The Rize: Scouting Notebook on Running Backs, Part 3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Saturday, June 27, 2026 Prep Redzone Next was back-in-action in Jackson, New Jersey, as they hosted "The Rize." A double-session prospect showcase, this event drew middle school prospects from all across the country to see how they stacked up against their national counterparts. Each prospect was personally hand-selected by middle school guru&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AlPopsFootball">Al Pops</a>&nbsp;to compete and attend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As per usual, I attended and report to you my positional notes for the position group referenced in the title of this article. My evaluations are through the lens of a high school coach and talent evaluator.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Be sure to follow me on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BrendanScoutsNJ">Twitter</a>&nbsp;for the latest New Jersey high school football prospect news and not miss a beat!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2093941"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a56e8c0dab13"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Immediately, I was able to tell that [player_tooltip player_id='2093941' first='Carl' last='Lomax'] was one of the younger running back prospects to compete. A former regional top performer, I thought that Lomax ran a bit too upright. As his body develops as he ages, in terms of flexibility and strength, I expect this to improve. As a pass catcher I thought that Lomax tracked the deep ball well on verts and wheels. Lastly, he had a tendency to make noises when he made his cuts - likely for emphasis or style points I assume.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2211708"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a56e8c0dabe5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another 2031 graduate to participate, Nathaniel Kelly was a back with impressive size for a rising 8th grader. A bit excited to play the game, I want Kelly to learn that less is more. Kelly went all-out in whatever he did - which is typically a good thing going full speed with max effort; however, in doing so Kelly's body control was compromised. When running the rock discretion is sometimes the better part of valor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>needs more body control</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1592012"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a56e8c0dac71"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With the talent that David Knowles III inherently brings to the table, paired with the (assumed) talent of teammate Marshall Manning (son of Peyton), and his local youth team must be absolutely nasty. Knowles is the recipient of solid coaching, as he showcased that ball security is his number one priority. Throughout his reps and after the catch, Knowles instinctively pinned the ball to his chest. The best way I can describe Knowles' game is that he looks both natural and the part when playing. I am curious to see how he pans out as a high school prospect - my guess: very well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2100328"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a56e8c0dacf7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2100328' first='Jordn' last='Davis-Singh'] left me with a few more questions than answers. With solid size and an array of skillsets (cutting, catching, hands), I was left to wonder if he goes full speed or as hard as he can. It seemed to my naked eye that he always had something left in reserves, holding out for what? I am no t exactly too sure. Davis-Singh is likely a prospect you need to see on tape to get a better understanding of. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Rize Event Coverage</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-defensive-line-part-1">Defensive Line, Part 1</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-defensive-line-part-2">Defensive Line, Part 2</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-defensive-line-part-3">Defensive Line, Part 3</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-offensive-line-part-1">Offensive Line, Part 1</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-offensive-line-part-2">Offensive Line, Part 2</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-offensive-linemen-part-3">Offensive Line, Part 3</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-linebackers-part-1">Linebackers, Part 1</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-linebacker-part-2">Linebackers, Part 2</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-quarterbacks-part-1">Quarterbacks, Part 1</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-quarterbacks-part-2">Quarterbacks, Part 2</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-quarterbacks-part-3">Quarterbacks, Part 3</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-receivers-part-1">Receivers, Part 1</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-receivers-part-2">Receivers, Part 2</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-receivers-part-3">Receivers, Part 3</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-running-backs-part-1">Running Backs, Part 1</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-running-backs-part-2">Running Backs, Part 2</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-running-backs-part-3">Running Backs, Part 3</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->