2021 Breakout Candidates

By: Kyle Johnson-Hackett

With the 2021 season right around the corner both players and coaches are gearing up to make this season the best in CSFL history. It will certainly be one of the most memorable because it will be the first full season after a year disrupted by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Unfortunately multiple talented seniors lost a season and did not get to show the fruits of their labor. But as time marches forward new athletes will rise to the occasion and become dominate players for their team. Here is a list of some players who I think will pop and become elite players during the 2021 season.

Army -DL Alex Sobeski

2019/31tk 5.5tfl 2sacks-2020(1game)/14tk 2.5tfl 1.5sacks

Sobeski is primed for a breakout season. The once young defensive end who only had to play his role on a defense the included Navonte Dean, Ryan Leach, and Tate Blessinger is now going to be the star of the show. Sobeski now has a fully developed frame with improved pass rush moves. It is safe to say he has come into his own as a player and is ready to be a high impact player on the field. I expect Sobeski to be a staple on the Army defense while also continuing a strong tradition of defensive line play.

Army -WR Kraig Hamilton.

2019/22catches 335yards 2tds -2020(1 game)/3 catches 10yards

Hamilton has the chance to have a great season. Much like Sobeski, Hamilton only had to make plays that came his way in the last full season in 2019. Despite playing a support role Hamilton still played well enough to earn a ALL CSFL HUB 3^rd Team selection. Hamilton benefited from playing with former star wide receiver Tom Williamson who carried the offensive burden and finished his career as one of the best receivers in CSFL history. Now Hamilton has a chance to prove that he can be that same caliber of player.

Chestnut Hill College-DB Rahsul Brown

2019/28tk 1tfl 5interceptions 7pbu

During the 2019 Brown began to emerge as one of the best young safeties in the league. A knack for creating turnovers and big tackles earned him a 2^nd Team All CSFL Hub selection. Having last played with two great corners in Terrell Bush and Nate Moser, Brown will now have to support young corners starting or the first time. Now Brown will need to produce more than ever as he helps lead a young team and secondary.

Caldwell University-DL Ernesto Hernandez

2019/22tk 5.5tfl-2020(1 game)5tk 2tfl 1sack

Hernandez is the second defensive end on this list that I think will have a big year. He showed flashes of the player he could be while playing opposite of star defensive end Randy Antenor. Now with more experience and an improved skill set Hernandez should become an anchor on the edge for Caldwell.

University of Pennsylvania- LB Lewis Evans

2019/54tackles 2tfl 1sack

A huge freshmen year saw Evans lead his team in tackles, earn a ALL-CSFL honorable mention, a CSFL HUB all freshmen team selection, and an All CSFL HUB 3^rd team selection. Evans will most certainly be a force in the middle for Penn’s defense this upcoming season. A quick first step and violent nature will serve Evans well as he steps into a new leadership role. I expect Evans do be one of the most dominate line backers in the CSFL this season.

Cornell University- WR Luke Verzella

2019/7receptions 130yards 1td

Verzella will have a lot of responsibility on his plate this season. He is without a doubt the best returning receiver on the roster and will have to navigate the difficulties of playing with a first time starter at quarterback. The big bodied receiver showed some play making ability as the primary return man while also coming on late in the season as a receiver. He should be itching to get started since the last time we saw Cornell play they were comparable to the 2015 Princeton team which was arguably the worst team in CSFL history. A reinvigorated roster and continued development should result in a big year for Verzella.

Navy-DB Adam Weissenfels

2019/22tackles 1tfl 4interceptions 10pbu-2020(1 game) 8tackles 1interception 1pbu

I believe Weissenfels will be one of the best corners in the CSFL this season. Quick hips, good reaction time, and great hands have already resulted in Weissenfels having a lot of on the field success. In 2019 he was a ALL-CSFL Honorable Mention selection and led his team in interceptions. Playing across from standout DB Grant Hooper allowed Weissenfels to play his side of the field without worry. He was often assigned to the second best receiver on the team which is a challenge in itself. But now he is without question the best DB on the team and I expect to see Weissenfels in some epic one on one matchups in crunch time this season. Look for Weissenfles to create a lot of turnovers and make some big time plays this year.

-Mansfield  University- DB Brandon Allen

2019/25tackles 2tfl 4pbu

Two seasons ago Allen burst onto the scene earning and 2^nd team ALL-CSFL selection and was named 2018 CSFL Newcomer of the Year. However, the following season Allen did not produce the same results. This upcoming season Allen will be looking to return to form. With a sharper skillset and more experience Allen should be able to get back on track and potentially turn into a top DB in the CSFL

 Saint Thomas Aquinas College-Mahki Matthews

2019/21receptions 178yards 1td-2020(1game) 1reception 10yards

Matthews time dominate has come. Former standout Jimmy English has graduated, the program at STAC is going into its 4^th year, and Matthews is heading into his third season. Poor quarterback play resulted in Matthews have minimal impact in the lone sprint game played in spring. But I expect a much improved season from him. If STAC can figure out the quarterback situation then Matthews could have a huge season.