Newsday's top 100 high school football players for 2022
St. Anthony’s quarterback Dante Torres. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
Newsday's annual list of the top 100 high school football players on Long Island heading into the season, listed alphabetically.
Michael AbiAoun, West Hempstead, FB/MLB, 5-11, 240, Sr.
He will be the catalyst for the Rams’ defense. AbiAoun recorded 65 tackles and two forced fumbles last season.
Dean Aquilina, Chaminade, DE, 6-3, 260, Sr.
Aquilina had 50 tackles, 16 solo and 14 for a loss, and delivered six sacks last season. He’s a Division I recruit.
Ryan Amato, Floyd, OG/DT, 6-0, 295, Sr.
A rare four-year starter for Floyd and a standout two-way lineman.
(Clockwise from top left) Ryan Amato of Floyd, Jack Archer of Garden City, Tommy Azzara of Smithtown East, Dylan Braithwaite of Holy Trinity and Charlie Battaglia of Chaminade.
Jack Archer, Garden City, WR/DB, 5-11, 180, Sr.
The multi-sport standout will be a key fixture on offense and defense for the Trojans.
Tom Azzara, Smithtown East, QB, 5-11, 175, Sr.
The team captain passed for 1,023 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior.
Charlie Battaglia, Chaminade, LB, 6-1, 215, Sr.
Battaglia made 92 tackles, including 32 solo and 13 for a loss, and had three sacks last season. The captain is a Division I prospect.
Kwasi Bonsu, Baldwin, RB/DL, 5-11, 215. Sr.
He had 32 tackles, including 17.5 tackles for a loss, and five sacks.
Dylan Braithwaite, Holy Trinity, WR/DB, 5-11, 175, Sr.
Braithwaite has verbally committed to Rutgers. The second-year starter made 25 receptions for 595 yards — good for 23.6 yards per catch — and eight touchdowns last season.
Irvin Briggs IV, Holy Trinity, OT/DE, 6-4, 260, Sr.
He has verbally committed to UConn after posting 43 tackles, including eight for a loss, and 3.5 sacks last season when he earned CHSFL AA-II Lineman of the Year. The third-year starter also made 28 pancake blocks.
Josiah Brown, Holy Trinity, WR/DB, 6-1, 170, Jr.
Brown is ranked first among players from New York on ESPN’s list of the top 300 recruits in the Class of 2024, and he’s received numerous offers from FBS schools. The third-year starter averaged 32.9 yards on 16 receptions last season, with five for touchdowns.
(From left) Anthony Byron of Baldwin, Norman Brown of Malverne and Josiah Brown of Holy Trinity.
Norman Brown, Malverne, RB/LB, 5-9, 195, Sr.
He looks to provide a strong running game for the Mules. Brown rushed for 525 yards and five touchdowns on 80 carries last season.
Anthony Byron, Baldwin, RB/DB, 5-8, 175, Sr.
Byron rushed for 700 yards and nine touchdowns last season, including 208 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries in a victory over Sewanhaka. He also made 33 tackles last season.
Nicky Cairo, Oceanside, WR/RB/DB, 5-7, 150, Sr.
He will contribute in nearly every aspect of the offense. Last season, Cairo had 308 yards on 48 carries and four touchdowns and added 15 receptions for 191 yards and four more touchdowns. He also had 26 tackles.
Sal Calderone, West Islip, RB/LB, 5-10, 215, Sr.
A three-year starter, Calderone has been one of his team’s leading tacklers over the last two years.
Sean Cannon, Kellenberg, WR/S/K, 6-2, 190, Sr.
Cannon made 70 tackles and three interceptions last season. He also had 22 receptions for 308 yards and one touchdown.
Matt Cargiulo, Manhasset, QB/SS, 6-3, 200, Sr.
Cargiulo passed for 780 yards and six scores and rushed for 1,090 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. He also made 74 tackles, including 22 for a loss, with five interceptions.
Chris Carson, Lindenhurst, WR/LB, 6-2, 195, Sr.
He's a four-year starter and an outstanding player on both sides of the ball. One of Long Island’s top receivers.
Nasir Carroll, Center Moriches, WR/DB, 5-9, 150, Sr.
A dynamic offensive weapon, Carroll accumulated 575 yards and 10 total touchdowns last season.
Lucas Chang, West Babylon, OL/DL, 6-3, 250, Sr.
He played in only six games as a junior and had 35 tackles and six sacks and blocked a kick.
