Football: Top prospects in class of 2016

By Phil Anastasia

Inquirer Staff Writer

Here's a list of 30 of the top college prospects in South Jersey football in the class of 2016:

1. Ahmir Mitchell (pictured) Cedar Creek 6-3 195 WR/DB: Top athlete. Brother Damon is at Arkansas. Scored 20 TDs as a junior. Has Ohio State and Florida State in his Top 8.

2. Ron Johnson Camden 6-4 240 DE/LB: Rangy, fluid, strong. Good student. Has more than 10 offers from top programs.

3. Brad Hawkins Camden 6-1 200 WR: Moves like Jeremy Maclin. Scored 17 TDs as a junior. Good basketball player, too. South Carolina is a possibility.

4. Cameron Chambers Timber Creek 6-2 200 WR: Strong, sure-handed, smart. Has committed to Michigan State.

5. Kelvin Harmon Palmyra 6-3 190 WR: A touchdown maker. He led SJ with 16 TD catches last season and caught a TD pass in every game.

6. Salaam Horne St. Joseph 5-11 175 DB: Dynamic athlete who stars at QB for St. Joe. Projects as cornerback or maybe slot receiver. Probably will go to college with brother as package deal. Rutgers and Missouri in the mix.

7. A'Laam Horne St. Joseph 5-11 175 RB/DB: Watch his numbers next season if he stays healthy. Scored 25 TDs as a junior in limited action. Explosive runner and a good receiver, too.

8. Tyree Rodgers Camden Catholic 6-2 180 WR/DB: Plays QB for the Irish but projects as wide out or DB in college. Top athlete. Has visited South Carolina.

9. Jamal Holloway Camden 6-4 225 LB: Tremendous quickness makes him tough to block. Top basketball player, too.

10. James Chukwurah Delsea 6-3 185 DB: Rangy and athletic. Could be top college safety as he matures and adds weight and strength.

11. Noah Ellison Timber Creek 6-2 180 WR: Poised for big season as a senior in Chargers' spread attack. Good runner after the catch.

12. Lonnie Moore Paul VI 5-9 165 WR/DB: Explosive athlete could be a slotback in passing attack at the college level. Good hands.

13. Dymelle Parker Camden 6-2 220 LB: He's an instinctive, hard-hitting linebacker. Makes plays.

14. Matt Correnti Holy Cross 6-1 195 TE/LB: A big-time wrestler who has speed and hands. Caught seven TD passes as a junior.

15. Evan Powell Cherokee 6-1 215 LB: Coach P.J. Mehigan calls him best LB in Cherokee history. That's saying something. Big Delaware connection in his family.

16. John Lass Cherry Hill East 6-4 260 OL: Top student and a Boy Scout, to boot.

17. Zack Barnard Hammonton 6-3 215 LB: Rangy, productive. Will be leader of talented team in transition under new coach.

18. Jamir Prevard Atlantic City 6-2 180 WR/DB: Dynamic athlete who plays QB for the Vikings but projects as wide out or cornerback in college. Top basketball player, too.

19. Jamal Parker Camden Catholic 5-9 165 WR/DB: Similar to PVI's Moore -- explosive athlete who could help college team in multiple ways as receiver and return man. Runs the point for SJ's No. 1 ranked basketball team.

20. Derek Lomax St. Joseph 6-4 275 OL: Started at center as sophomore and junior for teams that went 22-1 and won Non-Public state titles. Top student. Could move outside to tackle as a senior.

21. Mike Welsh Shawnee 6-1 200 QB: Top dual-threat QB and an outstanding student. Major interest from Ivies and Patriot schools. Passed for 1,633 yards and 16 TDs and also ran for 13 TDs for SJ 4 champions.

22. Chris Carey St. Joseph 6-2 215 LB: Top pass rusher for the Wildcats. Projects as outside linebacker at the next level.

23. Joe Early Williamstown 5-10 180 RB/DB: Top athlete who could be set for big senior season.

24. Max Smyth Palmyra 6-3 200 QB: Probably the best pure passer in SJ. Threw 32 touchdown passes as a junior.

25. Demian Thomas Camden 6-1 225 LB: Highly productive player who doubles as good TE.

26. Carlton Aiken Paulsboro 6-1 180 QB: Top dual threat QB. Set school record with 53 pass attempts in upset of West Deptford on night after Thanksgiving.

27. Julian Mahan Timber Creek 6-1, 225 LB: Instinctive and productive. Invited to US Army All-American Game combine for underclassmen over the holidays. Registered 123 tackles as a junior, including 37 for loss.

28. Anthony Mague Shawnee 6-3 190 WR: Caught 41 passes for 733 yards for SJ champions. Rangy playmaker. Good runner after catch. A top student.

29.  Kimere Brown Penns Grove 6-1 175 WR: Sppeedy athlete who also excels in track and field.

30. Lawrence Garner Northern Burlington 6-3 220 LB: Three-year starter who also is a bruising running back.

-- Contact Phil Anastasia at panastasia@phillynews.com

-- Follow @PhilAnastasia on Twitter