2024 Newcomers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The staff just completed the review of 163 players for the updated player rankings. There were several talented players whose performances throughout last season and Summer Camp performances propel them to be added to the list of ranked players. The players listed are new to the rankings and have been selected for this preview.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='397953' first='Brandon' last='Tate'], 5'9" 150 (No. 8 ATH, No. 82 Overall), Apex HS</strong>. Brandon will use quickness and good technique to cover wide receivers, making it difficult to complete a pass against him. He displayed the ability to change direction quickly and closes quickly on the ball carrier for the stop. Brandon is expected to be the leader of the defensive secondary and his performance on the field will generate recruiting interest. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='345340' first='Cole' last='Searight'], 6'0" 185 (No. 8 DB, No. 92 Overall) Marvin Ridge HS</strong>. Cole displayed good technique and quickness while covering wide receivers in the open field. He displayed the ability to change direction quickly while closing in to make the stop. Cole is a very active physical football player. He finished last season with 72 total tackles. Cole's performance on the field will generate recruiting interest for him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377434' first='Jackson' last='Briley'], 6'4" 210 (No. 18 DL, No. 142 Overall), Wake Forest HS</strong>. Jackson is expected to step up his field performance to make an impact on the defensive line during the upcoming season. He displayed good technique and use of hands to control blockers moving past for stops. Jackson will continue to improve his skillset as he gains valuable playing experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='379195' first='Jada' last='Zimmerman'], 6'2" 175 (No. 22 WR, No. 147 Overall), Richmond Sr. HS</strong>. Jada is a talented young wide receiver who is expected to step up his field performance to become one of the primary targets during the upcoming season. He ran good pass routes and good separation from defenders to make catches. Jada will continue to improve his skillset as he gains valuable playing experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='357813' first='Jayden' last='Ferguson'], 5'11" 190 (No. 22 LB, No. 156 Overall), Millbrook HS</strong>. Jayden displayed good technique and good lateral movement while closing in on the ball carrier for stops. He finished last season with 18 total tackles. Jayden is expected to step up his field performance to make an impact on the defensive unit. Jayden will continue to improve his skillset as he gains valuable playing experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='338915' first='Kedar' last='Mangum'], 6'3" 285 (No. 13 OL, No. 108 Overall), Cleveland HS</strong>. Kedar displayed good technique and upper body strength to control defenders while opening lanes for the running backs. He is expected to be one of the leaders and anchor on the offensive line. Kedar's performance on the field will generate recruiting interest for him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='396921' first='Tyler' last='Budge'], 6'3" 190 (No. 21 QB, No. 152 Overall), Weddington HS</strong>. Tyler displayed good arm strength and accuracy on the short and medium range passes. He is expected to step up his field performance and lead the offensive unit during the upcoming season. Tyler will continue to improve his skillset as he gains valuable playing experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406294' first='Ryan' last='Henley'], 5'10" 185 (No. 13 RB, No. 86 Overall), Charlotte Christian HS</strong>. Ryan runs with good balance and power while running inside for tough yardage. He displayed speed when accelerating past defenders in the open field to gain yardage. He finished last season with 839 rushing yards and 8 TDs. Ryan's performance on the field will generate recruiting interest for him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->