Louca Charalambous, Half Hollow Hills East, OL, 6-4, 250, Sr.
He is a strong and agile player for the T-Birds. He was a finalist for the Zellner Award, given to Suffolk’s top lineman, as a junior.
Carson Ciancuielli, St. Anthony’s, LT, 6-0, 270, Sr.
He is equally adept at both run and pass blocking, according to Friars coach Joe Minucci. The second-year starter at left tackle can play all five spots on the offensive line.
Brady Clark, Bayport-Blue Point, QB/DB, 6-2. 200, Sr.
He threw for 1,964 yards and 19 touchdowns and ran for 575 yards and 12 more scores, leading the Phantoms to the Suffolk IV title game last season. He will pitch at St. John’s.
(Clockwise from top left) Brady Clark of Bayport-Blue Point, Chris Carson of Lindenhurst, Matthew Dieguez of Chaminade, Nick Cupelli of Wantagh and Matt Cargiulo of Manhasset.
Tim Cleary, Northport, OL/LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.
A leader on both sides of the ball, Cleary had 98 tackles last season.
Andrew Cresciullo, Garden City, OL/DL, 6-3, 290, Sr.
Cresciullo is an imposing force and tough to move at the line of scrimmage. He also serves as a key protector on the offensive side.
Nick Cupelli, Wantagh, RB/LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.
A three-year starter, Cupelli amassed over 1,000 rushing yards and scored 15 touchdowns, and made 54 tackles last season.
Eddie D'Avanzo, Massapequa, OL/DL, 5-9, 240, Sr.
The quarterback of the offensive line at center and a big, tough defensive tackle, D’Avanzo controls the middle of the field for the defending Long Island Class I champions.
Jordyn Davis, Uniondale, OL/DL, 5-10, 270, Sr.
He had 28 tackles, six sacks and two forced fumbles in eight games last season. He is a force on the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.
Matthew Dieguez, Chaminade, QB, 6-1, 190, Sr.
Dieguez has looked exceptional in the preseason as the starter, according to Flyers coach Kevin Dolan. He threw for 379 yards and six touchdowns while splitting time last season. He is committed to play baseball at Fordham.
Mason Dietrich, Chaminade, C, 6-4, 275, Sr.
Dietrich is the anchor of the Flyers’ offensive line and a team leader. The second-year starter has received offers from Lehigh and Marist.
James Dowd, Rocky Point, RB/LB, 6-0, 220, Jr.
He racked up 54 tackles, including four for a loss, and one sack in seven games as a sophomore.
Korey Duff Jr., St. Anthony’s, WR, 6-5, 210, Jr.
The first-team Newsday All-Long Island selection piled up 700 receiving yards and caught five touchdowns last season. He has numerous offers from FBS schools.
Nick El-Chami, Bethpage, OL/DL, 6-2, 260, Sr.
A big and physical presence who has great footwork. The former soccer player anchors both lines.
Stevie Finnell, Garden City, WR/DB, 6-2, 195, Sr.
A big, physical receiver and cornerback, the athletic Finnell creates plays all over the field for the defending Long Island Class II champions.
(Clockwise from top left) Stevie Finnell of Garden City, Korey Duff of St. Anthony's, Ryan Fountain of Massapequa and Nick Gaffney of Ward Melville.
Ryan Fountain, Massapequa, WR/DB, 5-11, 175, Sr.
He had 623 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns and added 231 rushing yards and two scores last season. One of the top playmakers on Long Island, Fountain had two touchdowns in Massapequa’s Long Island Class I championship win and two in the Nassau final.
Chris Franzese, Glenn, QB, 6-3, 215, Sr.
Franzese rushed for over 500 yards and threw for over 600 yards while scoring 15 touchdowns last season.
Nick Gaffney, Ward Melville, RB/S, 6-0, 190, Sr.
Gaffney rushed for 1,351 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.
Bobby Galindo, South Side, OL/DL, 6-3, 285, Jr.
The big, physical lineman will lead a Cyclones team moving from Conference III to II.
William Gambino, Westhampton, QB, 5-11, 150, Jr.
Gambino threw for 1,050 yards and 10 touchdowns in just four full games as a sophomore.
Trevor Gayron, Farmingdale, RB/LB, 6-3, 210, Sr.
His size and hitting ability make him one of the top linebackers in the area. He was a defensive leader as Farmingdale reached the Nassau Class I semifinals last season.
