PRZ Next New Jersey Camp: Running Back Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After the PRZ Next Middle School Camp at the Superdome in Waldwick, New Jersey this past weekend, it's time to begin highlighting some of the prospects from the camp. The 2028 running backs below made their presence known in front of a collection of scouts, media members and college/high school coaches. Here's a look at some of the standout backs from the camp.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Lead Dawg</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["432231"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The success Dairsow has had on the pre-high school level is well-documented and I'm on record saying that he's my top 2028 New Jersey running back at this point. He was named MVP of a deeply-talented position group at the PRZ Next Middle School camp this past weekend. Measured in at a rocked up, 5-foot-9 and 174 pounds. Finished in the top three of nearly every combine test. His testing was highlighted by a position-best 4.28 in the shuttle, showing off his quickness and the second best broad jump (8'4), showing off the power in his lower half. I saw nothing that made me remotely think about changing him out of that top spot. He'll be an early offer prospect, in my opinion.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65afe320be2dd"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Headliners</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1153935"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1153935' first='Frederick' last='Caffey Jr.'] is a prime example of why attending the right camps can be so important. I had seen a number of players from his Silk City team and had added them to the New Jersey 2028 Watchlist, but I had no idea who Caffey Jr. was until the PRZ Next Middle School Camp in New Jersey. A third running back that was in the running for overall position group MVP, he was absolutely electrifying to watch during drills out of the backfield. In my opinion, he was the best route-runner of all the running backs at the camp and had more shake than some of the top wide receivers. Speed and quickness is what stood out most about him, posting a 4.97 in the forty (tied for 3rd among backs) and a 4.40 in the shuttle (4th among backs). With his performance, you better believe he earned a spot on the 2028 New Jersey Watchlist when it's updated in the spring.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["541812"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"DeSalvo was a kid I was dying to see play live again, because it had been over a year and a half since I last saw him in person\u002d\u002dthe wait was well worth it. The Massachusetts native was part of a nice contingency that made the trip down and very easily could have been named MVP of the group. Almost immediately, it was easy to see why he played varsity football this year as an eighth-grader and why he already holds an offer from UMass. He moved exceptionally well through drills\u002d\u002dfluid, succinct and without any waisted steps. He finished tied for the best forty time in the position group. In addition, his 4.38 in the shuttle tied him for second in the position group. I can't say enough good things about what I saw out of DeSalvo. He's listed as an ATH because of what he does on the defensive side of the ball during the regular season. Regardless of where he plays on the field, DeSalvo moves the needle. If all goes to plan, I see no reason why he doesn't tack on additional offers during his freshman year.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1013479"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"One of the running backs I've seen play the most times out of anyone in this write up, [player_tooltip player_id='1013479' first='Ca'Si' last='Thomas'] showed up and showed out in a big way. The well-balanced back was a standout for Jackson and the New Jersey AYF 14U All-Stars this past year, solidifying himself as the premier 2028 back down the shore. Watching him compete against some of the other top backs from North Jersey, South Jersey and beyond showed that he's not just good for the shore\u002d\u002d\u003cem\u003ehe's good, good\u003c/em\u003e. Ran a 5.08 in the forty and finished in the top four of every other testing category. He's always showed the ability to tote the rock up the middle and out on the edge, but at camp he also displayed the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield\u002d\u002dwhich is something I hadn't seen him do much of, until this point. I was really interested to see how Thomas stacked up against more competition\u002d\u002dand he passed the test with flying colors.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65afeed05c117"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations":"","_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65afef62c672e"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Standing On Business</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1157663"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Reese attended his second PRZ Next Middle School Camp this past weekendu002du002dand the improvement in his ability was beyond noticeable. The Syracuse, New York native made the 3.5 hour trip down to Waldwick, New Jersey and made the most of the trip. Reese put on a notable amount of muscle since last year and his play on the field certainly took leaps forward to. His 4.94 in the forty was the second fastest time of all the backs in attendance he tested out well in the other categories too.