Every recruiting cycle produces a special group of athletes that have the talent to leave a lasting mark on New York high school football. The Class of 2028 is shaping up to be one of the deepest groups in recent memory, featuring dynamic quarterbacks, dominant offensive linemen, explosive playmakers, and defensive stars who are already attracting Division I attention.
As these athletes prepare to enter their junior seasons, expectations have never been higher. Here are seven players who have established themselves among the premier prospects in New York’s Class of 2028.
Bryce Moye | Quarterback | Monsignor Farrell HS
If there is one quarterback who has separated himself in New York’s Class of 2028, it’s Bryce Moye.
After an outstanding sophomore campaign, Moye enters his junior season with the confidence and experience of one of the state’s premier signal callers. His combination of arm talent, poise in the pocket, leadership, and football IQ has made him one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the Northeast.
Moye has already earned an impressive list of Division I scholarship offers, including Buffalo, Temple, UConn, and Duke, with more programs expected to join the race throughout the fall.
The expectations at Monsignor Farrell are always high, and Bryce will be tasked with leading one of the CHSFL’s premier programs on a championship run. He has proven he can make every throw on the field, extend plays when necessary, and elevate the players around him. With another offseason of development under his belt, don’t be surprised if Moye finishes the season firmly in the conversation as New York’s top quarterback regardless of class.
Justin Joseph | Offensive Line | St. Anthony’s HS
Standing at 6-foot-6, Justin Joseph possesses the type of frame college coaches dream about.
The St. Anthony’s standout has spent the entire offseason sharpening his craft, traveling to prospect camps and competing against some of the top talent in the country. His work ethic has become just as impressive as his physical tools.
We had the opportunity to evaluate Joseph firsthand during the Underclassmen Challenge at Long Island University, and what stood out immediately was his athleticism. For a player his size, he moves exceptionally well, plays with balance, and consistently finishes blocks with authority. His footwork continues to improve, and his upside appears enormous.
College coaches have certainly taken notice. Joseph already holds offers from Buffalo, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, and Nebraska, with additional Power Four programs expected to enter the picture.
As he heads into his junior season, Justin has all the ingredients to become one of the premier offensive linemen in the Northeast.
Zy’eare Schulters | Athlete | Eagle Academy Brooklyn
Some players make big plays.
Zy’eare Schulters changes games.
The electrifying Eagle Academy Brooklyn playmaker has quickly become one of the most dangerous athletes in New York football. Every time the ball touches his hands, the entire stadium holds its breath because there’s always the possibility that he’s about to score.
His acceleration is elite, his vision allows him to find running lanes others simply don’t see, and his lateral quickness makes defenders miss in the open field. Schulters has a rare ability to turn routine plays into highlight-reel touchdowns.
As Eagle Academy looks to compete for another PSAL championship, Zy’eare will once again be one of the biggest reasons why. His explosiveness and versatility make him one of the most exciting players in the Class of 2028, and fans throughout the city should make it a priority to watch him this fall.
Dilen Mulaj | Offensive Line | Iona Prep
At 6-foot-8 and 340 pounds, Dilen Mulaj is an imposing presence before the ball is even snapped.
Fortunately for Iona Prep, his game matches his incredible size.
Mulaj combines overwhelming strength with surprisingly smooth movement skills, allowing him to dominate defenders both in pass protection and in the run game. He consistently plays with excellent leverage for a player of his stature and has the athleticism to climb to the second level while maintaining balance and control.
His recruitment continues to soar, as he already owns scholarship offers from Boston College, Duke, Georgia Tech, Maryland, and Minnesota, with many more expected to follow.
Offensive linemen with his size, mobility, and upside are incredibly difficult to find. As he enters another season at one of New York’s premier football programs, Mulaj has all the tools to establish himself as one of the nation’s elite offensive line prospects.
Kaevon Robinson | Linebacker | Eagle Academy Brooklyn
Every great defense needs a player who sets the tone.
For Eagle Academy, that player could very well be Kaevon Robinson.
Robinson is a physical linebacker who continues to develop into one of the more intriguing defensive prospects in New York. He plays downhill with confidence, attacks ball carriers, and has shown the instincts necessary to diagnose plays before they develop.
Beyond his physicality, Robinson’s motor separates him from many players at his position. He consistently pursues the football from sideline to sideline and plays every snap with relentless energy.
As his junior season unfolds, don’t be surprised if his recruitment begins to accelerate. With continued development, Robinson appears poised to collect multiple Division I scholarship offers in the near future.
Jaydin Jackson | Quarterback | Iona Prep
Leading one of New York’s premier football programs is never easy.
Fortunately for Iona Prep, Jaydin Jackson possesses all the qualities coaches want in their quarterback.
Jackson is a true dual-threat playmaker capable of beating defenses with both his arm and his legs. He throws with confidence and accuracy, extends plays outside the pocket, and has the athleticism to turn broken plays into explosive gains.
His leadership has become one of his greatest strengths. Teammates respond to him, and he carries himself with the composure expected from a quarterback leading a perennial championship contender.
As the Gaels chase another successful season, expect Jackson to be one of the biggest names in New York football. His ceiling is incredibly high, and his best football is still ahead of him.
Nayir Jackson | Wide Receiver | Erasmus Hall HS
Standing 6-foot-4, Nayir Jackson possesses the size that immediately grabs a college coach’s attention.
Once the ball is snapped, it’s his athleticism that keeps them watching.
The Erasmus Hall receiver is a smooth route runner who creates separation with polished technique and has the speed to stretch defenses vertically. His length gives quarterbacks a large catch radius, allowing him to win contested catches while also becoming a dangerous threat after the catch.
As he prepares for a breakout junior campaign, Jackson has all the physical tools necessary to become one of New York’s premier wide receivers. If he continues developing at his current pace, expect Division I programs to become increasingly involved in his recruitment throughout the season.
The Future Is Bright
The Class of 2028 is loaded with talent, and these seven athletes are leading the charge into what promises to be an exciting high school football season.
Whether it’s Bryce Moye’s elite quarterback play, Justin Joseph and Dilen Mulaj anchoring the trenches, Zy’eare Schulters’ game-breaking explosiveness, Kaevon Robinson’s physical defense, Jaydin Jackson’s dynamic leadership, or Nayir Jackson’s big-play ability on the outside, this group represents the next generation of stars in New York football.
One thing is certain—college coaches will have plenty of reasons to keep a close eye on the Empire State this fall.