USA TODAY Network's top 50 high school football prospects in North Carolina

High school football is about to start popping in North Carolina, with future college stars setting the tone for another competitive season. Among the Tar Heel state's top prospects entering the 2024 season is an NFL Pro Bowl running back's son, a cluster of Power 5 targets playing together for a Charlotte powerhouse, a slew of solid two-way QBs, towering linemen and a dazzling roster of skill players.

With football season set to begin this month, USA TODAY Sports Network reporters in the state have produced a ranking of top prospects.

USA TODAY Sports Network top high football prospects in NC

1. David Sanders Jr. — Providence Day (Senior OT)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 1

• Rivals: 1

• 247Sports: 1

• Height/weight: 6-foot-7, 285 pounds

• Offers: Forty schools have offered Sanders, according to 247Sports, with Ohio State, Tennessee, Georgia and Nebraska considered front-runners for the 5-star recruit.

• Commitment: Announcing commitment on Aug. 17

• Numbers and notes: Sanders is rated as a 5-star recruit by ESPN, 247Sports and Rivals, ranked as a top-five prospect by each recruiting service. He’s helped the Chargers to three straight NCISAA titles, including last season when he helped the Providence Day offense average 442 yards and better than 47 points per game. He also has 90 career tackles (13 for a loss) and 12 sacks as a defensive lineman.

2. Kendre Harrison — Providence Day (Junior TE)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 1

• Rivals: 2

• 247Sports: 3

• Height/weight: 6-7, 243 pounds

• Offers: Harrison has scored football offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Colorado, East Carolina, Florida, Florida State, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan, NC State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Old Dominion, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, UCF, USC, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, and West Virginia.

• Commitment: Not announced

• Numbers and notes: A key component in Reidsville’s NCHSAA 2A state title run last fall, Harrison transferred to the Charlotte-based school this summer. Harrison excelled on both sides of the ball, catching 79 passes for 1,203 yards and 21 touchdowns, along with 168 tackles (41 for a loss), 18 sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and two blocked punts in his two seasons at Reidsville.

3. Isaiah Campbell —Southern Durham (Senior DL)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 3

• Rivals: 3

• 247Sports: 2

• Height/weight: 6-4, 265 pounds

• Offers: Alabama, Auburn, Colorado, Duke, East Carolina, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Louisville, LSU, Miami (Florida), NC State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State, South Carolina, Stanford, Tennessee, Texas A&M, UCF, USC, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest

• Commitment: Clemson

• Numbers and notes: The 4-star recruit had a breakout 2023 season, finishing with 110 tackles (27 for a loss), 16 sacks and 36 hurries. He also had two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. In three seasons, he has 176 total tackles (45 for a loss), 21 sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two blocked punts.

4. Faizon Brandon — Grimsely (Junior QB)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 2

• Rivals: 8

• 247Sports: 1

• Height/weight: 6-4, 202 pounds

• Offers: Alabama, Boston College, Charlotte, Duke, East Carolina, Florida State, Georgia, Louisville, LSU, Miami, Michigan, NC State, North Carolina, NC A&T, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Syracuse, TCU, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Wisconsin

• Commitment: Tennessee

• Numbers and notes: Brandon had a breakout 2023 campaign, completing 69% of passes for 3,026 yards and 36 touchdowns against three interceptions. He also rushed for 528 yards and nine more TDs, averaging more than six yards per carry. He has 3,560 career passing yards and 44 TDs.

5. Bryce Davis — Grimsley (Senior DL)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 4

• Rivals: 2

• 247Sports: 3

• Height/weight: 6-3, 245 pounds

• Offers: Alabama, Auburn, Charlotte, Clemson, East Carolina, Duke, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Louisville, LSU, Michigan, NC State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Penn State, Stanford, Tennessee, Texas A&M, South Carolina, Southern Cal, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia

• Commitment: Clemson

• Numbers and notes: Davis had a stellar 2022 season, finishing with 85 tackles (24 for a loss), 12 sacks, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. His 2023 campaign was off to a good start (17 tackles, three sacks) before it was ended prematurely by a knee injury.

