Best NJ High School Football Players Ever: New Jersey’s All-Time Gridiron Greats
New Jersey has long been a hotbed for high school football talent, producing some of the most electrifying and accomplished players in the history of the sport. From powerful running backs to dominant linemen and standout quarterbacks, the Garden State has consistently developed athletes who have gone on to make significant impacts at the collegiate and professional levels.
These players not only left a lasting legacy on the New Jersey high school football scene but also paved the way for future generations with their exceptional performances and remarkable achievements. This list celebrates the best NJ high school football players to ever emerge from the Garden State, highlighting the athletes who have become legends in their own right.
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#10: Knowshon Moreno (2002 – 2005)
- High School: Middletown South High School, Middletown, NJ
- Position: Running Back
- Height/Weight: 5’11”, 210 lbs
Knowshon Moreno was a dominant force at Middletown South High School, where he became one of the most electrifying running backs in New Jersey high school football history. Known for his explosive speed, agility, and ability to break tackles, Moreno led Middletown South to three consecutive state championships and an impressive 36-0 record during that span.
Moreno set multiple state records, including career rushing yards (6,268) and touchdowns (128), showcasing his ability to take over games and carry his team to victory. His remarkable high school career earned him numerous accolades, including being named the Gatorade Player of the Year for New Jersey in 2005. Moreno’s success at Middletown South paved the way for his stellar collegiate career at the University of Georgia and eventual first-round selection in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos.
#9: Kyle Flood (1987 – 1990)
- High School: St. Francis Preparatory School, Queens, NY (New Jersey native)
- Position: Offensive Lineman
- Height/Weight: 6’4″, 275 lbs
Kyle Flood was a standout offensive lineman during his high school career at St. Francis Preparatory School in Queens, New York, though he was raised in New Jersey. Known for his size, strength, and intelligence on the field, Flood was a key figure on the offensive line, helping to pave the way for his team’s success.
Flood’s impressive high school performance earned him a scholarship to Iona College, where he continued to excel on the offensive line. After his playing career, Flood transitioned into coaching, where he made a significant impact as the head coach at Rutgers University, leading the Scarlet Knights to multiple bowl games and helping to elevate the program to national prominence. Flood’s contributions to football, both as a player and coach, have left a lasting legacy in New Jersey football history.
#8: Ray Rice (2001 – 2003)
- High School: New Rochelle High School, New Rochelle, NY (New Jersey native)
- Position: Running Back
- Height/Weight: 5’8″, 200 lbs
Ray Rice, though he played high school football at New Rochelle High School in New York, was born and raised in New Rochelle, New Jersey, making him a New Jersey native. Rice was an explosive and powerful running back who dominated the high school football scene with his incredible speed, vision, and ability to break tackles.
During his time at New Rochelle, Rice led his team to a state championship and was one of the most highly regarded running backs in the country. Rice’s high school success translated to an outstanding collegiate career at Rutgers University, where he set multiple school records and earned All-American honors. His performance at Rutgers led to him being selected in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, where he continued to excel and became a Super Bowl champion.
#7: Eugene “Mercury” Morris (1962 – 1965)
- High School: Avonworth High School, (PA) and later moved to New Jersey
- Position: Running Back
- Height/Weight: 5’10”, 190 lbs
Eugene “Mercury” Morris was a lightning-fast running back known for his speed and agility, which made him nearly impossible to catch on the field. Although Morris started his high school career in Pennsylvania, his family moved to New Jersey, where he continued to dominate on the football field. His quickness and ability to make defenders miss earned him the nickname “Mercury” and made him a standout player in New Jersey high school football.
Morris went on to star at West Texas State University before being drafted by the Miami Dolphins, where he became a key player in their undefeated 1972 season. His success at both the collegiate and professional levels began with his impressive high school career in New Jersey.
