New England “PRZ Combine Series” RB/LB Preview

The Prep Redzone Combine Series presents a fantastic opportunity for high school football prospects to showcase their talents to college coaches and Prep Redzone scouts. Test results will be documented for colleges nationwide to review after the event. On May 10, 2025, prospects from New England will have the chance to participate in this event hosted at Pembroke High School in Pembroke, MA. In this report, I will preview several promising Running Back & Linebacker prospects who have registered and confirmed their attendance and are ranked by PRZ New England or on the watch list. PRZ Scouts are eager to see all in live action and who stands out in the group. We will also briefly analyze what PRZ scouts may evaluate in terms of skills and athletic testing for each participating prospect.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />    Scout Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1636014' first='Rowan' last='Merryman'] – RB/LB, St. Mary's (2027) At the New England Prep Redzone Combine Series Showcase, scouts will closely observe [player_tooltip player_id='1636014' first='Rowan' last='Merryman']'s multifaceted skill set and overall athleticism. Standing at an estimated 6'0" and weighing 205lbs, Rowan brings a formidable presence, particularly as a running back and linebacker. His performance during the Fall 2024 season at St. Mary's earned him an Honorable Mention for Massachusetts All-State Division, showcasing his capacity to impact games significantly. Scouts will particularly note his punishing running style at RB, where he not only showcases power but also effectively gains yards after contact, a compelling trait for a player in this position. Similarly, his versatility on defense, evidenced by his ability to rush the passer and stop the run, makes him a valuable prospect. Rowan's current ranking as the #133 overall prospect and #14 RB in New England classifies him as a player to watch. However, his actual height, weight, and speed need to be verified for a higher projection grade. This showcase is critical; scouts will be meticulously evaluating his athletic testing numbers. Rowan's performance in agility drills, sprints, and strength metrics will help solidify his potential as a collegiate athlete and may influence his recruitment trajectory significantly. In summary, scouts will be on the lookout for Rowan's overall athletic capability, competitive nature, and how he can elevate his play against comparable talent.      Scout Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1589069' first='Michael' last='Hanley Jr']. - New England Prep Redzone Combine Series Showcase Prospect: [player_tooltip player_id='1589069' first='Michael' last='Hanley Jr']. Position: RB/DB Class: 2028 (Reclassifying to c/o 2029) Estimated Height: 5'10" Estimated Weight: 170 lbs Current School: Catholic Memorial, MA Notable Status: Pro New England Watch List Scouts attending the New England Prep Redzone Combine will be eager to evaluate [player_tooltip player_id='1589069' first='Michael' last='Hanley Jr'].'s potential, as he presently lacks varsity film. Observations from his freshman review indicate that he possesses valuable attributes that can translate well at the next level. His performance during this showcase will be critical for validating his height, weight, and speed, which remain unofficial. Key factors scouts will closely monitor include his burst and quickness, particularly in drills that emphasize agility and acceleration. Hanley's ability to catch passes out of the backfield is a significant asset; his hands will be a focus during receiving drills. Furthermore, his running style—marked by good lean and power—will be closely scrutinized, particularly in terms of his yardage after contact (YAC). An effective performance would showcase his fluidity and effort to gain extra yards. Given his lack of varsity film, this showcase is an essential opportunity for Hanley to make a strong impression and solidify his ranking as a rising talent in New England football. Scouts are looking for signs of growth, adaptability, and competitive spirit as they assess his overall potential for future varsity competition.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpXbhzbNazk </div></figure>     Scout Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1286076' first='Michael' last='Harden'] – New England 2027 At the New England Prep Redzone Combine Series Showcase, scouts will closely observe [player_tooltip player_id='1286076' first='Michael' last='Harden'], a promising linebacker from Xaverian Brothers H.S., who is currently ranked #98 overall and #9 among linebackers in the 2027 class within New England. Standing at an estimated 6'2" and weighing around 190 lbs, Michael exhibits impressive size that is critical for a linebacker. During his highlight film review for the 2024 season, it's evident that Michael plays with a high level of aggression. His commitment on special teams, particularly being the first player downfield to make pivotal plays, showcases his tenacity and determination. Scouts will also take note of his technique; he consistently employs a secure wrap and roll method when tackling, which indicates a solid fundamental approach. Furthermore, his good instincts and ability to take proper pursuit angles reveal his understanding of the game, making him a valuable asset on defense. However, a key area for development is strength at the point of contact, which could benefit his overall effectiveness against stronger competitors. While his height, weight, and speed metrics are still pending verification, scouts will be looking for ways Michael can elevate his projection through performance in drills and scrimmages during the showcase. Overall, he has the potential to be a standout contributor at the next level.      