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<p>The Carolinas Coaches Combine is the unofficial kickoff to the 2025 football season. There won't be any pads in play but it's a great chance for kids to showcase their athleticism and build some momentum going into the season.</p>
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<p>There will be names that everyone already knows at each site of the Combines. There will also be kids that shine for the first time and college coaches across all levels might begin adding them to their recruiting boards.</p>
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<p>The York Combine will be April 5. Here is a look at 16 Class of 2027 or 2028 guys that have a lot to gain from these drills.</p>
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<p><strong>Will Allen</strong> OL, Ninety-Six</p>
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<p>Allen could end up being a two-way player for the Wildcats, but he's listed as an offensive lineman for the Combine. He's still undersized but could grow into a dominant force. He's going to have to show well in the agility and the bench press might be his most important station for this event at Woodline.</p>
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<p><strong>Tyquan Brice</strong> RB, South Pointe</p>
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<p>The Stallions must find someone to replace the 2,665 rushing yards from Mason Pickett-Hicks and Brice could be in line to get some of those carries in 2025. He averaged over six yards per attempt and scored two touchdowns in a limited role last season. He's probably going to show great numbers at the combine as he also played some defensive back last season.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='379090' first='Ryan' last='Brochu']</strong> QB, York</p>
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<p>The freshman played sparingly on the varsity level, but the 6-foot-4 Brochu has a lot of potential heading into his final three seasons. His size and ability fit perfectly in a pro style offense. His biggest opportunity will be his throwing skills at the Combine. He should flash in the passing portion, and he needs to hold his own in the drill part to really be seen and known.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1271263' first='KJ' last='Burg']</strong> LB, South Pointe</p>
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<p>The sophomore measured out at 6-foot, 185 pounds last season with a quick first step that should translate well at the different Combine stations. If he runs well and shows other intangibles during the 1-on-1 events, Burg (pictured) could state his case for being one of the best defenders in the 2027 Class. </p>
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<p><strong>Levi Gentry</strong> OL, Union County</p>
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<p>Gentry is an intriguing prospect that we can't wait to get our eyes on. He moves well at 6-foot-2 and over 230 pounds as listed by the high school, but we want to see his measurables and how he moves in some of the agility work. A strong showing here and the sophomore could be the star of what should be a young, dynamic offensive line for the Yellow Jackets.</p>
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<p><strong>Noah Hardy </strong>K, Fort Mill</p>
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<p>Hardy proved last year at the Combine that he's more than just a kicker. He was named Top Specialist after running a 4.69 40-yard dash and had a 74” wingspan. Then add to the fact that Hardy showcased a strong leg in all kicking duties and the Class of 2027 prospect could be one of the best in the state the next two seasons.</p>
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<p><strong>Boston Halpin</strong> TE, Catawba Ridge</p>
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<p>There's a chance that Haplin could line up all over the field for the Copperheads in 2025. He could see time at tight end, defensive end or even running back. His versatility is his strong point and that should shine in the Combine setting. The better he scores on the individual drills, the better it will be for him in future ranking opportunities.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1664646' first='Deion' last='Hollis']</strong> WR, Keenan</p>
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<p>The Raiders lost their top two pass catchers from 2024, and Hollis should be in line to take over some of that production. Hollis isn't the biggest receiver, but he finds ways to get open, shows fantastic hands and has some wiggle to him. It's going to be interesting to watch him compete against the best defensive backs on hand for the Combine. </p>
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<p><strong>Jaxon Knotts</strong> QB, Dutch Fork</p>
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<p>If the name Knotts and Dutch Fork sounds familiar, there's a reason for that. Jaxon Knotts is the son of head coach Tom Knotts. The younger Knotts played a backup role this past season, but the sophomore will get plenty of reps this spring as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267290' first='Ethan' last='Offing']</strong> plays baseball. Knotts has a strong arm and a keen understanding of the offense and will be a starter before he graduates.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1809198' first='Jasiah' last='Lewis']</strong> DL, Rock Hill </p>
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<p>Lewis is likely to be a rush end or an outside linebacker but has a solid frame at 6-foot-1, 204 pounds by the Bearcats. He should test well in the agility drills and might even surprise many with his 40-time. We're looking forward to seeing what Lewis can show in the 1-on-1 work. If he shines there, he will go in the 2025 season as someone that could quickly garner more attention.</p>
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<p><strong>Lavoria Lucas</strong> WR, Indian Land</p>
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<p>The Warriors feature one of the best sophomore tandems in the state with Lewis pairing with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1036748' first='Sequel' last='Patterson']</strong> to form one of the best 1-2 receiver duos in the state. Lucas can build on his 2024 season of 37 catches for 425 yards in just 10 games. He's quick, fluid and hard to tackle. This event should showcase his quickness and ability to change directions quickly.</p>
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<p><strong>Kingston Peay</strong> DL, Fairfield Central</p>
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<p>There wasn't much the 5-foot-10, 240-pounder Peay couldn't do last season. He shows excellent quickness along the defensive front and was able to record 67 tackles and 10 tackles for loss. Being able to showcase his talents in this type of event should springboard him to being a more well-known player across the state.</p>
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<p><strong>Tripp Pittman</strong> OL, Rock Hill</p>
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<p>Pittman is a little undersized for the offensive line, but the 6-foot-3, 230-pound sophomore shows a great drive when given an opportunity. If he can have a great showing at the weightlifting station and then hold his own in 1-on-1 drills, Pittman will be a name to know in the talent-rich Rock Hill area.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1811040' first='Leonard' last='Pressley']</strong> WR, American Leadership Academy</p>
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<p>It will be interesting to watch Pressley in the combine setting. He has great size and hands that translated well to him playing both sides of the ball for the Patriots. If he runs well and splashes in the shuttle and cone drills. Pressley will be a name that you want to know sooner rather than later. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1608770' first='Tyler' last='Robinson']</strong> DB, Nation Ford 2027 6-0, 170</p>
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<p>Robinson has already made a name for himself with 40 tackles and an interception last year. But this is an opportunity for the 6-foot, 170-pounder to really showcase his skills. He has all the measurables and doesn't back away from a challenge. He should shine in the individual drills but watching him cover receivers will be the highlight of his day.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1407416' first='Aaron' last='Shealey']</strong> QB, Clover</p>
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<p>Shealey has nothing but a huge upside as he grows into the position even more. He managed to throw for 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns in a run-based offense. With two more seasons to grow and develop, the 6-foot-3, 195-pounder could skyrocket up the rankings list. Shealey is confident and can make throws in small windows and that could show in the 1-on-1 drills. </p>
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The Carolinas Coaches Combine is the unofficial kickoff to the 2025 football season. There won't be any pads in play but it's a great chance for kids to showcase their athleticism and build some momentum going into the season.
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