Prep Redzone Carolinas Showcase Preview: NC Offense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The time is finally here. Our Prep Redzone Carolinas Showcase is Sunday and we're excited to see the talent that rolls through. If you're interested in competing, we're no longer accepting advanced registration, but will have walk-up slots available.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The premise here is simple. We're expecting plenty of talent on Sunday, and we want to highlight some of the guys we're intrigued to see. While there are prospects from multiple states, I'm focused on the North Carolina prospects in this particular piece.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prep Redzone Carolinas Showcase Preview: Intriguing Offensive Players </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our showcases allow us to see players live that we've only seen on film. They also give us a chance to watch players side-by-side. If a player we don't know well holds his own or even outperforms another player we have highly ranked, it's an easy decision to move the first guy up the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are other guys we like on film but who don't have verified times. If I want a player on film and he tests close to the thresholds college coaches look for, it's easy to move them. Here are some offensive players I'm intrigued by.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">North Carolina Offensive Players to Watch</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are several ranked running backs in attendance, including Sun Valley <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1169882' first='Zach' last='Cullen']. </strong>Cullen is a benchmark, and I'm very thankful he'll be there. I'm familiar with his game, including his excellent footwork and vision. If any of the other backs challenge him, it's an indication of their talent level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two running backs who could challenge Cullen are 2027 Willow Spring RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1225217' first='Amir' last='Wallace']</strong> and 2026 St. David's star <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1238396' first='Ben' last='Young III']. </strong>Wallace didn't have a lot of open-field opportunities in a difficult season, but the athletic profile is there and he's electric when he has space. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Young is one of my favorite backs in the state. An 8-man star, Young was unstoppable this season, but doesn't get the recognition he deserves because of his level of play. If he comes in and looks like one of the better backs, I'm hoping his recruitment will take off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tyler Thomas </strong>from Union Pines was a backup this season but was explosive when he played, so I'd love to see some testing numbers on Sunday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are a bunch of exciting quarterbacks. 2026 West Carteret star <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='870217' first='Tanner' last='Payne']</strong> is one to watch. His film is solid, and he has a quick release on film. That being said, I've been told by several coaches out his way that I have to see Payne in person. He's got all the tools to be a Division I quarterback and I'm excited to see him throw on Sunday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another quarterback prospect I'll have my eye on is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='525514' first='Cole' last='Hough']</strong>, a 2027 player from South Meck. He has good size and athleticism, and has a unique throwing motion, but the ball jumps out of his hand on film. I'll be interested to see how he holds his own against some older quarterbacks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Butler's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1321021' first='Tyler' last='Druzbik']</strong> is a guy our Charlotte scout, Matt Morrow, likes a lot. He doesn't have much film, so I don't know a ton about him. I'm excited to get an evaluation on Druzbik on Sunday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've seen more of Cox Mill QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1278252' first='Lincoln' last='Carlberg']</strong>, but haven't seen him in person. If everything checks out, Carlberg could be in for a large rankings bump.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Olympic quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1228977' first='Chance' last='Cato'] </strong>has excellent size and stats, but I didn't see much of him this year. He's wiry, so I'm looking at his footwork on Sunday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lastly, Randleman's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1159651' first='John' last='Kirkpatrick']</strong> had a great season at quarterback, seemingly from out of nowhere. I'm excited to get an evaluation on him and get him into the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This particular combine is a bit light on pass catchers, but 2027 athlete <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='563219' first='Greyson' last='Mosley']</strong> is intriguing. He's mostly a gadget guy for Willow Spring, but he'll get plenty of reps on Sunday as a traditional receiver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Similarly, <strong>D'Jabrien Murray</strong> is a tweener for West Carteret. His numbers are excellent, mostly on pop passes and other basic routes. He should get plenty of looks as a traditional receiver on Sunday. It will be helpful to get a look at his potential route-running ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Note: While advanced registration is closed, we have availability for walk-ups. If you want to compete, show up with payment ready. We especially have room for defensive backs and receivers.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->