The 2023 HighSchoolOT All-State Football Team
HighSchoolOT's fourth-annual All-State Football Team has been completed. Below, you'll find our selections for offensive players, defensive players, two-way players, and special teams players.
Counting all first team, second team, third team, and honorable mention selections, there are a total of 250 players from across North Carolina.
4A state champion Weddington leads all schools with 11 total selections. 4A runner-up Hoggard and NCISAA Division I state champion Providence Day are tied for second with seven selections.
The HSOT All-State football team is comprehensive by seeking out not only individual stats for each player but Hudl film for players (even for offensive linemen and defensive backs) and input from coaches across the state.
See our all-state football teams from previous years:
HSOT All-State football: Offensive Players
One player on our offensive team has made all-state four-straight years: Jonathan Paylor of Cummings. The NC State signee is the first player to ever make our all-state team for all four of his high school seasons. Paylor was a second team "athlete" as a freshman, third team as a sophomore, second team again last year, and is on the 2023 first team as a running back.
Three players are back for the third time: Mason Fortune of Millbrook (previously: 3rd team offense x2), Jack Larsen of Charlotte Catholic (previously: HM offense & 1st team offense) and Josiah McLaurin of Clinton (previously: HM offense & 1st team offense).
13 selections are back for the second time: Terrell Anderson of Grimsley (previously: 2nd team offense), Amareon Blue of Jordan (previously: 3rd team offense), Eagan Boyer of Hough (previously: 2nd team offense), Ethan Calloway of Lake Norman (previously: 2nd team offense), Jadyn Davis of Providence Day (previously: 1st team offense), Kai Greer of Marvin Ridge (previously: HM offense), Channing Goodwin of Providence Day (previously: HM offense), Desmond Jackson of West Forsyth (previously: 2nd team offense), Justin Little of Independence (previously: HM offense), Tyler Mason of Mount Airy (previously: 1st team offense), David Sanders of Providence Day (previously: 1st team offense), Mitchell Summers of Grimsley (previously: HM offense), and Alex Taylor of Grimsley (previously: 3rd team offense).
There are two QBs, three RBs, three WRs, one TE, five OL, and one "ATH" position on each offensive team with 30 honorable mention regardless of position. "ATH" most often means a "wing back" who spends time in the backfield and split out wide but can also mean an option quarterback who doesn't have the traditional QB stat line passing the ball.
First Team
QB: Andrew Attmore, Dudley QB (senior): — Lenoir-Rhyne recruit — 221/307 passing (72.0%) 4,122 yds (274.8/game) 54 TDs, 4 INTs // 24 carries, 127 yds, 2 TDs
QB: Jadyn Davis, Providence Day QB (senior): — Michigan recruit — 204/288 passing (70.8%) 3,370 yds (259.2/game) 43 TDs, 9 INTs // 22 carries, -22 yds, 3 TDs
RB: Tyler Mason, Mount Airy RB (senior): — Virginia Tech recruit — 170 carries, 2,213 yds (13.0/car, 138.3/game), 39 TDs // (defense) 31 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 INT, 1 FF, 3 FR
RB: Jonathan Paylor, Cummings RB (senior): — NC State recruit — 169 carries, 2,378 yds (14.1/car, 198.2/game), 30 TDs // 25 receptions, 381 yds, 3 TDs // (defense) 75 tackles, 2 INTs, 4 PD // (special teams) 1 KOR TD, 2 PR TDs
RB: De'Von Thomas, Rolesville RB (junior): 211 carries, 2,308 yds (10.9/car, 164.9/game), 25 TDs // 7 receptions, 165 yds, 4 TDs
WR: Jaedon Alford, Rolesville WR (junior): 92 receptions, 1,815 yds (19.7/rec, 129.6/game), 21 TDs
WR: Keenan Jackson, Weddington WR (senior): — NC State recruit — 102 receptions, 1,704 yds (16.7/rec, 106.5/game), 19 TDs // 2 carries, 5 yds, 1 TD
WR: Jeremiah Melvin, Cape Fear WR (senior): — Wake Forest reccruit — 54 receptions, 1,104 yds (18.8/rec, 92.2/game), 19 TDs
ATH: Johnathan Montague, Clayton QB (senior): — Boston College recruit — 122/187 passing (65.2%) 1,601 yds (123.2/game), 13 TDs, 3 INTs // 293 carries, 2,578 yds (8.8/car, 198.3/game), 41 TDs
TE: Kendre Harrison, Reidsville TE (sophomore): 62 receptions, 930 yds (15.0/rec, 62.0/game), 16 TDs // (defense) 70 tackles (5.0/game) 17 TFL, 8 sacks, 30 QBH, 7 PD, 1 FR, 2 FF
OL: Ethan Calloway, Lake Norman OL (senior): — LSU recruit —
OL: Kai Greer, Marvin Ridge RT (senior): — Georgia Tech recruit —
OL: Kiande Marsh, Hough C (junior):
OL: Trent Mitchell, Ashbrook OL (senior): — NC State recruit —
OL: David Sanders, Providence Day LT (junior): (offense) Rivals' top recruit in the country // (defense) 42 tackles (3.2/game) 10 TFL, 7 sacks, 32 QBH, 3 PD, 2 FR, 1 blocked field goal
Second Team
QB: Al Lee, Reidsville QB (senior): 236/365 passing (64.7%) 3,725 yds (238.8/game), 51 TDs, 8 INTs // 70 carries, 282 yds, 0 TDs
QB: Brady Stober, Hickory QB (junior): 241/343 passing (70.3%) 3,933 yds (245.8/game), 47 TDs, 4 INTs // 36 carries, 125 yds, 2 TDs
RB: Zay Jones, Scotland RB (senior): 331 carries, 2,680 yds (8.1/car, 206.2/game), 42 TDs // 7 receptions, 66 yds, 1 TD
RB: Jamal Rule, Salisbury RB (junior): 274 carries, 2,712 yds (9.9/car, 208.6/game) 36 TDs // 10 receptions, 236 yds, 3 TDs
RB: Tyselle Spencer, Northeastern RB (senior): 201 carries, 2,587 yds (12.9/car, 184.8/game), 35 TDs // 10 receptions, 155 yds // (defense) 43 tackles, 4 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery
WR: Terrell Anderson, Grimsley WR (senior): — NC State recruit — 64 receptions, 1,114 yds (17.4/rec, 79.6/game), 14 TDs // (special teams) 1 KOR TD
WR: Izay Bridges, Shelby WR (senior): — Eastern Tennessee State recruit — 87 receptions, 1,818 yds (20.9/rec, 121.2/game), 19 TDs // 21 carries, 168 yds, 8 TDs // (defense) 10 tackles, 2 PD, 1 INT
WR: Alex Taylor, Grimsley WR (senior): — UNC recruit — 63 receptions, 1,067 yds (16.9/rec, 76.2/game), 14 TDs // 3 carries, 67 yds
ATH: DeAndre Nance, Seventy-First QB (junior): 111/160 passing (69.4%) 1,639 yds (102.4/game), 20 TDs, 3 INTs // 166 carries, 1,691 yds (10.2/car, 105.7/game), 38 TDs
