PRZ PA Combine, My Personal Evaluation Notes, Running Backs

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["940944"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6826199709ebf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Verified Testing numbers, 5'9, 183 pounds. 9'0 Broad, 4.71 shuttle time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pleased with [player_tooltip player_id='940944' first='Jose' last='Sabastro']'s performance at this event. Safe to say, and I've been thinking this since the season ended, I feel as though I'm drastically underselling Sabastro's potential based on his current ranking. That will change with our incoming 2026 rankings update, Sabastro is in line for a boost. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A shame that I didn't capture many of his 1v1 wins on video, yet I was in attendance, of course, to see Sabastro win against LBs left and right. Impressed with his use of tempo, impressed with his final gear too. When hit, Sabastro was able to create separation deep and win on routes further than 15 yards. More than anything, I'm impressed by Sabastro's build. A thick lower body that has and will continue to help him stay balanced between the gaps. Named a Top Five performer post-event, his wins as a pass-catcher forced my hand here. Glad he came out and performed well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402431"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6826199709f2f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Running back MVP. Verified height and weight, 5'6, 166 pounds. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A cut-up build. When plugging in the tape, you'd figure Gowans to be toting 180-185 pounds based on the way he can run through tackles, based on the way he can stay balanced through the C-gaps. That build continues to be developed, Gowans looked beyond his years in person. I don't normally say this, yet Gowans is already looking college-ready from a physique perspective. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A complete dominator in all drills, this during individuals and 1v1s. Great route runner, one who made it a point to all coaches present that he can lose LBs underneath 10 yards. Gowans showed off fantastic burst and change of direction skill while doing so in realistic scenarios. Hardy might be the highest-ranked back in attendance, yet I could not deny Gowans the MP accolade after watching him tear through competition for damn near two hours. Footage backs up my claim. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are still a bit early to the DII offer window. Many haven't showed their hands, yet I imagine PSACs won't let Gowans go unoffered for much longer. I always thought of Gowans as an FCS-caliber prospect, his current ranking keeps him in that threshold just barely. We'll see if any local FCS schools pull the trigger in the coming weeks. 3.5 GPA out of Cardinal O'Hara. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1623942"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6826199709f7d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The surprise of the event, at least among the backs present. I was familiar with several backs prior to seeing them work on the 10th. Methcaton's [player_tooltip player_id='1623942' first='Roman' last='Brown'] put together a performance that forced my attention. A backer build on an athletic prospect, many coaches, as well as myself, likely dismissed Brown based on physique/build alone. That was regrettable, as Brown showed off soft hands and solid burst out of his cuts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5'11, 218 pounds, not surprised to learn that Brown ran a 11.5 100M at his size after seeing his athletic potential in person. 3.3 GPA. Brown will continue to put good tape out in hope of drawing collegiate/next-level attention. Coaches will likely explore Brown's two-way potential, as he's a serious option at backer like I mentioned above. An underrated prospect who could be helped via exposure from myself and PRZ. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Methacton's [player_tooltip player_id='1623942' first='Roman' last='Brown'] shown below. <a href="https://twitter.com/its_rbrown?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@its_rbrown</a> <br><br>Excited to include him in my RB piece coming soon. <a href="https://t.co/8eJNym8UOg">https://t.co/8eJNym8UOg</a> <a href="https://t.co/FdL8bSixZw">pic.twitter.com/FdL8bSixZw</a></p>&mdash; VicCastilloPRZ (@PRZVicCastillo) <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZVicCastillo/status/1921629711400087607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1661772"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6826199709fc4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A top-five performer. To be fair to all the LBs in attendance, Palmer is a tough guard for DBs in space, let alone much bigger backers. Palmer was a WR who missed our first session, yet stayed late to perform with backs during the event's second session. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A get-open-in-a-phone-booth type of athlete, it's likely Palmer would have made 1st-session DBs look silly just as he did backers. Not sure there was one rep lost on Palmer's end. A fantastic weapon in spread looks, having Palmer work without a line, without much physical push-back, it was like stealing candy from a baby. Ish Palmer had his way at this event, he was also second in line to be named RB MVP. Positional difference made me lean toward Gowans, yet the Bishop McDevitt three-sport athlete has done enough in front of me this offseason to warrant a ranking. Excited to represent him among his senior peers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9'1 broad for a 5'6 prospect. 4.55 40-yard dash.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here's how Ishmael was moving yesterday. 