South Jersey Notebook: Recent 2030s Confirming the Public Route

In North Jersey and Philly there is a significant amount of "private school or bust" mentality -- a mentality that I don't necessarily agree with -- but it's the common thought process. Meanwhile in South Jersey, there are a number of non-public schools but it's not the same be-all and end-all mentality for prospects. Below are five South Jersey 2030 prospects who likely had ample opportunity to go to a private school, but have opted to go the pubic school route. Take a look.    <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>2025 Youth Program: Deptford Spartans </li> </ul>   I can't say for certain, but I'm willing to be that talented Defensive Back/Wide Receiver [player_tooltip player_id='2143389' first='Amarri' last='Cephas'] likely had his pick of private schools in South Jersey and Philly. However, the explosive athlete has decided to go the public school route and will be at Deptford High School in the fall. Cephas took a reclass year in 2025 and had a stellar season with the Deptford Spartans 14U squad, solidifying himself as one of the most dangerous athletes in the state with the ball in his hands. In addition to offense and defense, he was also lethal in the return game this past season.   Deptford High School hasn't had a winning season since 2018, but with the likes of Cephas and the top 2030 DB in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='1396263' first='Haiden' last='Redman'], both coming in...This is Sparta!     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>2025 Youth Program: Kingsway Dragons </li> </ul>   Every time I check in on [player_tooltip player_id='2076864' first='Nakia' last='Robinson'], I'm quickly reminded of the ability this kid has. This past season he did a lot of bit of everything for Kingsway and in my opinion, was the top player on their team no matter what side of the ball he was on -- including special teams. Since the season ended back in November he has put on some serious size and now lists himself right around 190-195 pounds. At one time I had him earmarked as a physically tough Wide Receiver (think former Pittsburgh Steeler Hines Ward) but the more I've seen of him recently, Robinson could be making his mark as a Linebacker before anything else.   Robinson will be attending Salem High School next fall, and following back-to-back losing seasons in 2023 and 2024 (the first time that happened in over a decade), the Rams finished 2025 with a 6-5 record.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>2025 Youth Program: Washington Townnship Minutemen</li> </ul>   Washington Township scrapped every week of the 2025 season in a loaded Liberty Division of the SJIYFA and finished 8-2. The Minutemen were one of the most complete teams in the league, outscoring their opponents 233-55 and highlighting an offense that scored the second most and a defense that let up the second least, in the division. In the process of doing that, [player_tooltip player_id='2146028' first='Cayden' last='Parker'] had an opportunity to show off just how explosive he can be. Listed at 5-foot-8 and 140-pounds he's not the biggest prospect by any stretch, but the kid is nothing short of exciting when he has the ball. He's listed as an ATH because of his game-changing speed and quickness, which lends itself to playing his natural Wide Receiver position or possibly Running Back and Defensive Back.   The Washington Township High School Minutemen are coming off one of the most memorable seasons in the school's history, going 14-0 and winning the Group V State Championship. With that said, they lose nearly every statistical leader from a year ago.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>2025 Youth Program: Vineland Blitz</li> </ul>   While the season didn't come to an ideal end for [player_tooltip player_id='2068927' first='Joshua' last='Smith'] and the Vineland Blitz, as they lost to the Northfield Cardinals 20-6 in the CAJFL Championship Game. Yet throughout the season, the play of [player_tooltip player_id='2068927' first='Joshua' last='Smith'] opened my eyes, along with others throughout Cumberland, Cape May and Atlantic Counties. He reports himself at 6-foot and 250-pounds and looks to be in that neighborhood on film. He brings a lot of power off the snap and moves very well for a 2030 prospect of his size -- evening lining up in the backfield in short yardage and goal line situations.   Vineland hasn't finished above .500 since 2019 and is coming off a tough 2025 season where they finished just 2-8. I can't speak to what the Clan has coming back in terms of line play, and the transition from youth ball to high school ball is never easy, but [player_tooltip player_id='2068927' first='Joshua' last='Smith'] has the ability and potential to play early.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>2025 Youth Program: Deptford Spartans </li> </ul>   As noted above in [player_tooltip player_id='2143389' first='Amarri' last='Cephas']' writeup, [player_tooltip player_id='2076853' first='Cashuan' last='Green']'s former teammate, the 2025 Deptford Spartans 14U team was a very special group that dominated teams both locally and nationally. On a team full of insane weapons -- most of which would have been the guy on any other youth team -- Green was one that certainly stood out. Following a 2024 season where he was named the Deptford Spartans 12U Team MVP, he came back and did it again as a Running Back and Safety. He lists himself at 5-foot-8 and 175-pounds, and while I can't confirm that size, he is certainly muscles up and that doesn't look too far off. As a RB he ran around, through and over defenses in his way -- showcasing both speed and power. Defensively, he played somewhat of a Strong Safety role and was an added bonus in the box. Typically up by a ton and with lockdown corners on the outside, he was an athletic plus and moved freely on the field.   Green will be off to Pennsauken High School in the fall and joins a program that has put together five consecutive winning seasons and as many playoff berths. However, the Indians will be losing heir leading rusher from a year ago, as RJ Blount heads off to Temple.

In North Jersey and Philly there is a significant amount of "private school or bust" mentality -- a mentality that I don't necessarily agree with -- but it's the common thought process. Meanwhile in South Jersey, there are a number of non-public schools but it's not the same be-all and end-all mentality for prospects. Below are five South Jersey 2030 prospects who likely had ample opportunity to go to a private school, but have opted to go the pubic school route. Take a look.