TE: Jack Larsen, Charlotte Catholic TE (senior): — Notre Dame recruit — 43 receptions, 724 yds (16.8/rec, 65.8/game), 10 TDs // 2 carries for 21 yds
OL: Tai Buster, A.L. Brown RG (junior): Multiple P5 offers
OL: P.J. Dean, West Forsyth RT (sophomore): Multiple P5 offers
OL: Leo Delaney, Providence Day RT (sophomore): Multiple P5 offers
OL: Peyton Reeder, Metrolina Christian LT (senior): — East Carolina recruit — 90 knockdown blocks, zero sacks allowed
OL: Tyler West, Andrews OL (senior): — NC State recruit —
Third Team
QB: Braden Atkinson, Rolesville QB (junior): 254/349 passing (72.8%) 3,701 yds (264.4/game), 46 TDs, 4 INTs // 7 carries, 62 yds, 2 TDs
QB: Tyler Budge, Weddington QB (senior): — Georgia Southern recruit — 232/364 passing (63.7%) 3,202 yds. 30 TDs, 11 INTs // 102 carries, 630 yds, 16 TDs
RB: Amareon Blue, Jordan RB (junior): 208 carries, 1,977 yds (9.5/car, 164.8/game), 34 TDs // 9 receptions, 92 yds, 2 TDs // (defense) 13 tackles, 1 PD, 1 FR
RB: Isaiah Lackey, Hickory RB (junior): 307 carries, 1,910 yds (6.2/car, 119.4/game), 36 TDs // 16 receptions, 265 yds, 0 TDs
RB: Mitchell Summers, Grimsley RB (junior): 238 carries, 2,100 yds (8.8/car, 150.0/game), 42 TDs // 8 receptions, 61 yds
WR: Channing Goodwin, Providence Day WR (senior): — Michigan recruit — 65 receptions, 1,094 yds (16.8/rec, 91.2/game), 14 TDs // 4 carries, 12 yds, 1 TD // (defense) 10 tackles
WR: Jordan Shipp, Providence Day WR (senior): — UNC recruit — 66 receptions, 1,195 yds (18.1/rec, 108.6/game), 15 TDs // (defense) 2 tackles, 1 PD
WR: Ashawd Wynn, Hobbton WR (junior): 94 receptions, 1,823 yds (19.4/rec, 165.7/game), 18 TDs
ATH: Josiah McLaurin, Clinton RB/WR (senior): — Maryland recruit — 103 carries, 1,170 yds (11.4/car, 97.5/game), 27 TDs // 28 receptions, 509 yds (18.2/rec, 42.4/game) 9 TDs
TE: Gus Ritchey, Northwood TE (junior): — NC State commit — 39 receptions, 845 yds (21.7/rec, 76.8/game), 9 TDs // 9 carries, 39 yds, 0 TDs // 1/1 passing, 11 yds
OL: Eagan Boyer, Hough LT (senior): — Penn State recruit —
OL: Michael Gibbs, Hoggard LT (junior): Multiple P5 offers
OL: Desmond Jackson, West Forsyth OL (senior): — UNC recruit — played in seven games
OL: Isaiah Locklear, Scotland OL (junior):
OL: Ekene Ogboko, South Garner OL (sophomore): Multiple P5 offers // (defense) 29 tackles (4.1/game), 10 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 FR
Honorable Mention
Bryce Baker, East Forsyth QB (junior): — UNC commit — 211/317 passing (66.6%) 3,082 yds. 39 TDs, 3 INTs // 36 carries, 233 yds, 3 TDs
Trey Blue, Cary OL (junior): — UNC commit —
Gabe Bolivar, Pine Lake Prep RB (senior): 279 carries, 2,461 yds (8.8/car, 223.7/game) 28 TDs // 3 receptions, 28 yds
Faizon Brandon, Grimsley QB (sophomore): 191/277 passing (69.0%) 3,026 yds (216.1/game), 36 TDs, 3 INTs // 85 carries, 528 yds, 9 TDs
Jackson Byrd, Cleveland QB (junior): 243/360 passing (67.5%) 3,624 yds (258.9/game), 37 TDs, 12 INTs // 60 carries, 417 yds, 11 TDs
Caman Chaplin, West Forsyth RB (senior): 249 carries, 2,255 yds (9.1/car, 205.0/game) 31 TDs // 27 receptions, 341 yds, 2 TDs
Damon Duke, Currituck County WR (senior): 45 receptions, 1,188 yds (26.4/rec, 99.0/game), 20 TDs // 5 carries, 38 yds // (special teams) 27 punts, 33.4 avg; 1 KOR TD
Mason Fortune, Millbrook QB (senior): 221/355 passing (62.3%) 3,112 yds (259.3/game) 27 TDs, 4 INTs // 34 carries, -24 yds, 2 TDs
Micah Gilbert, Charlotte Christian WR (senior): — Notre Dame recruit — 76 receptions, 1,105 yds, 10 TDs // (defense) 30 tackles, 3 INTs, 2 PD, 1 FR
Eli Greene, Watauga IOL (senior): (offense) multi-year IOL leader (defense) 46 tackles (3.8/game), 0 TFL, 1 FR
Tristan Haddock, Bunker Hill OL (senior): FBS offered
De'Angelo Hall, Olympic TE (junior): 36 receptions, 672 yds (18.7/rec, 96.0/game), 3 TDs // 5 carries, 12 yds, 1 TD
Tim Hammonds, Red Springs OT (senior): FCS offers
Jalen Harris, Hickory Ridge WR (senior): 45 receptions, 1,103 yds (24.5/rec, 100.3/game), 11 TDs // (defense) 12 tackles, 1 INT, 2 PD // (special teams) 1 PR TD
Ny'Tavious Huskey, Crest QB (senior): 216/331 passing (65.3%) 3,663 yds (261.6/game), 45 TDs, 12 INTs // 107 carries, 623 yds, 7 TDs
Jayden Jones, Independence RB (sophomore): 181 carries, 1,830 yds (10.1/car, 152.5/game) 19 TDs // 9 receptions, 132 yds, 2 TDs // (special teams) 1 KOR TD
Corbin Kerr, Wallace-Rose Hill RB (senior): 257 carries, 2,252 yds (8.8/car, 187.7/game), 26 TDs // 6 receptions, 94 yds, 0 TDs
Justin Little, Independence QB (junior): 164/246 passing (66.7%) 2,722 yds, 29 TDs, 6 INTs // 87 carries, 397 yds, 9 TDs
Gavin Marks, Rolesville OL (junior): FBS offered
Brayson McIver, Butler OL (senior):
C.J. Neely, Dudley WR (junior): 55 receptions, 1,164 yds (21.2/rec, 77.6/game), 15 TDs
Logan Potes, Weddington OL (senior):
Jackson Pryor, Watauga TE (senior): — Furman recruit — 40 receptions, 790 yds (19.8/rec, 60.8/game), 12 TDs // 3 carries, 47 yds, 1 TD // (defense) 52 tackles (4.0/game), 4 TFL, 1 sack
Jimmy Randazzo, Weddington OL (junior): FBS offered
Alex Sanford, Ledford RB (senior): 237 carries, 2,113 yds (8.9/car, 211.3/game), 32 TDs // 9 receptions, 108 yds, 0 TDs
Jack Sheehan, Cardinal Gibbons OL (junior): FBS offered
Jason Smith, Hoggard OL (senior): 15+ offers
Hudson Wilharm, Hoggard QB (senior): 217/329 passing (65.9%) 2,858 yds, 33 TDs, 6 INTs // 36 carries, 97 yds, 5 TDs
Jason Willis Jr., Bunker Hill RB (junior): 251 carries, 2,224 yds (8.9/car, 171.1/game) 34 TDs // 11 receptions, 161 yds, 1 TD // 1/1 passing, 50 yds, 0 TDs // (defense) 33 tackles (2.5/game) // (special teams) 1 PR TD
Na'Ledge Wright, Jay M. Robinson RB (senior): 251 carries, 2,184 yds (8.7/car, 168.0/game), 32 TDs // 6 receptions, 60 yds
HSOT All-State football: Defensive Players
There are nine returning selections to the all-state defensive team. Only one player has been selected for a third time: Zane Williams of Wake Forest High School, an NC State linebacker recruit.
