Instant Reaction: Prep Redzone Next Combine Series, New Jersey

<p>This being my third season a part of the Prep Redzone family and an experienced event professional, I can honestly and objectively say that the events have steadily improved by way of Prep Redzone's dedication and feedback loop. In many ways, the spring 2025 Prep Redzone Next Combine in New Jersey was a culminating moment in which the hard work of the collaborative <em>right </em>people came together to pull off - in my opinion - the company's best event to-date... that I have at least attended.</p>   <p>Below are a few remarks and thoughts on the event.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Aaron Brady Affect</h2>   <p>From the moment I arrived, I could immediately tell that the presence, demeanor, and tone of this event was different than ones I have been a part of in the past. How that happened - the straw that stirred the drink in a sense - was Event Director <a href="https://x.com/Coach_Brady">Aaron Brady</a> (follow him). Coach Brady is a lifelong football guy who is married to the game and advances it in every way that he can. With fast event experience, an extensive coaching résumé that features success, a vast network across all levels of the game, and an unrivaled work ethic, Prep Redzone has found the guy to elevate their event operations to the next level. </p>   <p>For what my friend, Coach Brady, has done for my football career he continues to do for the next generation of ballers. Coach Brady did an outstanding job of tending to the student-athletes, responding to input from all stakeholders (parents, coaches, and scouts), and kept the event on schedule - event getting it ahead of schedule very early on. This bought athletes more time to compete. Lastly, he did an excellent job of modifying the event based off of what he witnessed to make it responsive to what was happening on the ground, rather than conforming to a pre-prescribed, cookie-cutter formula that might not work in most cases. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">High-Quality Coaching</h2>   <p>As a coach myself, what blew me away today in regards to today's clinicians was the amount of teaching, learning, and transfer of technical skills from coach to athlete that I saw. Yes, we all want to be in front of college coaches as they control the money, but as God as my witness, in many cases high school coaches are of finer quality and have a deeper passion for the game at the grassroots level. This was unquestionably the case today.</p>   <p>Several of New Jersey's top non-public schools were in attendance, including: Don Bosco, Red Bank Catholic, Donovan Catholic, and Delbarton. More than the shock in name value, these coaches offered years of experience and solid, technically-sound fundamentals were being taught. Additionally, this event was staffed damn-near perfectly. Each group had enough coaches were feedback loops were constant, improvements were made, and the level of competition was raised. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Awesome Host Facility</h2>   <p>Admittedly so, anything south of the Driscoll Bridge might as well be a foreign country to me. That said the host facility, <a href="https://adventuresportsandentertainment.com">Adventure Sports and Entertainment</a> in Jackson, New Jersey was awesome. Their staff was friendly, accommodating, and helpful. Beyond that, the dome was beautiful. The lights were bright and of high-quality, there was ample space were no drills of groups were overlapping, parking was vast and available, and as Coach Brian Bowers and I commented, we thought the dome's apex was higher than that of the Rutgers' bubble. This was an A++ facility in numerous respects. I hope to be back there soon.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Standing Room Only</h2>   <p>One of the cool features of Adventure Sports and Entertainment was that it doubles as a driving range. Like many driving ranges, there is a second deck to hit the links off of. This second-level driving range served as the perfect vantage points for parents and spectators to get a high-and-tight view of today's action. Both figuratively and literally, it also served as a perch for the action to be recorded to capture every moment.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Media Content</h2>   <p>Speaking of capturing every moment, for the first time in my tenure with Prep Redzone a videographer was hired for the event. Although I did not catch the company or individual service provider's name, I did recall their logo, trademarks, and insignia on the film of numerous south Jersey football prospects. I am eagerly anticipating the added value, experience, and media production this added layer of coverage will offer beyond scouting notes, evaluation, and event coverage.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Quick-Thinking Problem Solving</h2>   <p>No event is perfect and they never go off without a hitch. That said, there were a few moments that had to be addressed - and Coach Brady squashed them and resolved them swiftly, definitively, and immediately. One issue had to do with reps as a parent rightfully so advocated for his child. Coach Brady got together with this player's position coaches and, by camp's end, the issue seemed to evaporate. Later on, we had a shoulder issue and a rolled ankle that was quickly addressed and remedied by the trainer on site. Before you knew it, those two athletes were back balling out.</p>   <p>Another aspect that was addressed were the specific drills and operations. Coach Brady worked with myself, the linebacker, and the running back coaches to teach and implement drills that showcased their closing speed, ability to track hips, and aptitude to create space in a phone booth. Coach Brady also coached the coaches at moments, adjusting things he did not think would work. Kudos to him.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Future Looks Bright</h2>   <p>The talent level at today's camp was elite. Aside from having top-tier middle school prospects who were dudes, if there was a depth chart it was deep. This batch of prospects competed and there were good reps to go around. Furthermore, this event was announced as a sell out, capped at approximately 165 participants. Competition was fierce, the reps were bountiful, and the event had juice. With both the quantity, skill level, depth, and breath of talent on display today, the future looks bright.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Al Pops = Don't Miss</h2>   <p>Lastly, every head must bow and every tongue must confess. My long time colleague, the one man industry as I call him, <a href="https://x.com/AlPopsFootball">Al Pops</a>, absolutely killed it today. Repping his home state of New Jersey to death, Pops took the bull by the horns and took complete pride-in-ownership of every single aspect of this event today. Hiring coaches: he hand selected and hit home runs. Marketing a sell out the event: went above and beyond. Recruiting top talent to attend: that is simply what he does. </p>   <p>I can be reluctant at times to come out to middle school events, but like several prospects who attended today, Pops sold me and I am sure happy I made it out. In my humble opinion, in many ways this event was a culminating moment of Pop's career work in the industry from the event operations, sales, marketing, and publishing domains. He has clearly mastered the craft and an industry unicorn. I am proud to consider him my friend, proud of his work today, and blessed to have just been a small part of his "football life" journey.</p>   <p>Celebrate today's touchdown with a cigar and a cold one for me with your hometown friends today, Pops. You earned it, brother. Enjoy this success and toast to many more to come.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Event Coverage: Prep Redzone Next Combine Series – New Jersey</h2>   <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/03/prz-next-combine-series-5-offensive-lineman-im-excited-to-see">Event Preview: Offensive Linemen</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/prz-next-combine-series-5-defenders-im-excited-to-see">Event Preview: Defenders, Part I</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/prz-next-combine-series-5-more-defenders-im-excited-to-see">Event Preview: Defenders, Part II</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/prz-next-combine-series-5-quarterbacks-im-excited-to-see">Event Preview: Quarterbacks</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/prz-next-combine-series-5-offensive-skills-im-excited-to-see">Event Preview: Offensive Skills</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/instant-reaction-prep-redzone-next-combine-series-new-jersey">Post-Event Instant Reaction</a></p>

This being my third season a part of the Prep Redzone family and an experienced event professional, I can honestly and objectively say that the events have steadily improved by way of Prep Redzone's dedication and feedback loop. In many ways, the spring 2025 Prep Redzone Next Combine in New Jersey was a culminating moment in which the hard work of the collaborative right people came together to pull off - in my opinion - the company's best event to-date... that I have at least attended.