(Clockwise from top left) Trevor Gayron of Farmingdale, William Gambino of Westhampton, Anthony Gentile of Plainedge, Devon Gonzalez of Glen Cove and D'Angelo Gordon of Freeport.
Anthony Gentile, Plainedge, WR/DB, 5-11, 190, Sr.
He caught 13 passes for 218 yards and contributed as a tremendous blocker on the perimeter last season. Gentile was named captain for the defending champions.
John Giannotti, East Rockaway, RB/DB, 5-8, 155, Sr.
He was a force in all three phases last season. Giannotti rushed for 657 yards and six touchdowns on 109 carries and returned two kicks for touchdowns. He also had 19 tackles, seven passes defensed and one interception.
Devon Gonzalez, Glen Cove, RB/LB, 5-11, 230, Soph.
He ran for 636 yards and five touchdowns on 63 carries as a freshman.
Dylan Goodman, Roslyn/Friends Academy, QB/WR, 5-10, 165, Sr.
He had 25 receptions for 626 yards and nine touchdowns last season. His athleticism allows him to line up all over the field as he will split plays between quarterback and wide receiver.
D'Angelo Gordon, Freeport, QB/DB, 5-10, 175, Jr.
The dual-threat quarterback is just as strong with his arm as his legs. He passed for eight touchdowns and rushed for eight scores last season. Gordon passed for 719 yards and ran for another 740.
Tyler Hall, Sachem North, RB/LB, 5-8, 195, Sr.
Hall rushed for 843 yards and six touchdowns last season.
Dylan Harris, Floyd, RB/LB, 6-0, 202, Sr.
He was an impact two-way player last season, rushing for 1,338 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also made 42 tackles.
LaDuke Harris, Floyd, QB/OLB, 5-11, 180, Sr.
He is a three-year starter at quarterback and the key to a Colonials' run at a crown. He also had 51 tackles last season.
From left, LaDuke Harris of Floyd, Josh Isaacs of Half Hollow Hills East and Tyler Hall of Sachem North.
Mason Hauser, Longwood, TE/LB, 6-2, 223, Sr.
A two-way impact player for the Lions. He had 25 pancake blocks and 47 tackles as a junior.
Will Henry, Syosset, OL/DL, 6-3, 190, Sr.
His size creates havoc at defensive end and he also looks to help anchor an offensive line for a Syosset team that reached the Nassau Class I semifinals last season.
Noah Hebberd, Westhampton, OG/DT, 6-0, 250, Sr.
A starter on both sides of the ball for three years, Hebberd recorded five sacks last season while imposing his will on the offensive line.
Rocco Hogan, MacArthur, RB/DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.
Hogan had 70 tackles last season for the Nassau Class II finalists and is set to take on a larger role on offense this fall.
Jason Hunt, Bellport, WR/DE, 6-1,195, Sr.
Hunt excelled on defense last season with 89 tackles and seven sacks.
Josh Isaacs, Half Hollow Hills East, RB/TE/LB, 6-2, 245, Sr.
He had 85 tackles and five sacks last season and is also an outstanding blocking tight end.
Owen Johansen, Northport, QB, 6-2, 215, Sr.
The captain passed for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns and added 230 rushing yards and a score last season. He also had 58 tackles, a sack and an interception in only four games.
Nicholas La Rosa, North Shore, RB/OLB, 6-0, 205, Sr.
One of the top playmakers in the county, he recorded 864 rushing yards, 147 receiving yards and 16 total touchdowns for last year’s Long Island Class IV champions. La Rosa also provided a spark on defense with 90 tackles and four sacks.
Kaiden Lewis, Islip, RB/S, 5-11, 180, Sr.
Lewis rushed for 626 yards and six touchdowns on 60 carries last season. He also had 53 tackles and two interceptions.
Peter Liotta, North Shore, QB/S, 5-9, 160, Sr.
Liotta passed for 325 yards and five touchdowns and returned a punt for a touchdown last season. Liotta did most of his damage on the ground, rushing for 639 yards and six touchdowns on 81 carries.
Shane Longin, Harborfields, QB/S, 6-0, 170, Sr.
He threw for 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns and added 325 rushing yards and six scores as a junior.
Logan Lyson, Oceanside, TE/WR/LB, 6-4. 230, Jr.
He had 64 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble last season. He added 21 receptions for 330 yards and seven touchdowns. He has offers from UPenn, Brown, Sacred Heart and Central Connecticut, according to coach Rob Blount.
Dennis Matich, Floral Park, RB/LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.
