Players I'm Excited to See at NYNJ Next Combine

We're less than one week away from one of the top offseason events in the entire state. On April 5th, the top middle school players will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and elevate their status among the ranks.   If you've attended any of Prep Redzone's Next Combines in the past, many of these names may already be familiar. And if you've seen these players in action, you know they've set themselves apart from others who have competed before.   Here are the top players to keep an eye on come April 5th.    At the last combine in December, [player_tooltip player_id='1507905' first='Louis' last='Navarro'] put on a show with his polished route running and natural athleticism. His silky smooth footwork allowed him to cut effortlessly, getting in and out of his breaks with precision. Whether running short, intermediate, or deep routes, he maintained fluid movement, making it difficult for defenders to keep up. His ability to change direction on a dime was a standout trait, showcasing his agility and quickness.   In addition to his sharp route running, Louis' hands were on full display throughout the event. He made several impressive catches, hauling in passes that seemed just out of reach. His body control and hand-eye coordination allowed him to adjust mid-air and secure difficult grabs. With his speed and athleticism, he should test well at the Next combine, further solidifying his status as a rising talent. If he continues to develop at this pace, he has the tools to be a playmaker at the next level.     At every combine event I've attended, [player_tooltip player_id='1272681' first='Justin' last='Merriman'] has dominated the competition, earning MVP honors each time. His growth and development are evident with each performance, consistently refining his skills and elevating his game. Justin already stands out physically, outsizing most of the 2029-2031 class, and as he continues to add size to his frame, he'll become an even more intimidating presence on the field. Beyond his stature, Justin put up some of the most impressive numbers at his position, including the second-best broad jump in the entire camp—a testament to his athleticism and explosiveness.   Justin's relentless drive to be the best quarterback in the 2029 class is undeniable. His accuracy at every level of the field is elite for his age, and his attention to detail is reflected in his dialed-in mechanics, fluid release, and natural command of the position. Every throw is sharp, precise, and executed with confidence. Already holding an offer from UNLV, it's only a matter of time before more programs take notice. With his talent and work ethic, he's poised for a bright future, and as he heads to DePaul this fall, he'll have the perfect stage to continue making his mark.     A running back I wrote about earlier this month, [player_tooltip player_id='1627839' first='Jeyden' last='Thomas'] is ready to set himself apart from the rest at the Next Combine this Saturday. Jeyden's combination of speed, balance, and vision should be on full display in Jackson, NJ, as he'll showcase how much of a threat he can be every time he touches the rock. With the unique ability to make guys miss and also absorb contact and stay on his feet through tackles, Jeyden will shine come Saturday afternoon. He has demonstrated elite speed and agility in his 2024 highlights already, and I expect it to show throughout the testing drills this weekend.     Daren is a hard-hitting linebacker with a thick build and a natural presence in the middle of the field. His high football IQ allows him to diagnose plays quickly, putting him in the right position to make impact stops. A true leader on defense, Daren brings intensity and physicality on every snap, setting the tone for his team. His combination of strength, intelligence, and instinct makes him a standout at his position, and as he continues to develop, he has the potential to separate himself from the competition. With his skill set and work ethic, it'll be exciting to see what he's capable of as he takes on the positional drills and refines his game Saturday at the combine.     A powerful, downhill runner with a strong build, [player_tooltip player_id='1506625' first='Ryan' last='Hunter'] is a bruiser of a back who thrives between the tackles, lowering his pad level and delivering punishing stiff arms to would-be tacklers every time he gets the chance. Despite his size and physicality, he possesses impressive lateral quickness, allowing him to plant his foot and change direction effortlessly, making defenders miss in the open field. Ryan's blend of power and agility makes him a dynamic threat out of the backfield, and with his potential, all eyes will be on him at this Saturday's combine.     Yah-Yah is a dominant force in the trenches, outsizing every other player in his class and making an impact on both sides of the ball in 2024. As a star offensive and defensive lineman, he combines raw power with surprisingly quick feet, allowing him to overpower opponents while staying agile and explosive. Yah-Yah's film showcases his strength, technique, and relentless motor, proving why he's one of the most exciting young linemen to watch. He's been putting in serious work over the offseason to refine his craft, and as he heads to Bergen Catholic, he'll have the perfect opportunity to maximize his talents. With his size, skill, and work ethic, Yah-Yah is a name we'll be hearing for years to come. Get familiar with him this upcoming Saturday at the Next Combine.

We're less than one week away from one of the top offseason events in the entire state. On April 5th, the top middle school players will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and elevate their status among the ranks.