Curtis Simpson of Kings Mountain, Malakahi West of Hoggard, Brody Barnhardt of Providence Day, Phillip Harris of Butler, Amaris Williams of Clinton, Malcolm Ziglar of Fuquay-Varina, Deric Dandy of Mount Airy, and Quentin Reddish of Independence made the team for the second consecutive year.
For defense, there are three teams of 15 players each. Each team has five defensive linemen, five linebackers, and five defensive backs. This breakdown is simplest way of doing it as many defensive players blur positional lines in modern football. There are 30 players on the honorable mention team, regardless of position.
First Team
DL: Sa'Mad Bell, Dudley DE (senior): 93 tackles (6.2/game), 35 TFL, 19 sacks, 1 FF, 2 FR, 1 FR TD
DL: Deric Dandy, Mount Airy DL (senior): — Virginia Tech recruit — 111 tackles (7.9/game), 49 TFL, 12 sacks, 1 INT, 3 FF
DL: Jani Norwood, Eastern Randolph DL/OL (senior): — UNC recruit — 89 tackles (6.4/game), 43 TFL, 15 sacks, 7 PD, 5 FF, 2 FR
DL: Nnamdi Ogboko, South Garner DL/OL (senior): — Georgia recruit — 58 tackles (5.3/game), 25 TFL, 5 sacks, 2 FF
DL: Amaris Williams, Clinton DL (senior): — Auburn recruit — 34 tackles (3.1/game), 20 TFL, 11 sacks, 1 FR, 1 FF (offense) 39 carries, 679 yds, 12 TDs // 1 reception, 22 yds, 1 TD
LB: Donavan Frederick, Seventy-First LB (junior): 175 tackles (10.9/game), 48 TFL, 6 sacks, 2 PD, 2 FF, 1 FR // (offense) 151 carries, 1,634 yards (10.8/car, 102.1/game), 10 TDs
LB: Cayden Jones, Christ School LB (senior): — Alabama recruit — 78 tackles (7.1/game) 11 TFL, 4 sacks, 2 PD // (offense) 32 carries, 206 yds, 2 TDs // 12 receptions, 139 tackles, 4 TDs
LB: Reagan Printy, Hoggard LB (senior): 186 tackles (12.4/game), 25 TFL, 9.5 sacks, 1 INT, 5 PD, 2 FF, 2 FR, 1 INT TD
LB: Tyquan Rankin, Butler LB (senior): 132 tackles (9.4/game), 33 TFL, 3 sacks, 2 INTs, 4 PD, 1 FR, 4 FF, 1 FR TD, 2 INT TDs
LB: Jaden Smith, West Charlotte LB (senior): — Michigan recruit — 91 tackles, 25 TFL, 10 sacks, 1 INT, 13 PD, 2 FR, 3 punt blocks, 2 kick blocks, tow defensive touchdowns
DB: Brody Barnhardt, Providence Day DB (S) (senior): — NC State recruit — (defense) 109 tackles (8.4/game) 5 TFL, 0 sacks, 3 INTs, 2 PD, 1 FR, 1 FF // (offense) 22 carries, 277 yds, 5 TDs // 4 receptions, 34 yds, 0 TDs // (special teams) 1 KOR TD
DB: Omarion Lewis, Tarboro DB (senior): — East Carolina recruit — 51 tackles (3.6/game), 2 TFL, 6 INT, 9 PD, 1 FF, 1 FR // (offense) 21/33 (64.6%) 368 yards, 5 TDs, 2 INTs 20 carries, 121 yards, 5 TDs
DB: Quentin Reddish, Independence SAF (senior): — Virginia Tech recruit — 72 tackles (5.1/game), 2 TFL, 5 INTs, 14 PD, 1 blocked punt, 1 blocked field goal
DB: Christian Richardson, Wilson Prep DB (senior): 104 tackles (8.0/game), 14 INTs, 18 PD, 2 FR, 2 INT TDs // (offense) 92 carries, 1,359 yards, 11 TDs // 3 receptions, 103 yds, 1 TD // 5/15 passing, 81 yds, 2 TDs, 5 INTs // (special teams) 1 PR TD, 2 KOR TDs
DB: Malcolm Ziglar, Fuquay-Varina SAF (senior): — UNC recruit — 37 tackles, 2 INTs, 1 PD, 1 FR, 1 FF, 1 FR TD // (offense) 21 TDs
Second Team
DL: Isaiah Campbell, Southern Durham DL (junior): 124 tackles (10.0/game) 27 TFL, 16 sacks, 36 QBH, 1 FR, 2 FF
DL: Curtis Simpson, Kings Mountain EDGE (senior): — UNC recruit — 83 tackles (6.9/game) 21 TFL, 13 sacks, 19 QBH, 3 FF, 2 blocked punts
DL: Jaden Warren, Salisbury EDGE (senior): 60 tackles (4.6/game), 37.5 TFL, 20 sacks, 3 FF, 6 FR
DL: Malakahi West, Hoggard EDGE (senior): — Elon recruit — 68 tackles (4.5/game), 23.5 TFL, 14.5 sacks, 3 INTs, 7 PD, 6 FF, 2 FR, 1 INT TD, 1 FR TD, 2 blocked punts, 1 blocked field goal
DL: Bryce Young, Charlotte Christian DL (senior): — Notre Dame recruit — 97 tackles (8.1/game) 18 TFL, 14 sacks, 12 QBH, 3 PD, 3 FR, 3 FF, 1 blocked punt, 1 blocked field goal
LB: Jackson Forrest, Northwest Cabarrus LB (junior): 147 tackles (12.3/game), 40 TFL, 18 sacks, 7 FF, 2 FR
LB: Sawyer Lowe, Cleveland LB (junior): 145 solo tackles (11.2/game), 33 TFL, 5 sacks, 2 INTs, 3 FF, 3 FR, 1 INT TD
LB: Khiyale Washington, Mountain Island Charter LB (senior): 172 tackles (14.3/game), 12 TFL, 9 sacks, 1 PD, 4 FF, 4 FR, 3 blocked punts // (offense) 42 carries, 302 yds, 6 TDs
LB: Paul Widerman, Reidsville LB (senior): — Lafayette recruit — 144 tackles (11.1/game) 11 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 1 PD // (offense) 55 carries, 327 yds, 5 TDs // 3 receptions, 39 yds, 2 TDs
LB: Zane Williams, Wake Forest LB (senior): — NC State recruit — 96 tackles (10.7/game) 24.5 TFL, 4 sacks, 8 PD, 1 blocked field goal
DB: Chancellor Bryant, Ardrey Kell DB/WR (senior): 69 tackles (6.3/game), 4 TFL, 6 INTs, 5 PD, 1 FR, 2 INT TDs // (offense) 24 receptions, 527 yds (22.0/rec, 47.9/game), 7 TDs // (special teams) 1 KOR TD, 1 PR TD
DB: Rondell Carter, Chambers DB (senior): — Troy recruit — 90 tackles (8.2/game), 10 TFL, 1 INT, 15 PD, two blocked punts
DB: Keelan Flowe, Chambers DB (senior): — James Madison recruit — 38 tackles (4.2/game), 1 TFL, 4 INTs, 27 PD, 2 INT TDs
DB: Phillip Harris, Butler DB (senior): — James Madison recruit — 71 tackles (5.1/game), 7 TFL, 3 INTs, 24 PD, 1 FR
DB: Samuel Neely, Weddington DB (senior): — Wake Forest recruit — 77 tackles (4.8/game), 6 TFL, 22 PD , 1 fumble recovery
Third Team
DL: Jaylen Carl, Southwest Guilford DL (senior): — Duke recruit — 81 tackles (9.0/game), 23 TFL, 5 sacks, 2 PD, 1 blocked field goal
DL: Aiden Harris, Weddington DL (sophomore): 97 tackles (6.5/game), 23 TFL, 6 sacks, 8 PD, 2 FF, 1 blocked punt
DL: Drew Harris, Weddington DL (sophomore): 112 tackles (7.0/game), 27 TFL, 10 sacks, 7 PD, 1 FR
DL: Chris Kinsey, Clayton DL (senior): 60 tackles (4.6/game), 17 TFL, 7 sacks, 1 FR, 1 FF, 1 blocked field goal
