New York City Players To Watch

Leon Williams

Canarsie

The University of Miami will welcome one of New York City's finest football players this fall when Leon Williams heads to southern Florida to join the Hurricane's successful football program.

The Canarsie standout is considered the top high school football recruit in the New York metropolitan area.  The linebacker recorded more than 100 tackles, two interceptions and six sacks during his senior season at Canarsie High School. Williams also caught 21 receptions as a tight end to help lead Canarsie and head coach Mike Camardese to their third consecutive Division championship.

Williams' work ethic, along with his natural athletic ability, is what earned him a starting position at Canarsie during his freshmen year, and he didn't give up that role once during the four years he played under Coach Camardese.

"I lift weights every day. I go out with my friends and stay out of trouble," says Williams who received more than 40 athletic scholarships offers.  "I do everything everything a normal teenagers do."

Stephen Gregory

Curtis

Stephen Gregory, one of the most multitalented student-athletes to ever play at Curtis High school, is this year's recipient of the Fred Fugazzi award.  This annual award, from Sports Illustrated, is given to the best high school football player in New York City.

Gregory has redefined versatility as he has succeeded at playing running back, quarterback, wide receiver and free safety.  Offensively, he accumulated 2,060 rushing yards and 28 rushing touchdowns; completed 31 of 55 passes for eight touchdowns; and caught 19 receptions for 247 yards and two touchdowns.  On the other side of the ball, Gregory recorded 82 tackles and two interceptions.

The 2000 Junior Heisman recipient is also a standout off the football field.  He does well in the classroom and also holds the third best distance in the long jump in state of New York.

This fall, Gregory will attend Syracuse University on a full athletic scholarship and will be an asset to the Orangemen program according to Curtis Head Coach Fred Oliveri. "Stephen Gregory is the best pure athlete I have ever seen.  Syracuse will have a difficult time next year to find the proper place for him as he is jack-of-all-football-trades".