2023 Class: Newcomers on Board

We have just completed an updated player rankings that now includes over 200 players in the class.  Several players have been under the radar and their talents are now being recognized.  The players listed are solid D2 and D3 prospects, and possibly a few could be FCS prospects. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="286031" first="Benjamin" last="Finkelstein"], QB, 5’11" 190, Union Pines HS</strong>.  He has compiled 993 total passing yards, 10 passing TDs, while completing 50 percent of his passes during his high school career.  Benjamin throws an accurate medium-range pass on target.  He will tuck it and run when needed to gain yardage.  He is expected to have a productive senior season and generate recruiting interest. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="325112" first="Mason" last="Cain"], QB, 6’0" 190, West Stokes HS</strong>.  Mason has compiled 860 total passing yards, 10 passing TDs, and rushed for 514 yards during his high school career.  He throws passes while on the run to the designated receiver.  He delivers accurate short-range passes on target.  Mason displays good speed when he tucks it and runs to gain yardage.  He is expected to have a productive senior season and generate recruiting interest. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="303087" first="Avery" last="Gaby"], RB, 6’0" 205, East Duplin HS</strong>.  He finished the season with 1,458 rushing yards, 24 rushing TDs for a 112.2 rushing yards per game.  Avery follows blockers to find an opening and accelerates past defenders in the open field, scoring often.  He runs with power and balance and does not go down after initial contact is made.  He is expected to put up big numbers during the upcoming season.  [player_tooltip player_id="303087" first="Avery" last="Gaby"]’s participation in Summer Prospect Camps should generate some FCS recruiting interest. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="318809" first="Cameron" last="Littlejohn"], DB, 5’11" 135, Crest HS</strong>.  He displays good technique and ability to break up passes in man-coverage.  He is a high-energy player on the field and assists on tackles in the open field.  Cameron is expected to continue to improve his skillset during off-season training and gaining weight would benefit his production on the field.  He is expected to have a productive senior season and generate recruiting interest. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="313789" first="Will" last="Johnson"], TE, 6’1" 185, Murphy HS</strong>.  He averaged 20.3 receiving yards per catch during the season.  Will runs good pass routes and separation from defenders to make catches in traffic.  He displays speed to accelerate past defenders in the open field.  He is expected to continue his high level of play during the upcoming season and generate recruiting interest. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="326304" first="Evan" last="Taylor"], OL, 6’3" 265, Laney HS</strong>.  He is quick out of his stance to make contact with defenders.  Evan displayed good technique and footwork to control defenders, drive-blocking them out of the play.  He was credited with 7 pancake blocks during the season.  He moves well in tight spaces opening lanes for the running backs.  Evan is expected to anchor the offensive line during the upcoming season and generate recruiting interest. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="301071" first="William" last="Ross"], DB, 6’1" 180, South Point HS</strong>.  He displayed good technique and complete wrap up on solo tackles made in the open field.  He finished the season with 119 total tackles, 65 were solo tackles.  William reads the play and reacts quickly to make the stop.  He plays with aggression and physicality in his game.  William is expected to continue his high level of play during the upcoming season and generate recruiting interest. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="308736" first="Idris" last="Webb"], LB, 6’1" 185, Chapel Hill HS</strong>.  Idris reads the play and reacts quickly to make the stop.  He runs well in the open field and covers a lot of ground quickly as he closes in on the ball carrier.  He displays good technique and lateral movement.  Idris finished the season with 82 total tackles, 47 solo tackles, and averaged 9.1 tackles per game.  He is expected to continue to improve his skillset during off-season training.  Idris is expected to continue his high level of play during the upcoming season and generate recruiting interest. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="317928" first="Malakai" last="Hill"], ATH, 6’0" 180, Ashley HS</strong>.  He played multiple positions on offense to help his team compete during the season.  He ran good pass routes and separation to make catches.  He displayed good speed and tucked it and ran while playing quarterback to gain yardage.  Malakai finished the season with 248 passing yards, 427 rushing yards, and 294 receiving yards.  He is expected to continue to play multiple positions during the upcoming season and generate recruiting interest. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="319670" first="Ricky" last="Swindell"], DL, 6’3" 310, Scotland Co. HS</strong>.  He runs well in the open field to close in on the ball carrier for the stop.  Ricky displayed good use of hands and upper body strength to control blockers and make the stop.  He displayed good technique and footwork coming out of his stance to make contact with blockers.  Ricky finished the season with 22 tackles and 2 tackles for losses.  He is expected to anchor the defensive line during the upcoming season and generate some FCS recruiting interest.