Hickory Ridge & JM Robinson Jamboree Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was able to see ten total teams in preseason jamboree action this past Friday Night as public schools in North Carolina get ready to officially get things started next week. Here are some standout players I observed from some of those teams. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Julian Platt - Linebacker - Rocky River - The Ravens defense had a strong debut and Julian was a big reason why, as he was playing sideline to sideline as the Ravens Middle Linebacker, making tackles all over the field in slowing down their opponent's run game. A good start to his senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1153738' first='Micah' last='Bright'] - Defensive Back - Cox Mill - Micah had a very strong start to his junior year, coming up with an interception and strong man to man coverage against a standout wide receiver from their opponent, the Myers Park Mustangs. We recently ranked Micah in our latest rankings update, and he made that look good on the field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mauriangelo Skanes - Wide Receiver - Myers Park - The Senior had a strong game as he showed excellent speed and game-breaking ability on a quick screen that went about 70 yards for a touchdown, and another big catch on 3rd down that kept the chains moving. Skanes will be an important player opposite star receiver [player_tooltip player_id='832280' first='Brody' last='Keefe'] on the other side of the offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1128511' first='Elijah' last='Barber'] - Defensive Back - Myers Park - Elijah has been a favorite player of mine for a while, and he has an impressive Pick 6 interception where he jumped an out route the offense was trying to throw to a receiver. The senior has committed to Catawba and gave them a preview of what they're getting. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='354997' first='Jerel' last='Bolder'] - Wide Receiver - Forest Hills - The NC State commit has a big game in their scrimmage with two catches and two touchdowns, flashing the combination of speed, strong hands, and power to run through tackle attempts that we have all grown to know from Jerel over the past couple of years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1600209' first='Raishawn' last='Elmore'] - Wide Receiver - Porter Ridge - With two touchdown catches - one off of a slant over the middle, and another on a deep fly route down the sideline, Raishawn showed that he will be the big-play threat the Pirates will count on in the passing game. A 2026 prospect, he could see his recruiting really spring into action this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1420953' first='Keenan' last='Sullivan'] - Quarterback - Porter Ridge - First off, I was told this was the Pirates backup quarterback, but it looked like their starter did not play in this scrimmage due to injury. But, the Class of 2027 prospect was very impressive to me. He delivered the two touchdown passes to the aforementioned Elmore with great timing and ball placement. He looked confident in the pocket and was able to execute the option elements of offense Porter Ridge has long been known for in the run game. He will be a player I will keep an eye on for sure. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1283601' first='Ryan' last='Hailey'] - Linebacker - North Mecklenburg - The Class of 2025 middle linebacker prospect had a strong start to his senior season. A big reason why their opponent Porter Ridge had to go to the air to score was his work in slowing down the running game of the Pirates, something they have been known for over the years. Ryan was physical in shedding blocks and making tackles throughout the scrimmage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='267064' first='Haines' last='Robitzer'] - Quarterback - Lake Norman - The Wildcats displayed a new spread offensive attack and Robitzer was impressive in getting the ball out fast and on time in their passing game. The 2026 prospect could experience a breakout season with the new offensive scheme - Haines threw a nice touchdown pass on their first drive as a reflection of what the Wildcats could become. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='892819' first='Xavier' last='Burnett'] - Wide Receiver - JM Robinson - I thought there were a number of Bulldogs who played well, but Burnett made a couple of impressive plays. One was an impressive catch off of a QB scramble situation that ended up being a play to keep their drive alive. Second was a nice run off of a bubble screen to setup a touchdown. The 2025 prospect is in line to have another strong overall season for the Bulldogs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->