DL: Jordan Ratliff, Dudley DT (junior): 89 tackles (5.9/game), 31 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble
LB: Thomas Davis Jr., Weddington LB (sophomore): 92 tackles (5.8/game), 13.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT, 8 PD, 1 FF, 1 FR, 1 FR TD
LB: Jahkai Eason, Grimsley EDGE (senior): 90 tackles (6.4/game), 28 TFLs, 13 sacks, 1 PD, 1 FF
LB: Cross Killen, Charlotte Christian LB (senior): 129 tackles (10.8/game) 20 TFL, 11 sacks, 2 INTs, 2 PD, 4 FR, 4 FF, 1 FR TD
LB: O'Maurie Phillips, Farmville Central LB (junior): 108 tackles (9.0/game) 17 TFL, 12.5 sacks, 4 INTs, 3 PD, 3 FR, 2 FF, 1 TD FR TD, 1 INT TD, 1 blocked field goal // (offense) 10 receptions, 310 yds, 5 TDs
LB: Turner Wood, Hickory LB (senior): 184 tackles (11.5/game), 17 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 INT, 4 PD
DB: JaDon Blair, Mount Tabor S (junior): 57 tackles (4.4/game), 3 TFL, 4 INTs, 1 FR, 1 FF, 1 INT TD
DB: Landan Callahan, Reagan DB (CB) (senior): — Duke recruit — 45 tackles (4.1/game) 1 TFL, 2 INTs, 10 PD
DB: Alex Evans, Clinton DB (senior): 54 tackles, 7 TFL, 3 INTs, 2 FR // 7 rec, 117 yds
DB: Samari Matthews, Hough DB (CB) (sophomore): 25 tackles (2.5/game) 1 TFL, 1 INT, 1 PD
DB: Braylon Peebles, Cardinal Gibbons DB (sophomore): 169 tackles (11.3/game), 5 TFL, 1 sack, 3 INTs, 8 PD, 3 FR, 5 FF, 1 FR TD, 1 INT TD // (special teams) 1 PR TD
Honorable Mention
John Archer, Seventy-First DL (freshman): 82 tackles (5.9/game) 29 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 FR
Dontario Austin, South View LB (junior): 153 tackles (13.9/game), 19 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 2 PD, 3 FR, 1 FF
Christopher Bispham, Havelock DL (sophomore): 106 tackles (7.6/game) 36 TFL, 15 sacks
Tyrek Brown, Mallard Creek LB (senior): 106 tackles (8.8/game), 3 sacks, 3 INT, 2 FF, 1 FR
Chris Bryant, St. Pauls S (senior): 103 tackles (10.3/game) 24 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT, 6 PD, 2 FF, 1 INT TD, 1 blocked field goal
Noah Clark, Jordan DL (sophomore): 57 tackles (5.7/game), 9 TFL, 1 sack, 2 FF, 1 blocked punt, 1 blocked kick
Kendric Davis, Palisades LB (junior): 119 tackles (11.9/game), 10 TFL, 5 sacks, 1 INT, 4 PD, 6 FF
Rylan Edwards, Hoggard LB (junior): 148 tackles (9.3/game), 14.5 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 5 INTs, 1 PD, 2 FF, 1 FR
Jadyn Farmer, Butler DL (junior): 64 tackles (4.6/game), 20 TFL, 3 sacks, 11 QBH, 2 FF, 1 blocked field goal
Jamari Farmer, Mooresville LB (junior): 130 tackles (10.8/game), 26 TFL, 8 sacks, 1 INT, 2 PD, 1 FF, 1 INT TD
Jayden Ferguson, Millbrook EDGE (senior): — Davidson recruit — 92 tackles (8.4/game), 25 TFL, 9 sacks, 1 INT, 2 FF, 2 FR, 1 blocked punt
Kamar Fulton, Hoggard DB (junior): 63 tackles (3.9/game), 2 TFL, 8 INTs, 9 PD, 5 FF, 1 INT TD
A.J. Graham, Mooresville CB (junior): 35 tackles (2.9/game), 3 TFL, 4 INTs, 5 PDs, 1 INT TD
Currine Henry, New Bern DB (junior): 17 tackles (1.7/game), 8 INTs, 7 PD, 1 FF, 1 INT TD
Jamari Hill, Fike DB (junior): 120 tackles (9.2/game) 17 TFL, 4 sacks, 4 INTs, 12 PD, 1 FF, 1 blocked punt // (offense) 46 carries, 370 yds, 3 TDs
Landon Inscoe, Cleveland DB (senior): 112 solo tackles (8.0/game), 13 TFL, 5 INTs, 6 PD, 2 FR
D.J. Joyce, Mount Airy DL (sophomore): 95 tackles (5.9/game), 37 TFL, 12.5 sacks, 4 FF, 4 FR
Elijah Littlejohn, West Charlotte EDGE (sophomore): 86 tackles (7.2/game) 33 TFL, 12 sacks, 18 QBH, 1 PD, 3 FF
Roderick B. Loftin, Hunt LB (senior): 133 tackles (12.1/game) 25 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 3 PD, 1 FR
Kameron Manley, Rolesville DB (senior): 42 tackles (3.2/game), 6 INTs, 16 PD, 2 FR, 2 INT TDs
Taylor McClure, Hayesville LB (senior): — ETSU recruit — 64 tackles (5.8/game) 17 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 FR, 2 FF, 2 blocked field goals // (offense) 99 carries, 597 yds, 11 TDs // 10 receptions, 71 yds, 1 TD
Jaylin McZeke, Laney DL (senior): 69 tackles (5.3/game), 9 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 2 PD, 1 FR, 1 blocked punt
Khimani Nolan, Havelock SCB (sophomore): 78 tackles (5.6/game) 1 TFL, 9 INT, 5 PD, 2 FR, 1 INT TD, 1 blocked field goal
Jayden Olden, Monroe LB (senior): 183 tackles (14.1/game), 13 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 2 FR, 3 FF, 1 blocked punt
Nicholas Reddish, Independence DB (sophomore): 95 tackles (6.3/game), 3 TFL, 4 INTs, 10 PD, 4 FR, 2 FF, 1 INT TD
Noah Shaw, Asheville LB (senior): — Rutgers recruit — 75 tackles (6.8/game) 7 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 PD, 1 FF, 2 blocked punts
Cairo Skanes, Providence Day CB (junior): 83 tackles (6.4/game) 3 TFL, 6 INT, 5 PD, 1 FR
Diontez Townsend, SouthWest Edgecombe DB (senior): 94 tackles (7.8/game) 0 TFL, 0 sacks, 9 INTs, 9 PD, 1 FR // (offense) 1 reception, 26 yds, TD
D'Nas White, Jay M. Robinson DT (senior): — Florida State recruit — 40 tackles (5.0/game) 9 TFL, 6 sacks, 2 FR, 2 FF, 1 blocked field goal
Tristian Williams, Hickory LB (senior): 164 tackles (10.3/game), 7 TFL, 4 sacks, 2 INTs, 2 PD, 1 FF
HSOT All-State football: Two-Way Players
There are some players who could go on the first team offense and second team defense. There are others whose overall value isn't reflected by just one side of the ball. That's why we have the two-way player category. There are 10 players per team, and 20 on the honorable mention team. We were intentional about not "demoting" a player for being good at two positions — in other words, we wouldn't take a lock for first-team defense off that team only to move them to a second or third team in the two-way player category. Players on this team would have been moved laterally or up from where they would have placed on offense, defense, or special teams, but not down.
