Class of 2025: Under-the-Radar Players to Watch
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Ed Brooks handled a couple of articles on the top performers among the class of 2025, found here and here. While I don’t think the class will finish this way, the top is chalk full of offensive linemen, a rarity…
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Continue ReadingEd Brooks handled a couple of articles on the top performers among the class of 2025, found here and here. While I don’t think the class will finish this way, the top is chalk full of offensive linemen, a rarity when examining most classes this early. It’s hard to project offensive linemen, but there’s a ton of young talent at the position. While Ed has talked about a few of these guys, I’ll give my two cents and write about a few other players that are flying under the radar, but could see their recruitment take off in the coming years nonetheless.
Gavin Marks Gavin Marks 6'2" | 300 lbs | OL Rolesville | 2025 State NC , 6’1 265, OL- Rolesville
A top interior lineman, Marks was the starting varsity center on one of the top 4A teams in the state. He still has plenty of room to grow, but he uses his body well and knows how to control larger defensive linemen. Marks impresses on film, not so much as a bruising mauler (Who is at his age), but more as a crafty, intelligent center who knows his assignment and moves linemen out of the way of the play. We’re excited to see how he develops over the next few years.
Ian Hemilright Ian Hemilright 6'3" | 280 lbs | OL Rolesville | 2025 State NC , 6’2 265, OL- Green Hope
Hemilright, like Marks, is an intelligent interior lineman that started at center as a freshman. He’s strong and intelligent and already displays great footwork. Where I think he can really improve in the future is that bit of nastiness in finishing blocks. He’s got that ability in him, so when he adds that to his game, he’ll take that next big step forward.
Quinn McCaffrey Quinn McCaffrey 6'4" | 190 lbs | ATH JH Rose | 2025 State NC , 6’4 180, Ath.- John Paul II
We have McCaffrey listed as an athlete, but in my opinion, it’s so difficult to not see him as a standout receiver at the next level. He actually plays more safety than receiver for John Paul, racking up over 60 tackles and six takeaways as a freshman. He’s raw as a receiver, but averaged over 15 yards a catch. He tracks the ball better than most upperclassmen and is strong at the catch point. Lastly, he’s flashed some good route running potential, and with some more offseason work, that’s a part of his game that I think will really improve.
Elijiah Oehlke Elijiah Oehlke 6'2" | 200 lbs | QB Trinity Christian | 2025 State NC , 6’ 180, QB- Gray’s Creek
Some young quarterbacks stand out simply by walking to the huddle with great size or a loud demeanor. Oehlke isn’t one of those guys (Though his size is fine for a rising sophomore). Instead, you have to wait until he actually takes a snap to see his talent. He’s like a running back with the ball in his hands, but shows excellent patience and maturity in that he doesn’t look to run first. His arm talent is impressive, as we got to see first hand at the PRZ Carolinas Showcase, where he outperformed a number of upperclassmen in the throwing portions of camp. He’s got plenty of time to grow and work on footwork. If he improves those two things, he’s a D1 guy all the way.
Jamari McKnight Jamari McKnight 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB Franklinton | 2025 State NC , 6’1 175, DB- Riverside
I love finding young defensive backs, because they’ve been fairly rare in recent years. McKnight is the real deal too. He’s a versatile safety that excels in the box, in the slot and as the deep man in cover 1. He was highly productive as a freshman, but beyond the stats, he simply pops on film. He’s a big-hitter, ball hawk, lockdown corner — you name it and he can do it. He was All-Conference as a freshman but people still don’t know his name. That will change in the coming years.