Jersey Shore AYF 14U All-Star Tryouts: Standout RB/LBs

I got the chance to head down to Jackson, NJ yesterday for the Jersey Shore AYF 14u All-Star Tryouts. On a perfect day for football, players across the state showed up to prove they deserve a spot on one of Jersey's most impressive teams. Here are the players that I thought performed extremely well during the RB/LB session.   As an aside, these evaluations are based off of what I saw on the field and not a reflection of which players will make the team. I have pages of notes written up about the athletes in attendance, but only so many players can make the roster. Here are my evaluations for yesterday's tryouts.   Make sure to check out the previous articles about the 2030-2031 classes and follow me on X at <a href="https://x.com/JonDavalosFB">@jondavalosFB</a> for up to date player evaluations! More from the 14u Tryouts to come!    At the All-Star tryouts, [player_tooltip player_id='1476876' first='Malachi' last='Bredy'], a middle school phenom with a high school build, stood out like a man among boys. He dazzled in every running back drill with explosive bursts and moved the fastest in the cone drills, showcasing lightning quick acceleration and change of direction skills. Unafraid to lower his shoulder in 1 on 1 matchups, Malachi displayed relentless grit and physicality. He also stayed for the wide receiver and defensive back session, holding his own against the best at both positions. With his blend of speed, power, and versatility, Malachi proved to be a dominant running back but also an elite all around athlete that could make the team as a linebacker.     Grayson immediately stood out with a blazing 40 yard dash early on in the session, exploding out of the gate with remarkable speed. His natural athleticism shone through as he chopped his feet effortlessly through the bag drills, maintaining high knee form without losing momentum. Finishing every drill with maximum effort, Grayson proved he was one of the most physically developed prospects of the day, boasting a high school ready frame. He also showcased his versatility by working out with both the defensive backs and running backs, but his instincts, physicality, and speed point to a future thriving as a linebacker with strong potential to excel as a safety.     Mason instantly grabbed my attention with his towering height, setting himself apart from the pack. While he worked effectively with the running backs and linebackers, it was his performance with the defensive backs and wide receivers later in the day that truly showcased his potential. Mason's long reach and ability to create immediate separation off the line were impressive, and his nimble footwork for such a large frame hinted at possible growth into a wide receiver role over time (currently a tight end). In linebacker drills, Mason covered ground swiftly, displaying excellent range in zone coverage. He also held his own with the running backs and linebackers, showing versatility that could see him thrive as an outside linebacker or edge rusher. With his standout skills and adaptability, Mason feels like a lock for the All-Star roster.     Steven may be listed at 5'6" but plays much larger, showcasing his athleticism in both running back and linebacker drills Saturday afternoon. He first caught my attention navigating the cone drills, staying low and turning the edge with quicker precision than others in his group. His quick stop-and-start ability allowed him to maintain momentum seamlessly from one drill to the next. As a running back, Steven ran with violence when needed, keeping his feet churning through contact in the 1 on 1 matchups against linebackers. With his dynamic athleticism and relentless energy, Steven proved he's a versatile force and a strong contender for the All Star roster.     [player_tooltip player_id='1160604' first='Grayson' last='Williams'] displayed tremendous upside as a running back but truly shined as a potential defensive back, showcasing his versatility and athleticism. He filled holes aggressively, flying up the field aggressively with impressive speed and instincts. Throughout the day, his quick backpedal in linebacker and defensive back drills highlighted his fluidity, suggesting the secondary might be his natural fit. Later in man coverage working as a DB against wide receivers, Grayson excelled, capping the day with an interception. Grayson is one of those players that can play on both sides of the ball very well.     Jus'sir Smith emerged as a standout at the tryouts, his performance growing stronger as the day unfolded. With a tall, sturdy, and powerful build, Jus'sir possesses the raw attributes of an exceptional athlete. When pressing receivers at the line, he dominated in coverage, stifling their routes within the first five yards. His low, agile backpedal and quick, fluid hip turns highlighted his potential as a rangy safety who can patrol vast swaths of the field. A versatile talent capable of thriving in any role, Jus'sir is a prime candidate for making the roster.

I got the chance to head down to Jackson, NJ yesterday for the Jersey Shore AYF 14u All-Star Tryouts. On a perfect day for football, players across the state showed up to prove they deserve a spot on one of Jersey's most impressive teams. Here are the players that I thought performed extremely well during the RB/LB session.