AVC Football Camp: Running Backs, Vol. II
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On Sunday, June 2, 2024 I had the privilege to cover Fairleigh Dickinson University Head Football Coach Anthony Van Curen‘s Football Camp, hosted on the beautiful campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University at Madison. Simply put, this event was a absolutely…
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Continue ReadingOn Sunday, June 2, 2024 I had the privilege to cover Fairleigh Dickinson University Head Football Coach Anthony Van Curen‘s Football Camp, hosted on the beautiful campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University at Madison. Simply put, this event was a absolutely awesome. In the midst of a very popular camp weekend where locally both Rutgers and Marist hosted competing camps, Van Curen managed to host over 500 prospects, roughly 65 colleges, well over 150 college coaches, and just one member of the media – me – who will be bringing you the exclusive media coverage of the event.
My exclusive coverage of the event continues with this piece on positional analysis of the group mentioned in the article’s title.
Positional Breakdown: Running Backs
On an already loaded offense, Nakeem Powell Nakeem Powell 5'10" | 160 lbs | ATH Winslow | 2026 State NJ ‘s prowess sometimes goes unnoticed when discussing Winslow football. During this camp, however, Powell left little doubt that he deserves to be mentioned amongst their offensive stars. As hard as it is to see in a shirt and shorts camp, Powell showed that he is a violent runner. He rushed in a hurry, took long strides, never slowed down, and kept motoring. Another element of Powell’s game that I think can add an additional element to his game was his propensity to extend his hands when going for the catch….. Another 2026 prospect, Seton Hall Prep’s Bryce Robbins Bryce Robbins 5'8" | 155 lbs | RB Seton Hall Prep | 2026 NJ , is a prospect that caught my attention for many of the little things he did so well. With good combine metrics across the board, Robbins still has two seasons of football to play ahead of him. First, Robbins maintained outstanding leverage in pass protection drills. I actually thought he was faster, routinely beating his man to the spot, as he worked mirroring drills. Unfortunately Robbins was paired with a a few less-than quarterbacks; however, he only used this as an opportunity to rise to the occasion. Robbins made several adjustments to poorly thrown balls that showcased his ability to track it both downfield and as a check down option. Finally, Robbins’ adjustments were made without losing much speed, if any.
Two backs that looked particularly good as receivers were Jaden Roberts of Kittatinny Regional and Daysir Spille Daysir Spille 5'9" | 210 lbs | RB Immaculata | 2026 NJ of Immaculata. Starting with Jaden Roberts, on more than one occasion I witness him fully extend – and also lay out – to retrieve the ball. Daysir Spille Daysir Spille 5'9" | 210 lbs | RB Immaculata | 2026 NJ did as well, although his efforts tended to be a bit more “top play” worthy. Multiple times I saw Spille make receptions of the one handed variety, including a gorgeous one where he went up, had his back parallel to the ground, reached across his body, and maintained possession through the ground.
Hailing from the Empire State, John Weaver from Cardinal Hayes might have been the most instinctual and natural runner in attendance. As he progressed through cut drills, I noticed Weaver run with a forward lean that is indicative of the potential to bowl defenders over or fall forward. Additionally, when Weaver went to cut, he did so at the last possible moment and still evaded would-be tacklers in the process….. Another back out of Cranford who made the trip was 2027 graduate Gabriel Worrell Gabriel Worrell 5'11" | RB Cranford | 2027 NJ . Worrell shows promise based on his feet alone. I thought his feet were quick, nimble, and had enough flexibility to cut in any direction at a moment’s notice. He also has good size, at 5’11”, to produce anywhere on the football field.
I close out with Zaimer Wright, who is set to graduate later this month and be a Sayreville alum. Wright will be heading to East Coast Prep in Massachusetts before looking for his next destination. One particular rep I caught, I saw Wright absolutely cook – shaking-and-baking – his opponent on a Texas route. This Texas route, however, somehow incorporated a double-move in it.