Two of the top senior football players in Union County for 2015 are both playing for Cranford.
You have lineman Will Fries, who two months ago gave Penn State a verbal commitment.
You also have returning quarterback Jack Schetelich, who opposing defenses found it rather difficult to contain him in 2014 as he guided the Cougars to a first-ever 11-0 start.
There is plenty of senior, college-bound talent in Union County once again and here with his analysis of who he views as the top 15 players for 2015 is Dennis McCarthy of his annual Dennis McCarthy Report, which goes back to 1959.
Here’s what McCarthy has to say about who he feels are Union County’s top 15 college-bound prospects for 2015:
Union should impress. They have the tools.
1-Russ Davidson, DL, New Providence (6-5-260): “So quick off the ball. Penetrates in the backfield.”
2-Will Fries, OL, Cranford (6-6, 280): “Huge, dominant offensive Penn State-lineman. Big future.”
3-Edriece Patterson, DE, Rahway (6-3, 225): “Relentless pass rusher. Strong against the run.”
4-Jack Schetelich, QB, Cranford (6-3, 190): “Versatile quarterback. Can do it all. Can throw and really run. Really smart. A field general.”
5-Noah Goldberg, WR, Dayton (6-4, 195): “Big and fast and can really run. Great hands.”
6-Charles James, OL-DL, Union (6-5, 260): “Will bulk up and be an outstanding college football player on either side of the ball with his athleticism.”
7-Andrew Liebwoitz, OL, Dayton (6-5, 270): “Very well-coached. Plays with verve.”
8-Patrick Thomas, WR, Union (6-4, 190): “Slick. Good speed. Has a height advantage over corners. Catches the ball.”
9-Tyler DaCosta, OL-DL, Brearley (6-3, 250): “Four-year starter. An offensive and defensive lineman, he might project in college as a center.”
10-Kevin Doran, OL, Cranford (6-3, 270): “Fiery bulldog. Plays in the shadows of Fries, but a good one.”
11-Caleb Holden, CB, Union (5-10, 175): “Special cover-corner. Good instincts and will hit.”
12-Rashad Pendleton, Athlete, Roselle (6-2, 185): “Athletic, big receiver. A gifted athlete.”
13-Darryl Kennedy, Athlete, Plainfield (5-10, 180): “Consummate football player on either side of the ball. Running back, safety, linebacker.”
14-Eugene Johnson, OL, Hillside (6-4, 280): “Transfer from St. Anthony, he helped Friars reach playoffs (and a state final) last year. A road grader, he clears the way. Levels opponents.”
15-Matteo DiMayorca, Summit, DE (6-5, 220): “Pass rusher. Well-coached. Good against the run.”
As far as teams go, McCarthy likes the Union Farmers.
“Union should impress,” McCarthy said. “They have all the tools.”