Offensive MVPs from the Prep Redzone NJ Stock Up Showcase
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Yesterday could be summed up in one word: awesome. In my time with Prep Redzone NJ this was by far the best event we have put on. Roughly 15 college coaches were in attendance, prospects competed, and – most importantly…
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Continue ReadingYesterday could be summed up in one word: awesome. In my time with Prep Redzone NJ this was by far the best event we have put on. Roughly 15 college coaches were in attendance, prospects competed, and – most importantly – those prospects gardener up collegiate interest.
With much talent, I want to dive right into our offensive MVPs.
Quarterback
Anderson made an impression on me from the jump. My first round around any camp I give athletes the old fashion “eye test,” estimating if they have a college-ready frame or body. Anderson did, however, I actually wrote a note that said “zip” next to his bib number. Anderson had an absolute rifle and probably the strongest arm in terms of velocity at the showcase. Aside from throwing bullets, Anderson anticipated the breaks of his receivers to deliver a ball to a spot before his target got there. This skill is hard to hardness, especially at showcases like this, given you are working with fellow prospects you never worked with before. Compare this to the fact that one QB-WR duo from the same high school team literally took every rep they had together, it makes Anderson’s performance all that more impressive.
Wide Receiver
Just how everyone can point out the prettiest girl in the room, Rodriguez was a stud during the showcase and everyone knew it. At the line Rodriguez had a plus release, habitually getting off the line without issue. Literally every pass I saw Rodriguez haul was a pass in which he went to high-point. This translates to him being a pure hands catcher, rather than a body catcher. I was impressed with his route running, as they were for the most part sharp and crisp; however, one thing that stood out to me about Rodriguez was the fact that he was willing to lay out for the ball if it was not the best throw. I witnessed him jump, dive, fall, and bend in order to defeat the defender and secure the catch. He is one who will fight for possession of the ball.
Highlights
Gatchalian might want to go to the local courthouse in Farmingdale and petition to change his last name to “Catchalian” because that is all this receiver was doing at the showcase. He might have been the most precise route runner at the event, allowing him to win matchups immediately at the line of scrimmage. His speed seemed to open up more the longer the route was, creating even more separation from pesky defenders. Lastly, Gatchalian had a keen sense of field awareness, hauling in multiple sideline catches without stepping out of bounds before securing possession.
Highlights
Running Back
Rodriguez’s teammate, Terrell Mitchell Terrell Mitchell 5’8″ | 185 lbs | RB Somerville | 2025 State NJ , was an absolute stud at running back yesterday. Mitchell possesses the ability to make cuts that I would describe as “violent.” He made it a priority to protect the ball upon when a defender zeroed in on him. His ability to make sharp cuts as a rusher also allowed him to create space when running routes with sharp breaks such as Texas routes and out-and-ups. He has the speed to create separation from defenders on longer wheel routes. He is a bit smaller is stature, however, this is advantageous to him because it allows him to run with lower pad level.
Offensive Line
Cole-Jenkins was perhaps the most clear-cut offensive MVP of the day. His position coaches raved about him and saw a lot of the same things I saw. During indy period I watched Cole-Jenkins’ feet as he performed the kick-step to power down cone drill. After watching two go-rounds it as clear as day that Cole-Jenkins’ feet were the best of the group. This translated well to one-on-ones where he was able to kick step to protect the edge rush well. When defenders tried to cross his fast, he knew to get his hand on their hip and drive block them past the play. My one bit of advice to Cole-Jenkins’, believe it or not, would be to actually trust his feet more. One rep I caught he kick-stepped laterally and gave up the inside. Trust your feet. Cole-Jenkins can get to the outside rusher without sacrificing the inside threat.