He made 117 tackles and was a strong blocking back on offense last season.
Scott McConville, Kings Park, WR/TE/ILB, 6-2, 200, Sr.
A four-year starter at inside linebacker, McConville’s combination of speed and physicality allow him to make an impact on both sides of the ball.
Dwayne Meadors, Hempstead, RB/LB, 6-1, 221, Jr.
He figures to be a key player for an improved Hempstead team. He showcased his abilities with 215 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries in a victory over Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK/Jericho last season.
Brendan Meaney, Massapequa, OL/DL, 6-3, 235, Sr.
He returns following a strong season as a starter on Massapequa’s offensive line. He looks to make a bigger impact on defense this season with his size creating matchup problems.
Kyle Messina, Sayville, RB/OLB, 6-0, 185, So.
A 2021 Hansen Award nominee, Messina rushed for 1,580 yards and 21 touchdowns as a freshman. He will bring his athleticism and explosiveness to Sayville’s defense this season.
(Clockwise from top left) Owen Johansen of Northport, Nicholas La Rosa of North Shore, Kenyon Miles of St. Anthony's, Kyle Messina of Sayville and Matt Metzger of Carey.
Matt Metzger, Carey, QB, 5-11, 180, Sr.
Metzger threw for 628 yards and eight touchdowns and rushed for 105 yards last season.
Jonathan Meza, Freeport, OL/DL, 6-1, 230, Jr.
Meza controls the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball for Freeport. His size could be a difference-maker for Freeport.
Kenyon Miles, St. Anthony’s, WR, 6-3, 185, Sr.
Miles totaled 405 yards and five touchdowns as a receiver last season. He is committed to Villanova.
(Clockwise from top left) Justin Miles of Bellport, Shane Mosia of Plainedge, Dominick Novello of Mepham and Andrew Miller of Northport.
Justin Miles, Bellport, 6-1, 175, QB/CB, Sr.
This versatile athlete switched from wide receiver to quarterback this season. His athleticism can lead Bellport to the Suffolk final.
Andrew Miller, Northport, TE/DE, 6-3, 220, Sr.
This two-way standout had 12 receptions and averaged 21.8 yards per catch last year.
Shane Mosia, Plainedge, RB/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.
He’s one of Nassau's best linebackers, and he scored four short-yardage touchdowns last season.
Jack Mulholland, Manhasset, OG/LB, 6-3, 215, Jr.
Mulholland made 84 tackles last season.
Dom Novello, Mepham, RB/QB/LB, 6-1, 210, Sr.
The four-year varsity player had five touchdowns and 85 tackles last season. He’s expected to take over at quarterback this season and flies around the field on offense and defense.
Devin O'Donnell, Seaford, TE/LB, 6-2, 215, Jr.
He gives the Vikings a spark at two key positions. O’Donnell recorded 31 tackles and five sacks last season.
Sal Orlando, MacArthur, OL/DL, 6-4, 320, Sr.
His size makes him one of the most imposing linemen on Long Island. Coach Bob Fehrenbach also credited Orlando’s quick feet and athleticism for his success.
Devin Page, Kellenberg, QB, 6-5, 185, Sr.
The captain completed 103 of 159 passes for 1,221 yards and 13 touchdowns and ran 57 times for 354 yards and two touchdowns last season. He is committed to UPenn.
From left, Jack Pendergrass of Division, Devin Page of Kellenberg and Donte Phillips of Bellport.
Jack Pendergrass, Division, OL/LB, 6-2, 215, Sr.
He rushed for 820 yards and five touchdowns last season. He will start at center this season to fill a hole on the offensive line.
Vincent Petzold, Plainedge, C/DT, 6-1, 290, Jr.
Petzold moves well and is exceptionally strong. After opening at guard as a freshman, the Division I prospect is starting at center for a second season and is starting on defense for the first time.
Donte Phillips, Bellport, RB/CB, 6-0, 185, Sr.
The hard-running halfback had 971 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns last season. He also had 60 tackles and five interceptions.
Rachmani Pierre, Deer Park, OL/DL, 6-4, 245, Sr.
Pierre was a defensive force last season, collecting 12 sacks and 39 tackles.
Jojo Provenzano, Hauppauge, RB/DB, 5-10, 180, Sr.
A versatile offensive threat, Provenzano totaled 350 rushing yards, 450 receiving yards and seven total touchdowns as a junior.
Tomaso Ramos, Farmingdale, RB/DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.
