Justin Griffin Justin Griffin 5'9" | 165 lbs | RB Passaic | 2026 State NJ enters his senior year with a real chance to lead New Jersey in rushing yards per game. At 5’10”, 170 pounds, the Passaic standout combines solid burst, shiftiness, and impressive contact balance to make defenders miss and create chunk plays. He averaged 180 yards per game last season and cleared 1,600 total rushing yards—an elite mark for a junior. Griffin remains the focal point of Passaic’s offense, and if the volume stays high, he could push past his junior year totals. While he’s still chasing that first offer, his production, speed in space, and ability to consistently find lanes make him a serious name to watch this fall.

One of the top running backs in the entire state, Justin Griffin Justin Griffin 5'9" | 165 lbs | RB Passaic | 2026 State NJ lived up to the hype as he ran loose for 1616 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Justin proved to be extremely versatile lining up in the backfield for Passaic. Breaking down Justin’s tape, it’s apparent that if Justin’s on the field, he is the fastest one there. Not only is he quick out of the backfield, but when he breaks into the open field there is a slim chance defenders are catching him. I think where Justin really shines is his ability to see the whole field at once and use that vision to break the run to the outside or split the defense down the middle.

Though Justin is smaller than your average D1 recruit, he is just as explosive as the rest and can make a huge impact on the game any time the ball is in his hands. Ranked as the #5 RB in the NJ 2026 class, colleges need to start giving Justin more attention.

Season Stats: 142 carries, 1240 yards, 10 TD, 8.7 yards per carry; one, 300-yard game; three, 200-yard game; 1 passing TD

Best Game: 23 carries, 304 yards, 3 TD @ Hackensack

Worst Game: 16 carries, 105 yards, 1 TD vs. Paterson Eastside

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There might not be a player that surprised the Prep Redzone New Jersey staff more on film than Passaic’s Justin Griffin Justin Griffin 5'9" | 165 lbs | RB Passaic | 2026 State NJ . If I had to describe Griffin in one word, the operative adjective is fast. Griffin has a clear and distinct second gear and looks violent when he runs. Griffin is able to get upfield very, very quickly and the way he runs reminds me of a track runner. With this, dare I say, elite speed, we see break away potential. Is acceleration kicks in once he breaks through the line of scrimmage, but is also noble enough to slow play his speed to create space for himself. That said, he is also disciplined in running and will avoid bouncing to the outside early. When running inside, it is natural for Griffin to cut course across the field. Lastly, Griffin is mindful to secure possession to the ball and pins it to his chest as contact threatens.