Scout Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1273898' first='Marcelo' last='Torres'] - Cheshire Academy, 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='1273898' first='Marcelo' last='Torres'] is an intriguing prospect participating in the New England Prep Redzone Combine Series Showcase as a linebacker, with an estimated height of 5'10" and weight of 170lbs. As a key contributor at Cheshire Academy, he is gaining valuable experience, but the limited film available as of September 27, 2024, leaves some scouts eager for more insight into his potential. By October 2, 2024, his performance showcased on Twitter has earned him recognition, now ranked #39 overall and #3 among linebackers in New England for the class of 2028 by PRZ. During his film evaluations, Marcelo displayed his athleticism, exhibiting a long, rangy frame that complements his tackling style. Notably, he tackles with a low pad level and shows a penchant for aggression, which are crucial traits for a linebacker. At the showcase, scouts will focus on his movement fluidity while pursuing ball carriers during individual drills. They will assess not only his lateral quickness and overall speed but also how well he adapts to varying game scenarios. Verification of his physical measurements will be essential for projecting his future grade. Marcelo's combination of tackling spirit and athletic capability positions him as a player to watch closely as he continues to develop in the coming years.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/21marcelotorres/status/1840013147173756966 </div></figure>     Scout Report: [player_tooltip player_id='801290' first='Kalib' last='Shaw'] – Class of 2026 Event: New England Prep Redzone Combine Series Showcase Position: Linebacker/Edge School: Waterbury Arts Magnet School, CT Ranking: #371 overall, #52 LB in New England (PRZ) Estimated Height/Weight: 6'0"/200 lbs [player_tooltip player_id='801290' first='Kalib' last='Shaw'] is a prospect to watch closely at the New England Prep Redzone Combine. His current ranking as the #52 linebacker in New England underscores his potential, and scouts will focus on his performance to validate this standing. During the 2/12/24 film review, Shaw's versatility as a hybrid outside linebacker/strong safety shines through. His reported 36-inch vertical indicates excellent leaping ability, which scouts will look to see in drills, particularly during jump and agility tests. His quick burst off the line of scrimmage, effective tackling in space, and ability to locate the ball carrier are critical traits that demonstrate his defensive instincts. At this showcase, scouts will seek to evaluate how well his physical measurements hold up, as verifying height and weight is crucial for his projection grade. Shaw's aggressive approach at the point of contact and quickness on the edge will be focal points, along with his fluid athleticism, reflecting his capability to transition between positions seamlessly. Overall, Kalib's performance will be key in determining his trajectory within the recruiting landscape. Continued growth and development showcased here could elevate his status further in the rankings as a versatile and impactful defender.        Scout Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1660531' first='Chase' last='Makris'], Plymouth South H.S. (2026) [player_tooltip player_id='1660531' first='Chase' last='Makris'] has emerged as a promising prospect to view at the New England Prep Redzone Combine Series Showcase. At an estimated height of 5'10” and weight of 180 lbs, he plays as a linebacker/running back. Recently evaluated on film, Chase is currently on our watch list and is expected to be added to the rank list in the upcoming New England rankings this July 2025. Scouts will keenly observe several key attributes during his performance at the showcase for ranking purposes. First, Chase's versatility and physicality will be pivotal; he has displayed strong proficiency against both run and pass plays. His instinctual nature and violent tackling style set him apart, showcasing a relentless pursuit of the ball. Scouts will look for his first step acceleration, particularly during blitzing situations and in extended plays. While Chase may be slightly undersized for a traditional linebacker role, his sheer effort, motor, and ability to quickly process information are critical elements that scouts value. Verification of his height, weight, and speed will be important for accurately projecting his potential. Observing how he applies these skills in drills, especially in one-on-one scenarios, will offer insights into his competitive edge and readiness for the next level. Overall, Chase's blend of talent, tenacity, and athleticism makes him a prospect worthy of attention at this showcase event.      Scout Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1061074' first='Fabian' last='Reynoso'] - Linebacker - Class of 2027 As scouts look for emerging talent at the New England Prep Redzone Combine Series Showcase, [player_tooltip player_id='1061074' first='Fabian' last='Reynoso'] of Danbury High School has captured attention with his impressive performance as a freshman. At an estimated height of 5'10" and weight of 180 lbs, he has quickly established himself as a formidable linebacker, boasting 56 total tackles in just six games, which speaks to his strong work ethic and capability in physically demanding environments. Scouts will keenly observe his instincts and ability to play downhill effectively. Reynoso demonstrates a purposeful approach, showcasing a strong presence at the point of attack. His pursuit angles are well-calibrated, allowing him to make significant plays effectively. In zone coverage, he maintains a physical edge, engaging crossing wide receivers adeptly while demonstrating an understanding of coverage responsibilities. Additional focus will be on his movement skills, particularly his ability to stand his ground against blockers and create negative yardage for ball carriers upon contact. His performance exhibits a solid foundation in the run game, indicating advanced instincts for a player of his age. While his physical attributes—height, weight, and speed—will require verification to elevate his projection grade, Reynoso's current film reveals a promising athlete with immense potential and a knack for making impactful plays on the field. He is certainly a prospect to monitor moving forward.

The Prep Redzone Combine Series presents a fantastic opportunity for high school football prospects to showcase their talents to college coaches and Prep Redzone scouts. Test results will be documented for colleges nationwide to review after the event. On May 10, 2025, prospects from New England will have the chance to participate in this event hosted at Pembroke High School in Pembroke, MA. In this report, I will preview several promising Running Back & Linebacker prospects who have registered and confirmed their attendance and are ranked by PRZ New England or on the watch list. PRZ Scouts are eager to see all in live action and who stands out in the group. We will also briefly analyze what PRZ scouts may evaluate in terms of skills and athletic testing for each participating prospect.