The athletic senior rushed for 155 yards on 19 carries against Freeport and 136 yards on 16 carries against Massapequa. Ramos is one of the top running backs on Long Island.
Sebastian Regis, East Islip, OT/DT, 6-1, 290, Jr.
A three-year starter, Regis uses his size and strength to move people with ease. According to coach Sal J. Ciampi, Regis bench-pressed 390 pounds and squatted 590 pounds this summer.
CJ Reilly, Cold Spring Harbor, QB/DB, 6-3, 205, Sr.
He will be the focal point for a Seahawks squad looking to return to the county final. Reilly passed for 499 yards and four touchdowns and also rushed for 330 yards and nine touchdowns last season.
Terrance Robinson, Longwood, RB/DB, 5-8, 155, Sr.
He rushed for 833 yards and six touchdowns last season.
Jake Rodgers, New Hyde Park, OL/DL, 6-2, 230, Sr.
Rodgers is the leader of the Gladiators’ offensive line and added 45 tackles last season.
Jaden Rodriguez, Sachem East, MLB, 6-0, 190, Sr.
He had 96 tackles last season and was the leader of the defense.
Benny Sands, Sayville, MLB/TE, 5-9, 185, Sr.
The 2021 Collotta Award runner-up, Sands racked up 85 tackles, including 30 solo and 13 for a loss. He added one sack, one interception, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Jack Skarren, Long Beach, TE/LB, 6-2, 210, Sr.
Skarren had 90 tackles last season to lead what is expected to be a strong linebacking group for the Marines this season.
(Clockwise from top left) Brian Terino of East Meadow, Dante Torres of St. Anthony's, Tomaso Ramos of Farmingdale, Terrance Robinson of Longwood and Brayden Stahl of Smithtown West.
Brayden Stahl, Smithtown West, QB, 5-11, 185, Jr.
Stahl passed for 1,181 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore. He also rushed for three scores.
Jakkai Stith, Hempstead, QB/LB, 6-0, 220, Sr.
The strong, physical dual-threat quarterback can beat teams with his arm and his legs. He had big-play ability last season, including a 90-yard touchdown run, and leads an improved Hempstead team.
Ian Strong, St. Anthony’s, DB/WR, 6-4, 205, Sr.
Strong didn’t play on offense last season, but he made an impact on defense. The Rutgers commit had 52 tackles, two interceptions and one forced fumble.
Brian Terino, East Meadow, RB/LB, 5-10, 155, Sr.
He had five touchdowns on offense and added 38 tackles, including two sacks, last season. He will be used in multiple ways on offense and serve as a defensive leader.
William Tolliver, Carey, RB/FS, 5-10, 170, Jr.
He rushed for 870 yards and 11 touchdowns on 90 carries last season.
Dante Torres, St. Anthony’s, QB, 6-3, 210, Sr.
He can make the deep throws and totaled 2,338 passing yards and 26 touchdowns as a junior. The Fordham commit also ran for 245 yards and four scores.
George Trimigliozzi, Islip, FB/LB, 6-0, 210, Sr.
He totaled 82 tackles and two sacks for the Buccaneers last season.
Anthony Tsakos, Wantagh, OL/LB, 6-1, 205, Sr.
A three-year starter, Tsakos made 65 tackles, including eight sacks, over that time.
(Clockwise from top left) Jeremy Weiss of Commack, Robert Vortuba of Garden City, Derek Varley of Bayport-Blue Point and Dylan Zahn of Shoreham-Wading River.
Derek Varley, Bayport-Blue Point, TE/DE, 6-4, 210, Sr.
Varley is one of the Phantoms' top receiving options this season. The big target had 403 yards and three scores last season.
RJ Votruba, Garden City, RB/DB, 5-11, 185, Sr.
Votruba, who had a 45-yard touchdown reception in the Long Island Class II championship last season, is set to take over as the focal point of the offense. He has the speed to be a prominent playmaker for the Trojans.
Jeremy Weiss, Commack, QB, 6-3, 190, Jr.
Weiss won the National Football Foundation Quarterback Challenge and served notice that Commack will compete in Suffolk I.
Dylan Zahn, Shoreham-Wading River, QB/OLB, 6-4, 210, Sr.
Zahn compiled 23 total touchdowns last season. His final touchdown was a 71-yard pass with a minute remaining to win the Suffolk Division IV championship.
Gregg Sarra is Newsday's high school sports editor and has been on the beat since the mid-1980s.