgers), Previous rank: 24 | 2022 N.J. rank: 13

Monegro is built like the prototypical blue-chip offensive linemen you see throughout the country. However, he just began playing football after arriving in the U.S. from the Dominican Republic as a teenager. Hence, he’s just scratching the surface. Monegro is built really long, he’s athletic, and can move and bend. Plus, he works really hard at his craft. In Monegro, Rutgers offensive line coach Andrew Aurich has an elite lump of clay to mold into a Big Ten impact player.

14. Joe De Croce (6-6, 290) 2022 OL, Northern Valley Regional (Rutgers), Previous rank: 36 | 2022 N.J. rank: 12

De Croce is a big, strong technically-sound offensive lineman who has returned to Northern Valley after a year at Don Bosco in Ramsey. He will play his college ball at Rutgers, the school his father attended. Vanderbilt was first to offer on July 31 of 2020, followed by Boston College, Buffalo, and Louisville over the next few months. Then Rutgers offered on Nov. 11 joined by Maryland and UConn which offered right around the same time. De Croce has been a top regional recruit ever since.

13. Alex Bauman (6-4, 225) 2022 Edge, Red Bank Catholic (Undecided), Previous rank: Debut | 2022 N.J. rank: 11

Bauman is a tall, athletic, multi-sport athlete who also stands out on the hardwood and track and field. On the gridiron, he plays tight end and defensive end equally well and impacts games from both sides of the ball. It’s that versatility that has a few teams quietly courting this underrated stud, who has scored double-digit offers, including Power Five opportunities from Notre Dame -- where his older brother, Kevin, plays -- Rutgers and Wake Forest.

12. Davison Igbinosun (6-3, 190) 2022 DB, Union (Undecided), Previous rank: 39 | 2022 N.J. rank: 10

Igbinosun has great length and upside. He’s a competitor who stays in phase when covering down the field. He’s also a good tackler, transitions well, competes for the football at his high-point and has great feet for a player so long. His older brother, Desmond, signed to Rutgers on Dec. 16 over 20 other schools. Rutgers, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Notre Dame are just some of his top options.

11. Steve Angeli (6-3, 215) 2022 QB, Bergen Catholic (Notre Dame), Previous rank: 20 | 2022 N.J. rank: 9

A four-star recruit, Angeli committed to Notre Dame on March 4 over 22 other offers, and will take his official visit on June 18. An elite athlete with good size, Angeli continues to progress as a passer, throwing with greater touch and anticipation than he ever has. He’ll take those tools to South Bend next year.

The Top 10

10. Peter Delaportas (6-4, 205) 2022 QB, Jefferson Township (Boston College), Previous rank: 18 | 2022 N.J. rank: 8

Delaportas is the top ranked in-state quarterback in a stacked quarterback class due to his elite frame, tools and upside. He’s also a high-level wrestler which lends to his toughness and leadership abilities. Delaportas transferred to Jefferson Township this offseason, closer to his home, for his senior campaign. He’ll bide his time there before ascending to Boston College in January.

9. Kenny Fletcher (6-4, 215) 2022 DE, Delran (Rutgers), Previous rank: 17 | 2022 N.J. rank: 7

A four-star recruit per Rivals.com, Fletcher is a versatile multi-sport athlete who is still growing and just reaching the surface of his ability. He had 21 tackles, seven for a loss, 11 quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and batted pass in four games in 2020. Offensively, he caught 23 passes for 350 yards and a touchdown. His long reception went for 48 yards. He even returned two kickoffs for an average of 21 yards. He’ll be used as a disruptive defensive force off the edge at Rutgers.

8. Taj White (6-5, 295) 2022 OL, Hudson Catholic (Rutgers), Previous rank: 15 | 2022 N.J. rank: 6

White has proven on the camp circuit that he loves competition and that he’s one of the biggest dogs in New Jersey’s 2022 class. Not only is he tough, physical and can play mean, but he gets more and more technical each week which reduces wasted movement, allowing him to be efficient. White has the type of attitude and work ethic coaches want in players who do their work in the trenches. Rutgers got a good one.