6. Jordan Young — Monroe (Senior ATH)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 2

• Rivals: 5

• 247Sports: 4

• Height/weight: 6-0, 180 pounds

• Offers: Alabama, Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Charlotte, Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Indiana, James Madison, LSU, Maryland, Miami (Florida), Michigan, Michigan State, Missouri, North Carolina, NC State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Penn State, South Carolina, Temple, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Southern, USC, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest

• Commitment: Not announced

• Numbers and notes: Young has done a little of everything during his career. In three years, he tallied 122 career tackles (two for a loss), a sack, 12 interceptions, four forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, three blocked punts and a blocked field goal.

7. Ekene Ogboko — South Garner (Junior OT)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 3

• Rivals: 4

• 247Sports: 4

• Height/weight: 6-7, 295 pounds

• Offers: Alabama, Appalachian State, Auburn, Bethune-Cookman, Charlotte, Clemson, Coastal Carolina, Duke, East Carolina, Florida, Florida State, James Madison, Maryland, Miami, NC State, Notre Dame, Penn State, Rutgers, Tennessee, Virginia Tech

• Commitment: Not announced

• Numbers and notes: An imposing presence for South Garner in the trenches, he helped Southern Durham average 309 yards and 26 points per game.

8. Pierre Dean — West Forsyth (Junior OT)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 5

• Rivals: 1

• 247Sports: 9

• Height/weight: 6-5, 305 pounds

• Offers: Alabama, Appalachian State, Auburn, Duke, East Carolina, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, James Madison, Liberty Louisville, Miami (Florida), NC State, North Carolina, Penn State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech

• Commitment: Not announced

• Numbers and notes: Dean anchored an offensive line that averaged 416 yards and 34.7 points per game. A bulk of that output came on the ground, with West Forsyth backs earning 7.4 yards per carry.

9. Bryce Baker — East Forsyth (Senior QB)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 7

• Rivals: 4

• 247Sports: 5

• Height/weight: 6-2½, 195 pounds

• Offers: Appalachian State, Boston College, Duke, East Carolina, Fayetteville State, Florida, James Madison, Louisville, Maryland, NC State, North Carolina, Penn State, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest

• Commitment: North Carolina

• Numbers and notes: A top-20 quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class, he completed 67% of passes last fall for 3,082 yards and 39 touchdowns against three interceptions. He also rushed for 233 yards and three more TDs.

10. Jadon Blair — Mount Tabor (Senior S)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 5

• Rivals: 7

• 247Sports: 6

• Height/weight: 6-4½, 195 pounds

• Offers: Alabama A&M, Charlotte, Duke, East Carolina, Florida State, Georgia Tech, James Madison, Louisville, LSU, Maryland, Miami, Michigan, Mississippi State, NC State, Penn State, South Carolina, Temple, Tennessee, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, West Virginia

• Commitment: Notre Dame

• Numbers and notes: The hard-hitting safety set career highs last fall with 56 tackles (three for a loss), four interceptions — one returned for a touchdown — a forced fumble and fumble recovery. Blair also caught 10 passes for 255 yards and six TDs during the 2023 season.

11. Aiden Harris — Weddington (Junior DL)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 9

• Rivals: 5

• 247Sports: 5

• Height/weight: 6-3, 240 pounds

• Offers: Auburn, Boston College, Charlotte, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Miami (Ohio), MIchigan, NC State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee, UCLA, USC, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and West Virginia

• Commitment: Not announced

• Numbers and notes: Helped Weddington to the 2023 NCHSAA 4A state title with 93 tackles (21 for a loss), six sacks and two forced fumbles. He is credited with 147 career tackles and 10 sacks.

12. Rodney Dunham — Myers Park (Junior DL)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 6

• Rivals: 10

• 247Sports: 2

• Height/weight: 6-5, 230 pounds

• Offers: Auburn, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Duke, East Carolina, Florida State, Georgia, Indiana, James Madison, Miami (Ohio), Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Old Dominion, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M, USF, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Wisconsin

• Commitment: Not announced

• Numbers and notes: In 10 games last fall, he had 55 tackles (16 for a loss) and seven sacks to go with 20 quarterback pressures. He also had three interceptions, three pass breakups and a blocked field goal. Dunham is also a pitching standout for the Myers Park baseball team.

