336 Elite: I-40 Classic Day 2 Overall Top Performers

Bermuda Run, NC - The second and final day of the I-40 Classic, hosted by 336 Elite, was a stark contrast to the first. Day 1 featured high-flying touchdowns and deep passes, despite strong wind gusts. In contrast, Day 2 was marked by frigid temperatures and minimal wind, with defensive performances taking center stage.   The championship game showcased a thrilling matchup between the Burlington Bulls from nearby Burlington and Carolina Express from Raleigh. Both teams traded big plays throughout the game, each scoring twice and delivering key defensive stops. The contest appeared destined for overtime until Tournament MVP Damacio Cueto connected with his receiver in the end zone with less than 20 seconds remaining, sealing the victory and the championship for his team.   Defensive players stood out on Day 2, with most of the day's top performers making their mark on that side of the ball. The combination of cold weather and tenacious defenses made every play count, culminating in an unforgettable finish to the I-40 Classic.   MVP: ATH [player_tooltip player_id='423992' first='Malachi' last='Gilchrist'] C/O 2026 MILLBROOK HIGH SCHOOL    [player_tooltip player_id='423992' first='Malachi' last='Gilchrist']: MVP of the I-40 Classic   [player_tooltip player_id='423992' first='Malachi' last='Gilchrist']'s performance at the I-40 Classic was nothing short of stellar, earning him the title of MVP. The Millbrook High School standout, who also plays for the Carolina Express, showcased his impressive versatility by contributing on both sides of the ball throughout the tournament.   As a wide receiver, Gilchrist was a consistent threat, making key plays in every game, including scoring the first touchdown in the championship match. His ability to stretch the field and create big plays was evident, as he proved to be a reliable target in critical moments.   On defense, Gilchrist was equally impactful. Taking on the role of a middle linebacker/robber, he demonstrated exceptional anticipation and awareness. His playmaking ability was on full display as he racked up multiple interceptions and made key pass breakups in every game, helping to stifle opposing offenses and keep his team in control.   It was Gilchrist's all-around contribution—combining his offensive explosiveness and defensive playmaking—that truly set him apart and made him the driving force behind his team's success. His impact on both sides of the ball, especially in the bracket play leading up to the championship, was invaluable, ultimately earning him the well-deserved MVP honor.    2: QB DAMACIO CUETO C/O 2027 LEESVILLE ROAD HIGH SCHOOL      Damacio Cueto of Leesville Road proved to be the driving force behind the Carolina Express's championship run, earning well-deserved MVP honors from the host 336 Elite. Throughout the tournament, Cueto exhibited a remarkable level of composure, regardless of the game situation. Whether his team was ahead or behind, and no matter how much time remained on the clock, Cueto remained calm, confident, and in control.   One of his standout qualities was his exceptional decision-making. Cueto always took what the defense gave him, making quick, smart decisions with pinpoint accuracy. His timing was impeccable, especially when executing underneath passes, consistently delivering them on target. But it was in the clutch moments that Cueto truly shined. With less than 30 seconds left in the championship game, he connected on a perfectly thrown seam route from 25 yards out, sealing the victory for his team.   Cueto's ability to remain composed under pressure and his sharp decision-making were key components in his team's success. His performance not only led Carolina Express to the championship but also earned him recognition as the tournament MVP.    3. DB MALCOM MCINTYRE C/O 2026 WAKEFIELD HIGH SCHOOL    Malcom McIntyre: Best Defensive Player of the I-40 Classic   Malcom McIntyre of Wakefield High School was undoubtedly the best defensive player of the I-40 Classic. With his combination of size, skill, and athleticism, it's surprising that he's not a bigger recruiting prospect at this point. McIntyre consistently displayed his playmaking ability, making several key pass breakups and interceptions throughout the tournament. His highlight-reel moment came when he intercepted a pass in the end zone, showcasing incredible determination and stamina by returning it a full 40 yards for a touchdown.   McIntyre's size and versatility were on full display throughout the event, making him a major matchup problem for opposing offenses. His ability to cover ground quickly, combined with his natural ball skills, made him a standout at every turn. As a player with the potential to transition to linebacker at the highest levels of competition, McIntyre's all-around defensive impact is something to watch in the coming years.   I'm excited to follow his senior season at Wakefield and to see how his recruiting profile develops. Given his ability to dominate on the defensive side of the ball, he's a player with a bright future ahead.    