Reason for the Rankings: 71-75
As we continue to count down our top prospects, we’ve reached the top 75. We’re approaching the point where almost every player in this range or better has serious Power Five interest. In fact, we’re introducing our first Power Five commits in this group.
75.
Bryson Parker
Bryson
Parker
5'10" | 180 lbs | DB
Weddington | 2021
State
NC
, 5’10 180, DB, Weddington
We’ve written about Parker a few times before now, including in our list of most underrated defensive backs in the state. Parker is a great technician and more-than-capable athlete, able to stay in front of any receiver he faces. Parker recently announced his commitment to Richmond, largely due to his relationships with the coaching staff and several Spider players.
74.
Nickel Fields
Nickel
Fields
5'8" | 160 lbs | RB
Providence Day | 2021
NC
, 5’8 160, RB, Providence Day
Fields is the smallest player in our top 100, but his talent is evident, as seen in his Syracuse offer. Fields has a powerful lower body and runs through arm tackles. He lacks elite breakaway speed, but he’s elusive in the open field and difficult to bring down one-on-one. Fields’ senior year performance will be important to his recruiting, as he’s a guy that could blow up with a great season.
73.
Isaac Walker
Isaac
Walker
6'1" | 215 lbs | LB
William A. Hough | 2021
State
NC
, 6’1 215, EDGE, Hough
Walker is a bit overlooked on a stacked Hough defense, but he’s quietly one of the best players on that squad. He’s most comfortable right now with his hand in the ground, but possesses the quickness and straight-line speed of a linebacker or even safety. Walker can continue to improve his bend around the edge, but when he gets around, it looks like he’s been shot out of a cannon. Right now, his best offers are from the Group of Five level, but he has the makings of a Power Five edge rusher.
72.
Shawn Chappell
Shawn
Chappell
6'2" | 185 lbs | DB
Northern Durham | 2021
State
NC
Jr., 6’2 215, DB, Southern Durham
Chappell is a big, long defensive back with the ability to play safety or corner. I actually prefer him as a cornerback -- potentially an unpopular opinion -- where he can mirror some of the larger receivers teams are employing. He’s physical and has the ability to play both the run and pass equally well. Georgia Tech was the first Power Five school to jump in and offer Chappell, and the Yellow Jackets were rewarded with a commitment in April.
71.
Sean Brown
Sean
Brown
6'1" | 190 lbs | DB
William A. Hough | 2021
State
NC
, 6’1 190, DB, Hough
We finish this iteration with back-to-back ACC defensive backs. Brown is a versatile safety prospect with the ability to play in the box or back as a center fielder. He’s at his best when he can creep up towards the line and be physical with receivers as a "big slot" type of defender. Brown has put on some weight in between his junior and senior seasons, so we’re excited to see how he’s progressed before he heads to NC State.