13. Leo Delaney — Providence Day (Junior OT)

State class rankings

ESPN: 4

Rivals: 9

247Sports: 6

Height/weight: 6-6, 280 pounds.

Offers: Alabama, Auburn, Charlotte, Clemson, Duke, East Carolina, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kentucky, Liberty, LSU, MIami, Michigan, NC Central, NC State, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oregon, Penn State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M, USC, Virginia Tech, West Virginia

Commitment: Not announced

Numbers and notes: Delaney is part of a powerful Providence Day offensive line also featuring the state’s top prospect in David Sanders Jr. He’s also a key player on the Charger defensive line, tallying 40 tackles (five for a loss) and a fumble recovery.

14. Samari Matthews — Hough (Junior DB)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 8

• Rivals: 3

• 247Sports: 8

• Height/weight: 6-0, 180 pounds

• Offers: Though possessing close to 40 offers, Matthews has narrowed his recruitment to 11 schools: Clemson, Florida, Florida State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia Tech. He also had offers from Alabama, Appalachian State, Arkansas, Auburn, Colorado, UConn, Duke, East Carolina, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Liberty, Louisville, Maryland, Miami, Michigan, Middle Tennessee State, Old Dominion, Ole Miss, Temple, Texas A&M, Southern Cal, West Virginia, Wisconsin

• Commitment: Not announced

• Numbers and notes: Considered one of the state’s top defensive backs, he’s tallied 58 tackles (two for a loss) and two interceptions over the past two seasons.

15. Trajen Odom — Weddington (Senior DL)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 8

• Rivals: 9

• 247Sports: 9

• Height/weight: 6-4, 285 pounds

• Offers: Alabama, Appalachian State, Auburn, Austin Peay, Bethune-Cookman, Cal, Campbell, Colorado, Duke, East Carolina, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Jackson State, James Madison, LSU, Maryland, Memphis, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, NC State, New Mexico State, North Carolina, NC A&T, NC Central, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Oregon State, Penn State, South Carolina, Tennessee, UNLV, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Washington

• Commitment: Ohio State

• Numbers and notes: The Ohio State recruit helped Weddington to the 2023 NCHSAA 4A state title, tallying 54 tackles (22 for a loss), four sacks and a forced fumble. This output came on the heels of him racking up 41 tackles (11 for a loss) and five sacks during the 2022 season.

16. Thomas Davis Jr. — Weddington (Junior LB)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 10

• Rivals: 7

• 247Sports: 7

• Height/weight: 6-2, 215 pounds

• Offers: Auburn, Boston College, Campbell, Charlotte, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Indiana, James Madison, LSU, Memphis, Miami, Michigan, NC State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Penn State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Troy, UCLA, Southern Cal, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia

• Commitment: Not announced

• Numbers and notes: Son of former NFL linebacker Thomas Davis, he is certainly living up to his father’s lofty standards. He finished with 92 tackles (13.5 for a loss) last fall, with a sack, seven quarterback hurries, an interception and a forced fumble.

17. Shamarius “Snook” Peterkin — Mount Tabor (Senior WR)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 12

• Rivals: 6

• 247Sports: 7

• Height/weight: 6-2, 172 pounds

• Offers: Alabama A&M, Appalachian State, Campell, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, NC State, North Carolina, Duke, Florida State, Georgia, James Madison, Louisville, Maryland, Penn State, South Carolina, Temple, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, West Virginia

• Commitment: NC State

• Numbers and notes: Peterkin has largely specialized as a wide receiver, catching 63 passes for 1,252 yards and 19 touchdowns in his first three seasons. However, he’s also rushed for 430 yards and four TDs as well as 266 passing yards and another TD. Peterkin also contributes defensively, tallying 39 tackles (two for a loss), a sack and an interception during his career.

