Greater Neuse River Conference: Top Rising Seniors
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The Greater Neuse River Conference (GNRC) is a highly competitive high school athletic conference located in North Carolina, renowned for its intense football competition, featuring schools from Wake, Johnston, and Franklin counties. As we assess the standout players from each…
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Continue ReadingThe Greater Neuse River Conference (GNRC) is a highly competitive high school athletic conference located in North Carolina, renowned for its intense football competition, featuring schools from Wake, Johnston, and Franklin counties. As we assess the standout players from each team, get ready to dive into the talent pool of athletes who bring their A-game to the gridiron week after week. From dynamic quarterbacks to hard-hitting linebackers, these are top rising seniors of GNRC football poised to make a significant impact in the conference.
Jackson emerges as one of the top quarterbacks not just in North Carolina but nationally, boasting an exceptional junior campaign in 2023. With an impressive 3,624 passing yards, completing 243 out of 360 attempts, along with 37 touchdowns and a 120.6 QBR, he showcases his prowess as a dynamic playmaker. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 190 pounds, Jackson also proves his dual-threat capabilities by rushing for 417 yards on 60 carries, scoring 11 touchdowns, and accumulating a total of 4,041 yards of offense for Cleveland High School. Drawing interest from numerous Division I programs, Jackson displays a strong arm, pocket poise, and the ability to extend plays effectively. His precision, quick release, and high football IQ further solidify his status as a top prospect. As the reigning Offensive Player of the Year for the GNRC and former Conference Player of the Year, Jackson serves as a veteran, captain, and leader at quarterback, garnering significant attention from colleges with more offers expected. Expect him to lead Cleveland on another impressive playoff run with aspirations of contending for the state title, poised to make a significant impact at the collegiate level and beyond.
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Sawyer, a versatile athlete at Cleveland High School, excels in both football and wrestling. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 195 pounds, he had an outstanding junior season at LB, earning recognition as 2nd Team All-State and GRNC All-Conference. Sawyer’s impressive stats include 145 tackles, 5 sacks, 33 tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hurries, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 2 interceptions. Agile and active on both run and pass defense, he possesses a high football IQ that keeps him involved in the majority of plays. Sawyer demonstrates a knack for finding the ball, employing aggressive hand usage to shed blockers and make plays. With excellent gap discipline, timing on blitzes, and pursuit angles, he proves himself as a well-rounded linebacker. Expect Sawyer to be a key contributor in Cleveland High School’s defense, wreaking havoc all season long with a determination to prove themselves.
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DJ Crooms
DJ Crooms
DJ emerges as a top-tier athlete in the 2025 class, showcasing his versatility and impact on the field alongside Cleveland’s recent standout athletes. Despite sharing the spotlight with talented receivers like Cameron Goins Cameron Goins 5’10” | 180 lbs | WR Cleveland | 2025 NC (Fayetteville State signee) and Zalin Ingram (Barton College signee), as well as Camdon Inscoe Camdon Inscoe 5’11” | 170 lbs | WR Cleveland | 2024 State NC , DJ proves himself as a force to be reckoned with. Excelling as a wide receiver with 31 receptions for 464 yards and 2 touchdowns, he also makes his presence felt on special teams as the punter, averaging 34.2 yards per punt with 5 inside the 20-yard line. Demonstrating athleticism, game knowledge, selflessness, and commitment, DJ’s diverse skill set allows him to excel in various roles, from pancake blocking as a tight end to being a deep threat in the passing game. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 175 pounds, with a 4.6 40-yard dash time, DJ is poised to leave his mark as one of Cleveland High School’s brightest prospects, destined to make an impact at the collegiate level. Known for his exceptional effort, agility, hands, route running, and ability to generate yards after the catch, DJ is set to rise exponentially as a premier athlete in his class.
Codie Witmer
Codie Witmer
Codie, a 6’1″, 205-pound linebacker for Clayton High School, proves his worth on the field with his impressive junior season performance. Accumulating 48 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass breakup, and 1 touchdown, he showcases his athleticism, high motor, and relentless effort as a linebacker. On film, Codie immediately stands out for his ability to blitz effectively, pursue the ball carrier relentlessly, and make sound reads. As a middle linebacker, he demonstrates proficiency in defending the pass and effectively shutting down the middle of the field. With sideline-to-sideline instincts and capabilities, Codie proves himself as a valuable asset to any program in need of a dynamic and impactful linebacker.
