New Jersey PRZ Next Combine – Linebacker Standouts
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This past weekend the NJ/NYC PRZ Next Combine took place, and over 100 prospects in the classes of 2028-2030 took the field. It was one of the most deeply-talented middle school camps I have personally ever been to. Off the…
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Continue ReadingThis past weekend the NJ/NYC PRZ Next Combine took place, and over 100 prospects in the classes of 2028-2030 took the field. It was one of the most deeply-talented middle school camps I have personally ever been to. Off the top of my head there were nearly two dozen athletes that currently project to the D1 level. Here’s a look at the linebackers that stood out.
MVP and Top Three
In a close competition, it was Aveyon Warfield Aveyon Warfield 6’0″ | 210 lbs | LB Glassboro | 2028 NJ that walked away with the Linebacker MVP award. Warfield was an eighth-grade prospect I was excited to see up close, given his 6-foot, 210-pound frame; Not to mention he’s off to Glassboro High School–which every college in America should be visiting. Fortunately, he did not disappoint in terms of ability either. He is a big, physical kid who looks the part as a Middle Linebacker. Moved well laterally and can clearly come downhill and pack a punch. Next year, he’ll be a dream pairing with another former PRZ Next Middle School Camp MVP, 2027 MLB Tasheem Butler Tasheem Butler 6’1″ | 210 lbs | LB Glassboro | 2027 State NJ .
One of several athletes hailing from Connecticut that had a nice day at camp, Gaughran was one of the top three Linebackers we saw at camp. Physically he passed the test right away. Impressive build with more than adequate muscle mass for the position. Really impressed by his agile feet and ability to change direction without taking a false step. On every drill or rep, he was on the balls of feet. Didn’t lunge to make contact and played under control. On top of the on-field ability, in spending some time speaking with him, he’s clearly a very intelligent young man too. Next year he’ll be taking the train every day to New York, to play at Archbishop Stepniac.
Highlights
While the other two Linebackers in the top three are clearly Middle Linebackers, Chase Winterborne Chase Winterborne 5’10” | 160 lbs | LB St. Joe’s Prep | 2028 NJ rounds out the trio as more of an Outside Linebacker/Strong Safety type. This was the third time I’ve seen Winterborne play in a live setting since late January–each time I really like what I see. Watching him flip his hips and not inadvertently wander into no-man’s land during pass drop drills, was masterful. Head and shoulders above the other Linebackers in terms of overall athleticism. Played the game with a high IQ and was a good judge of when to get physical or when to use his speed and length to his advantage. Next year, he’ll be making the trip from South Jersey to Philadelphia, to play at St. Joe’s Prep.
Highlights
Additional Standouts
Last year’s Linebacker MVP at the spring PRZ Next Middle School event, Cancel had another very good showing at this past weekend’s combine. I saw him play live in the SportzFarm tournament during Easter weekend and loved his physicality at the padded event. At the combine showing he did well in short distance drills, but did crossed up a bit during coverage drills. He’s absolutely a Middle Linebacker and covering scat backs in the flat shouldn’t typically be his normal responsibilities. However, with how big he is, continuing to work on his speed and quickness will be important. The talented Garden State Linebacker will be attending Moore Catholic in Staten Island, New York this fall.
Ahead of the PRZ Next Combine I had Torres on my list of Connecticut prospects to take a deeper look at this summer, but I luckily got an in-person opportunity this past weekend. In my original notes from before the combine, I had jotted down that Torres was a RB/LB, with my initial instincts being that he had a higher ceiling as a Linebacker–and that rang true. He looked very athletic and quick at the combine this past weekend. Pretty good build for this level and worked with a surgical technician’s attention to detail. Extremely coachable young man, who was clearly there to get the most out of every rep. He’ll be off to perennial powerhouse program, Cheshire Academy.
Highlights
It was kind of surreal seeing Nate Walsh Nate Walsh 5’6″ | 160 lbs | LB Crestwood | 2028 PA at his final Prep Redzone Next Middle School event, as the Pennsylvania prospect heads to high school in the fall. Having attended a PRZ Next Middle School camp every year since he was in sixth-grade, he continues to standout from the crowd. An athletic kid who is extremely self-aware of the limitations that come with his shorter height, yet doesn’t use it as an excuse or a crutch. He was probably the second best linebacker in terms of coverage, at the camp. He’s really well-built and has some obvious full-body strength. In talking to him after the event, he’s going to see what high school scene brings him, but he is “absolutely” open to making the move to Strong Safety. As I mentioned to him when spoke, Bob Sanders was the 2007 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and stood jut 5-foot-8. If he finds the right spot and situation, there’s no reason to believe he can’t play post-high school.
Highlights
Best of the Rest
Maddox Mingucci Maddox Mingucci 6'0" | 200 lbs | LB St. Joe's (Metuchen) | 2028 NJ | St. Joe’s Metuchen – Certainly an attention-grabber in terms of physical appearance with long arms, a muscular build and broad shoulders. Plays physical and moves decently in close-proximity. I’ve previously said a move to Defensive End may be for the better, and I stand firm on that. I truly feel if he makes the move, there’s a boat load of potential here.
Andrew Gesumaria Andrew Gesumaria 5'8" | 180 lbs | LB Pope John | 2028 NJ | Pope John – A new name and face to me in this 2028 class, Gesumaria had some flashes of good Linebacker player. He’s a barrel-chested kid with decent muscle mass and looks at home as Mike Linebacker. Athletically wasn’t on the level as some of the other ‘backers, but played aggressively throughout the event.