There is one three-time all-state selection among this year's two-way players: Cuttler Adams of Robbinsville (previously: HM two-way).
The Two-Way group also features 12 two-time selections: Koredell Bartley (previously: 1st team special teams), Steven Murray (previously: HM two-way), Hunter Stalcup (previously: HM two way), DiVon Ward (previously: HM two-way), Ian Gallimore (previously: HM two-way), Walker Stroup (previously: 3rd team two-way), Jordan Young (previously: 2nd team two-way), Truitt Manuel (previously: 2nd team offense), Keveon Rodgers (previously: 1st team offense), Randall King (previously: 3rd team offense), C.J. Landrum (previously: HM defense), Isaiah Crumpler (previously: 3rd team defense), and Brandon Crutchfield (previously: 2nd team two-way).
First Team
Cuttler Adams, Robbinsville RB/DB (senior): (offense) 297 carries, 2,103 yds (7.1/car, 140.2/game), 32 TDs // 12 receptions, 296 yds, 3 TDs // (defense) 74 tackles, 4 TFL, 4 INTs, 2 FF, 1 INT TD
Brandon Albert, CSD WR/DB (junior): (offense) 183 carries, 1,195 yds, 20 TDs // 95 receptions, 1,012 yds, 12 TDs // (defense) 96 tackles, 1 sack, 3 INTs
Koredell Bartley, Dudley WR/DB (junior): (offense) 59 receptions, 1,013 yds (17.2/rec, 67.5/game). 11 TDs // 11 carries, 128 yds, 4 TDs // (defense) 59 tackles, 5 TFL, 0.5 sacks, 2 INTs, 1 pass breakup, once FF // (special teams) 3 PR TDs, 1 KOR TD
Isaiah Crumpler, D.H. Conley DB/WR (senior): — Rutgers recruit — (offense) 53 receptions, 776 yds, 8 TDs // (defense) 81 tackles, 7 TFL, 2 INTs, 1 INT TD, 3 PD, 1 FR // (special teams) 2 KOR TDs
Tyshaun Goldston, Randleman WR/DB (junior): (offense) 52 receptions, 1,296 yds (24.4/rec, 105.8/game), 18 TDs // 7 carries, 73 yds, 2 TDs // (defense) 21 tackles, 6 INTs, 10 PD, 1 FR // (special teams) 21 punts, 36.9 avg
Maddox Greene, Watauga QB/DB (junior): (offense) 89/132 passing (67.4%), 1,875 yds (144.2/game), 23 TDs, 4 INTs // 152 carries, 1,364 yds (9.0/car, 104.9/game) 18 TDs // (defense) 31 tackles (2.4/game), 2 INTs, 1 FR
Truitt Manuel, West Henderson WR/S (senior): — NC State baseball recruit — (offense) 89 receptions, 1,396 yds (15.7/rec, 99.7/game), 16 TDs // 32 carries, 262 yds, 1 TD // (defense) 47 tackles, 6 INTs, 2 PD, 3 FF // (special teams) 28 punts, 40.6 avg, 5 inside 20
Hunter Stalcup, Murphy RB/DB (senior): (offense) 214 carries, 2,036 yds (9.5/car, 156.6/game), 29 TDs // 22 receptions, 406 yds, 6 TDs // (defense) 67 tackles, 5 TFL, 3 INTs, 1 INT, 1 FF, 1 INT TD
Walker Stroup, Mount Airy WR/LB/K (senior): (offense) 22 receptions, 542 yds, 8 TDs // (defense) 113 tackles, 12 TFL, 3 INTs, 15 PD, 1 FF, 3 FR // (special teams) 2/4 FGs, 87/98 PATs; 15 punts, 38.9 avg; 45/115 touchbacks (39.5%)
Jordan Young, Monroe WR/DB (junior): (offense) 34 receptions, 812 yds, 8 TDs // (defense) 66 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack, 1 interception, 3 PD, 4 FF, 5 FR, 4 FR TDs, 1 blocked punt, 1 blocked field goal
Second Team
Jaquille Arrington, Northern Nash WR/DB (senior): (offense) 61 receptions, 1,036 yds (17.0/rec, 74.0/game) 16 TDs // (defense) 51 tackles (3.6/game) 7 TFL, 3 INTs, 2 INT TDs, 1 blocked punt
Tyler Clark, Jordan OL/DL (senior): — NC Central recruit — (offense) starting interior IOL (defense) 47 tackles (3.9/game), 4 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 PD
Brandon Crutchfield, Heritage WR/DB (senior): — Old Dominion recruit — (offense) 49 receptions, 635 yds, 11 TDs // (defense) 60 tackles (5.5/game), 1 TFL, 2 INTs, 8 PD, 1 FF
C.J. Landrum, Hendersonville TE/DE (senior): — Charleston Southern recruit — (offense) 42 receptions, 733 yds (17.5/rec, 73.3/game), 8 TDs // 33 carries, 303 yds, 4 TDs (defense) 72 tackles (7.2/game) 13 TFL, 5 sacks, 26 QBH, 1 INT, 2 FF, 1 blocked field goal
Jamien Little, Hickory WR/DB (junior): (offense) 70 receptions, 1,372 yds, 20 TDs // 3 carries, 87 yds // (defense) 23 tackles, 3 INTs, 2 PD, 2 INT TDs
Steven Murray, Eastern Guilford WR/DB (junior): (offense) 55 receptions, 935 yds, 16 TDs // (defense) 32 tackles, 5 INTs, 8 PD // (special teams) 1 KOR TD
Nasir Newkirk, Dudley WR/DB (junior): (offense) 51 receptions, 1,123 yds (22.0/rec, 74.9/game), 16 TDs // (defense) 66 tackles, 2 TFL, 7 PD, 1 FR
Hampton Roderick, Laney WR/DB (junior): (offense) 82 receptions, 1,401 yds (17.1/rec, 107.8/game) 10 TDs // (defense) 22 tackles, 3 INTs, 4 PD, 2 INT TDs
Ivion Smith, New Bern WR/DB (junior): (offense) 43 receptions, 709 yds, 5 TDs // (defense) 29 tackles (2.2/game), 6 INTs, 6 PD, 1 FR, 2 INT TDs // (special teams) 1 KOR TD
Kamal Thames, Terry Sanford WR/DB/P (senior): (offense) 58 receptions, 1,006 yds (17.3/rec, 77.4/game), 12 TDs // 10 carries, 75 yds, 1 TD // (defense) 70 tackles (5.4/game), 3 TFL, 4 INTs, 4 PD, 1 FR, 1 FF, 1 INT TD // (special teams) 1 KOR TD // 17 punts, 31.7 avg, 1 inside 20
