Deep Dive: Johnston/Harnett County QBs

Now that I'm finally back in North Carolina, we can go a bit deeper with our coverage. I'm going to drop top 10 lists by position for some of the counties around me in the Raleigh-Durham area, much like <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/03/deep-dive-top-mecklenburg-county-quarterbacks/">Matt Morrow has done in Charlotte</a>. In these articles, we will share why these players are ranked and their best attributes as potential college-level football players in their respective futures.    Let's get to it. We hit the Wake County quarterbacks Monday, now we're looking at the top Johnston and Harnett County QBs.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top 7 Johnston/Harnett County QBs</h2>    Smalls doesn't get nearly enough credit for his ability as a pure quarterback. This isn't a case of a team putting its best athlete at quarterback because it lacks other options. Nor is Clayton limited in what it can do with Smalls at the helm. He's an excellent passer who can make all the throws. It doesn't hurt that he's an elite runner with Power Four offers as an athlete.     Howard might be the best pure passer in the area, as the ball jumps out of his hand when he lets it go. In a list full of dual-threats, he's a pocket passer with a quick trigger and good pocket awareness. After a 31-touchdown season last year, Howard will look to build on his sophomore success and eight-win season for Harnett County.     Jones had an outstanding year at Hunt last season, but transferred back to Clayton because it was a better fit for him academically. Unfortunately, that puts him behind Smalls on a loaded quarterback depth chart. However, he has the arm talent to be a high-level college prospect. His combination of strong arm and solid decision-making make him an excellent quarterback, even if he might not get to show it as much as a senior.     Pone is had one of the best quarterback seasons in school history, throwing for almost 1,500 yards and running for another 1,200. He's one of the best pure dual-threats in the area in that he is a legitimate threat to run or throw on any play. He's not just a scrambler and he's not just a run-first passer, he can do both well, putting defenses off balance.     When I watched Corinth Holders in a playoff loss to Clayton, I came away very impressed with Jarman's poise and accuracy. He was getting hounded by an elite defensive line but stayed in the pocket and delivered some strikes. He's not going to be the biggest or strongest quarterback in a room but has plenty of touch on his throws.     Williams did his best work on the ground as a sophomore, but he's also an able passer. South Johnston had an up-and-down season, but given Williams' age, the team has to feel like they have a window to compete over the next few seasons.     Cox split time at quarterback as a freshman but gave his team a spark with his willingness to push the ball down the field. He has a good arm and decent size for the position and he's young, with plenty of time to grow. He's a solid basketball player as well, which is a testament to his athletic abilities.    Want to make sure you're on our radar or raise your stock? Sign up for our <a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/1488/register/combine-series-north-carolina">2025 Spring Combine</a> at Clayton High School on May 4. Use offer code ‘HelmsCombine25' to get $10 off your registration. Prep Redzone and college scouts will be in attendance to evaluate prospects as they go through combine drills, position work, and 1-on-1s.

Now that I'm finally back in North Carolina, we can go a bit deeper with our coverage. I'm going to drop top 10 lists by position for some of the counties around me in the Raleigh-Durham area, much like Matt Morrow has done in Charlotte. In these articles, we will share why these players are ranked and their best attributes as potential college-level football players in their respective futures.