2014 High School Football Preseason Top 25 Early Contenders presented by Eastbay: No. 23 St. Peter's Prep

In the Non-Public Group IV state title game last fall, St. Peter's Prep quarterback Brandon Wimbush led his team down the field for a touchdown on the team's opening drive.

He left the game later in the first half with a shoulder injury, and the St. Peter's Prep offense stalled, allowing Paramus Catholic to win 13-6, capturing its second-consecutive title.

With 13 returning starters, including two of the state's premier players, the Marauders expect to be back in the thick of the state title chase in 2014 -- a race many believe will see the Marauders come out on top for the school's first state title since 2005.

Wimbush, a Penn State commit, is a dynamic player. One Division I coach said that, along with UCLA commit Josh Rosen, Wimbush has one of the two strongest arms in the country.

He has plenty of weapons on offense, despite the fact that St. Peter's Prep needs to replace workhorse running back Jon Hilliman, now at Boston College.

Minkah Fitzpatrick and Corey Caddle will both be used at running back and receiver, and should cause plenty of headaches for defensive coordinators. Sa'id Boykin will also see a share of the carries, while Kolton Huber figures to be one of Wimbush's top targets.



The offensive line needs to be retooled but features promising sophomore Ben Petrula, who has already been offered by Temple.

All three waves of defense return key players from last year. Up front, nose tackle Dave Tolentino spearheads the team's 3-4 defense.

The defensive line will be supported by a group of linebackers that is led by Jordan Fox. The 6-2 Fox has seen his recruiting stock soar this offseason. He missed most of last season due to injury, but was highly effective against Paramus Catholic. He's coveted by the likes of Georgia, Miami and Virginia Tech.

Cheyenn Robertson, another returning starter, joins Fox, as does Chris Geissler. Junior Isaiah James could also be in the rotation. Like Fox, all three have near-prototypical size and should solidify the box for the Marauders.



The secondary is perhaps even more talented. Fitzpatrick and Caddle roam the defensive backfield alongside D'won Walker. Ahmad Thomas could figure into the mix as well. Junior K.J. Gray, an athletic specimen, will also make a bid for playing time. Overall, the unit lacks size, but has tremendous speed and athleticism.

The schedule will be challenging, including Eastern Christian and Wise as well as in-state foe Bergen Catholic. A matchup with defending national champion Booker T. Washington (Miami) never materialized.

"St. Peter’s returns arguably the best QB in the state, Brandon Wimbush. Minkah Fitzpatrick is arguably the best player in the state, be it as running back, receiver or cornerback. With those two plus guys like Corey Caddle, Sa'id Boykin and Kolton Huber, this is an offense that can light up a scoreboard and rip off a ton of big plays. It’s a pretty experienced defense with Tolentino at nose tackle, Robertson and Fox back at linebacker. I think a full year of Fox [who was injured in 2013] will be huge, plus that secondary is led by Fitzpatrick, arguably one of the best defensive backs in entire country. Depth might be an issue, but in terms of talent at skill positions, St. Peter's ranks with anyone not just in the state but in the country."
- Jason Bernstein, Star-Ledger (@JBernsteinHS)