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<p>As of June 1, the football mindset shifts from the offseason to the preseason—and soon, the regular season. With the 2029 class now entering high school, it's time to preview which players could make an immediate impact on the field in 2025. Here are the running backs that could make a big splash in year 1. </p>
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<p><em>For more previews over the preseason, be sure to subscribe and follow me at <a href="https://x.com/JonDavalosFB">@JonDavalosFB</a> on X for all PRZ Next coverage. </em></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">A'Shaad made a major statement at the Next Combine in April, earning MVP honors after dominating every phase of the event. He shined in every individual drill, showcasing advanced footwork, body control, and a natural feel for the game. Among running backs, he posted one of the fastest 40-yard dash and shuttle times, proving that his speed matches his explosive play style. </p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">What makes A'Shaad special isn't just his athleticism, it's how he applies it on the field. He's twitchy and unpredictable, with the ability to get in and out of cuts so sharply that defenders are often left grasping at air. He can turn a broken play into a touchdown, flashing game breaking ability every time he touches the ball. As he heads into high school at Eastern, all signs point to him being a day one impact player. If there's one name on this list to watch for varsity contributions as a freshman, it's A'Shaad.</p>
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<p>Damaso was another running back I had the pleasure of watching at the Next Combine this spring, where he earned 2nd Team All-Combine honors. His speed was obvious the moment he came out of his stance in the 40, and he nearly floated through the air during his 9'4" broad jump, both the best marks among all running backs, including a hand-timed 4.53s in the 40.</p>
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<p>A versatile athlete with playmaking ability on both sides of the ball, Damaso's explosive athleticism and smooth movement make him a threat in any role. With his blend of speed, power, and instincts, he's poised to make an early impact lining up in Immaculata's backfield over the next four years.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Gabe, a future St. Joseph's running back, made a big impression at the PRZ Next Combine in April. More physically developed than most heading into high school, he showed off a strong upper body and a tough, compact frame. He excelled in every performance test, especially the broad jump, where his explosive power was on full display.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">What really separates Gabe is his lightning quick movement and elite reaction time—his ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces is next level. He's a natural playmaker with the tools to become one of the top backs in the entire state. With early offers from Syracuse and Southern Miss, the ceiling is sky-high.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Ayden is a bigger than average 8th grade running back who brings a physical edge to the position as he heads into his freshman year. With a ferocious, downhill running style, he thrives on contact, charging through the trenches with aggression and consistently fighting for extra yards. His strong frame allows him to shake off would be tacklers and turn routine dives into chain moving plays.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">While he's a power back at heart, Ayden also has the awareness and athleticism to bounce runs outside when lanes close up. As he develops, it'll be exciting to see him get more opportunities in open space, where his size-speed combo can really shine. Set to join DePaul, he'll look to carry on the program's tradition of tough, productive backs.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Kaison David is a two sport standout, making noise on both the football field and basketball court. With a slender frame and plenty of room to grow, his athletic upside is obvious, just take a look at his Instagram. He's heading to Edison this fall, where his talent and skillset could earn him immediate playing time as a freshman.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Kaison's game is built on vision, speed, and elusiveness. He has a natural ability to find holes and explode upfield, with the burst to reach the edge and outpace defenders to the boundary. Between the tackles, he's shifty and hard to wrap up, often leaving defenders reaching for air. In the open field, he's pure magic.</p>
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As of June 1, the football mindset shifts from the offseason to the preseason—and soon, the regular season. With the 2029 class now entering high school, it's time to preview which players could make an immediate impact on the field in 2025. Here are the running backs that could make a big splash in year 1.
HEIGHT
5'6"
WEIGHT
158
POS
RB
CLASS
2029
State:
New Jersey
School:
Deptford Spartans (Youth Program)
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HEIGHT
5'9"
WEIGHT
158
POS
ATH
CLASS
2029
State:
New Jersey
School:
NJ Bulldogs (Youth Program)
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HEIGHT
5'9"
WEIGHT
155
POS
RB/DB
CLASS
2029
State:
New Jersey
School:
St. James Royals (Youth Program)
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HEIGHT
5'7"
WEIGHT
168
POS
RB/LB
CLASS
2029
State:
New Jersey
School:
Kinnelon Colts (Youth Program)
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State:
New Jersey
School:
Edison Jets (Youth Program)
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