Reason for the Rankings: 66-70

As we continue our countdown of the top players in the state, we’re into the 60s. From hear on out, we’re talking about Power Five caliber players. We’re getting to the players that are pushing for a spot in the top five at their respective positions. <strong>70. [player_tooltip player_id="28502" first="Cameron" last="Smith"], 5’10 185, RB, Olympic</strong> We recently profiled Smith when we created the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2020/07/prep-redzone-nc-freaks-club/">Prep Redzone Freaks Club</a>, highlighting his crazy strength numbers. He’s a force on the field too, using his powerful lower body to run through would-be tacklers and his speed to break away. Smith committed to Navy over a host of other schools and we can’t wait to see what he can do in that offense. <strong>69. [player_tooltip player_id="28501" first="Isaiah" last="Pipkin"], 6’6 220, LB, Wake Forest</strong> Pipkin is hard to miss on the field as he’s one of the tallest linebackers in the state. I’m always impressed with the way he moves at his size and his talent in coverage. Pipkin’s one of the better all around defenders in the state and could probably crack the top 10 as either a linebacker or edge rusher. I’m excited to see how he’s used in college as I think Arizona State is one of the best fits Pipkin could have found at the college level. He’s a candidate to outplay is ranking at the college level. <strong>68. [player_tooltip player_id="28500" first="Jayden" last="Tate"], 5’11 245, LS/FB, North Lincoln</strong> Tate brings some positional versatility to the table, as he’s a Power Five long snapper with the ability to play fullback when needed. But he’ll make his money on special teams, as he’s the top-ranked long snapper in the country. He has the size to play immediately at the college level, and NC State will be happy to have their snapper for the next four years. <strong>67. [player_tooltip player_id="28499" first="Eddie" last="Czaplicki"], 6’1 185, K/P Providence</strong> Have we mentioned that North Carolina produces a ridiculous amount of top-end specialists? Czaplicki is the third-ranked kicker in the country, according to Kohl’s kicking, and he’s our top-ranked punter in the state. He’s got a booming leg and has the potential to be the next in a long line of North Carolina kickers that succeed at the college level. Like Pipkin, Czaplicki will head out west to play for Arizona State. <strong>66. [player_tooltip player_id="28498" first="Chavion" last="Smith"], 5’9 195, RB, Statesville</strong> Smith might be the biggest steal of the 2021 recruiting cycle out of North Carolina, as he committed to Charlotte despite offers from SEC schools Tennessee and Kentucky. Those weren’t bad offers on part of the Volunteers and Wildcats either, as Smith is every bit a Power Five running back. He’s shifty, powerful and displays superb balance and pad level. He was hurt for most of the year as a junior, so I’m excited to see him play as a senior. &nbsp; &nbsp;