As per usual, Cole Sternlieb Cole Sternlieb 5'8" | 160 lbs | WR St. Thomas Aquinas | 2028 NJ stood on his business this past weekend and showed he belongs in the conversations about top 2028 running backs in the state of New Jersey. Looking at this list, he is the running back I have seen play in live settings the most, over the past two years–and every time shows out in the most under the radar way. He finished tied atop the leaderboard for the fastest 40-yard time of all running backs, with a 4.91.

– Played for St. Barts

– Two-time AYF All-Star National Champion

Off the field, he’s a great kid that always greets with a smile; On the field, Sternlieb is a killer with little remorse. Also a wrestler, Sternleib brings quiet toughness to the field and will not hesitate to throw a wicked stiff arm or dip a shoulder. Also comes with really good quickness at this point. Older brother Caden is a standout 2026 offensive lineman at St. Thomas Aquinas and Cole would be a great addition for the Trojans.

A year ago on the 12U AYF All-Star team, Sternlieb was one of the horses that drove the sled to the championship as a running back. The St. Barts running back will be back this year and looks to be at least 10 pounds heavier, adding muscle to his frame. The younger brother of 2026 St. Thomas Aquinas offensive lineman and heavy weight wrestler Caden Sternlieb Caden Sternlieb 6'0" | 295 lbs | OL St. Thomas Aquinas | 2026 State NJ , little brother doesn’t have the 300-pound girth of his older sibling, but the toughness is there. He brings pretty good speed and unassuming power when getting up into the hole.