High school football: Introducing lohud's 26th annual Super 11
The lohud Super 11 is back!
The annual tradition, which began in 1998, aims to highlight the top returning 11 athletes in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam football, based on a combination of talent, production, and a projection of their impact this season.
There will be many gridiron stars born this year, but here's the unveiling of the 26th annual Super 11:
2023 lohud Super 11
Rowan Byrne
School: Iona Prep
Year: Junior
Position: OT
Height: 6-5
Weight: 295
Next level: Byrne has received offers from Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Texas A&M, Florida, Florida State, Stanford and others.
Highlights: Click here for sophomore video.
What makes Rowan a Super 11 player: Leverage. He's got a nearly 7-foot wingspan and quick feet, so he's able to deal with pass rushers of any build. Byrne, who is a top 150 recruit nationally, isn't content with simply clearing an opening for his running backs. He's focused on drive blocking opponents 10 yards down the field.
Alex Chrostowski
School: Bronxville
Year: Senior
Position: OT/DT
Height: 6-6
Weight: 285
Next level: Chrostowski has offers from UConn and New Hampshire, and is getting interest from FBS, FCS and Ivy League programs.
Highlights: Click here for junior year video.
What makes Alex a Super 11 player: An imposing and unrelenting force in the trenches, Chrostowski is a physical lineman who doesn't stop until the whistle blows. Chrostowski earned all-section honors last season, and he's primed to build off his standout sophomore season with his solid footwork, instincts and bruising nature.
Ryan Cole
School: Somers
Year: Senior
Position: LB/TE
Height: 6-2
Weight: 226
Next level: Cole has an offer from Bucknell and interest from other FCS schools.
Highlights: Click here for junior year video.
What makes Ryan a Super 11 player: He is constantly in attack mode. Cole is a powerful edge rusher who remains very much under control when he pushes into an opponent's backfield. The all-state standout made 63 tackles last fall and more than a third of them were behind the line of scrimmage.
Will Currid
School: Stepinac
Year: Senior
Position: QB
Height: 6-2
Weight: 188
Next level: Currid has interest from Brown, Marist, Trinity and Wesleyan.
Highlights: Click here for junior year video.
What makes Will a Super 11 player: The lefty is a natural leader who's comfortable in the pocket and has experienced playmakers in every direction. Currid established the Crusaders' single-season marks for completions (230) and yards (3,294) last season. The returning all-state quarterback also threw for 28 touchdowns and was picked just seven times.
Deonte Douglas
School: Stepinac
Year: Senior
Position: ATH/DB
Height: 6-0
Weight: 181
Next level: Douglas has committed to play at New Hampshire.
Highlights: Click here for junior year video.
What makes Deonte a Super 11 player: Versatility. Douglas has a habit of making things happen wherever he is on the field. He reads the situation quickly on defense, reacts with urgency, and understands the importance of finishing a tackle. Douglas had 83 tackles and three interceptions in an all-state campaign last fall.
Jaylin Hicks
School: Iona Prep
Year: Senior
Position: DL
Height: 6-4
Weight: 265
Next level: Hicks has committed to play at Minnesota.
Highlights: Click here for junior year video.
What makes Jaylin a Super 11 player: He's got well-developed twitch muscles and all kinds of moves to get into the backfield. Hicks blows up plays. Last season, he piled up 61 tackles, 24 for a loss, and six sacks. Hicks also blocked a field goal attempt.
Terron Johnson
School: Iona Prep
Year: Junior
Position: DB/WR/KR
Height: 5-11
Weight: 165
Next level: Johnson has received offers from Duke, Syracuse, Boston College, Minnesota and Stony Brook.
Highlights: Click here for sophomore year video.
What makes Terron a Super 11 player: A two-time All-American track athlete, Johnson's speed and athleticism easily translates to the gridiron and makes him a playmaker in all three facets of the game. He was only the fifth player to ever start as a freshman in Iona Prep history, and he's only gotten better with each passing season. While he's been a crucial member of the Gaels' starting lineup, he's primed to elevate his game even further.
Jake Kessner
School: Rye
Year: Junior
Position: TE/LB
Height: 6-4
Weight: 235
Next level: Kessner has interest from Duke, UConn and several Ivy League schools.
Highlights: Click here for sophomore year video.
What makes Jake a Super 11 player: There is a world of potential here. Kessner was the Garnet's leading tackler in his first varsity season and continually delivered in big moments. He is a versatile athlete who caught nine passes last year, but has the kind of hands that will deliver even more big plays on the offensive side of the ball this season.
Samuel Madu
School: Stepinac
Year: Senior
Position: CB
Height: 6-2
Weight: 170
Next level: Madu has committed to play at Minnesota.
Highlights: Click here for junior year video.
What makes Samuel a Super 11 player: He doesn't need help. Madu is a stubborn defensive back who refuses to give time and space to receivers. He's just plain sticky. Madu closes in a hurry and has become invaluable on kick coverage. He finished last year with 42 tackles.
Daniel Picart
School: Pleasantville
Year: Senior
Position: RB/WR/KR/DB
Height: 6-1
Weight: 200
Next level: Picart has committed to Richmond for lacrosse.
Highlights: Click here for junior year video
What makes Daniel a Super 11 player: He's a magician on the field, with the evasiveness, speed and athleticism to change the game at any moment. Picart is an impact player on offense, defense and special teams, with loads of highlights and accolades to go along with his noteworthy stats. He returns to the Super 11 after racking up 2,654 all-purpose yards and 26 combined rushing and receiving touchdowns last season en route to all-state, Section 1 and New York State Class B player of the year honors.
Matt Risley
School: Carmel
Year: Senior
Position: LB/FB
Height: 5-11
Weight: 180
Next level: Risley has committed to Salisbury for lacrosse.
Highlights: Click here for junior year video
What makes Matt a Super 11 player: He's the heart and soul of the Carmel defense and a catalyst for the Rams' dominance in Section 1 Class AA in recent years. A three-year starter and two-year captain, he's been Carmel's leading tackler the last couple of years. A linebacker with a high football IQ and skill, Risley is disruptive and adept at reading opposing offenses. He's a vocal leader of the defense and one that leads by example, too. Despite missing two games last season, Risley racked up 112 tackles, including 10 for loss, with three forced fumbles and was the lead blocker at fullback.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: lohud Super 11 high school football players for 2023
