Delaware high school football players dish on the pros they model their game after

Throughout the season, we asked Delaware high school football players who they like to watch on Sundays.

It could be someone from their favorite team or a player at their position they try to emulate. The answers run the gamut from star Philadelphia Eagles like Jalen Hurts and AJ Brown to a little-known college cornerback.

Evan Budinger, QB, Red Lion Christian Academy: “I would say definitely Josh Allen. We have – I would say – similar height. I’m not quite as big as him. He likes to throw short passes – set ‘em up – and then launch it."

Isaac Balcerak, QB, Polytech: "Probably Jalen Hurts from the Eagles. I grew up watching them. My Dad is a Philly fan."

Simon Balcerak, WR/DB, Polytech: "Definitely AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith. I'm an Eagles fan, so I gotta go with them."

Rahshan LaMons, QB/DB, Tatnall: "Unfortunately, I really don't like the Eagles, but D'Andre Swift. Growing up, that's really been my big who I wanted to pursue and be a running back like. As shifty as he is, he has good vision, he hits the holes, he's able to catch out of the backfield. He's able to do everything that I would like to do.

"Alvin Kamara too — I can't really forget him — because of his balance. I try to work on my balance. That's what allows me to break a lot of tackles and have yards after contact."

RJ Matthews, QB, Howard: "My favorite quarterback is Jalen Hurts, but I think Patrick Mahomes is the best in the league. He works on a lot of off-platform throws, throwing off his back foot or across his body, different arm angles so I try to watch him."

Jack Chesman, OL/DL, Archmere: "I would definitely say Lane Johnson. I watch him every week on the TV. Love what he does and he does it well. I'm always thinking about how I can improve my game."

Robbie Johnson, DE, Salesianum: "I like watching Haason Reddick from the Eagles because he's an edge rusher like me. I watch a lot of his highlights and get a lot of my moves from him."

Cole Fenice, RB/LB/P, Archmere: "Linebacker-wise I really love watching Fred Warner. I think he's a great linebacker. Trying the little technique things he does is something I really pride myself on. Then running the ball, probably D'Andre Swift."

Xavier Moore, DE, Red Lion Christian Academy: "Myles Garrett. TJ Watt, he up there too."

Jack Homer, LB, Tatnall: "TJ Watt. Definitely TJ Watt. He's definitely one of the best players in the NFL, one of the best pass rushers. I remember it was either last year or a couple years ago he had a ridiculous amount of sacks in the season. I watch how he plays. I watch his highlights. I study it and it just shows me what to do. He's a bit of inspiration."

Finn Sclavounos, DE, Charter of Wilmington: "I like Nick Bosa because I'm an end. I like watching his pass rush because he's the best in the game."

Levi Martineau, OL/DL, First State Military Academy: "Aaron Donald, he's a beast. I love that man — he a dog — everything about him. I always look at how his technique is and everything and try to make it into my own."

Jalen Anderson, WR/CB, Polytech: "My favorite player is Odell Beckham. That's the main reason why I started playing receiver. I love playing receiver now because of him. I try to watch him, see what he does."

De'Jere Johnson, WR/CB, First State Military Academy: "I'd probably say Tyreek Hill. I watch Tyreek Hill's game a lot. I study his film to see how I can simulate his moves, making sure I'm getting in and out of my breaks on time."

Ryan Hagenberg, RB, Archmere: "I would say Christian McCaffrey. We have similar playing styles."

Giovanni Ramirez, RB, Red Lion Christian Academy: “Josh Jacobs. Raiders. Number 8. I definitely look at his game. Me and him are definitely like the same body build. The same shape. The way we play is similar too. That’s definitely somebody that I look at when I try to get some tips and stuff.”

RJ Moore, RB/LB, Tatnall: "I would say Marshawn Lynch. Beast mode. He doesn't go down and I can't go down. I gotta keep running and running."

John Orsini, QB, Archmere: "Prime Russell Wilson. 5'10'', really athletic guy just making the most out of his abilities with his limited size. I loved watching him when I was younger."

Damier Bryan, WR/CB, First State Military Academy: "I watch the college cornerback Kobe Bryant. He's a dog. He's long, lengthy. He can climb. He can get tackles. He's like an all-in-one."

Contact Brandon Holveck at bholveck@delawareonline.com. Follow him on X and Instagram @holveck_brandon. Follow him on Tik Tok @bholveck.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware high school football: Which pros inspire First State's best?