18. Brian Rowe — Jay M. Robinson (Senior WR)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 6

• Rivals: 12

• 247Sports: 8

• Height/weight: 5-10, 151 pounds

• Offers: Charlotte, Cincinnati, Coastal Carolina, Duke, Georgia, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Illinois, James Madison, Liberty, Maryland, Miami, Michigan State, Ole Miss, Pittsburgh, South Carolina, Temple, Tennessee, Virginia, Wake Forest, West Virginia

• Commitment: South Carolina

• Numbers and notes: After posting modest totals as a sophomore (24 catches, 334 yards, 5 TDs), Rowe had a breakout junior campaign last fall. He finished the season with 50 catches for 1,063 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also returned three punts for TDs during the 2023 season.

19. Zavion Griffin-Haynes — Rolesville (Junior DL)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 11

• RIvals: 11

• 247Sports: 10

• Height/weight: 6-6, 230 pounds

• Offers: Appalachian State, Auburn, Charlotte, Duke, Florida A&M, Florida State, Illinois, Miami (Florida), Miami (Ohio), Michigan State, NC State, North Carolina, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Penn State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Troy, UCLA, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Western Michigan

• Commitment: Not announced

• Numbers and notes: Griffin-Haynes was credited with 28 tackles (four for a loss) and a half-sack last fall, his trench work catching the eye of college scouts both near and far.

20. Jerel Bolder — Forest Hills (Senior WR)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 18

• Rivals: 8

• 247Sports 10

• Height/weight: 6-0, 192 pounds

• Offers: Appalachian State, Arizona State, Campbell, Charlotte, Connecticut, Duke, East Carolina, Georgia, Indiana, Liberty, Louisville, Maryland, Michigan, NC State North Carolina, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Temple, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest

• Commitment: N.C. State

• Numbers and notes: Bolder’s receiving output has increased each of the past two seasons, particularly last fall when he caught 43 passes for 881 yards and 14 touchdowns. He has 85 career receptions with 1,778 yards and 26 TDs in 32 games.

21. Noah Clark — Jordan (Junior DT)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 13

• Rivals: 12

• 247Sports: 11

• Height/Weight: 6-3, 318 pounds

• Offers: Appalachian State, Campbell, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Duke, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Liberty, Louisville, Miami, Morgan State, NC State, North Carolina, Penn State, South Carolina, Temple, Tennessee, Texas, Troy, USF, Virginia, Virginia Tech

• Commitment: Not announced

• Numbers and notes: Clark enters his junior high school season as one of North Carolina's top interior linemen in the class of 2026. His wall-like figure and promising strength have served more than well at Jordan High School in Durham, where he recorded 57 total tackles in 2023.

22. Andrew Harris — Weddington (Junior DL)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 12

• Rivals: 13

• 247Sports: 14

• Height/Weight: 6-2, 230 pounds

• Offers: Auburn, Boston College, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Louisville, Memphis, Miami, Michigan, Missouri, NC State, North Carolina, Ohio State, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee, UCLA, Southern Cal, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia

• Commitment: Not announced

• Numbers and notes: Twin brother of fellow Weddington defensive lineman Aiden Harris, Andrew was a part of the Warriors' NCHSAA 4A state championship-winning squad in 2023. While he could stand to add some weight, Harris is still a junior and has swift speed off the edge that will translate to the college level.

23. Brody Keefe — Myers Park (Junior WR)

State class rankings

• ESPN: No ranking

• Rivals: 6

• 247Sports: 11

• Height/Weight: 6-3, 190 pounds

• Offers: Arkansas, Auburn, Charlotte, Connecticut, Duke, East Carolina, Florida State, Georgia, Illinois, James Madison, Liberty, Michigan, Michigan State, Middle Tennessee State, NC State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Old Dominion, Penn State, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest

• Commitment: Not announced

• Numbers and notes: Keef's 41 receptions, 599 yards and dozen touchdowns in his sophomore season at Myers Park High School has the wideout prepared to become one of North Carolina's top preps receivers this fall. The junior's big frame and solid strength have helped him stick out, as he's already garnered 26 Division I offers.

