New Jersey’s Top Sophomore Running Back: Gabe Kemp

Gabe Kemp is a 2029 recruit who plays Running Back at Red Bank Catholic High School. Kemp put up simply “Madden like” stats during his freshman campaign. 259 attempts for more than 1,800 yards and almost 20 touchdowns. Rushing for over 100 yards in 12 of his 13 games, it shocked nobody in the state when he was named NJ Athletics Rookie of the Year. Following his tremendous season, Kemp was named a MaxPreps First Team Freshman All American and received offers from the likes of Syracuse, Duke and Maryland.

Who are some role models in your life?
I would say my role model is my running backs coach. I only met him a year ago, but he has pushed me every day, challenged me to set goals and surpass them, and shown me that he cares about me as a person, not just as a football player.

What artists do you listen to pregame, to get you hyped up?
My pregame music usually changes from game to game. Sometimes I’ll listen to NBA YoungBoy to get fired up, but for bigger games, I like to stay calm and relaxed with artists like J. Cole or Bryson Tiller.

What are the strengths of your game?
I would say the strengths of my game are my shiftiness and my ability to avoid letting the first defender get a hand on me. I also take pride in my mental toughness. I had over 250 carries last season and still felt like I could have handled 100 more.

What is your favorite memory of your career?
My favorite memory of my career was my first high school game. It was one of the most exciting and nerve-racking experiences I’ve ever had. I had a great debut with one rushing touchdown, 119 rushing yards, and a 53-yard receiving touchdown.

Who is the best player you have ever played with or played against in your career?
The best player I’ve played against was Jack Cannon, the quarterback from Holmdel High School. He was the New Jersey Player of the Year and put up Madden-like stats. The best player I’ve played with is Rahmir Rivera. We’ve been playing together for years.

What is some advice you would give to an aspiring D1 athlete?
Stay focused and set goals. Once you commit yourself to those goals and put your mind to achieving them, the rest is up to God and how hard you’re willing to work.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
If I could travel anywhere in the world, it would be Greece.

How old were you when you fell in love with the game?
I fell in love with football when I was 6 years old, watching my older cousins play and wanting to follow in their footsteps.

If you could meet one sports hero, who would it be?
I would want to meet Marshawn Lynch. He’s the main reason I became a Seahawks fan.

What is your favorite sports moment, as a fan?
My favorite sports moment was watching Stefon Diggs’ “Minneapolis Miracle” touchdown catch for the Vikings. I was watching it live.