CCC (Princeton) Top Performers c/o 2026

Princeton, N.C.- The Carolina Coaches Combine made its way to Princeton High School this past weekend, showcasing some of the top football talent from the eastern part of the state. Athletes competed against one another for a chance to be selected for this year's Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas-an elite all-star game featuring 88 of the top senior football players from North and South Carolina. I had the opportunity to evaluated and rank these 10 standout performers, who were stood out the most from the day   MVP: TE [player_tooltip player_id='1309271' first='River' last='Fiore'] Clayton High School    [player_tooltip player_id='1309271' first='River' last='Fiore'] Shines as MVP at Carolina Coaches Combine   [player_tooltip player_id='1309271' first='River' last='Fiore'], a Class of 2026 tight end from Clayton High School, earned MVP honors at the Carolina Coaches Combine in Princeton, NC. Standing at 6'4" and over 230 pounds, his size was the first thing that stood out, but his performance solidified his dominance.   Fiore showcased crisp route running, reliable hands, and physicality, making him nearly unstoppable during 1-on-1 drills. Already holding multiple offers, he shared that he will be attending Wake Forest's Junior Day later this month.    #2: OL [player_tooltip player_id='1309079' first='Donovan' last='Johnson'] Pine Forest High School    [player_tooltip player_id='1309079' first='Donovan' last='Johnson'] Dominates the Trenches at Carolina Coaches Combine   [player_tooltip player_id='1309079' first='Donovan' last='Johnson'], a Rutgers University commit and rising senior from Pine Forest High School, put on a show at the Carolina Coaches Combine in Princeton, NC. Arguably the most dominant lineman in attendance, Johnson proved why he's a Power Four-caliber athlete.   With an elite combination of size, speed, and strength, Johnson won every single 1-on-1 rep and stood out during the testing portion of the event. His strength was on full display as he put up 25 reps of 185 pounds on the bench press.    #3: QB [player_tooltip player_id='870217' first='Tanner' last='Payne'] West Carteret High School    Tanner “Sunshine” Payne Shines at Carolina Coaches Combine   Tanner “Sunshine” Payne was the top quarterback at the Princeton, NC Carolina Coaches Combine. The 6'4” right-handed gunslinger has been nothing short of outstanding this offseason, consistently standing out at every camp he's attended.   At the Combine, Payne delivered a flawless performance during the 1v1s — not a single incompletion. He drove the ball down the field with confidence and ease, showcasing elite arm talent, poise, and precision.    #4: DL [player_tooltip player_id='321266' first='Noah' last='Clark'] Jordan High School    [player_tooltip player_id='321266' first='Noah' last='Clark'] Puts on a Clinic at Carolina Coaches Combine   [player_tooltip player_id='321266' first='Noah' last='Clark'], the massive defensive lineman from Charles E. Jordan High School, was hands down the most dominant defensive lineman at the Carolina Coaches Combine. Measuring in at 6'4", 325+ pounds, with an 84-inch wingspan, Clark is a rare physical specimen—and he backed it up with elite performance.   He threw up 25 reps of 185 pounds on the bench and recorded a 5-flat short shuttle, an impressive feat at his size. Clark showcased explosive athleticism and overwhelming power, going undefeated in 1-on-1s—not just winning reps, but completely shutting down his opponents. No one came close to beating him.    #5: ATH Dj Davis West Craven High School    DJ Davis Named Top Defensive Back at Carolina Coaches Combine   DJ Davis, the dynamic athlete from West Craven High School, took home Top Defensive Back honors at the Carolina Coaches Combine in Princeton, NC. While he's the starting quarterback for his high school team, Davis chose to compete at defensive back during the combine—and absolutely stole the show.   He was locked in all day, recording multiple pass breakups during 1-on-1s and never surrendered a single catch. With sticky coverage, great instincts, and fluid movement, Davis proved he has high-level potential on the defensive side of the ball. His performance strongly suggests his future is at DB at the next level.    #6: RB [player_tooltip player_id='1709585' first='Yoshua' last='McBryde'] St Pauls High School    [player_tooltip player_id='1709585' first='Yoshua' last='McBryde'] Named Top Running Back at Carolina Coaches Combine   [player_tooltip player_id='1709585' first='Yoshua' last='McBryde'] earned Top Running Back honors at the Carolina Coaches Combine after putting on a standout performance during 1-on-1s. Far and away the best at his position, McBryde showcased excellent burst, vision, and hands—making it clear he's ready for a big senior season.   Heading into his final year at the storied St. Pauls High School, a former 2A powerhouse now reclassified up to 6A, McBryde looks more than prepared for the challenge. His performance didn't go unnoticed—he picked up his first Division I FCS offer from Elon shortly after the combine. If he continues this trajectory, it wouldn't be surprising to see many more offers roll in by August.    #7: ATH Kam Vandiford Greene Central High School    am Vandiford Named Top Wide Receiver at Carolina Coaches Combine   Kam Vandiford walked away with Top Wide Receiver honors at the Carolina Coaches Combine, showcasing why he's one of the most versatile athletes in the region. A standout for Greene Central High School, Vandiford plays both safety and receiver, and has the tools to excel at either spot at the next level.   He chose to camp at wide receiver—and that decision paid off, as he was named MVP of the position group. Vandiford combines elite athleticism, speed, and natural playmaking ability, and he competed at a high level all day. With his physical traits and competitive edge, he's got the makings of a dynamic college player.    #8: WR Tyrus Whyte Southeast High School       #9: ATH Taquan Ellerbe Red Springs High School    Taquan “TJ” Ellerbe Shows Out at Carolina Coaches Combine   Taquan “TJ” Ellerbe, the explosive athlete from Red Springs High School, lived up to the hype and then some at the Carolina Coaches Combine. Known for his blazing speed, Ellerbe was unguardable during 1-on-1s, using his quickness and agility to leave defenders in the dust.   He recorded the fastest 5-10-5 shuttle time of the day with a blazing 4.31, and also clocked the fastest 40-yard dash, though it went unverified. Regardless, his speed was undeniable. TJ is instant offense—whether it's out of the backfield, on special teams, or at wide receiver, he's a threat to score every time he touches the ball.   Ellerbe is easily one of the top athletes in the state and is more than deserving of a Shrine Bowl selection.    #10: WR [player_tooltip player_id='402302' first='Sean' last='Locklear'] Purnell Swett High School    [player_tooltip player_id='402302' first='Sean' last='Locklear'] Impresses with Unstoppable Route Running at Carolina Coaches Combine   [player_tooltip player_id='402302' first='Sean' last='Locklear'] put on a clinic during 1-on-1s at the Carolina Coaches Combine, proving to be virtually unguardable. His quickness and craft off the line made him a nightmare for defensive backs, as he consistently created separation on every route he ran—making it easy for quarterbacks to find him.   Locklear, who played last season at Purnell Swett High School, showcased polished route running, sharp footwork, and reliable hands. His performance definitely put his name on the radar as a dangerous playmaker to watch moving forward.

Princeton, N.C.- The Carolina Coaches Combine made its way to Princeton High School this past weekend, showcasing some of the top football talent from the eastern part of the state. Athletes competed against one another for a chance to be selected for this year's Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas-an elite all-star game featuring 88 of the top senior football players from North and South Carolina. I had the opportunity to evaluated and rank these 10 standout performers, who were stood out the most from the day