24. Elijah Littlejohn — Charlotte Christian (Junior LB/Edge)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 15

• Rivals: 18

• 247Sports: 15

• Height/Weight: 6-2, 210 pounds

• Offers: Alabama, Auburn, Indiana, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan, NC State, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Wisconsin

• Commitment: Not announced

• Numbers and notes: Racking up 86 tackles and 12 sacks last fall for West Charlotte, Littlejohn transferred to private school Charlotte Christian this summer. His prototypical size and power have attracted top programs, and his best still seems to be coming.

25. Tai Buster — A.L. Brown (Senior OG)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 18

• Rivals: 10

• 247Sports: 21

• Height/Weight: 6-3, 280 pounds

• Offers: Appalachian State, Auburn, Boston College, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Connecticut, East Carolina, Florida, Georgia Tech, James Madison, Kentucky, Liberty, Maryland, North Carolina, Penn State, Rutgers, Temple, Virginia Tech, Wake Forst

• Commitment: Auburn

• Numbers and notes: Buster committed to Auburn in March after a junior season at A.L. Brown High School in Kannapolis that saw his stock rise. The interior lineman can slip back into the state's top 20 prospects by adding more weight and wrapping up his high school career on a high note.

26. Taeshawn Alston — Vance County (Senior OLB)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 17

• Rivals: 16

• 247Sports: 11

• Height/weight: 6-4, 225 pounds

• Offers: Appalachian State, Charlotte, Colorado, East Carolina, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, James Madison, Liberty, Memphis, NC A&T, NC Central, North Carolina, Richmond, South Carolina, Tennessee, Troy, USF, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia

• Commitment: South Carolina

• Numbers and notes: Alston, a three-sport athlete at Vance County High School, enters his senior season with 148 tackles and 16 sacks in his career. Committing to South Carolina in June, his size and speed allow him to play both linebacker and edge.

27. Isaiah Deloatch — Durham Hillside (Senior ILB)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 11

• Rivals: 25

• 247Sports: 15

• Height/weight: 6-1, 210 pounds

• Offers: Arkansas State, Bethune-Cookman, Campbell, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Duke, Howard, Indiana, James Madison, Liberty, Old Dominion, Rutgers, Syracuse, Troy, USF, NC State, South Carolina

• Commitment: Rutgers

• Numbers and notes: While he takes punts for Hillside, it's his defensive prowess that landed Deloatch 15 Division I offers before settling on South Carolina in May. The senior isn't the biggest linebacker in the class of 2025, but he has elite speed and closes quickly.

28. Donovan Darden — Havelock (Senior DE)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 16

• Rivals: 30

• 247Sports: 16

• Height/weight: 6-4, 220 pounds

• Offers: Boston College, Charlotte, East Carolina, Illinois, James Madison, Marshall, Michigan State, Missouri, NC State, Old Dominion, Pittsburgh, South Carolina, West Virginia

• Commitment: South Carolina

• Numbers and notes: Darden recorded 46 tackles and one sack as a junior last fall for Havelock. The edge rusher has also spent time on the offensive side of the ball, rushing for 143 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries in 2023. With a great frame and room to grow, the senior has a substantial upside after verbally committing to South Carolina in July.

29. Charles House — North Mecklenburg (Senior DT)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 15

• Rivals: 18

• 247Sports: 26

• Height/weight: 6-3, 290 pounds

• Offers: Alabama, Auburn, Charlotte, Connecticut, East Carolina, Florida, Florida State, Indiana, Georgia, Indiana, James Madison, LSU, Liberty, Louisville, Miami, Michigan, Old Dominion, Ohio State, Oregon, South Carolina, Temple, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, West Virginia

• Commitment: Tennessee

• Numbers and notes: Despite consistently being ranked outside the top 40 defensive lineman prospects in the class of 2025, House collected a slew of Power 5 offers before choosing Tennessee in June. While he certainly needs to add some weight to compete in SEC trenches, House should continue to climb rankings with a strong senior season this fall.