Third Team
Masion Brooks, East Bladen RB/EDGE (senior): (offense) 195 carries, 2,021 yds (10.4/car, 155.5/game) 39 TDs // 2 receptions, 18 yds // (defense) full stats not available
Kahmari Brown, White Oak FB/EDGE (senior): (offense) 67 carries, 628 yards, 10 TDs // (defense) 111 tackles (10.1/game), 25 TFL, 6 sacks, 2 PD, 5 FF, 1 blocked punt
Logan Foust, Southern Alamance RB/DB (senior): (offense) 304 carries, 2,077 yds (6.8/car, 148.4/game) 28 TDs // 12 receptions, 237 yds, 3 TDs // (defense) 40 tackles (2.9/game) 5 TFL, 1 INT, 2 PD // (special teams) 1 KOR TD
Ian Gallimore, Mount Airy QB/LB (senior): (offense) 35/65 (53.8%) 642 yds, 9 TDs, 0 INTs // 40 carries, 150 yds, 4 TDs // (defense) 141 tackles, 28 TFL, 1 sack, 2 PD, 3 FF, 3 FR
Jakarrion Kenan, Clinton WR/DB (junior): (offense) 24 receptions, 600 yds, 8 TDs // (defense) 21 tackles, 6 TFL, 1 sack, 5 INTs, 1 FF, 1 FR, 1 blocked punt
Randall King, Northern Nash WR/DB (senior): (offense) 45 receptions, 703 yds (15.6/rec, 58.6/game), 9 TDs // (defense) 26 tackles (2.2/game), 4 INTs, 1 FR, 2 INT TD, 1 blocked field goal
Keveon Rodgers, Hertford County QB/DB (senior): (offense) 107/175 passing (61.1%) 1,812 yds (151.0/game) 26 TDs, 5 INTs // 95 carries, 845 yds, 14 TDs // (defense) 49 tackles (4.1/game) 4 TFL, 0 sacks, 4 INTs, 4 PD, 1 INT TD
Brayden Taylor, Bear Grass Charter QB/DB/P/RET (senior): (offense) 29/55 passing, 525 yds (47.7/game), 8/2 TDs/INTs; 91 car, 877 yds (9.6/game, 79.7/game), 19 TDs; 36 tackles (3.3/game), 8 INTs, 6 PDs, 2 FR, 1 FF; 7 punts, 38.6 avg, 1 inside 20; 2 KOR TDs
Beady Waddell V, West Mecklenburg RB/LB (senior): — Western Carolina recruit — (offense) 112 carries, 884 yds, 7 TDs // 110 tackles (11.0/game) 17 TFL, 2 sacks 1 PD, 1 FR, 1 FF
DiVon Ward, Holmes RB/LB (senior): (offense) 163 carries, 1,657 yds, 19 TDs // (defense) 87 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 FR, 1 FR TD
Honorable Mention
Jamari Blake, Northampton County WR/DB (senior): (offense) 26 receptions, 445 yds, 2 TDs // (defense) 31 tackles (2.6/game) 0 TFL, 0 sacks, 10 INTs, 11 PD, 1 FF, 2 INT TDs
Ashton Brinson, Arendell Parrott RB/LB (senior): (offense) 252 carries, 2,549 yds (10.1/car, 212.4/game) // 4 receptions, 220 yds, 2 TDs // (defense) 159 tackles (13.3/game) 13 TFL, 4 sacks, 2 INTs, 2 FR, 2 INT TDs, 1 blocked punt, 1 blocked field goal
D.J. Bryant, West Columbus OL/DL (senior): 103 tackles (7.4/game) 24 TFL, 15 sacks, 27 QBH, 1 FR, 2 FF
Joshua Collins, Swain County RB/S (senior): (offense) 193 carries, 1,743 yds (9.0/car, 158.5/game) 17 TDs // 3 receptions, 16 yds, 1 TD // 3/6 passing, 147 yds, 2 TDs, 0 INTs // (defense) 71 tackles (6.5/game) 14.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 INTs, 1 PD, 1 FR, 1 FF
Isaiah Dawson, Garner WR/DB (senior): — Richmond recruit — (offense) 36 receptions, 459 yds (12.8/rec, 51.0/game), 6 TDs // 43 carries, 296 yds, 3 TDs // (defense) 28 tackles, 2 INTs, 1 PD
Brogan Hill, East Davidson RB/LB (senior): — Navy recruit — (offense) 159 carries, 947 yds, 11 TDs // 26 receptions, 359 yds, 4 TDs // (defense) 49 tackles (4.9/game), 3 INTs
Brandon Ihle, Middle Creek FB/DB (senior): — Navy recruit — (offense) 1/1 passing, 42 yds, 1 TD // 48 carries, 281 yds, 10 TDs // 5 receptions, 82 yds // (defense) 74 tackles (7.4/game), 1 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT, 2 PD
D'Angelo Johnson, Nash Central TE/LB (senior): (offense) 16 receptions, 389 yds, 6 TDs // (defense) 81 tackles (6.2/game) 16 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 PD, 4 FR, 3 FF, 3 FR TDs, 1 blocked field goal
Javaris Jones, Nash Central RB/CB (senior): (offense) 116 carries, 1,244 yds (10.7/car, 88.9/game) 17 TDs // 11 receptions, 161 yds, 1 TD // (defense) 62 tackles (4.4/game), 0 TFL, 0 sacks, 1 INT, 8 PD, 2 FR, 1 blocked field goal
Stephen Keener, East Surry WR/DB (junior): (offense) 52 receptions, 1,000 yds (19.2/rec, 83.3/game) 10 TDs // 8 carries, 60 yds, 1 TD // 1/1 passing, 22 yds, 1 TD // (defense) 38 tackles (3.2/game) 2 TFL, 0 sacks, 1 INT, 7 PD
Robert Kendrick, Kings Mountain RB/DB (senior): — Norfolk State recruit — (offense) 81 carries, 765 yds, 11 TDs // 12 tackles, 5 INTs, 2 PD, 7 FF
Blake McClellan, East Rutherford WR/DB (junior): (offense) 49 receptions, 776 yds, 9 TDs // 58 carries, 247 yds, 14 TDs // (defense) 73 tackles (6.6/game) 13 TFL, 3 INTs, 15 PD, 6 FF
Kamerin McDowell-Moore, Tarboro RB/DB (sophomore): (offense) 128 carries, 1,146 yds, 23 TDs // 7 receptions, 124 yds, 3 TDs // (defense) 85 tackles (6.1/game) 9.5 TFL, 1 sack, 2 INTs, 2 PD, 1 FR, 3 FF, 1 INT TD
Derek Mitchell, Crest FB/LB/P (senior): (offense) 9 carries, 28 yds, 4 TDs // 146 tackles (11.2/game) 13 TFL, 5 sacks, 1 PD, 3 FR, 3 FF, 1 FR TD // (special teams) 23 punts, 36.0 avg, 6 inside 20
