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<p>In this edition of the X Files, I'm breaking down film from New Jersey middle school running backs who stood out to me on X, focusing on the instincts, movement skills and physical traits that separate them from their peers. These evaluations offer an early look at what each prospect brings to the position and which skills could become major strengths as they continue to develop.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1635832' first='Luke' last='Cipot'] brings a physical, downhill running style that makes him especially effective between the tackles. He runs with purpose, consistently showing the effort to finish through contact and the ability to lower his pad level to drive defenders backward. Rather than shying away from traffic, Luke embraces the physical side of the position and works to squeeze every available yard out of a carry. His impact extends to the defensive side as well, where he has shown the ability to be a stud at linebacker. With that combination of toughness and two way production, I'm looking forward to seeing more of Luke's tape and how his game continues to develop.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1991392' first='Monster' last='Dalton Jr'] is a true athlete who can be a weapon wherever he lines up on the field. His foot speed and agility jump off the tape, giving him the ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces and create opportunities in the open field. What stands out just as much is his toughness as a runner. Dalton refuses to go down on first contact, consistently fighting through tackles and grinding out extra yardage. He has the quickness to make defenders look silly in space and the physicality to finish runs through traffic. Get the ball in Dalton's hands and let him go to work, because he has the skill set to turn routine touches into explosive plays.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1627590' first='Marcus' last='Young'] brings a relentless running style that makes him difficult to contain once he gets moving. His motor stands out on film, consistently fighting for extra yardage and refusing to go down on first contact. Throughout the season, Marcus has shown the burst to turn a crease into a big gain, but he is just as effective using his strength and determination to shed would be tacklers and keep churning forward. That combination of explosiveness and effort gives him the ability to hurt defenses in multiple ways, and his willingness to finish every run makes him a back worth keeping an eye on.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Cam has some of the most complete film I have come across this season, and his 2026 highlights show a running back with a strong feel for the position. Through the season, he has racked up 520 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, with his vision standing out immediately on tape. Cam does an excellent job recognizing lanes as they develop and committing decisively, while his quick jump cut allows him to redirect and find openings when the initial path closes. He also shows the contact balance to fight through arm tackles and the acceleration to get moving again quickly after contact. Right now, Cam's size gives him a clear physical advantage over much of his competition, but it is his vision and ability to make decisive cuts that make his game especially impressive. </p>
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In this edition of the X Files, I'm breaking down film from New Jersey middle school running backs who stood out to me on X, focusing on the instincts, movement skills and physical traits that separate them from their peers. These evaluations offer an early look at what each prospect brings to the position and which skills could become major strengths as they continue to develop.
X-Files: NJ Running back EditionX-Files:NJ Running back Edition
brings a physical, downhill running style that makes him especially effective between the tackles. He runs with purpose, consistently showing the effort to finish through contact and the ability to lower his pad level to drive…
Monster Dalton JrMonsterDalton Jr
5'6" | 155 lbs | ATH NJ
is a true athlete who can be a weapon wherever he lines up on the field. His foot speed and agility jump off the tape, giving him the ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces and create opportunities in the open field. What stands out just as much is his toughness as a runner. Dalton refuses to go down on first contact, consistently fighting through tackles and grinding out extra yardage. He has the quickness to make defenders look silly in space and the physicality to finish runs through traffic. Get the ball in Dalton's hands and let him go to work, because he has the skill set to turn routine touches into explosive plays.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Marcus YoungMarcusYoung
5'6" | 160 lbs | RB/ATH NJ
brings a relentless running style that makes him difficult to contain once he gets moving. His motor stands out on film, consistently fighting for extra yardage and refusing to go down on first contact. Throughout the season, Marcus has shown the burst to turn a crease into a big gain, but he is just as effective using his strength and determination to shed would be tacklers and keep churning forward. That combination of explosiveness and effort gives him the ability to hurt defenses in multiple ways, and his willingness to finish every run makes him a back worth keeping an eye on.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Cam has some of the most complete film I have come across this season, and his 2026 highlights show a running back with a strong feel for the position. Through the season, he has racked up 520 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, with his vision standing out immediately on tape. Cam does an excellent job recognizing lanes as they develop and committing decisively, while his quick jump cut allows him to redirect and find openings when the initial path closes. He also shows the contact balance to fight through arm tackles and the acceleration to get moving again quickly after contact. Right now, Cam's size gives him a clear physical advantage over much of his competition, but it is his vision and ability to make decisive cuts that make his game especially impressive.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Monster
Dalton Jr
5'6" | 155 lbs | ATH
NJ
is a true athlete who can be a weapon wherever he lines up on the field. His foot speed and agility jump off the tape, giving him the ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces and create opportunities in the open field. What stands out just as much is his toughness as a runner. Dalton refuses to go down on first contact, consistently fighting through tackles and grinding out extra yardage. He has the quickness to make defenders look silly in space and the physicality to finish runs through traffic. Get the ball in Dalton's hands and let him go to work, because he has the skill set to turn routine touches into explosive plays.
Marcus
Young
5'6" | 160 lbs | RB/ATH
NJ
brings a relentless running style that makes him difficult to contain once he gets moving. His motor stands out on film, consistently fighting for extra yardage and refusing to go down on first contact. Throughout the season, Marcus has shown the burst to turn a crease into a big gain, but he is just as effective using his strength and determination to shed would be tacklers and keep churning forward. That combination of explosiveness and effort gives him the ability to hurt defenses in multiple ways, and his willingness to finish every run makes him a back worth keeping an eye on.