30. Gus Ritchey — Cary (Senior TE)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 21

• Rivals: 14

• 247Sports: 14

• Height/weight: 6-4, 235 pounds

• Offers: Colorado, Duke, East Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Louisville, Maryland, Miami, Michigan, NC State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State, Texas A&M, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Washington

• Commitment: N.C. State

• Numbers and notes: Ritchey caught 39 passes for 845 yards and nine touchdowns at Northwood last fall. He initially committed to UNC but flipped the script last August and committed to the Wolfpack. He also moved high schools from Northwood in Chatham County to Cary High School in Wake County this offseason.

31. Dan Mahan — Burlington Williams (Senior QB)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 30

• Rivals: 11

• 247Sports: 24

• Height/weight: 6-1, 180 pounds

• Offers: Appalachian State, Boston College, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Duke, Elon, Florida, James Madison, Liberty, Miami (Ohio), NC State, Penn State, Wake Forest

• Commitment: Duke

• Numbers and notes: The dual-threat QB threw 18 touchdowns while rushing for seven more in his first full season at quarterback last fall. He's undersized but has shown quick movement in the pocket and the ability to extend plays.

32. Jabian "JB" Shabazz — East Forsyth (Junior OT)

State class rankings

• ESPN: Not ranked

• Rivals: 22

• 247Sports: 21

• Height/weight: 6-7, 295 pounds

• Offers: Appalachian State, Auburn, Auburn, Kentucky, Liberty, Maryland, North Carolina, Purdue, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia

• Commitment: Not announced

• Numbers and notes: Shabazz's massive frame helped him average more than 12 points per game on the basketball court last fall for Oak Grove. Now, at East Forsyth, he'll look to show his strength as he dips inside North Carolina's top 20 prospects in the class of 2026.

33. Justin Rowe — Asheville School (Senior ATH)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 28

• Rivals: 31

• 247Sports: 27

• Height/weight: 6-2, 215 pounds

• Offers: Appalachian State, Boston College, Duke, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, NC State, North Carolina, SMU, South Carolina, Syracuse, Tennesse, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest

• Commitment: Virginia

• Numbers and notes: The Canadian moved to the U.S. in 2022 and has played both sides of the ball for Asheville. In 2023, he recorded 31 tackles and two interceptions while hauling in 28 catches for 455 yards and five touchdowns. He's collected 16 college offers and verbally committed to Virginia in April.

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34. Steven Murray — Eastern Guilford (Senior ATH)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 20

• Rivals: 15

• 247Sports: 28

• Height/weight: 6-0, 165 pounds

• Offers: Appalachian State, Boston College, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, Georgia Southern, Liberty, Marshall, Old Dominion, Syracuse, Rutgers, Temple

• Commitment: Rutgers

• Numbers and notes: Murray's elite speed helped him bring in 55 catches for 935 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2023. He runs a 10.84-second 100-meter dash and shows upside on both sides of the ball. While he might be on the leaner side, the speedster showed versatility on defense last fall, collecting four interceptions.

35. Jamien Little — Hickory (Senior WR)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 14

• Rivals: 33

• 247Sports: 17

• Height/weight: 6-1, 175 pounds

• Offers: Buffalo, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Connecticut, Duke, East Carolina, Georgia State, James Madison, Liberty, NC State, Old Dominion, Troy, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest

• Commitment: Wake Forest

• Numbers and notes: Little averaged 13.1 ppg on the court in 2023 and is competing in track and field. He started as Hickory's top wideout in 2023 (73 receptions, 1,477 yards, 22 touchdowns) as the Red Tornadoes captured North Carolina's 3A title.

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36. Michael Gibbs — Hoggard (Senior OG)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 19

• Rivals: 27

• 247Sports: 23

• Height/weight: 6-4, 300 pounds

• Offers: Air Force, Appalachian State, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Duke, East Carolina, Elon, Georgia Southern, Liberty, Miami (Ohio), NC State, Old Dominion, Penn State, USF, Virginia

• Commitment: NC State

• Numbers and notes: A key player in Hoggard's 4A state title appearance, Gibbs has good size and hands. He's yet another in-state commit to Dave Doren's Wolfpack and will play a crucial role as one of the Vikings' more experienced players in 2024.