Elam Moore, East Duplin RB/FS (senior): (offense) 80 carries, 753 yards, 8 TDs // 9 receptions, 126 yards, 1 TD // (defense) 42 tackles, 1 INT, 8 PD, 1 INT TD // (special teams) 1 KOR TD
Alex Moye, Farmville Central RB/WR/DB (senior): (offense) 80 carries, 944 yds (11.8/car, 78.7/game), 11 TDs // 27 receptions, 563 yds (20.9/rec, 46.9/game), 10 TDs // (defense) 66 tackles (5.5/game), 6 TFL, 2 INTs, 8 PD
Keyon Rawling, West Stokes ATH/DB (senior): (offense) 86 carries, 680 yds, 9 TDs // 32 receptions, 438 yds, 4 TDs // 9/11 passing, 65 yds, 2 TDs, 0 INTs // (defense) 48 tackles (4.0/game) 0 TFL, 0 sacks, 6 INTs, 2 PD, 1 FR, 1 INT TD
Cole Seawright, Marvin Ridge WR/S (senior): — Richmond recruit — (offense) 20 receptions, 245 yds, 2 TDs // 12 carries, 48 yds, 1 TD // (defense) 74 tackles (6.7/game), 2 INTs, 2 PD, 1 FF
Antonio Simpson, Polk County WR/LB (senior): (offense) 49 receptions, 879 yds, 8 TDs // (defense) 80 tackles (8.0/game) 32 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 INT, 1 PD, 1 FR, 3 FF, 1 FR TD, 1 INT TD, 1 blocked field goal
Deuce Walker, Salisbury WR/DB (senior): — Georgia State recruit — (offense) 53 receptions, 714 yds, 10 TDs // 6 carries, 102 yds, 2 TDs // (defense) 22 tackles (1.7/game), 2 INTs, 3 PD, 1 FR, 1 FR TD, 1 INT TD
HSOT All-State football: Special Teams
For all-state special teams, there are 10 players per first, second, and third team. The Honorable Mention team has 20 players.
While a player cannot make the HSOT all-state team as a specialist and also make the offense, defense, or two-way player list, we also ensure that a player who might also be a candidate for other categories cannot be moved down to fit onto special teams (ex: moving from first-team offense to second-team special teams is a no-no, but making a lateral move like third-team defense to third-team special teams is fine; so too is moving up, like going from honorable mention offense to second-team special teams).
Returning selections include: four-time selection Nolan Hauser and two-time selections Michael Buck (previously: HM special teams), and Caleb Willis (previously: HM special teams), and Que'Shyne Flippen (previously: HM two-way).
Hauser is our team's first four-time selection, making the second team as a freshman and the first team in the three following years.
First Team
Michael Buck, Lake Norman K/P (senior): 5/8 FGs, long 50, 25/26 PATs; 34 punts, 35.2 avg, 9 inside 20; 28/41 touchbacks (68.3%)
Aiden Daugherty, Oak Grove K (senior): — Virginia Tech recruit — 5/7 FGs, long 49, 62/63 PATs; 12/15 touchbacks (80.0%)
Cory Fisher, East Forsyth ST - DB/LS - (senior): 4 blocked punts, 2 blocked field goals // (defense) 30 tackles, 1 tackle for a loss, 3 PD, 1 FF
Javarius Green, Crest RET (WR) (senior): — UNC recruit — 1 PR TD, 3 KOR TDs; 61 rec, 1,245 yds (20.4/rec, 88.9/game), 17 TDs
Nolan Hauser, Hough K/P (senior): — Clemson recruit — 12/15 FGs, long 47, 47/48 PATs; 33 punts, 39.2 avg, 10 inside 20; 59/69 touchbacks (85.5%)
Drew Levy, South Garner K/P (junior): 11/15 FGs, long 49, 25/28 PATs; 15 punts, 43.7 avg, 9 inside 20; 13/49 touchbacks (26.5%)
Zachariah Melton, Monroe RET (WR) (senior): 4 PR TDs, 3 KOR TDs // (offense) 23 carries, 258 yds, 6 TDs // 24 receptions, 482 yds, 5 TDs
Francisco Rodriguez, Cape Fear K (sophomore): 14/16 FGs, long 47, 33/34 PATs; 6/28 touchbacks (21.4%)
Caleb Willis, Apex K (senior): 4/6 FGs, long 52, 43/46 PATs; 51/69 touchbacks (73.9%)
Tripp Woody, Charlotte Christian K/P (senior): — Iowa recruit —10/14 FGs, long 50, 41/44 PATs; 26 punts, 39.6 avg, 7 inside 20; 51/67 touchbacks (76.1%)
Second Team
Hezekiah Adams, West Bladen RET (ATH) (junior): 2 PR TDs, 2 KOR TDs // (offense) 16/26 passing, 244 yds (24.4/game), 3/2 TD/INTs; 29 car, 124 yds, 3 TDs; 19 rec, 421 yds (22.2/rec, 42.1/game), 4 TDs // (defense) 35 tackles, 3 INTs
Jaylen Bellamy, West Columbus RET (ATH) (senior): 3 PR TDs, 1 KOR TD // (offense) 68 car, 627 yds (9.2/car, 44.8/game), 5 TDs; 27 rec, 584 yds (21.6/rec, 41.7/game) 8 TDs // (defense) 88 tackles (6.3/game), 1 sack, 4 INTs, 9 PD, 1 FR
Nio Espinoza, Butler ST (LB) (senior): 3 blocked punts, 2 blocked field goals // (offense) 1 reception, 19 yds, 1 TD // (defense) 83 tackles (5.9/game), 19 TFL, 7 sacks, 9 PD, 2 FR, 3 FF, 1 FR TD
Que'shyne Flippen, Reidsville RET (ATH) (senior): 3 KOR TDS // (offense) 7 car, 146 yds; 42 rec, 871 yds (20.7/rec, 72.6/game), 12 TDs // (defense) 7 tackles, 2 INTs
Britt Glover, Jacksonville K/P (senior): 8/9 FGs, long 43, 51/52 PATs; 30 punts, 40.1 avg, 11 inside 20; 20/71 touchbacks (28.2%)
David Green, High Point Christian K (sophomore): 6/8 FGs, long 51, 46/46 PATs; 46/66 touchbacks (69.7%)
Wyatt Jackson, New Bern K (junior): 6/9 FGs, long 54, 44/46 PATs; 26/54 touchbacks (48.1%)