Mekhi Foye
Mekhi Foye
Mekhi, a 5’10”, 150-pound defensive back at Clayton High School, demonstrates exceptional athleticism and skill at the cornerback position. With his quickness and agility, he excels in coverage and displays a strong ability to attack the ball at its highest point. Fundamentally sound, Mekhi has the potential to emerge as one of the top defensive backs in the conference. In his junior season, he recorded 14 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 3 pass breakups, showcasing his playmaking ability and impact on the field. Mekhi’s patience in coverage, coupled with his speed to recover, allows him to excel in reading plays and making explosive plays on the ball. With his combination of talent and potential, Mekhi is poised to continue making significant contributions to Clayton High School’s defense and establish himself as a standout defensive back in the conference.
Malachi Adkins
Malachi Adkins
Malachi showcases his versatility in the defensive backfield, adeptly playing outside cornerback, nickel, and rover positions. Recognized as First Team All-Conference last year, he contributed 40 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 forced fumble, and 5 pass breakups. Malachi’s aggressive play style, strong tackling ability, and consistent fundamentals make him a reliable presence on the field. With keen eyes and instincts, he excels in reading plays and reacting effectively, whether defending against passes or runs. Malachi’s versatility extends to special teams, where he makes impactful contributions. As a well-rounded and dynamic player, Malachi is a valuable asset to his team in all aspects of the game.
Tyrell Jeune
Tyrell Jeune
Tyrell, a formidable 6’1″ and 215-pound defensive end for Clayton High School, demonstrates an impressive skill set on the field. With excellent initial burst off the line of scrimmage, he consistently applies pressure and disrupts opposing offenses. Tyrell’s aggression and quickness in space, combined with effective hand usage, allow him to excel in both run defense and pass rushing situations. Instinctive and possessing good sideline-to-sideline speed for a defensive end, he displays the ability to make plays all over the field. In his junior season, Tyrell recorded 44 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 pass breakup, highlighting his impact on Clayton High School’s defense. As a leader and impact player, Tyrell will play a key role in Clayton’s pursuit of winning the conference title and making a deep playoff run.
Joshua Kelly
Joshua Kelly
Joshua, standing at an imposing 6’2″ and weighing 245 pounds, brings a combination of size, strength, and speed to the defensive line. He showcases his versatility by playing defensive end in both a 4-man front (4-3 or 4-2-5) and as a defensive end in a 3-4 front. In his junior season, Joshua recorded 12 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks, demonstrating his ability to impact both the passing and running game. With a quick first step and the capability to set the edge effectively, he excels as a pass rusher and run stopper. Joshua’s active presence on the field and knack for making plays indicate his potential to become one of the top defensive linemen in the state of North Carolina. Expect his stock to rise as he continues to showcase his skills and versatility on the gridiron.
Devyn Grant
Devyn Grant
Devyn showcased his rushing prowess by amassing 730 yards on 169 carries, resulting in 5 touchdowns. As Garner gears up to compete in the Greater Neuse River Conference, expect Devyn to maintain his momentum and continue making significant contributions on the ground. Known for his quickness, ability to find gaps, and burst upfield, he poses a constant threat to opposing defenses. With his speed and agility, Devyn will play a pivotal role in Garner’s offensive success as they navigate through conference play.
Damonte Garner
Damonte Garner
Damonte, a rising senior at Southeast Raleigh High School, emerged as a key playmaker for the Bulldogs’ offense during his junior season. With 694 rushing yards on 146 carries and 9 touchdowns, along with 24 receptions for 261 yards and 1 touchdown, he showcased his versatility by accumulating 959 all-purpose yards. Despite standing at 5’9″ and weighing 185 pounds, Damonte is a quick and relentless running back, consistently driving through gaps and moving the chains for his team. He demonstrates determination by fighting for extra yards, running with low pad level, and displaying breakaway speed when needed. With his dynamic skill set and unwavering work ethic, Damonte is poised to make a significant impact for Southeast Raleigh as they continue their campaign in the upcoming season.
