Running by the Competition at NJ Who's Next: Top RBs

This past weekend's combine in NJ put the spotlight on a talented group of running backs who came ready to compete. Throughout the day, it became clear that this position group was loaded with speed, explosiveness, and advanced skill sets. From backs who dominated in space to those built to thrive between the tackles, several prospects consistently rose above the rest. The players featured in this article separated themselves with polish, effort, and high upside traits, leaving a strong impression on scouts and coaches and reinforcing just how bright the future is at the running back position in the state.    Jus'sir Smith walked away from Saturday's event with the title of RB MVP. One of those running backs that stands out amongst the pack, Jus'sir proved himself Saturday morning by putting on a performance that set the standard for RBs in the state. Not only did Jus'sir excel when going up against the LBs and DBs in routes, but I really thought he shined when it came to the individual drills. Jus'sir showed precise, calculated foot movement as he moved through the cone drills. He also demonstrated that he can move decisively and react quickly to defenders, capable of making them whiff in open space. Jus'sir is advanced, and schools need to pay attention to this star in the making.     Heading into the weekend, there was a strong sense that Shamar was going to leave his mark on this event, and he more than delivered, walking away with recognition honors in convincing fashion. A bona fide speedster, Shamar showcased elite quickness and top end speed that immediately separated him from the pack. He was a constant mismatch for defenders, highlighted by burning a linebacker on a route with ease, flashing his ability to be a true weapon in the passing game. His burst, acceleration, and fluid movement make him a nightmare to account for at the second level, and once he finds space, it's over. Shamar's performance cemented him as one of the most dangerous backs at the combine and a prospect with a very promising future ahead.     Jorden may very well have the highest ceiling of any player who took the field this past weekend, and it showed in multiple phases of his performance. As I stood near the 40 yard dash, it was impossible to miss his blazing 4.7 time, the fastest I personally saw clocked at the event. That verified speed jumps off the page, but it's the way he applies it within drills that makes his upside so intriguing.   Out of the backfield, Jorden was sharp and deliberate as a route runner, showing quick, efficient breaks and the ability to burst immediately out of his cuts. His acceleration is a real weapon, especially once he gets to the sideline, where defenders are put in survival mode. Jorden projects as a high upside back who could become extremely dangerous as he continues to develop.     A known name coming into the event, [player_tooltip player_id='1476876' first='Malachi' last='Bredy'] once again proved why he continues to earn recognition every time he steps onto the field. Taking all of his reps at running back, he stood out as a prospect who has clearly developed ahead of the curve. His comfort level and confidence were evident throughout the day, separating him from the pack with a mature, high school ready presence.   Don't be fooled by his size, Malachi can move. He's a natural, polished runner with impressive linear speed and can get low through his cuts and explode out of them with purpose. Once pads come on, it's game over. His blend of strength and speed makes him extremely difficult to contain, and that physical edge only amplifies his effectiveness. Malachi's performance reinforced his status as one of the more complete backs in attendance.     [player_tooltip player_id='2093941' first='Carl' last='Lomax'] was one of the more electric backs to watch throughout the event, consistently flashing traits that translate directly to game speed. His lateral movement was quick, clean, and rhythmic, allowing him to change direction on a dime without losing momentum. Long legged and fluid, he showed decisive cuts and an efficient running style that can keep defenders guessing and off balance.   What really separated Carl was his motor. He has an engine that doesn't quit, and it showed on every rep. That effort, paired with his movement skills, made him a serious problem in coverage as he had multiple moments where linebackers were left trying to play catchup while he ran routes. It's no surprise he earned MVP votes from both scouts and coaches, as his performance checked every box for a dynamic, high impact back.     [player_tooltip player_id='1627839' first='Jeyden' last='Thomas'] was a player I had circled heading into the event, and he quickly showed why the anticipation was warranted. He looked like a natural runner during the 40, moving with ease and efficiency, and he's the type of athlete who is only going to get faster as he continues to mature and develop physically.   His sharp cutting ability really stood out in the cone drills, where he displayed quick feet and strong body control. That skill set projects well beyond just open space, as Jeyden has the tools to be dangerous between the tackles, navigating tight lanes and making decisive moves in traffic. With his athletic build and upward trajectory, he's a back who should be proving just how lethal he can be this offseason and into his freshman year.

This past weekend's combine in NJ put the spotlight on a talented group of running backs who came ready to compete. Throughout the day, it became clear that this position group was loaded with speed, explosiveness, and advanced skill sets. From backs who dominated in space to those built to thrive between the tackles, several prospects consistently rose above the rest. The players featured in this article separated themselves with polish, effort, and high upside traits, leaving a strong impression on scouts and coaches and reinforcing just how bright the future is at the running back position in the state.