You Are Athlete Regional Exposure Camp: Middle School RBs

On Saturday, May 3 I was fortunate enough to be invited to cover You Are Athlete's New Jersey Regional Exposure Camp. This event had a double session that features middle schoolers first and high schoolers second. As is customary whenever I attend an event, the first thing I take note of are the prospects that have the clear, physical measurables to immediately compete at the next, immediate level of play – also known as the eye test.   Below are my scouting notes from the position group mentioned in this article's title.   Be sure to follow me on <a href="https://x.com/BrendanScoutsNJ">Twitter</a> for the latest updates in New Jersey high school football.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   One out-of-towner, Tamil Cousin, from Pennsylvania, looked like a very refined back for someone his age. Cousin showed very good ball security as he locked the ball high-and-tight while chinning it, applying a claw over the top, and applying his five points of pressure. During indy, the promising 2029 back showed that his feet were quick when working cones, indicating that his feet are light and quick. When the event transitioned to the competition phase, we have the opportunity to see Cousin use his speed to gain the edge against a defender who was not coached to break down when zeroing in on his opponent.   From an out-of-towner to a way out-of-towner, Darius Ray Skipwith made the trek all the way from the Centennial State, Colorado, to participate. As Ray Skipwith prepares for high school, where ever he ends up playing his team will get a back that can read defenders. Again, we saw another linebacker not break down - Ray Skipwith saw it too - only for him to hit circle on the Playstation controller for an easy win. Moreover, I wish to see him prioritize ball security and pad level a bit more for him to have an immediate impact during his freshman season.   The more I cover event, the more I realize that I have a soft spot for the smaller, young bucks out there competing. Matthew Bowens III carries his name proudly, and his daddy, and granddaddy before him, out to be proud of how the third iteration of the man performed. First, Bowens showed some clear wiggle. Kind of like that scene in the movie Rocky where he has to, and cannot, catch the chicken, Bowens made a lot of older guys miss. I also was impressed with Bowens' passion and desire to want the ball in his hands. An example that best shows this was during the 7on7 portion of the event, Bowens was overlooked by his quarterback despite being wide open. The 2031 graduate (6th grader), demanded the ball and his quarterback obliged for an easy conversion. If Bowens lost a matchup it was only because of his size. Despite being shifty, he can still stand to lower his pad level when he breaks and cuts.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">You Are Athlete New Jersey Regional Exposure Camp Coverage</h2>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/05/you-are-athlete-regional-exposure-camp-middle-school-eye-test">Eye Test, Middle School</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/05/you-are-athlete-regional-exposure-camp-middle-school-dbs">Defensive Backs, Middle School</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/05/you-are-athlete-regional-exposure-camp-middle-school-qbs">Quarterbacks, Middle School</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/05/you-are-athlete-regional-exposure-camp-middle-school-wrs">Receivers, Middle School</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/05/you-are-athlete-regional-exposure-camp-middle-school-rbs">Running Backs, Middle School</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/05/you-are-athlete-regional-exposure-camp-high-school-eye-test">Eye Test, High School</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/05/you-are-athlete-regional-exposure-camp-high-school-dl">Defensive Line, High School</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/05/you-are-athlete-regional-exposure-camp-high-school-wrs">Receivers, High School</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/05/you-are-athlete-regional-exposure-camp-high-school-rb">Running Backs, High School</a>

On Saturday, May 3 I was fortunate enough to be invited to cover You Are Athlete's New Jersey Regional Exposure Camp. This event had a double session that features middle schoolers first and high schoolers second. As is customary whenever I attend an event, the first thing I take note of are the prospects that have the clear, physical measurables to immediately compete at the next, immediate level of play – also known as the eye test.