👀 tough ask to keep him handled in space. <a href="https://twitter.com/IshmaelPalmer2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IshmaelPalmer2</a> <a href="https://t.co/2YV4GCOI7n">https://t.co/2YV4GCOI7n</a> <a href="https://t.co/SfopAe1OhU">pic.twitter.com/SfopAe1OhU</a></p>&mdash; VicCastilloPRZ (@PRZVicCastillo) <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZVicCastillo/status/1921576686438555904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1362536"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-682619970a009"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">5'6, 176 pounds, these official numbers post-event. Currently on Archbishop Carroll's Hudl. The second surprise behind Metchaton's [player_tooltip player_id='1623942' first='Roman' last='Brown']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I admittedly didn't know much about Fletcher before watching him work at this event. Currently on our watch list, a name without tape to my knowledge. I paid close attention to Fletcher during individuals, during 1v1s, I came away impressed. I'd make the easy case that I snubbed him from post-event honors, yet I'll show love via ranking. Compact build, one suitable for the trenches. Better hands than I imagined, reminds me a bit of his camp counterpart [player_tooltip player_id='402431' first='Amahj' last='Gowans']. Cuts are delivered with a purpose, not much wasted motion. Excited to finally get him represented on our site correctly. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Philly Catholic League was well represented yesterday. Always appreciated. <br><br>Here's Archbishop Carroll's <a href="https://twitter.com/MicahFletcher29?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MicahFletcher29</a> working. He impressed. 2027. <a href="https://t.co/DAuemAAljx">https://t.co/DAuemAAljx</a> <a href="https://t.co/gjlUPZzoiX">pic.twitter.com/gjlUPZzoiX</a></p>&mdash; VicCastilloPRZ (@PRZVicCastillo) <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZVicCastillo/status/1921582135950909533?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["913896"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-682619970a04f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Received serious MVP consideration. Verified 5'8, 185 pounds. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Headed into his third season at Imhotep. A crowded backfield is an annual hurdle for any back trying to earn tick each Fall. [player_tooltip player_id='913896' first='Ronell' last='Word'] looked like an upperclassman, both in the way he handled himself in front of coaches, as well as his work during 1v1s. A step above the rest of the group, I'd put only Hardy and Gowans in front of him in terms of best in-camp producers. A thick build, one that is pushing close to 190 pounds, you wouldn't have guessed it based on how much separation Word was able to create while running routes throughout all levels of the field. Great balance, great accelerator, this is easily the best I've seen Word look in person. Word took a slight tumble on our rankings post Fall tape evaluation, it's likely he'll receive a deserved boost after an MVP-worthy performance. Grateful to see him in person again. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Serious MVP consideration. <br><br>Here's how Word was moving during 1v1s. <a href="https://twitter.com/WordRonell74969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WordRonell74969</a> <a href="https://t.co/44DI7E3oPV">https://t.co/44DI7E3oPV</a> <a href="https://t.co/dikZpSH3oy">pic.twitter.com/dikZpSH3oy</a></p>&mdash; VicCastilloPRZ (@PRZVicCastillo) <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZVicCastillo/status/1921584698750349482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["341857"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-682619970a0d9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One look at Lawrence in shorts and a t-shirt and you'll ask yourself, "running back?" I'm familiar with Lawrence's two-way game, have been for some time, so I wasn't surprised to see him look smooth in and out of cuts while carrying a thick build. Coaches present who were unfamiliar with TJ were surprised, however. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lawrence had backers leaning consistently. Eye discipline, can press a hole with authority. Lawrence would win several 1v1 reps countering leverage. Deceptive at the point of attack, Lawrence showed off his elusiveness against backers who took his athleticism lightly. 9'2 broad for a 210-pound RB/LB, 4.51 shuttle. The story of Lawrence's performance was his athleticism vs. build. People, including myself, shouldn't try to force Lawrence into a backer role, this based on what I've seen on tape as well as what I've been able to validate with my own eyes. A true two-way talent at Parkland's disposal. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My write-up will go into further detail, but I snubbed Parkland's [player_tooltip player_id='341857' first='TJ' last='Lawrence'] <a href="https://twitter.com/tjlawrence263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tjlawrence263</a> <br><br>Easily Top Five performance, but the RB group was stacked. Here he is working below. Highly recruitable 2027. <a href="https://t.co/DPKNmhVAst">pic.twitter.com/DPKNmhVAst</a></p>&mdash; VicCastilloPRZ (@PRZVicCastillo) <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZVicCastillo/status/1921631118404558952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1513177"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-682619970a11f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cedar Crest's [player_tooltip player_id='1513177' first='Isaiah' last='Zimmerman'] is ranked well among 2027 recruits. That being said, his in-person performance still surprised me. Love his build, Zimmerman clearly puts effort in the <span>weight room</span> as he was one of the more cut-up backs present. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Exemplary work put forth by a young man who looked beyond his years. Love the attention he gave to coaches who pointed out mistakes, this is a coachable prospect who has his best football years ahead of him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4.69 40, an impressive 9'4 broad jump, this all at an above average 5'10, 188 pounds. A bigger back who flashed soft hands. A back that is a bit more athletically gifted than many of his counterparts present. Excited to re-rank him moving forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cedar Crest's [player_tooltip player_id='1513177' first='Isaiah' last='Zimmerman'] (<a href="https://twitter.com/IsaiahZimmerm14?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IsaiahZimmerm14</a>) looked great yesterday. Another young man worthy of accolade.<br><br>2027 w a 3.9 GPA <a href="https://t.co/TT4G141Qae">pic.twitter.com/TT4G141Qae</a></p>&mdash; VicCastilloPRZ (@PRZVicCastillo) <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZVicCastillo/status/1921635561988558912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->