7. Trent McGaughey (6-3, 225) 2022 TE, St. Peter’s Prep (Undecided), Previous rank: Debut | 2022 N.J. rank: 5

McGaughey is a supplant from Texas, where he became a top nationally recruited tight end and helped his team to a 16-0 record and the Texas 5A D-I state championship as a sophomore. He’s been offered by 40 schools, according to 247Sports.com, with Auburn, LSU, Miami, USC, Ole Miss, Florida, Baylor and Arkansas some of his biggest Power Five opportunities. He’ll take his talents to Jersey City and Rich Hansen Jr. for his final high school campaign. His father, Thomas, is a New York Giants assistant coach. Hence, the shift to Jersey City.

The race for No. 1

6. K.J. Miles (6-3, 290) 2022 DT, St. Peter’s Prep (Undecided), Previous rank: 28 | 2022 N.J. rank: 4

Miles is a big, strong, heavy-handed defensive tackle who made big strides on the field in 2020. A two-way lineman who flashes big-time potential, Miles is one of the most highly-recruited interior players in the country due to his high ceiling and upside. His younger brother, Xavier, a 6-3, 315-pound defensive tackle, is a rising junior poised to join his brother as one of the region’s best.

5. Jayden Bellamy (6-0, 175) 2022 DB, Bergen Catholic (Undecided), Previous rank: 50 | 2022 N.J. rank: 3

Bellamy has been New Jersey’s hottest recruit over the last two months, after earning offers from Michigan, LSU and Clemson. Now, he has just about every big offer you can think of. Bellamy has official visits set for Penn State on June 11, Notre Dame on June 18 and Ohio State on June 25. A Rutgers legacy whose father, Jay, played 14 years in the NFL, Bellamy took an unofficial visit to the school on Wednesday and is a top target for Greg Schiano and Fran Brown.

4. Chase Bisontis (6-5, 290) 2023 OL, Don Bosco (Undecided), Previous rank: 10 | 2023 N.J. rank: 2

Bisontis has an elite frame, athleticism and experience. He’s already a two-year starter despite having another two years of high school ball to play. And he’s done it in the Big North, one of the top high school football conferences in the country. So it’s no wonder he’s gained national attention and offers from Rutgers, Alabama, Auburn, Michigan, Miami, Maryland, Ohio State, Penn State, Pitt, Boston College, West Virginia, Virginia, Syracuse and others.

3. Sydir Mitchell (6-5, 350) 2023 DL, Bergen Catholic (Undecided), Previous rank: 9 | 2023 N.J. rank: 1

Mitchell is a big dancing bear who has put in the work throughout the offseason, adding technique to his arsenal, which already included speed-to-power moves. Usually, recruits the size of Mitchell end up playing offensive line, but he has the developing skillset and foot quickness to dominate the defensive interior like a bull in a china shop, and is on pace to become the top in-state player in his class.

2. Jaeden Gould (6-3, 190) 2022 DB, Bergen Catholic (Undecided), Previous rank: 16 | 2022 N.J. rank: 2

A Rutgers legacy, Gould has fielded Power Five offers since his freshman year and has never waned as one of New Jersey’s premiere recruits. He has over 40 scholarship offers and is on an official visit to USC. He’ll take one to Penn State -- where he’s trended over the last two weeks -- on June 11. Rutgers has also been involved with Gould, who lives 15 minutes away in Franklin, and has yet to schedule an official visit to the school.

Rutgers has the top recruit in New Jersey

1. Jacob Allen (6-6, 290) 2022 DL, The Hun (Rutgers), Previous rank: 8 | 2022 N.J. rank: 1

A 6-6, 293-pound four-star offensive tackle, Allen holds more than 40 scholarship offers, including from Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Florida, LSU, Miami, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Ole Miss and Texas A&M. Now, he’s a Scarlet Knight, and the top local prospect to pick the school. Greg Schiano also gets the top player on his recruiting board after also accomplishing that feat in April when Kentucky quarterback Gavin Wimsatt joined the cause. The last No. 1 prospect from the state to pick Rutgers was St. John Vianney (Holmdel, N.J.) offensive lineman Micah Clark in 2017.

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Todderick Hunt may be reached at thunt@njadvancemedia.com.