GameChangers Showcase: Running Back & Linebacker Standouts

The 7th annual GameChangers event took place this past weekend inside the practice bubble at Rutgers University. Nearly 100 middle school prospects (and a few younger ones) took part in the event. Many of New Jersey's top private high schools were in attendance checking out the future crop of athletes. Several Rutgers coaches were also in attendance and spoke to the young athletes about what it takes to play at the next level. Below, we'll take a look at the Running Backs and Linebackers that had strong performances. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-320230 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/JulianCruz-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Julian Cruz | Linebacker | 2026</strong> The most high school-ready prospect in attendance at the showcase. Cruz is every bit of 6-foot and 170 pounds and plays a very aggressive style of linebacker. Next year will be heading to St. Peter's Prep and I can't wait to see him in pads. He can run with receivers and running backs out of the back field, but with his physical stature, he looks like he can lay the wood as well. &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-320232 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/MichaelWellet-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Michael Wellet | Linebacker | 2026</strong> Wellet showed some glimpses of what's to come in his high school career, as he gets ready to head to Seton Hall Prep next year. Physically has matured and come a long way since I saw him last summer. Plays a little stiff and needs to loosen his hips, but he has very good linebacker fundamentals. I think another year or two of developing will transform him to an even better player. &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-320252 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/AsaadReynolds-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Asaad Reynolds | Linebacker | 2027</strong> The Linebacker MVP of the seventh grade group, Reynolds is one to certainly keep an eye on. He has pretty good size for a 2027 prospect at 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds. Reynolds has long arms, a quick first step and reacts quickly. Looked good in bag drills and moved his feet well. Also, what stood out the most, was how comfortable he looked in his stance. He's going to be a good one. &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-320254 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/DereonJohnson-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Dereon Johnson | Running Back | 2027</strong> Johnson made the trip from Bridgeton to the showcase and walked away with the seventh grade Running Back MVP. Certainly on the smaller side at this point, but he impressed with quick, crisp cuts throughout the day. Johnson is a competitor who didn't shy away from the competition. Once he hits the weights and continues to grow, he'll be one to know about. &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-320261 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/GabeKempGC-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Gabe Kemp | Running Back | 2028</strong> Kemp had himself quite the afternoon. After winning the sixth grade fastest man competition, he continued to go on and win the sixth grade Running Back MVP award as well. Kemp is one of the most talked about kids on social media, but his play Saturday backed it up. He's much thicker in the lower half than I originally thought he was. He's the complete package at RB right now. &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-320262 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/KadirYounge-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Kadir Younge | Running Back | 2026</strong> Younge showed off some very impressive straight-line speed, as he won the eighth grade fastest man competition and eighth grade Running Back MVP award. The 5-foot-7, 150-pound speedster will be headed to DePaul Catholic next year. Really liked his ability to get to full speed in just a few strides. Also impressed with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.