2023 Stock Risers: February Skill Player Update

Earlier this week, we released our 2023 class rankings update, adding over 45 new players to the rankings and rearranging based on offseason performance and as we’ve gotten to see play in person. A few skill players currently have a lot of momentum and have seen their stock rise over the last few months. Here, we detail a few of those guys. The overall class rank is at the front and position rank is behind each name. <strong>11. [player_tooltip player_id="50908" first="William" last="(Trey) Thompson"], (No. 3 RB), 5’11 (Previously on Watch List)- Watauga</strong> No player in the state has raised his stock (in our eyes) as much as Thompson this offseason. Thompson is a balanced downhill runner that may be playing a bit out of position as the primary fullback in Watuaga’s Wing T system. As he puts on more weight he will only get better. He has breakaway speed and always keeps his eyes up and legs moving. <strong>16. [player_tooltip player_id="50903" first="Chris" last="Lawson Jr."], (No. 3 WR), 6’2 170 (WL)- Hough</strong> Lawson has seen his stock skyrocket in recent months as he’s recently picked up multiple Power Five offers. Despite a lean frame, he excels at the catch point, outmuscling smaller defensive backs and winning with incredible leaping ability. He’s an athletic freak and when he puts on more weight, we should see him put up some great numbers. <strong>20. [player_tooltip player_id="45007" first="McCallum" last="Wright"], (No. 4 WR), 6’2 180 (WL)- Broughton</strong> Wright pops on film. If you turn on his freshman tape it’s immediately obvious that he’s a future FBS guy. He excels at the catch point and has that breakaway speed college coaches love. This offseason he transferred to Broughton where he will team up with our top 2023 quarterback, [player_tooltip player_id="44972" first="John" last="Mark Shaw"]. If we're taking early predictions on which receivers will pace the state in yards over the next few years, Wright has to be at the top of the list. <strong>29. [player_tooltip player_id="44994" first="Isaiah" last="Mobley"], (No. 5 WR), 6’ 180 (WL)- Parkwood</strong> Mobley is the younger brother of one of the best athletes to ever come out of Union County. Multiple sources have told me that Isaiah may end up being the better of the two. To someone who watched his brother Sam, that seems borderline unbelievable to me. That being said, Mobley has the speed, quickness, hands and route running to be one of the top receivers in the state, so don’t be surprised if he makes a name for himself this spring. <strong>38. [player_tooltip player_id="45000" first="Zymill" last="Patterson"], (No. 7 WR), 6’ 180 (WL)- Weddington</strong> If you’re looking for a breakout candidate this season, look no further than Patterson. Weddington was a run-first offense last year with No. 1 overall recruit [player_tooltip player_id="28433" first="Will" last="Shipley"] in the backfield. The Warriors have a talented quarterback, so without Shipley, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them come out throwing this year. Patterson is an intelligent receiver with good ball skills and route-running ability. The receiving corps is deep, but if he can make his way onto the field, he’ll make a big impact.