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37. Trey Blue — Cary (Senior OT)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 27

• Rivals.com: 20

• 247Sports.com: 26

• Height/weight: 6-5, 310 pounds

• Offers: Bethune-Cookman, Campbell, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Duke, Liberty, Maryland, NC Central, Temple

• Commitment: North Carolina

• Numbers and notes: A load at left tackle, Blue will be joined on the Imps' offense this season by NC State commit Gus Ritchey. That duo is sure to improve on Cary's one-win season in 2023 as Blue cements his place as a QB protector.

38. Braxton Winston II — Providence Day (Senior DB)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 23

• Rivals: 32

• 247Sports: 32

• Height/weight: 6-0, 160 pounds

• Offers: Boston College, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Duke, East Carolina, Georgia Tech, Liberty, Marshall, NC State, North Carolina, South Carolina, Stanford, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia

• Commitment: Wake Forest

• Numbers and notes: Winston had 103 total tackles — 55 of them solo — and five interceptions last season for powerhouse Providence Day, which has won an NCISAA championship every year Winston's been in high school.

39. Arrion Concepcion — Chambers (Senior WR)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 31

• Rivals: 34

• 247Sports: 31

• Height/weight: 5-9, 170 pounds

• Offers: Appalachian State, Campbell, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Duke, East Carolina, Liberty, Marshall, Miami, NC State, Troy, Virginia Tech

• Commitment: NC State

• Numbers and notes: The younger brother of ACC Rookie of the Year Kevin "KC" Concepcion, Arrion caught 51 passes for 640 yards and nine touchdowns in 2023.

40. Keshawn Stancil — Clayton (Junior DL)

State class rankings

• ESPN: Not ranked

• Rivals.com: Not ranked

• 247Sports: 13

• Height/weight: 6-3, 260 pounds

• Offers: Appalachian State, Arkansas State, Florida, Florida State, Kentucky, Liberty, Miami, NC State, Penn State, Temple, Troy, Wake Forest

• Commitment: Not announced

• Numbers and notes: Stancil had 43 tackles with sacks and an interception as a sophomore for the 4A Comets.

41. Elijiah Oehlke — Trinity Christian (Senior QB)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 9

• Rivals: Not ranked

• 247Sports: 14

• Height/weight: 6-2, 208 pounds

• Offers: Air Force, Army, Charlotte, Cornell, Duke, Harvard, James Madison, Liberty, NC State, North Alabama, Wake Forest, William & Mary

• Commitment: Wake Forest

• Numbers and notes: Oehlke led Trinity Christian to the 2023 NCISAA Division II state title as a pro-style, pocket passer. He had 35 total touchdowns completing 77 of 128 pass attempts for 1,499 yards.

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42.  Traquin Watson — North Johnston (Senior OLB)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 13

• Rivals: 26

• 247Sports: Not ranked

• Height/weight: 6-4, 210 pounds

• Offers: Appalachian State, James Madison, South Carolina, Texas Tech

• Commitment: Not announced

• Numbers and notes: Also a member of the track team, Watson was offered a scholarship from Texas Tech just two games into his sophomore season. He finished his junior year with 62 solo tackles, 76 total, and seven sacks.

43. Camdin Portis — Myers Park (Junior DB)

State class rankings

• ESPN: Not ranked

• Rivals: Not ranked

• 247Sports: 12

• Height/weight: 6-0, 170 pounds

• Offers: Boston College, Charlotte, Colorado, Georgia Tech, Houston, Howard, Indiana, Marshall, Miami, Missouri, NC State, North Carolina, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Penn State, Tennessee, UCLA, USF, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia

• Commitment: Not announced

• Numbers and notes: The name is familiar because Camdin is the son of NFL Pro Bowler and 2002 Offensive Rookie of the Year Clinton Portis. Camdin had 18 tackles, 10 pass breakups, two interceptions and a forced fumble as a sophomore.

