10 Rising Senior Quarterbacks to keep an Eye on (ENC 910-252)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🔦 <strong>Eastern NC Quarterback Spotlight: Class of 2026</strong> 🔦</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're back with another <strong>Eastern NC (910, 252) Athlete Spotlight</strong>, and this time, we're shining a light on some of the top <strong>Class of 2026 Quarterbacks</strong> in the region! These young signal-callers are making waves on the field, displaying elite arm talent, leadership, and playmaking ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay tuned as we break down the rising stars who are set to make a major impact in the coming seasons. Who's the next big name to watch? Let's talk about it!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#ENCQBs #Classof2026 #FridayNightLights #910Sports #252Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Eli Avent","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"James Kenan","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ad110660ee4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eli Avent was the engine behind <strong>James Kenan High School's</strong> impressive <strong>12-2</strong> season, playing quarterback with the vision and control of a point guard on the football field. His dual-threat ability made him a nightmare for defenses, racking up <strong>20 total touchdowns</strong>—<strong>11 through the air</strong> and <strong>9 on the ground</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Avent's leadership and playmaking ability were on full display last season, proving he's one of <strong>Eastern NC's rising stars</strong> in the Class of 2026. Expect even bigger things from him in the future!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1453983"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ad110660f4e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Standing at nearly <strong>6'4” and over 210 lbs</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1453983' first='Geronimo' last='Sanchez']</strong> is a true force under center for <strong>Cape Fear High School</strong>. His physical presence alone is intimidating, but it's his production on the field that sets him apart.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sanchez showcased his <strong>dual-threat ability</strong> last season, throwing for <strong>over 1,500 yards and 8 touchdowns</strong> while also dominating on the ground with <strong>nearly 1,000 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns</strong>. His leadership helped guide the <strong>Colts to an 11-2 record</strong>, proving he's one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in <strong>Eastern NC's Class of 2026</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With his size, athleticism, and playmaking ability, Sanchez is definitely a name to watch for the future!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["870217"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ad110660f98"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At <strong>6'4”</strong>, <strong>Tanner "Sunshine" Payne</strong> has the size, arm talent, and poise that make him a dream prospect for collegiate programs. In his first year as a <strong>varsity starter</strong> at <strong>West Carteret</strong>, Payne <strong>exploded onto the scene</strong>, putting up eye-popping numbers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He threw for <strong>nearly 2,800 yards</strong> and <strong>32 passing touchdowns</strong>, proving he's one of the most prolific passers in <strong>Eastern NC's Class of 2026</strong>. With his elite frame, strong arm, and natural feel for the game, Payne has all the tools to take his game to the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Expect his name to continue gaining traction as one of the <strong>top quarterbacks in the 252 region</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Chase Boone","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Red Springs","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Lucky 7s","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ad110661026"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When <strong>Chase Boone</strong> took the keys to the <strong>Red Springs offense</strong>, he wasted no time making an impact. In his first season as the <strong>starting quarterback</strong>, Boone provided much-needed balance to a <strong>run-heavy Red Devils attack</strong>, helping the offense <strong>reach new heights</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite the team's ground-first approach, Boone still managed to throw for <strong>nearly 1,400 yards</strong> and <strong>13 passing touchdowns</strong>, proving his ability to make plays through the air. With a year of experience under his belt, he enters 2024 as <strong>Robeson County's top returning quarterback</strong> and is poised for an even bigger season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Keep an eye on <strong>Boone and the Red Devils</strong> as they look to build on last year's success!