The annual McCarthy Report started by Dennis McCarthy in 1959 that ranks New Jersey high school football players in all four classes, including seniors that are top college prospects, continues with his son David now at the helm.
Longtime North Arlington resident Dennis McCarthy passed away in May at the age of 74. His passion for what he did for more than half a century has definitely trickled down to the work his son David continues to produce.
Here are the McCarthy Report’s Union County Top 12 college-bound senior prospects for the upcoming 2017 season:
UNION COUNTY TOP 12 SENIORS:
1-Valentino Ambrosio, placekicker, Cranford, (5-8, 150)
“Possibly the best kicker in the state. Made 46-of-46 extra point attempts and six-of-eight field goal attempts his first year with the Cougars. Longest successful field goal was 45 yards and he also produced 44 touchbacks. Played first two years at Roselle Park before transferring to Cranford last August.”
2-Naseem Daniels, linebacker, Elizabeth, (6-2, 230)
“Very instinctive, physical linebacker. Has a real nose for the football.”
3-Adam McDaniel, defensive back, Westfield, (6-0, 165)
“Played both safety and cornerback, a real ball hawk. Has a great break on the ball and a smooth back pedal.”
4-Keyshawn Cummings, wide receiver, Rahway, (5-11, 160)
“Big-play threat every time he touches the ball. Averaged 19 yards per catch, with 12 touchdowns.”
5-Antwan Spencer, linebacker, Plainfield, (6-1, 185)
“Played both idle and outside and has a real nose for the football. He’s always around the action. He hits hard and has an impressive burst to the football.”
6-Jack McCauley, center, Westfield, (6-4, 270)
“Solid run and pass blocker and pretty agile. Gets on top of linebackers and is also a good long-snapper.”
7-Andy Martin, wide receiver, Union, (5-11, 170)
“Speedy deep threat who averaged a whopping 20.3 yards per catch.”
8-Adham Khalil, guard, Roselle, (6-3, 280)
“Specializes in pancakes and has a strong initial punch. Really pushes people around.”
9-Jake Vall-Llobera, defensive end, Westfield, (6-3, 225)
“Versatile, good vs. the run and pass, and has good size potential. Very athletic.”
10-Antonio Salcfas, safety, Dayton, (6-1, 205)
“Excellent all-around athlete. Very physical, with 4.6 speed.”
11-DJ Jackson, wide receiver-punter, Summit, (6-4, 175)
“Tall receiver who can run and jump. Outstanding punter, too.”
12-Joe Turek, running back, Johnson, (6-0, 205)
“Returning 1,000-yard rusher. Heart and soul of team. Great run vision and is also a solid middle linebacker.”
McDaniel, McCauley and Vall-Llobera lead a Westfield team that will begin the 2017 with the state’s longest winning streak at 25. The Blue Devils are two-time defending North 2, Group 5 state champions and will commence their season at home vs. Linden Sept. 9.
Linden – the 2014 North 2, Group 5 state champion – was the last team that defeated Westfield, knocking the Blue Devils out of the 2014 N2, G5 playoffs with a 14-6 semifinal round win at home.