8 Prospects to Keep an Eye on at NYNJ Next

With over 150 prospects in attendance, Prep Redzone's NYNJ Next Combine is shaping up to be a must-see event. Top talent from across the region will be flocking to Jackson, NJ, making this a prime opportunity to catch the state's rising stars in action. Don't miss out!    I had the chance to see [player_tooltip player_id='409942' first='Gabe' last='Kemp'] last May at the NYNJ Combine in Hillsborough, NJ, where he put on an impressive display of speed and versatility. Clocking one of the fastest 40 times at the camp with a hand-timed 4.59, he showcased the burst and explosiveness that made him a top-3 performer at last year's event. A dynamic threat out of the backfield, his skill set allows him to impact the game in multiple ways, and I expect similar standout results this time around. After an outstanding middle school career, he's set to take the next step at St. Joseph this fall, where his potential will only continue to grow.     Damien was one of the top-performing quarterbacks at the December PRZ Next Combine, standing out as a player who's ahead of his peers in terms of development. His quick, hair-trigger release impressed both coaches and scouts, showcasing his ability to make rapid decisions under pressure. Throughout the event, Damien excelled at driving the ball downfield with velocity, consistently threading passes into tight windows against defensive backs. He's one of those quarterbacks you need to keep an eye on, as his combination of skill and poise makes him a standout talent in the class.     Mason is a wide receiver returning for his second combine this offseason, building on his success from the previous Next Combine, where he earned an honorable mention. At this event, he was one of the top-performing receivers, catching the attention of everyone during live-action drills against defensive backs. His playmaking abilities stand out, driven by exceptional footwork both at the line of scrimmage and at the break, allowing him to manipulate defenders and create openings for the quarterback. With his impressive route running and ability to create separation, Mason is sure to shine on Saturday and continue to make a strong case as one of the top prospects in his class.     Aidan earned an honorable mention for his standout performance at the PRZ Next NYNJ Combine in December, where he demonstrated impressive accuracy throughout both positional drills and live action. He consistently placed the ball exactly where it needed to be, showing an excellent feel for touch on his throws. When going up against the combine's top defensive backs, Aidan showcased exceptional ball placement, keeping passes just out of reach to secure completions. Among all positional groups, the quarterbacks will be some of the best on Saturday, and Aidan's has the opportunity to solidify his spot among the elite. He'll be taking his talents to Seton Hall Prep, where his skills will continue to shine.     Malachi is one of the top 2030 prospects in the state, and Saturday will mark the first time I get to see him perform in person. His 2024 film was some of the most impressive tape I've seen this season, with Malachi figuratively and literally towering over the competition. Heading into 8th grade, he possesses the size you typically don't see at his age, making him a standout player. His speed, acceleration, and nimble movement on the field are qualities that should translate to excellent times in the 40-yard dash and cone drills this weekend. Given his talent, I expect Malachi to draw significant attention from coaches and scouts after his performance.     Baker is one of the top wide receiver prospects in New Jersey's 2029 class, earning Top Performer honors at the previous Next Combine in New Jersey. Despite being a bigger wideout, he's incredibly shifty with quick cuts and fast footwork, allowing him to create separation both at the line and downfield. As a big target, he can outcompete nearly every defender and is expected to make some incredible catches Saturday morning. Baker is heading to Bergen Catholic, where he'll continue to thrive and catch the attention of collegiate scouts with his impressive skills.     Austin has attended multiple PRZ Next Combines and continues to grow and thrive each time he returns to compete. His frame keeps building, and it's clear that his offseason training has paid off, with impressive tape from this past season showcasing his development. Austin demonstrated the ability to launch the ball deep downfield with precision, and he has a great feel for the pocket, staying composed under duress. With his poise, arm strength, and skill set, I'm expecting to see all of these traits on full display Saturday, making him one of the standout quarterbacks to watch.     One of the top linebackers from the December Combine, Shay stood out by overshadowing the competition with his impressive size, measuring in at 5'11" and 194lbs, and likely adding even more muscle over the last few months. He demonstrated impressive elusiveness and reactivity, excelling in change-of-direction drills and when facing running backs in the open field. His ability to generate power was evident in an impressive broad jump, showcasing his explosiveness. With his athleticism and power, he's definitely one of the top defenders to keep an eye on at the upcoming combine.

With over 150 prospects in attendance, Prep Redzone's NYNJ Next Combine is shaping up to be a must-see event. Top talent from across the region will be flocking to Jackson, NJ, making this a prime opportunity to catch the state's rising stars in action. Don't miss out!