Red Bank Catholic (N.J.) freshman RB having groundbreaking year

When it comes to the top running backs out of the state of New Jersey, many of the names that people scroll and see are upperclassmen. There’s one workhorse tailback, however, that’s made a name for himself this 2025 season and is only a freshman: Red Bank Catholic‘s Gabe Kemp.

The reason Kemp stands out among the rest of the Class of 2029 backs is because of his production in his first varsity season and helping keep one of the Garden State’s top football teams undefeated. Kemp is already over the 1,000-yard mark through seven games and still has three more to go plus postseason.

It’s safe to say that Kemp is well on his way to a groundbreaking year, which the freshman running back isn’t too surprised he’s having.

“I had very strong confidence leading into this season thinking I could break 1,000 yards,” Kemp said. “I didn’t think it would be this early, but now it’s just an opportunity for me to make a bigger goal for myself. First break the school record, then the state record held by Joe Martinek.”

Kemp through seven varsity games has been a monster for the Caseys (7-0), rushing for 1,146 yards on 169 carries and has scored nine touchdowns. His latest performance came in Red Bank Catholic’s 34-10 victory over Rumson-Fair Haven last week.

The 5-foot-8, 155-pound running back rushed for a game-high 190 yards in the win, pushing Kemp over the 1,000-yard plateau and beyond. Kemp says the key for himself is remaining patient and he’s always looking for the weak spot in any defense he’s up against.

“I would say being patient is the key, not to worrying to much about breaking for a touchdown right away,” Kemp said. “Once I find the weak link on your team, I’m going to keep attacking it all game.”

For the diminutive running back, however, all of the preparation heading into this 2025 campaign helped get Kemp ready for the moment of his freshman season. Transitioning from youth ball to high school wasn’t going to be as much of a shell shock to Kemp as it may be for other first-year freshman varsity players.

“I would say the transition seems so effortless from youth to varsity, because I prepared for this my whole life,” Kemp added. “My dad and I have been training since I was 4. Played around the country in youth. It’s just something I’ve already been used to it feels like.”

Kemp already has a few Division I offers on the table, getting overtures from Kent State, Southern Miss, Syracuse and Temple. That list of offers is sure to grow as the legend of Kemp continues to soar throughout the Northeast region.

For now, you can say Kemp’s first season of high school football has gone pretty swell as he’s the featured running back his freshman year on the state’s No. 11 ranked team. If he keeps it up, Hopatcong’s Joe Martinek state-record for rushing yards of 7,589 yards could be well within reach sooner rather than later.

The next time Kemp and the Caseys take the field is this Friday night against No. 15 ranked Paramus Catholic on the road.

How to Follow New Jersey High School Football

For New Jersey high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the Garden State, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Garden State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the gridiron excitement across the state of New Jersey.