Running Into the 2025 Season: NJ's 2030 RBs

<p>If you're familiar with my writing, you know the running back position is one of my favorite position groups to cover. Not only because I played the position back in the day, but because there is so much versatility within the position itself, giving players the ability to find success on the field in multiple ways. New Jersey once again delivers with a talented bunch, and here are the first 5 RBs that deserve recognition and attention heading into their final season before high school.</p>   <p><em>Make sure to check out the previous articles in the series and follow me on X at <a href="https://x.com/JonDavalosFB">@jondavalosFB</a> for up to date player evaluations!</em></p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1396304' first='Iziah' last='Guzman'] displays a unique blend of power and athleticism at the running back position. Iziah shows quick reaction time and high level vision, allowing him to identify and cut to open running lanes with fluidity. His ability to redirect and bounce plays outside makes him dangerous in both inside and outside zone schemes.</p>   <p>Physically, he runs with massive, powerful legs that keep driving through contact, making him extremely difficult to bring down on first contact. Guzman consistently demonstrates relentless effort in short yardage situations, showing toughness and determination against stacked defensive fronts.</p>   <p>While his strength stands out, his film highlights a clear explosiveness and overall athletic profile that goes beyond the mold of a pure power back. Given Iziah's combination of vision, power, and athletic upside, this running back projects as a highly sought after prospect in the Class of 2030.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/iziahguzman/status/1913724190253027826 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1628691' first='Jeremiah' last='Smith'] is a brute of a runner who thrives on physicality, every carry showcases his toughness. He consistently outworks defenders at the point of contact, driving forward with effort that exceeds what is put into stopping him.</p>   <p>On multiple occasions, Jeremiah has shown the ability to carry a pile of defenders, moving the chains and gaining valuable extra yards through sheer determination. While power is his calling card, Smith also flashes the speed to beat defenders to the edge and turn the corner. Every rep highlights a runner determined to impose his will, making Jeremiah a difficult assignment for any defense and a tone setter for his offense.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JeremiahBSmith/status/1902162998103314542 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">More advanced than most peers in his class, [player_tooltip player_id='1627590' first='Marcus' last='Young'] stands out for both his physical development and his polished play on the field.</p>   <p>Vision and decision making are key traits for a successful running back. Marcus can identify lanes quickly, make sharp cuts, and get downhill without hesitation. His speed gives him the option to bounce runs to the outside when the middle is clogged, and once he finds space, Marcus can accelerate into another gear that leaves defenders trailing.</p>   <p>Equally impressive is Young's fluid change of direction paired with a physical edge that shows when he lowers his shoulder and finishes runs with authority. Altogether, Marcus combines versatility, speed, and toughness; an offensive weapon with the ability to shift the momentum of a game at any moment.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/_MarcusYoung/status/1848215771236765910 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Shamar put his talent on full display at the PRZ Next Combine earlier this year, earning recognition as one of the top backs in attendance. His performance reinforced his standing as a premier prospect in the 2030 class.</p>   <p>A silky-smooth runner, Shamar shows an innate ability to escape pressure and create space. He is elusive and explosive out of the backfield, with twitchy footwork that makes defenders miss in the open field. Shamar's instant jump cuts and ability to change direction left tacklers grasping for air in 2024.</p>   <p>What separates Shamar is his burst through the hole. He can reach the secondary untouched and maintain speed while navigating traffic. Shamar's shiftiness is matched by the rare ability to stop and restart without sacrificing momentum, a trait that consistently keeps defenders off balance.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">He recorded a 4.81 in the 40-yard dash, a time that will only improve as he develops further. Based on his current trajectory and athletic upside, Shamar is firmly in the conversation as a top-five running back in the 2030 class.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/DNbqvavJN2-/?img_index=1 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700"> A back with both balance and explosiveness, Jeyden carries significant upside as he continues to develop. Thomas shows impressive body control for a young back, having the ability to maintain balance through contact and absorbing hits without losing his footing. He often bounces right off of would-be tacklers and keeps runs alive after initial contact.</p>   <p>His agility stands out as well, as he makes sudden cuts and changes direction smoothly to escape tight situations. When lanes close inside, he has the awareness and quickness to bounce the play outside and find daylight.</p>   <p>In the open field, Jeyden's speed becomes a major weapon. With long, efficient strides and rapid acceleration, he can separate from defenders once he breaks through the second level. Jeyden is a star in the making. </p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/DNa1iWmNEiC/ </div></figure>

If you're familiar with my writing, you know the running back position is one of my favorite position groups to cover. Not only because I played the position back in the day, but because there is so much versatility within the position itself, giving players the ability to find success on the field in multiple ways. New Jersey once again delivers with a talented bunch, and here are the first 5 RBs that deserve recognition and attention heading into their final season before high school.