4. TE [player_tooltip player_id='668611' first='Drew' last='Easter'] C/O 2027 SOUTHEAST ALAMANCE HIGH SCHOOL    [player_tooltip player_id='668611' first='Drew' last='Easter']: Top Offensive Sophomore of the I-40 Classic   [player_tooltip player_id='668611' first='Drew' last='Easter'] of Southeast Alamance was easily the most reliable pass catcher for the Burlington Bulls, who finished as the I-40 Classic runner-ups. At 6'4" and 225 pounds, Easter was a matchup nightmare all tournament long, displaying a combination of size, skill, and athleticism that made him a constant threat. As the top offensive sophomore at the event, Easter stood out not only for his physical presence but also for his refined skills as a pass catcher.   Throughout the weekend, Easter's route running was smooth and precise, with the kind of fluidity you'd expect from a much more experienced player. He showcased excellent hands, making tough catches in critical situations and displaying a level of reliability that is rare for a player of his age. Despite his size, Easter moved faster than defenders expected, creating separation and making himself a consistent option in the passing game.   While he plays both Edge and Tight End for Southeast Alamance, I was only able to evaluate his pass-catching skills during the tournament, and he left a lasting impression. With his potential and physical traits, Easter has the chance to see a real uptick in his recruitment by the end of the summer. If he continues to develop, he could very well emerge as one of the top recruits in the state by his senior season.    5. QB JACQUEZ CRAWFORD C/O 2026 DUDLEY HIGH SCHOOL    Jacquez Crawford: Phenomenal Tournament Performance   Jacquez Crawford of Dudley High School had a phenomenal tournament at the I-40 Classic, and had his team come out on top, he would have undoubtedly been named the tournament MVP. Crawford demonstrated why he's one of the top quarterbacks in the region, showing off his elite arm strength and accuracy throughout the event.   With a rocket of an arm and pinpoint precision, Crawford was able to make every throw, delivering passes with laser-like accuracy. He consistently placed the ball where only his receivers could get to it or, in some cases, where no one else could even attempt a play. His calm, cool, and collected demeanor under pressure allowed him to excel in key moments, making him a dangerous threat in any situation.   Crawford's leadership and talent were not just on display during the tournament, but throughout the regular season, where he led Dudley to an undefeated record and a strong showing in the state championship game. With an impressive 27 touchdowns to only 2 interceptions, he showed remarkable poise and efficiency, making him a standout in both high school and showcase settings.   Overall, Crawford's performance at the I-40 Classic reinforced that he's the real deal and one of the top quarterbacks to watch moving forward. His ability to control the game and make all the right throws makes him one of the most exciting prospects in the state.    6. WR [player_tooltip player_id='402288' first='Javonte' last='Brooks'] C/O 2026 JACK BRITT HIGH SCHOOL    [player_tooltip player_id='402288' first='Javonte' last='Brooks']: Key Contributor for Carolina Express   [player_tooltip player_id='402288' first='Javonte' last='Brooks'] of Jack Britt High School battled through a nagging hamstring injury to make crucial plays for his Carolina Express team leading up to the championship game. Despite not being at full health, Brooks played a pivotal role, consistently making big-time catches in critical moments when the games were still up for grabs.   One of Brooks' standout qualities is his ability to create separation from defenders, making him a reliable target in key situations. His hands were among the surest in the tournament, and he consistently delivered in high-pressure moments, securing first downs when his team needed them most. His performance was particularly impressive considering he ran the 4x2 relay for Jack Britt on Saturday, which clearly took a physical toll on him, yet he showed up on bracket day less than 100% and still made a huge impact for Carolina Express.   Brooks' toughness and determination to fight through injury were key factors in Carolina Express's success during bracket play, and his performance helped propel the team toward the championship. His combination of route-running, separation ability, and reliability under pressure will make him a player to watch as he continues to develop.    7. TE TASHON NASH C/O 2027 GEORGE WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL    Tashon Nash: A Rising Prospect with Unmatched Size and Versatility   Tashon Nash, a rising junior from George Washington High School in Northern Virginia, was one of the standout recruits at the I-40 Classic, despite being the only player I covered who wasn't from the Carolinas. Playing for the Burlington Bulls, Nash impressed with his size, athleticism, and overall skill set, making a strong case for himself as a prospect to watch.   