Rob Carstarphen
Rob Carstarphen
About Rob
Expert Analysis
Brendan Mankarious | Prep Redzone Scout
Another contemporary football factory, Winslow, his home to
Rob Carstarphen
Rob
Carstarphen
5'11" | 230 lbs | DL
Winslow | 2026
State
NJ
. An interior defender, Carstarphen has shown the athleticism required to long stick down two gaps, while also being a forceful tackler that is able to hit and dump a defender. He is often used in line stunts and has a good get off. I feel as though that Carstarphen is pretty twitchy, yet really raw. This is a good thing to some college coaches. Moreover, Carstarphen looks like he plays the game without thinking, just processing what is going on in front of him and balling out.
Access all of Prep Redzone
Subscribe to read about this player
Read EvaluationEarnest Daniels | Prep Redzone Scout
The next defensive lineman is RJ Carstarphen Jr. from Winslow. RJ was a crucial piece of Winslow’s state championship-winning defense during their undefeated season. At 5’11”, he’s an undersized defensive lineman who uses his natural leverage and athleticism to stand out.
RJ brings explosive traits to the defensive line, excelling in penetration and creating havoc in the backfield. While undersized in weight, his quickness and first-step explosiveness fit Winslow’s attacking defensive style. However, his long-term future may be at linebacker, where his athleticism could shine even more.
To remain as a 3-tech, RJ would need to add significant weight and improve against the run. Despite this, his ability to disrupt plays and bring high energy makes him a valuable asset for Winslow and a player to watch as his game evolves.
Access all of Prep Redzone
Subscribe to read about this player
Read EvaluationBrendan Mankarious | Prep Redzone Scout
Phillipsburg has a reputation as a tough, physical team that controls the line of scrimmage.
Rob Carstarphen
Rob
Carstarphen
5'11" | 230 lbs | DL
Winslow | 2026
State
NJ
and
Ben Carter
Ben
Carter
6'1" | 245 lbs | DL
Winslow | 2027
NJ
appear to have taken offense to that challenge and succeeded.
A defensive lineman, Carstarphen had his named called a lot in this one, leading Winslow in tackles with 9 on the evening. of those 9 tackles, 6 were solo stops, 4.5 were tackles for loss, and 1.5 were sacks. This championship performance propelled Carstarphen to 114 tackles (85 solo), 22.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 1 scoop & score, and 1 safety during his junior campaign.
The scary thought is that Carstarphen still has one more season to play.
Access all of Prep Redzone
Subscribe to read about this player
Read EvaluationBrendan Mankarious | Prep Redzone Scout
Top Attribute: The perfect blend of pad level and quickness
Rob Carstarphen
Rob
Carstarphen
5'11" | 230 lbs | DL
Winslow | 2026
State
NJ
has been a prospect very much on our radar for a while now. Carstarphen gets low when he tackles. Getting low seems to be a theme in Carstarphen’s game. We see him play with low pad level off of the snap, firing out flat, while working his hands to gain extension, to work defenders into the backfield. While staying low, Carstarphen is also quick, often getting into the backfield. The junior defensive linemen must have been playing football for a long time now, as he seems to sense, see, and settle when defending screens well. When backside, the hustles down flat, scraping in order to make plays. Carstarphen profiles as a dynamic run stuffer.
Access all of Prep Redzone
Subscribe to read about this player
Read EvaluationEarnest Daniels | Prep Redzone Scout
Rob Carstarphen
Rob
Carstarphen
5'11" | 230 lbs | DL
Winslow | 2026
State
NJ
, Standing 5’11” and weighing 215 pounds, RJ is an interior defensive lineman who makes an immediate impact on the field. What stands out about him first is his low center of gravity. He plays with natural leverage, allowing him to win against offensive linemen’s chests quickly. His fundamentals are solid. He uses his hands effectively and is naturally strong. However, his standout trait is his initial quickness off the ball. This ability to beat offensive linemen with his first step creates significant havoc in the backfield for opposing offenses.
Futhermore, Carstarphen could be an under-the-radar breakout candidate on defense. Yet, to fully develop his potential, he needs to take the next step as a dominant interior pass rusher. This development would complete the skill set desired in an interior defensive lineman.
Access all of Prep Redzone
Subscribe to read about this player
Read EvaluationJonathan Davalos | Prep Redzone Scout
An explosive defensive tackle that gets a low start off of the line, Rob Carstarphen is a big time playmaker coming out of Winslow. A true roadblock in the interior defensive line, Rob makes it tough for any offense to find success up the middle. Racking up 52 tackles and 4 sacks last season, Rob was part of one of the most dominant defensive units in the state last fall. Though he has a smaller stature, Rob is a true athlete at the position and can put moves on blockers that gets him in the backfield quickly.
Access all of Prep Redzone
Subscribe to read about this player
Read EvaluationBrendan Mankarious | Prep Redzone Scout
The Winslow Eagles had an impressive season last fall going 6-4. Keep in mind this performance was largely without contributions from a promising freshman class. That class is headlined by RB/LB
Rob Carstarphen
Rob
Carstarphen
5'11" | 230 lbs | DL
Winslow | 2026
State
NJ
. At 5’11” 220lbs Carstarphen has the measurables to hold his own on the varsity field. He was credited with 4 tackles and 1 TFL last season.
In viewing his 8th grade film Carstarphen is a strong runner, fighting for every single hard he can get. We often see defenders stretching out his jersey as they hang on and go for a ride, while others get stiff-armed to the ground. Carstarphen also has great vision, often seeing a backside cutback lane, hitting it, and ripping off a big gain. Defensively he times his blitzes well getting through unblocked. We will see how this translates to the varsity level.
Carstarphen is an interesting prospect in the sense that he is so young and so physical. Clearly a standout in the 8th grade ranks and with a year of acclimatization to the speed and size of varsity football, we will certainly track Carstarphen as he prepares to crack the starting lineup this fall.
Access all of Prep Redzone
Subscribe to read about this player
Read EvaluationPlayer Claimed