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Gavin Stokes","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Jack Britt High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ad1106610ad"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Gavin Stokes</strong> embodies a <strong>never-give-up attitude</strong>, and that relentless mindset fuels his leadership for <strong>Jack Britt High School</strong>. Originally stepping onto the field as an <strong>athlete playing quarterback</strong>, Stokes has evolved into a true <strong>dual-threat signal-caller</strong>, making plays with both his arm and legs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season, he threw for <strong>14 touchdowns</strong> and added <strong>2 more on the ground</strong>, helping guide the <strong>Buccaneers' offense</strong>. With his experience and continued growth, <strong>expect those numbers to rise in a big way next season</strong> as he further establishes himself as one of the top QBs in <strong>Eastern NC's Class of 2026</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Big things are ahead for <strong>Stokes and the Bucs</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1092153"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ad1106610f1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Quarterbacks don't always get the spotlight in <strong>New Bern's</strong> system, but <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1092153' first='Terrance' last='McCormick']</strong> made sure his play couldn't be ignored. Putting up <strong>incredible numbers</strong>, McCormick dominated last season with <strong>34 total touchdowns</strong>—<strong>28 through the air</strong> and <strong>6 on the ground</strong>—leading the <strong>Black Bears' offense</strong> to new heights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His ability to <strong>take command of the passing game</strong> added another dimension to New Bern's traditionally run-heavy attack, making their offense even more dangerous. With his <strong>big-play ability and leadership</strong>, McCormick has firmly established himself as one of the <strong>top quarterbacks in Eastern NC's Class of 2026</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Expect another <strong>huge season</strong> from McCormick as he looks to build on his breakout performance!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1396561' first='Jacob' last='Moore']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Terry Sanford","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ad11066116f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>acob Moore's</strong> season may have started off rocky, but once he found his rhythm, there was no stopping him. After a <strong>1-2 start</strong>, Moore led <strong>Terry Sanford</strong> on an <strong>incredible seven-game win streak</strong>, capturing the <strong>All American Conference Championship</strong> and securing a <strong>home playoff victory</strong> in the first round.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Statistically, Moore was a true <strong>dual-threat weapon</strong>, racking up <strong>34 total touchdowns</strong>—<strong>20 through the air</strong> and <strong>14 on the ground</strong>. His ability to take over games with both his <strong>arm and legs</strong> made him one of the most dangerous playmakers in <strong>Eastern NC's Class of 2026</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With his <strong>poise, leadership, and playmaking ability</strong>, expect an even bigger season from Moore in 2025!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Evan Hodges ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Richmond County ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"County Boyz","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ad1106611ed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Evan Hodges</strong> was a steady and reliable leader for the <strong>Richmond County Raiders</strong>, making smart decisions and protecting the football. His <strong>elite decision-making</strong> set him apart, as he threw just <strong>2 interceptions</strong> throughout the entire regular season while leading the offense efficiently.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hodges finished the year with <strong>over 1,300 passing yards</strong> and <strong>7 touchdowns</strong>, proving to be a poised and accurate passer. As he gains more experience, expect his production to take another leap in 2025, solidifying himself as one of the top <strong>signal-callers in Eastern NC's Class of 2026</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Big things are ahead for <strong>Hodges and the Raiders</strong> next season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Joe Corbett","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Hobbton","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ad11066126a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Joe Corbett</strong> put up <strong>video game numbers</strong> last season for <strong>Hobbton</strong>, proving himself as one of the most explosive quarterbacks in <strong>Eastern NC's Class of 2026</strong>. Corbett threw for <strong>over 2,400 yards</strong> with <strong>25 passing touchdowns</strong> while adding <strong>6 more on the ground</strong>, making him a true offensive powerhouse.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His ability to light up the scoreboard was on full display, posting <strong>two 300-yard passing games</strong> and even <strong>one 400-yard performance</strong>. With his arm talent and experience, expect him to <strong>hit those numbers even more consistently in 2025</strong> as he continues to dominate defenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Corbett is definitely a name to watch next season!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1337049"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ad1106612ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1337049' first='Tyler' last='Jones'] had a phenomenal season with his Kinston squad. Standing 6'3, the quarterback made a significant impact, particularly in the playoffs, where he amassed over 1,000 passing yards. Over the course of the season, Jones threw for more than 3,000 yards and tallied 32 touchdowns, firmly establishing himself as a key offensive leader.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->