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Southeast Middle School Camp: Running Backs Who Stole the Show  

Southeast Middle School Camp: Running Backs Who Stole the Show  
CJ Marable
CJ Marable January 6, 2025 @ 12:04 PM
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David Knowles III
David Knowles III 5'8" | 170 lbs | RB/LB | 2030
TN
Kevin Caldwell Jr.
Kevin Caldwell Jr. 5'7" | 160 lbs | LB/RB | 2030
TN
David Knowles
David Knowles 5'6" | 160 lbs | RB | 2029
TN
Kruise Buntyn Jr.
Kruise Buntyn Jr. 5'5" | 183 lbs | RB | 2029
TN
Jaxon Hunter
Jaxon Hunter 5'8" | 140 lbs | RB/DB | 2029
TN
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middle school football is a proving ground for future stars, and this group of running backs is no exception. With explosive athleticism, refined skills, and standout performances, these athletes are already demonstrating the traits of elite playmakers. The following scouting reports highlight their agility, ball-handling, and versatility, showcasing why they are names to watch as they progress through their football journeys.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These young running backs have laid the groundwork for promising careers with their standout performances in drills and scrimmages. Their skills, athleticism, and work ethic set them apart as elite prospects to watch in the coming years.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Hezekiah Thomas ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2030","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"135","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-677c10104fe43"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hezekiah Thomas is a compact and explosive running back with exceptional burst through the line of scrimmage. His bag and agility drills showcased quick feet, fluid hips, and the ability to make sharp cuts without losing speed. Thomas demonstrated reliable hands during passing drills, consistently securing catches away from his body and transitioning smoothly into running after the catch. His vision and ability to read blocks were evident in live scrimmages, where he displayed patience before accelerating through gaps. Defensively aware, Thomas also showed promise as a pass protector, using leverage and technique to keep defenders at bay. With a strong work ethic and natural talent, he has the foundation to develop into a dominant offensive weapon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1592012"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-677c10104febd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1305217' first='David' last='Knowles'] impressed with his combination of size, strength, and agility, making him a tough matchup for defenders. During bag drills, he maintained low pad level and balance, allowing him to power through contact while keeping his feet moving. Knowles showcased soft hands and an ability to adjust to passes in traffic, highlighting his potential as a receiving threat out of the backfield. His lateral quickness and deceptive speed stood out during agility drills, enabling him to evade defenders in tight spaces. Knowles also excelled in blitz pickup, showing great awareness and effort to protect his quarterback. With his size and skill set, he has the tools to become a versatile, every-down back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1589021"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-677c10104ff0c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1589021' first='Kevin' last='Caldwell Jr'] brings elite quickness and field vision to the position, making him a constant big-play threat. He stood out in agility drills, displaying impressive acceleration and sharp cuts that leave defenders grasping at air. Caldwell's pass-catching ability was a highlight, as he ran crisp routes and demonstrated strong hands to secure passes in stride. His ball security and decision-making in traffic were evident during contact drills, where he consistently held onto the ball under pressure. Caldwell also showed excellent stamina, maintaining his explosiveness throughout multiple reps. His ability to shift gears and create separation makes him a dynamic playmaker with a high ceiling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1274727"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-677c10104ff5b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1274727' first='Jaxon' last='Hunter'] combines length and agility, offering a versatile skill set that fits both power and finesse running styles. His performance in bag drills highlighted strong footwork and controlled balance, allowing him to navigate tight spaces effectively. Hunter's catching ability was polished, as he displayed focus and body control when tracking down passes. He showcased strong lateral movements and field awareness, making him a dangerous open-field runner. Hunter also impressed with his ability to handle contact, using leverage and upper-body strength to shed tacklers. With continued development, he has the potential to be a dynamic offensive weapon at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1305180"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-677c10104ffa1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kruise brings a rare blend of power and agility to the position, making him a standout performer. He excelled in bag drills, demonstrating quick feet and explosive power through each rep. His soft hands and ability to secure contested catches add versatility to his game, making him an option in both the run and pass game. Kruise's physicality was evident during contact drills, where he consistently broke tackles and finished runs with authority. He also showcased strong blocking fundamentals, providing reliable protection in passing situations. With his size, strength, and skill set, Kruise is poised to be a dominant force in the backfield moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Middle school football is a proving ground for future stars, and this group of running backs is no exception. With explosive athleticism, refined skills, and standout performances, these athletes are already demonstrating the traits of elite playmakers. The following scouting reports highlight their agility, ball-handling, and versatility, showcasing why they are names to watch as they progress through their football journeys. 

Hezekiah Thomas

Hezekiah Thomas

HEIGHT 5'3"
WEIGHT 135
POS RB
CLASS 2030

Hezekiah Thomas

Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
David Knowles III

David Knowles III

HEIGHT 5'8"
WEIGHT 170
POS RB/LB
CLASS 2030
View Player
​
David
Knowles III RB/LB
Class
2030
Height
5'8"
Weight
170
HS
The Baylor School
|
TN
Southeast Middle School Camp: Running Backs Who Stole the Show  
David Knowles impressed with his combination of size, strength, and agility, making him a tough matchup for defenders....
Written by CJ Marable
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

David Knowles III

State: Tennessee
School: The Baylor School
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Kevin Caldwell Jr.

Kevin Caldwell Jr.

HEIGHT 5'7"
WEIGHT 160
POS LB/RB
CLASS 2030
View Player
​
Kevin
Caldwell Jr. LB/RB
Class
2030
Height
5'7"
Weight
160
HS
Kirkwood Middle School
|
TN
Southeast Middle School Camp: Running Backs Who Stole the Show  
Kevin Caldwell Jr. brings elite quickness and field vision to the position, making him a constant big-play threat....
Written by CJ Marable
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Kevin Caldwell Jr.

Twitter
State: Tennessee
School: Kirkwood Middle School
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jaxon Hunter

Jaxon Hunter

TN
RB/DB
HEIGHT 5'8"
WEIGHT 140
POS RB/DB
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
Jaxon
Hunter RB/DB
Class
2029
Height
5'8"
Weight
140
HS
Richland
|
TN
Southeast Middle School Camp: Running Backs Who Stole the Show  
Jaxon Hunter combines length and agility, offering a versatile skill set that fits both power and finesse running...
Written by CJ Marable
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jaxon Hunter

Twitter
State: Tennessee
School: Richland
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Kruise Buntyn Jr.

Kruise Buntyn Jr.

TN
RB
HEIGHT 5'5"
WEIGHT 183
POS RB
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
Kruise
Buntyn Jr. RB
Class
2029
Height
5'5"
Weight
183
HS
Knoxville Catholic
|
TN
Southeast Middle School Camp: Running Backs Who Stole the Show  
Kruise brings a rare blend of power and agility to the position, making him a standout performer. He...
Written by CJ Marable
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Kruise Buntyn Jr.

State: Tennessee
School: Knoxville Catholic
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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