Grant Mills, Cannon School LS (senior): — UNC recruit — No. 12 nationally-ranked in 2024, No. 1 in NC
Everett Scott, Weddington K (senior): 7/9 FGs, long 35, 69/73 PATs; 67/96 touchbacks (69.8%)
Damare Williams, Smoky Mountain RET (DB) (senior): — East Carolina commit — 2 KOR TDs // (offense) 13 receptions, 133 yds, 1 TD // 32 carries, 206 yds // (defense) 1 INT, 3 FF
Third Team
Tanner Baxter, Mountain Island Charter P/K (senior): 25 punts, 41.4 avg; 1/3 FGs, long 25, 29/31 PATs; 28/31 touchbacks (25.8%)
Walker Fox, Pisgah K (senior): 8/10 FGs, long 49; 17/56 touchbacks (30.4%)
Lyric Kopera, Independence P/K (junior): 33 punts, 36.0 avg, 8 inside 20; 4/9 FGs, long 42, 67/74 PATs; 11/27 touchbacks (40.7%)
Gavin Laton, Pinecrest P (senior): 26 punts, 37.8 avg
Quaid Luginbill, Weddington LS (senior): — Eastern Kentucky recruit — 4-star recruit in 2024, No. 2 in NC
Xavier McCleave, Bunker Hill RET (WR) (senior): 3 PR TDs, 1 KOR TD // (offense) 56 receptions, 1,137 yds (20.3/rec, 87.5/game) 12 TDs // 14 carries, 99 yds, 1 TD // (defense) 17 tackles (1.3/game) 1 TFL, 2 INTs
Kylan O'Dean, Weddington P (senior): 33 punts, 37.1 avg, 15 inside 20
Shamarius Peterkin, Mount Tabor RET (WR) (junior): 1 PR TD, 1 KOR TD // (offense) 43 rec, 824 yds (19.6/rec, 63.4/game), 12 TDs
Mason Richards, Mooresville P (junior): 33 punts, 41.4 avg, 1 inside 20
Joshua Sandoval, West Henderson K (junior): 6/6 FGs, long 36, 63/73 PATs; 60/89 touchbacks (67.4%)
Honorable Mention
Dujuan Armwood, North Duplin RET (ATH) (senior): 2 PR TDs, 1 KOR TD // (offense) 163 carries, 1,785 yds (11.0/car, 148.8/game) 27 TDs // 1 reception, 23 yds, 0 TDs // 48 tackles (4.0/game) 2 TFL, 2 INTs, 1 FF
Jack Baade, Charlotte Catholic LS (junior): No. 7 long snapper in national 2025, No. 1 in NC
Charlie Birtwistle, South Point K/P (senior): 1/5 FGs, long 28, 34/37 PATs; 17 punts, 36.5 avg; 43/59 touchbacks (72.9%)
D.K. Bryant, Millbrook RET (WR) (senior): — Lehigh recruit — 2 KOR TDs // (offense) 59 receptions, 1,014 yds (17.2/rec, 84.5/game), 12 TDs // 13 carries, 33 yds // (special teams) 2 KOR TDs
Anthony Carter, Louisburg ST (ATH) (senior): 2 blocked punts, 2 blocked field goals // (offense) 82 carries, 473 yds, 8 TDs // 1/1 passing, 12 TDs, 0 TDs // (defense) 66 tackles (5.5/game) 26 TFL, 7 sacks, 28 QBH, 2 INTs, 3 PD, 2 FF, 1 INT TD
DeQuandre Currence, Butler RET (ATH) (junior): 3 PR TDs // (offense) 36 car, 249 yds, 3 TDs // 48 rec, 689 yds (14.4/rec, 53.0/game), 8 TDs
Elliott Furr, North Moore ST (LB) (senior): 1 blocked punt, 3 blocked field goals (defense) 101 tackles (8.4/game) 17 TFL, 4 sacks, 2 PD, 3 FF, 1 FR TD
Tsion Kelly, North Rowan ST (DB) (senior): 4 blocked punts, 1 blocked field goal // (offense) 17 receptions, 297 yds, 1 TD // 6 carries, 24 yds, 2 TDs // (defense) 58 tackles (4.5/game) 3 INTs, 11 PD, 2 FR, 1 FF
Fredrick Logan, Pine Forest RET (ATH) (senior): 1 PR TD, 1 KOR TD // (offense) 23 receptions, 383 yds, 5 TDs // 12 carries, 81 yds, 0 TDs // (defense) 33 tackles (3.0/game), 1 TFL, 4 INTs, 3 PD
Tylik Mitchell, Southern Nash RET (RB) (junior): 2 PR TDs // (offense) 126 carries, 1,568 yds (12.4/car, 142.5/game) 19 TDs // 5 receptions, 68 yds, 4 TDs
Chayse Morgan, North Forsyth P (senior): 29 punts, 40.2 avg, 8 inside 20
Jaemias Morrow, North Rowan RET (ATH) (senior): 2 PR TDs // (offense) 235 carries, 1,906 yds (8.1/car, 136.1/game) 21 TDs // 10 receptions, 161 yds, 1 TD // (defense) 50 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT, 4 PD
Angel Ramos, Cummings K/P (senior): 2/6 FGs, long 47, 45/51 PATs; 7 punts, 32.7 avg; 52/71 touchbacks (73.2%)
Brian Rowe, Jay M. Robinson RET (WR) (sophomore): 3 PR TDs // (offense) 3 carries, 33 yds // 50 receptions, 1,063 yds (21.3/rec, 81.8/game) 15 TDs
Kaiden Smith, Northside of Jacksonville P/K (senior): 33 punts, 38.4 avg, 4 inside 20; 2/5 FGs, long 43, 11/12 PATs; 6/25 touchbacks (24.0%)
Jack Smith, Pine Lake Prep ST (DL/OL) (junior): 2 blocked punts, 3 blocked field goals // (defense) 64 tackles (5.8/game) 23.5 TFL, 4 sacks, 3 PD, 3 FR, 3 FF
Braylon Stewart, Middle Creek RET (WR) (junior): 2 KOR TDs // (offense) 71 receptions, 1,186 yds (16.7/rec, 107.8/game), 16 TDs
Christyan Washington, Forest Hills RET (ATH) (senior): — Charleston Southern recruit — 2 PR TDs // (offense) 20 receptions, 355 yds, 5 TDs // (defense) 30 tackles (2.3/game), 3 TFL, 2 INTs, 7 PD
Xayden Watson, Trinity Christian RET (ATH) (junior): 2 PR TDs, 1 KOR TDs // (offense) 15 car, 141 yds (9.4/car, 17.6/game), 4 TDs; 17 rec, 253 yds (14.9/rec, 31.6/game), 5 TDs // (defense) 15 tackles, 6 INTs, 2 INT TDs
Caden Wilson, Topsail RET (ATH) (senior): 1 PR TD, 1 KOR TD // (offense) 4/5 passing, 61 yds, 2 TDs, 0 INTs // 33 carries, 306 yds, 3 TDs // 21 receptions, 346 yds, 5 TDs // (defense) 37 tackles (3.7/game), 1 INT, 11 PD
