Top QB Performances from NYNJ Next

Yesterday's Next Combine was nothing short of impressive, showcasing the future of New Jersey football in a way that exceeded all expectations. It wasn't just the most talented camp I've attended—it featured the most stacked group of quarterbacks I've seen to date. Several of these signal-callers are destined for Division I programs, and it was a privilege to cover not only the QBs but also the wide receivers and defensive backs who brought the competition to another level. In this article, I'll break down the event into Top Performers, Honorable Mentions, and a Watchlist of names to keep an eye on. Stay tuned for full coverage and insights from an unforgettable day on the field.   Top Performers    Once again, [player_tooltip player_id='1272681' first='Justin' last='Merriman'] came home with MVP honors, solidifying his status as a name to know—not just in the state, but increasingly on the national radar. Since December, he's hit another growth spurt and added noticeable size to his frame, complementing one of the fastest releases at the entire camp (if not the fastest). His timing with receivers was spot-on, and that quick release will be a major asset when facing pressure in the future. He consistently delivered the ball where it needed to be, especially on tough out routes and deep posts. A future star at DePaul, his trajectory continues to point straight up.     This was my first chance to see [player_tooltip player_id='1155914' first='Walker' last='Snee'] compete in person—and he absolutely lived up to the hype. Earning co-MVP alongside Justin, Walker made a lasting impression on all coaches and scouts in attendance. With possibly the biggest arm at the camp, he dropped lofty throws throughout the morning that gave his receivers room to work against tight DB coverage. Walker's ball placement stood out during live reps, showing poise and precision beyond his years. On top of that, he clocked one of the fastest 40-yard dash times of the day, adding another layer to an already dangerous skill set.   Physically, Walker already has the size of a high schooler, and he's only going to get bigger, stronger, and more dominant. With Division I offers already rolling in from programs like Syracuse and Ole Miss, it's clear that college coaches are taking notice. Bergen Catholic has a bright star in the making, and Walker's future is as promising as any QB in the region.     I first saw Rahmir back in December, and it's clear his offseason training has taken his game to another level. He was throwing tight spirals with serious zip, and one of the best throws of the day came when he dropped a perfect ball over his receiver's shoulder down the sideline. His athleticism was also on display during testing, especially in the 5-10-5 and L-drill, where he showed off impressive agility. Rahmir's poise and patience in the pocket stood out, and with his continued growth, St. Joseph is getting a QB with a ton of upside.    Honorable Mention    Gregory really caught my attention at the Next Combine with his high ceiling and natural playmaking ability. He has an athletic build and is the kind of quarterback who can turn a broken play into a big gain. His ball placement and timing across the middle were on point, and he showed he can escape the pocket quickly without sacrificing accuracy. A shifty runner with solid instincts, Gregory will be even more dangerous as he continues to add size to his frame.     Alex is another young quarterback who checks all the boxes when it comes to leadership and next-level traits. He has a quick release with real velocity behind the ball and moves with confidence in the pocket, constantly keeping his feet active and ready to slide or adjust when pressure comes. Alex's drop-back is crisp and efficient, showing poise and a high football IQ well beyond his years.     This was my first time seeing George in person at the Next Combine, and he immediately caught my attention with his height, which was only further complemented by his impressive arm. With his size and frame, he's definitely got a lot of potential to grow into. Even with his size, he showed great footwork and mobility in the pocket, sliding forward while keeping his eyes downfield. While his throws sometimes lacked a bit of distance, I believe there's still plenty of untapped power he can add behind them as he continues to develop.    Watchlist   [player_tooltip player_id='1371555' first='Jayden' last='Schmalz'] 2029 QB   Jayden showcased impressive precision with his passes yesterday at the combine, shining during live drills against the DBs. Not once did he put the ball in danger, displaying excellent decision-making and accuracy. His hair-trigger release made him a constant threat, allowing him to get the ball out quickly and effectively. He'll be attending Delbarton in the fall, where his skills are sure to continue developing.   [player_tooltip player_id='1514895' first='Damien' last='Pierro'] 2029 QB   Damien, a true dual-threat QB, demonstrated his pinpoint accuracy at the NYNJ Next Combine, showcasing solid mechanics and fundamentals in the pocket. With a lot of potential to grow, he's a promising prospect whose skill set is definitely worth following over the next few years as he continues to develop.   [player_tooltip player_id='1277979' first='Austin' last='Marchetti'] 2030 QB   Austin continues to stay on my radar, showing steady growth both in skill and size. He has a frame that offers plenty of room for development, and his movement during individual drills was even crisper than when I last saw him in December. As a pocket passer, he squared up his shoulders and really drove his hips into his throws, displaying excellent mechanics. His fast footwork during the 5-10-5 drill was another standout, and it's clear that he's continuing to improve as he adds size and refines his game.

Yesterday's Next Combine was nothing short of impressive, showcasing the future of New Jersey football in a way that exceeded all expectations. It wasn't just the most talented camp I've attended—it featured the most stacked group of quarterbacks I've seen to date. Several of these signal-callers are destined for Division I programs, and it was a privilege to cover not only the QBs but also the wide receivers and defensive backs who brought the competition to another level. In this article, I'll break down the event into Top Performers, Honorable Mentions, and a Watchlist of names to keep an eye on. Stay tuned for full coverage and insights from an unforgettable day on the field.