UA Next Camp: Running Backs Across Classes Shine

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>***Use Code “ScottyB30” for 30% off your subscription***</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The UA Next Camp in Chicago was a great opportunity to evaluate some of the top prospects in the Midwest with our focus particularly on Illinois.&nbsp; We were able to see the running backs go head to head against linebackers in one on one drills.&nbsp; Here I examine what caught our attention from the running backs at the camp!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1335440' first='Nathan' last='Samuels'] (Mt. Carmel – 2027)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Samuels took home running back MVP honors after a strong performance.&nbsp; The Mt. Carmel back exceled as expected being the natural pass catcher he is.&nbsp; He had shake on short routes along with being able to get down the field on deep wheel routes including extending for a great catch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1791842' first='James' last='Bell'] (Simeon – 2027)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5'10” running back from Simeon creates separation from the linebacker on shorter routes.&nbsp; Snatches the ball out of the air right from the defender.&nbsp; Had a really nice grab on a wheel route getting separation downfield for a nice over the shoulder grab.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1274288' first='Brandon' last='Johnson Jr.'] (St. Rita – 2027)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson Jr is a Lindenwood commit with good hands who showcased his ability to create separation from linebackers on shorter routes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1639460' first='Malachi' last='Lee'] (Bishop McNamara – 2027)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bishop McNamara back was another who earned an invite to Sunday in the Saturday session.&nbsp; The 5'7” 160 pound back has a lanky build being a very clean route runner.&nbsp; Was best on the routes downfield making catches over the shoulder while creating separation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1052579' first='Ky'ren' last='Edmon'] (Bradley Bourbonnais – 2028)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RB1 in the 2028 class had a strong day.&nbsp; Quick juke moves inside on short routes.&nbsp; Really tough to contain in a phone booth one on one for a linebacker.&nbsp; Shakes his man when they try to close the space.&nbsp; The separation he gets on short and intermediate routes was impressive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2140174' first='Jayden' last='Garrett'] (Loyola – 2028)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Garrett was super impressive in one on one drills.&nbsp; The 6'0” 200 pound rising junior is a big back that looked really fluid getting in out of cuts.&nbsp; Snatched the ball out of the air and blew past defenders with ease on go routes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1856080' first='Jamar' last='Lewis'] (King – 2028)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'1” 215 pound back put on an absolute show!&nbsp; Big and strong framed running back that was dominant in pass catching drills.&nbsp; Displayed shake on shorter routes we hadn't seen previously.&nbsp; Fought through pass interference for a touchdown on a go route.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687796' first='Lamar' last='Osterhues'] (Barrington – 2028)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Barrington running back is among the better 2028 backs in the state.&nbsp; Shifty on shorter routes as a pass catcher.&nbsp; Blistering speed!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1956541' first='Kodi' last='Garner'] (Plainfield South – 2029)</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Garner earned an invite to Sunday with a strong outing on Saturday.  The freshman back was slick with his cuts on shorter routes displaying soft hands catching the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->