New York Scouting Notes: Section V Running Back Prospects
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An overview of some running back prospects from Section V. Section V has actually a successful history sending running backs to all levels of division one schools and this looks to be the best group of backs from the area…
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Continue ReadingAn overview of some running back prospects from Section V. Section V has actually a successful history sending running backs to all levels of division one schools and this looks to be the best group of backs from the area since we saw big names such as Seven McGee, Rushawn Baker, Freddie Brock, Caron Robinson, and Nathan Carter in the 2020 and 2021 graduation classes.
This article is not meant to “rank” the prospects but to showcase some of the top RBs in Section V this upcoming season. The rankings next to these prospects names was from before the 2023 season and there will be an update to our 2025 rankings in the coming weeks.
C.J. Robinson C.J. Robinson 5’11” | 170 lbs | RB University Prep | 2025 State NY brother of Caron listed above started his career at Aquinas and was a dominant prospect for University Prep this season and had multiple 200+ yard games. Robinson’s best skillset is is vision and instincts as a runner. Robinson can make guys miss in open space with good lateral quickness and jump cuts. Overall Robinson is a smooth athlete who showcases the ability to create big plays offensively. Also a two-way player Robinson shows the athleticism and instincts to potentially be a defensive player at the next level as well.
Derrion Battle Derrion Battle 5’10” | 180 lbs | RB Aquinas | 2025 State NY who made the move from Irondequoit to Aquinas for this past season was one of the most effective runners in all of New York. Battle had big time games against Pittsford and Fairport which showcased his ability. Battle is a smooth athlete who shows really good burst through the hole. Battle does his best work as a one-cut type of RB who can put his foot and the ground and really get upfield and shows the speed to get by defensive backs. He has a strong lower half and showcases the ability to consistently break arm tackles and fight through tackle attempts from defensive backs.
Highlights
Cadearrell Sneed Jr Cadearrell Sneed Jr 5’10” | 175 lbs | RB East Rochester/Ganada | 2025 State NY is one of the most versatile backs on this list when it comes to what he brings to an offense. On a high powered East Rochester offense Sneed Jr was one of the only RBs in the state to eclipse 300 receiving yards. Sneed a two-way player has good twitch and quickness to his game. His ability to stop and start, jump cut and accelerate, and change direction at high speed make him tough to tackle in the open field. Sneed Jr has good ball skills and showcases good football instincts on both sides of the ball.
Highlights
Zymere Smith Zymere Smith 5’11” | 190 lbs | RB Clyde-Savannah | 2026 NY who plays in a low class is one of the most statistically dominant players in New York and when you turn on the tape you see why. Smith is easily one of the fastest players in Section V and he consistently is breaking long runs for 40+ yards. Smith is an effective receiver out of the backfield, even though Clyde Savannah does not throw the ball much Smith shows good ball skills and the ability to use his athleticism to generate separation. Smith wins with speed and dominates his competition but he also brings good quickness and power in his running style to the table.
Cam Freeman Cam Freeman 6’1″ | 175 lbs | RB Irondequoit | 2025 State NY is a player on this list who plays multiple positions for his HS team but he showcases consistently on film he is one of the best running backs in Section V and also one of the best overall athletes in the area. Freeman showcases burst and quickness on film. Freeman is a one-cut back who is not afraid to run with power and put his shoulder down but can also use his burst and speed to get by defensive backs. Freeman is a really impressive athlete who is an impact on both sides of the ball and is a player who has 1,000 yard potential this fall.
Gavin Parks Gavin Parks 6’0″ | 170 lbs | RB Brighton | 2025 State NY out of Brighton who has a ton of accolades already in his career is the workhorse of a talented Brighton team. Parks runs with suddenness and elusiveness that make him hard to bring down in traffic and showcases good speed and burst to escape defenders. Parks runs with really good patience around the LOS and lets his blocks develop before hitting open space at full speed. Brighton pulls a lot of their offensive lineman so Parks patience as a runner is a big reason they are so successful running the ball.
Tajmir Mullins
Tajmir Mullins
Tajmir Mullins is a dangerous offensive weapon on one of the top offenses in Section V. Out of James Monroe, Mullins is a dynamic runner who has great play speed and shows burst and quickness with the ball in his hands. Mullins runs hard and can break tackles with effort alone but he excels in space where he can utilize his athleticism to make defenders miss. Mullins in open space is one of the most dangerous runners in Section V.