At 6'5" and over 225 lbs, Nash is an imposing figure on the field. What stands out most about him is his surprising athleticism for a player of his size—he combines the power of a tight end with the receiving ability of a wide receiver. Though I only saw him during the championship game, Nash made an immediate impact. With just four attempts, he caught every pass thrown his way, one of which resulted in a touchdown, showcasing his hands and ability to make plays when it matters most.   Nash is truly an under-the-radar recruit whose size, versatility, and performance at the tournament should see his name rise up recruiting boards. As he continues to develop, expect him to be a force, and one that college scouts will be keeping a close eye on in the future.    8. LB [player_tooltip player_id='1394975' first='Joseph' last='Duey'] C/O 2026 FORT MILL HIGH SCHOOL    [player_tooltip player_id='1394975' first='Joseph' last='Duey']: Top Linebacker of the I-40 Classic   [player_tooltip player_id='1394975' first='Joseph' last='Duey'], a 6'2", 215-pound linebacker from Fort Mill and a member of the Carolina Swarm, was one of the top defensive players at the I-40 Classic. Duey played a key role in helping the Swarm make it to the final four, with much of their success stemming from his dominant play and the strength of the defense as a whole.   Duey was everywhere on the field, covering everything underneath and forcing opposing quarterbacks to push the ball downfield. His ability to move sideline to sideline made him a matchup nightmare for any offensive player. Whether covering tight ends, running backs, or slot receivers, Duey displayed the versatility and speed to match up with a variety of offensive weapons, consistently stifling their efforts.   In addition to his on-field abilities, Duey is known for his work ethic. His coach mentioned that he is a true workhorse, with a max squat of over 400 pounds, showcasing his incredible power. As a linebacker, Duey's physicality, combined with his speed and intelligence, makes him a powerful prospect and a player to keep an eye on in the future.    9. RB JAMARAE "BUBBA" LAMB C/O 2026 WALLACE ROSE-HILL HIGH SCHOOL    [player_tooltip player_id='1600181' first='Jamarae' last='Lamb']: Top Running Back Prospect of the I-40 Classic   [player_tooltip player_id='1600181' first='Jamarae' last='Lamb'], the standout running back from Wallace Rose-Hill, was the top running back prospect throughout the I-40 Classic. Known as “Bubba,” Lamb already holds several Division 1 offers, but after his impressive performance at the tournament, I could see his stock rising even further before the fall season begins.   Typically a workhorse running the ball for his high school team, Lamb showed scouts at the tournament that he's not just a one-dimensional player. His combination of speed, vision, and power makes him a matchup problem for any defense. Lamb has the physicality to break tackles and the agility to slip through tight spaces, making him one of the most dynamic players in the backfield.   While Lamb's high school role focuses primarily on running the ball, he showed enough versatility at the tournament to suggest he could expand his game at the next level. Given his talent and continued development, it's clear that Lamb is a prospect on the rise who could continue to see his recruitment take off.    10. QB [player_tooltip player_id='870217' first='Tanner' last='Payne'] C/O 2026 WEST CARTERET HIGH SCHOOL    [player_tooltip player_id='870217' first='Tanner' last='Payne']: Strong Showing Despite Limited Time at the I-40 Classic   [player_tooltip player_id='870217' first='Tanner' last='Payne'], the 6'4" quarterback from West Carteret, had an eventful weekend. After visiting William & Mary on Friday and Elon on Saturday, Payne missed the first day of the I-40 Classic, but he made up for lost time with a strong performance on day two. Despite having limited reps, Payne quickly showcased why he should be considered one of the top returning quarterbacks in the state heading into his senior year.   With precision and poise, Payne efficiently drove the ball down the field and scored with ease. His ability to read the defense and make accurate throws stood out, even in a shortened appearance. The only thing that limited Payne's impact was time—had he been given more reps, there's no telling how much more he could have accomplished.   His performance, though brief, demonstrated the qualities that make him a highly regarded prospect. Payne's combination of size, arm strength, and football IQ makes him a quarterback to watch, and his ability to perform in a limited time frame only adds to his potential as one of the state's top returning passers.

Bermuda Run, NC - The second and final day of the I-40 Classic, hosted by 336 Elite, was a stark contrast to the first. Day 1 featured high-flying touchdowns and deep passes, despite strong wind gusts. In contrast, Day 2 was marked by frigid temperatures and minimal wind, with defensive performances taking center stage.