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1013562"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"As per usual, [player_tooltip player_id='1013562' first='Cole' last='Sternlieb'] stood on his business this past weekend and showed he belongs in the conversations about top 2028 running backs in the state of New Jersey. Looking at this list, he is the running back I have seen play in live settings the most, over the past two yearsu002du002dand every time shows out in the most under the radar way. He finished tied atop the leaderboard for the fastest 40-yard time of all running backs, with a 4.91.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["894984"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Another prospect who has attended multiple Prep Redzone Next Middle School Camps, Sblendorio stepped up his game at the camp this past Sunday. While he remains on the smaller side at 5-foot-6 and 140 pounds, he made considerable strides as a back catching the ball out of the backfield. So much so, that I think he'll eventually be moved permanently to the slot. The quickness he showed on intermediate routes during 1-on-1's was backed up by his shuttle time of 4.41, which was tied for third quickest.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1021997"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"The final back in this tier of athletes that has attended multiple PRZ Next Middle School Camps, Sesay is transforming from a caterpillar to a butterfly in front of our eyes. Aside from running back MVP [player_tooltip player_id='432231' first='Logan' last='Dairsow'], Sesay showed off the most varsity-ready body of any running back at the camp, measuring in at 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds. Kid passes the eye test right away. He's always been close, but this was the camp where it appeared like it was all starting to come together. Ran a 5.19 in the forty, which is moving pretty well at his size, at this level. Keep an eye on this dark horse in the race, I think he's just starting to scratch the surface.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1146785"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"He measured in at only 5-foot-3 and 125 pounds, but I'm warning you right now to u003cstrongu003enotu003c/strongu003e get hung up on Watson Jr.'s smaller stature. The 2028 Pennsylvania prospect made a number of plays that made me do a double-take at camp on Sunday. He truly is an ATH at this point and originally signed up for camp as a wide receiver, but made the switch and ran with the running backs at camp. A jitterbug type of player, his quickness in short proximity was a thing of beauty personified by his 7.59 time in the shuttle was the second quickest among 2028 running backs and third quickest amongst all tote-rockers.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65b0232faf33d"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Best Of The Rest</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- After seeing him play live for the first time, I finally took the leap and moved <strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='963511' first='Johnny' last='Chirico']</em></strong> from linebacker to running back on the 2028 New Jersey Watchlist. Honestly, wasn't surprised by any of his testing scores--which were in the top half of all backs in each drill. Only thing that surprised a bit was seeing how strong his lower half actually was. He's undoubtedly a wrestler. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1140581' first='Nico' last='Panzera']</em></strong> was clocked at a 4.47 in the shuttle, which was tied for fifth-best amongst backs. Didn't test out of the park, but made a ton of plays at the running back position. I'm going to keep him listed as an ATH because I'm not sure where he exactly fits yet, but he's a good football player. Came in bigger than I thought he would be, at 5-foot-9 and 150 pounds. Wouldn't shock me to see him ultimately end up as a linebacker in high school.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- It was great to be able to see <strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1145702' first='Myles' last='Simmonds']</em></strong> play in person at the PRZ Next Middle School Camp in New Jersey, since his film what somewhat limited. In doing so, his performance slid him up onto the 2028 New Jersey Watchlist at running back. In the limited film I could watch, I saw that his speed and quickness was top notch. He backed up what I saw on film with actual times at camp, clocking a 4.38 in the shuttle (tied for second amongst backs) and a 4.97 in the forty (tied for third amongst backs)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1158261' first='Hasheem' last='Kornegay Jr.']</strong></em> had a nice showing at the camp. He was listed as a running back on the roster, but I certainly view him as more of a linebacker going forward. The Newark native tested well, specifically in the forty (5.04) and shuttle (4.41) and came in at a solid 5-foot-6 and 155 pounds. He's one I want to see more of over the spring and summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->