44.  Gordon Sellars — Providence Day (Junior WR)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 7

• Rivals: Not ranked

• 247Sports: 14

• Height/weight: 6-3, 180 pounds

• Offers: Appalachian State, Charlotte, Duke, East Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Marshall, NC State, South Carolina, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, West Virginia

• Commitment: Not announced

• Numbers and notes: Backing up Power 5 prospects Jordan Shipp (UNC) and Channing Goodwin (Michigan), Sellars managed 22 receptions for 507 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore.

45.  Nas Newkirk — Dudley (Senior WR)

State class rankings

• ESPN: Not ranked

• Rivals: 24

• 247Sports: 20

• Height/weight: 6-1, 185 pounds

• Offers: Appalachian State, Alabama A&M, Bethune-Cookman, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Duke, East Carolina, Georgia, Georgia State, James Madison, Kentucky, Maryland, Morgan State, Notre Dame, Old Dominion, USF, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin

• Commitment: Liberty

• Numbers and notes: Newkirk had 51 receptions for 1,123 yards with 16 touchdowns his junior season. He also racked up 66 tackles and seven pass deflections as a defensive back.

46. Sherrod Henderson — Heide Trask (Senior DE)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 24

• Rivals: 13

• 247Sports: 23

• Height/weight: 6-3, 210 pounds

• Offers: Air Force, Bryant, Campbell, Charleston Southern, Connecticut, Cornell, Duke, ECU, Elon, Gardner-Webb, Georgia State, James Madison, Liberty, Michigan State, NC Central, Old Dominion, Pittsburgh, Troy, USF, Virginia, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Western Michigan, Wofford

• Commitment: Virginia Tech

• Numbers and notes: An edge rusher who also stands out on the Trask basketball team, Henderson didn't play football until his sophomore season. Last year, he put up 75 tackles (15 for loss) and 12 sacks. He also ran for 1,250 yards with 13 TDs.

47. Jonathan Williams — Havelock (Senior ATH)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 29

• Rivals: 22

• 247Sports: 33

• Height/weight: 5-9, 160 pounds

• Offers: Appalachian State, Bethune-Cookman, Boston College, Bryant, Buffalo, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Coastal Carolina, Connecticut, Duke, East Carolina, Elon, James Madison, Liberty, Maryland, North Carolina, Old Dominion, West Virginia, Wake Forest

• Commitment: East Carolina

• Numbers and notes: A multi-tool athlete, Johnny Williams has played quarterback, running back, wide receiver and defensive back for the 13-1 Rams. He completed 59.7% of his passes for 995 yards and nine touchdowns to go with 1,333 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground.

48. Kavon Simmons — Wake Forest (Senior ATH)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 25

• Rivals: Not ranked

• 247Sports: 28

• Height/weight: 6-0, 170 pounds

• Offers: Cornell, Cincinnati, Duke, Elon, Georgetown, Harvard, Liberty, Navy, NC Central, Shaw, UNC Pembroke, Virginia Tech, Yale

• Commitment: Duke

• Numbers and notes: A pocket-passing quarterback who completed 136 of 269 passes for 1,999 yards and 19 TDs last season, Simmons has the potential to play wide receiver at Duke.

49.  Koredell Bartley — Dudley (Senior WR)

State class rankings

• ESPN: 22

• Rivals: Not ranked

• 247Sports: 12

• Height/weight: 6-0, 182 pounds

• Offers: Bethune-Cookman, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Cornell, East Carolina, Gardner-Webb, Liberty, Miami (Ohio), New Hampshire, Tulane, USF

• Commitment: USF

• Numbers and notes: A strong two-way player, Bartley had 85 catches for 1,593 yards with 17 touchdowns to go with 95 tackles (nine for loss) over the past two seasons. He's also a kick returner.

50.   Trashawn Ruffin — North Duplin (Junior DT)

State class rankings

• ESPN: Not Ranked

• Rivals: 19

• 247Sports: Not Ranked

• Height/weight: 6-3½, 305 pounds

• Offers: Charlotte, Florida State, NC State, Old Dominion

• Commitment: Not announced

• Numbers and notes: A two-sport star in football and basketball, Ruffin had 52 tackles last season with eight of those for loss, including four sacks.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: USA TODAY Network top 50 high school football prospects North Carolina