A powerful, stout prospect that came from not-all-that-far was Donovan Catholic-bound Carmelo Foendoe Carmelo Foendoe 5'9" | 180 lbs | RB/LB Donovan Catholic | 2030 NJ . I liked his size and build, and suspect that he may be a strong between-the-tackles runner. Should this be the case, Foendoe is advised to pin the ball to his body. I thought that when he was running with the rock, it was a bit too far “out there” as he worked. Ball security is a running back’s number 1 priority.

As I mentioned in my Top Running Backs article, Carmelo is one of the premier backs in the region, and his performance at Rize only reinforced that belief. He once again proved why he belongs in that conversation, earning MVP honors with another dominant showing. His powerful frame and physical running style are complemented by impressive lateral agility, allowing him to make smooth, controlled cuts without sacrificing speed. Carmelo glides effortlessly into the second level, gets north and south in a hurry, and continues to separate himself as one of the top running back prospects in the 2030 class.

If you are looking for the MVP of the RBs, you have come to the right place. Carmelo Foendoe Carmelo Foendoe 5'9" | 180 lbs | RB/LB Donovan Catholic | 2030 NJ solidified himself as one of the best backs in the country with the performance he put on today. A powerful, bigger framed running back, Carmelo runs with a physical presence while showing impressive lateral agility, making smooth, controlled cuts without sacrificing speed. Carmelo glides effortlessly across the field and consistently gets north-south with efficiency, making him a well deserving MVP selection.

Carmelo Foendoe Carmelo Foendoe 5'9" | 180 lbs | RB/LB Donovan Catholic | 2030 NJ is one of those running backs that just have those God-given natural abilities to run the football at a high level. Foendoe is a smooth runner, he is also a smooth route runner with strong hands and jump ball ability, so he can help in many ways coming out of the backfield. His hands are like magnets for the ball; he has such a great set of hands. He is a pure athlete and someone who can play anywhere on the gridiron and make plays! Look for him in New Jersey at the “RIZE”, he has a chance to really stand out!

Carmelo, a standout running back leading the charge for a dominant team in Toms River, is a shifty back with a big burst out of the backfield. Once he finds space, he’s nearly impossible to catch, using his speed and quick lateral movement to slip past defenders. What truly sets Carmelo apart, though, is his vision. His ability to read the field, spot openings, and cut through lanes to daylight makes him a constant threat every time he touches the ball.

On the middle school gridiron, a standout running back by the name of Carmelo Foendoe Carmelo Foendoe 5'9" | 180 lbs | RB/LB Donovan Catholic | 2030 NJ is making waves with his unique blend of power and agility. Carmelo’s imposing dimensions and athletic build give him a high ceiling, commanding attention every time he touches the ball. With a knack for bouncing to the outside, he forces defenders to overcommit before maneuvering around them, often delivering devastating stiff arms that shrug off contact. Arm tackles simply aren’t enough to bring this powerhouse down.

Offseason 7v7 sessions revealed another layer to Carmelo’s game; impressive hand skills that hint at his potential as a versatile playmaker. This dual-threat star, known for his brutish defensive play, is proving to be an offensive force, blending raw power, speed, and instinct to dominate as a running back.

Down in Toms River, there’s a lot to be excited about with this all-around talented middle school running back. Carmelo Foendoe Carmelo Foendoe 5'9" | 180 lbs | RB/LB Donovan Catholic | 2030 NJ brings a rare blend of strength, balance, and skill to the field, making him one of the most complete backs in his age group. With a strong upper body and an aggressive running style, he’s tough to bring down—especially between the tackles. His stiff arms are punishing, often leaving defenders on their heels as he powers through contact and keeps driving forward.

What really sets Carmelo apart, though, is his ability to pair that power with quick, deceptive footwork. His quick stutter step can freeze defenders, and his jump cut regularly leaves would-be tacklers grasping at air. Whether it’s slipping through tight spaces or making sharp, explosive cuts in the open field, his balance and control make every run a threat. With tools like these, this young back is only getting started—and his future in the state of New Jersey looks incredibly bright.

As a two-time 12U AYF Jersey Shore Conference All-Star, Foendoe has already cemented himself as one of the must-know names down the shore. The Toms River product is a strong, balanced Running Back/Middle Linebacker and already has two National Championships on his resume. With his presumed final season of pre-high school ball on the horizon, put him on your early watchlist for a roster spot in the 2026 AYF 8th Grade National All-Star Game.

Based off what I saw at the tryout, it would surprise me a great deal if Carmelo Foendoe Carmelo Foendoe 5'9" | 180 lbs | RB/LB Donovan Catholic | 2030 NJ wasn’t RB1 when this Jersey Shore 12U AYF All-Star team takes the field in December. Foendoe was selected for the 12U team last year as a young sixth-grader and was a member of the Nationaly Championship-winning team. This year I expect the all-purpose back to get the bulk of the carries and put his stamp on the tournament.