Arlen Harris’ Takeaways From AYF All-Star Game RB’s
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Most of the top 2028 prospect talent around the country met three weeks ago in Florida to battle. Players were divided by East vs West depending on state origin. The running backs only went two deep in the backfield and…
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Continue ReadingMost of the top 2028 prospect talent around the country met three weeks ago in Florida to battle. Players were divided by East vs West depending on state origin. The running backs only went two deep in the backfield and I will be sharing notes from scouting both sides, the good, bad, and ugly. Overall it was a tough battle and the energy was turnt up a notch in the second half with a final score 32-21 West.
East Team Running Backs
#1 Gabe Kemp 5’9 150lbs
Stats: 9 att for 51 yds, KOR 31 yds
Highlight: Long run of 12 yards
Kemp is a New Jersey native that is very familiar to all Brick City Lions fans. He ran hard all night and struggled to find any significant space to get loose early. You could see the body language that he wanted to get things going in order to inspire his team. Kemp fought for every yard he tallied and took what the defense was allowing versus a strong defensive front.
#5 Jamil Watson 5’11 165lbs
Stats: 6 att for 48 yds
Highlight: 31 yard scamper
Watson comes out of North Carolina and was the thunder to Kemps lightning. Bigger body who was not afraid to stick his nose in and protect the QB. Was affective with his touches and pushed the pile when wrapped up. Showed off his long stride in the second half when a seam finally opened up for him to move the chains in a major way. I honestly felt for him, because the East staff strategically would bring in a lineman built fullback to punch it in from inside the 6 yard line twice . Watson could have easily carried these duties.
Highlights
West Team Running Backs
#20 Elijah Harris
Stats: 11 att for 68 yds, 1 ren for 14 yds
Highlight: 27 yard touchdown run
Harris represented out of Ohio on all phases. I felt he not only carried the ball inside the tackles with a chip on his shoulder, but blocked well also. It was obvious from the first whistle that he was going to be the bell cow behind this offense on the ground. Converted a couple 3rd and 4th down must have plays. Should have had two touchdowns, but unfortunately ran out of time with the ball sitting at the 1 yard line. This would have been a lay up for Harris.
#52 Deondre Hill Deondre Hill 6’3″ | 185 lbs | LB Brother Rice | 2028 MI 6’3 185lbs
Stats: 4 att for 11 yds, 1 rec for 15 yds
Highlight: 15 yard reception
Hill is listed as a linebacker but performed double duties. When in the backfield he was a big body to keep the QB upright and fight for those touch short yards. He did just that for the most part. Most notable was his third down catch for a much need first down due to a facemask call. His physically was also obvious attacking gaps like he’s filling on a run read.