Drew, a rising senior and standout kicker and punter for South Garner High School, boasts an impressive resume that includes being named First Team All-State and earning two-time Special Teams Player of the Year honors for the Greater Neuse River Conference. With a remarkable 43.5-yard punting average, including placing 60% of his punts inside the 20-yard line, and tallying 23 touchbacks on kickoffs, Drew provides a significant boost to South Garner’s special teams unit. Known for his consistency, reliability, and exceptional leg strength, he plays a crucial role in all phases of the game. Whether it’s pinning opponents deep with precise punts or booming kickoffs into the end zone, Drew’s skills ensure that South Garner maintains a competitive edge in special teams play.
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Jaylon Holder
Jaylon Holder
Jaylon, a standout athlete and running back for Corinth Holders High School, commands attention with his imposing stature at 6’2″ and 215 pounds. Rushing for 590 yards on 141 carries with 4 touchdowns, he demonstrates his versatility and impact on the field. Athletic and quick, Jaylon excels at running with power behind his pads, hitting gaps decisively, and shedding blocks effectively. Additionally, he poses a threat as a receiving running back out of the backfield, further diversifying Corinth Holders’ offensive arsenal. With his impressive skill set and contributions, Jaylon is poised to elevate his team’s performance and compete at a high level this season, with his stock expected to rise as he continues to make an impact on the field.
Antwan Brown
Antwan Brown
Antwan, an athletic defensive back for Corinth Holders High School, delivered an impressive junior campaign, showcasing his playmaking abilities on both defense and special teams. With 4 interceptions, 38 tackles, and 3 pass breakups, he demonstrated his knack for making impactful plays in the secondary. Additionally, Antwan made significant contributions as a returner on special teams, averaging 17 yards per return on kickoffs. Known for his athleticism, ball-hawking skills, solid tackling technique, and unwavering effort, he is a valuable asset to the Corinth Holders team. As he continues to excel on the field, Antwan’s stock is expected to rise, playing a pivotal role in Corinth Holders’ competitive efforts in the Greater Neuse River Conference.
Zeon, a dynamic defensive athlete for Corinth Holders High School, showcases his versatility as an outside linebacker and Jack linebacker. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 195 pounds, he proves to be a force on the field, particularly in rushing the passer and defending the run. In his junior season, Zeon tallied 3 sacks, 1 interception, 55 tackles, and 9 tackles for loss, highlighting his impact on the defensive unit. With a quick get-off, relentless motor, and exceptional effort, he consistently pursues and finishes plays, embodying the ideal defensive player. As he continues to develop his physique and refine his pass rush techniques, Zeon is poised to make an even greater impact in the conference, further enhancing his stock as a defensive standout. His versatility allows him to thrive as a linebacker in various defensive schemes, making him a valuable asset at the next level.
Laden emerges as a rising star in the wide receiver position, currently ranked among the top 20 in North Carolina. With a distinguished track record as a two-time track and field All-American, Laden brings exceptional speed to the football field. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 160 pounds, his impressive physical attributes complement his athleticism. Laden’s speed makes him a formidable deep threat option for Willow Springs, and he excels as a versatile playmaker. Whether utilized as a motion athlete to keep defenses guessing or as an every-down receiving threat capable of executing various routes, Laden consistently delivers on the field. In his junior season, he recorded impressive stats with 45 receptions for 727 yards and 10 touchdowns. Laden’s smooth route running, quickness off the line of scrimmage, agility, and ability to evade defenders make him a valuable asset, consistently generating yards after the catch. With several Division I offers already on the table and more expected, Laden’s stock is poised to soar as one of the premier wide receivers in North Carolina.
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Jordan Ledgester
Jordan Ledgester
Jordan, a formidable presence at 6’1″ and 200 pounds, commands the middle linebacker position for Willow Springs with authority. In his junior year, he demonstrated his defensive prowess by accumulating an impressive 94 tackles, along with 2 tackles for loss, 4 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. Jordan approaches the linebacker role with discipline, consistently delivering great effort on every play. His sideline-to-sideline pursuit ability allows him to cover ground effectively, while his proficiency in filling gaps and tackling ensures solid run defense. With his skill set and leadership on the field, Jordan is poised to elevate his standing as one of the top linebackers in the competitive Greater Neuse River Conference. Expect him to play a key role in Willow Springs’ quest for success in conference play, further enhancing his stock as a standout linebacker.