Updated 2025 Rankings – New Additions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The review of 101 players have been completed to include several players whose field performances added them to the rankings. There is an abundance of promising young talent across the state. I am reviewing 8 players who are now ranked players in their class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='601700' first='Devon' last='Thomas'] - RB, 5'8" 190 (No. 2 RB, No. 3 Overall), Rolesville HS</strong>. Devon displayed the speed to accelerate past defenders in the open field to gain big yardage. He displayed good balance and vision while running inside for tough yards. He displayed good hands on the passing plays. Devon finished the season with 129 carries for 1,086 yards and 12 TDs. He averaged 90.5 yards per game and 8.4 yards per carry. He had 6 receptions for 67 yards. Devon was part of the running back combo where both backs rushed for over 1,000 yards in the same season. The team advanced to the third-round of the NC 4A Eastern Regionals Championship. He has received a Power5 offer, and more are coming for him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='597707' first='Jovon' last='Wright'] - ATH, 6'0" 175 (No. 20 ATH, Watchlist), South Garner HS</strong>. Jovon played on both sides of the ball for his team. He finished the season with 61 total tackles, 6 which were for losses. Javon finished the season with 47 solo tackles and averaged 10.2 tackles per game. He will continue to improve his skillset as he gains valuable playing experience. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='595734' first='Jamari' last='Nicholson'] - DB, 5'6" 145 (No. 8 DB, Watchlist), Sun Valley HS</strong>. Jamari displayed good technique on solo tackles with follow-through. He displayed speed and the ability to change directions quickly while covering receivers. Jamari displayed the skillset to become a dominant player in the defensive secondary. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='601655' first='Amari' last='Green'] - DL, 6'1" 180 (No. 13 DL, Watchlist), Riverside HS</strong>. Amari displayed quickness out of his stance to make contact with blockers while moving past them for stops. He finished the season with 44 total tackles, 11.5 which were for losses. He finished the season with 8 solo tackles and averaged 4.9 tackles per game. Amari will continue to improve his skillset as he gains valuable playing experience. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='475406' first='Keyshawn' last='Richardson'] - LB, 5'11" 195 (No. 3 LB, No. 50 Overall), Beddingfield HS</strong>. Keyshawn displayed good lateral movement and speed to cover a lot of ground quickly to make stops. He finished the season with 52 total tackles, 7 which were for losses. He finished the season with 34 solo tackles and averaged 5.2 tackles per game. Keyshawn will continue to improve his skillset as he gains valuable playing experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='418969' first='Caleb' last='Shugart'] - OL, 6'0" 225 (No. 17 OL, Watchlist), East Rowan HS</strong>. Caleb displayed good technique and footwork to control defenders while opening lanes for the running backs. He displayed upper body strength while overpowering defenders, often resulting in "pancake blocks". Caleb will continue to improve his skillset as he gains valuable playing experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='416294' first='Donovan' last='Darden'] - QB, 6'4" 195 (No. 6 QB, No. 35 Overall), Havelock HS</strong>. Donovan showed signs of his talent in limited action during the season. He is expected to step up as the starting quarterback for the upcoming season. He completed 19 passes for 254 yards and 3 TDs during his time on the field. Donovan will continue to improve his skillset as he gains valuable playing experience. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='604378' first='Isaiah' last='Deloatch'] - DB, 6'2" 190 (No. 4 DB, No. 49 Overall), Hillside HS</strong>. Isaiah displayed good technique and the ability to change directions quickly to cover receivers. He finished the season with 51 total tackles, 1.5 which was for a loss. He finished the season with 25 solo tackles and averaged 3.9 tackles per game. Isaiah has the skillset to become a dominant player in the secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->