#6: Joe Theismann (1964 – 1967)
- High School: South River High School, South River, NJ
- Position: Quarterback
- Height/Weight: 6’0″, 192 lbs
Joe Theismann was a star quarterback at South River High School in New Jersey, where he first showcased the talents that would later make him a household name in the NFL. Known for his quick release, strong arm, and leadership on the field, Theismann led South River to multiple successful seasons and established himself as one of the top high school quarterbacks in the state.
After his high school career, Theismann went on to play at Notre Dame, where he continued to excel and became a Heisman Trophy finalist. He was later drafted into the NFL, where he enjoyed a successful career with the Washington Redskins, winning a Super Bowl and earning NFL MVP honors in 1983.
#5: Greg Olsen (1998 – 2002)
- High School: Wayne Hills High School, Wayne, NJ
- Position: Tight End
- Height/Weight: 6’5″, 250 lbs
Greg Olsen was a dominant force at Wayne Hills High School, where he established himself as one of the top tight ends in the country. Known for his size, athleticism, and ability to catch passes in traffic, Olsen was a key player for Wayne Hills, leading the team to multiple conference championships and earning numerous accolades, including All-State honors.
Olsen’s success at Wayne Hills led to a standout collegiate career at the University of Miami, where he continued to develop as one of the premier tight ends in college football. He was selected in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears and went on to have a highly successful NFL career, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and becoming one of the most productive tight ends in NFL history.
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#4: Mike Rozier (1977 – 1980)
- High School: Woodrow Wilson High School, Camden, NJ
- Position: Running Back
- Height/Weight: 5’11”, 210 lbs
Mike Rozier was a standout running back at Woodrow Wilson High School in Camden, New Jersey, where he quickly became one of the most dynamic and productive players in the state. Known for his powerful running style and ability to find the end zone, Rozier led his high school team to multiple victories and earned All-State honors.
His incredible performances on the field made him one of the most highly recruited players in the country. Rozier’s success in high school carried over to college, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1983 while playing for the University of Nebraska. He went on to have a professional career in the NFL and USFL, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest running backs ever to come out of New Jersey.
#3: Jabrill Peppers (2010 – 2013)
- High School: Paramus Catholic High School, Paramus, NJ
- Position: Safety / Running Back
- Height/Weight: 6’1″, 210 lbs
Jabrill Peppers was one of the most versatile and explosive athletes in New Jersey high school football history. During his time at Paramus Catholic High School, Peppers excelled on both sides of the ball, playing safety, running back, and even returning kicks. His exceptional speed, strength, and football IQ made him a game-changer every time he stepped on the field.
Peppers led Paramus Catholic to multiple state championships and was named USA Today’s High School Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. His standout performances earned him a scholarship to the University of Michigan, where he continued to shine as one of the top defensive players in the country. Peppers was selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, solidifying his status as one of the best players ever to come out of New Jersey.
#2: Franco Harris (1967 – 1969)
- High School: Rancocas Valley Regional High School, Mount Holly, NJ
- Position: Running Back
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 230 lbs
Franco Harris was a powerful and dynamic running back at Rancocas Valley Regional High School, where he quickly established himself as one of the top players in the state. Known for his size, speed, and ability to break tackles, Harris was a dominant force on the field, leading his team to several successful seasons and earning All-State honors.
Harris went on to have an outstanding college career at Penn State University before being drafted in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He became a key player in the Steelers’ dynasty of the 1970s, winning four Super Bowls and earning a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Harris’s legacy as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history began with his remarkable high school career in New Jersey.
#1: Ron Dayne (1994 – 1996)
- High School: Overbrook High School, Pine Hill, NJ
- Position: Running Back
- Height/Weight: 5’10”, 250 lbs
Ron Dayne was a legendary running back at Overbrook High School, where he set records and became one of the most feared players in New Jersey high school football history. Known for his combination of power, speed, and vision, Dayne rushed for over 7,000 yards during his high school career and led Overbrook to multiple state championships.
Dayne’s success in high school was just the beginning, as he went on to have an illustrious career at the University of Wisconsin, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1999 and set the NCAA record for career rushing yards. He was selected in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, further solidifying his place as one of the greatest football players to come out of New Jersey.
