CCC Finale: Elite 8 Skill Guys

Elite 8: Top Skill Players Carolina Coaches Combine   This past Sunday, some of the top rising senior football players in North Carolina gathered at Southeast Guilford High School to compete in the Carolina Coaches Combine. The combine serves as a key evaluation event, with top performers earning the opportunity to be selected for the prestigious Shrine Bowl of the CarQolinas — a showcase of the best senior talent from both North and South Carolina.   It's important to note that not all Shrine Bowl selections are made solely based on this camp. Athletes who received invitations but were unable to attend are still being considered by the selection committee.   After evaluating performances, here's my Elite 8 — the top skill position players who stood out during the combine:   QB [player_tooltip player_id='1243204' first='Aiden' last='Smalls'] Clayton High School    [player_tooltip player_id='1243204' first='Aiden' last='Smalls'] – QB – Clayton High School – Class of 2026   [player_tooltip player_id='1243204' first='Aiden' last='Smalls'] has established himself as one of the premier quarterbacks in North Carolina's 2026 class. While the camp setting didn't fully allow him to display his dynamic ability as a runner, his athleticism was still evident throughout drills. His footwork, balance, and fluid movement in the pocket stood out, hinting at the dual-threat capabilities that make him such a dangerous weapon on the field.   Smalls has already drawn significant attention on the recruiting trail, holding offers from NC State, Duke, Liberty, Virginia Tech, ECU, and others. With a strong arm, mobility, and natural leadership, Smalls is poised to continue rising as one of the top signal callers in the region.    RB [player_tooltip player_id='1346327' first='Jayson' last='Franklin'] Seventy-First High School    [player_tooltip player_id='1346327' first='Jayson' last='Franklin'] – RB – Class of 2026 – Seventy-First High School   [player_tooltip player_id='1346327' first='Jayson' last='Franklin'] is firmly in the conversation for the top running back in North Carolina's 2026 class. At the Carolina Coaches Combine, he backed up the hype with a standout performance that showcased his elite traits. Franklin was explosive in every drill, displaying great burst, lateral quickness, and top-end speed.   In 1v1s, he consistently separated with his acceleration and shiftiness, leaving defenders trailing. Built strong and compact, Franklin runs with power but has the agility and vision to make defenders miss in space. His physicality and speed combination makes him a serious threat at every level of the field.   Already holding SEC offers from South Carolina and Ole Miss, Franklin is a high-level Power 5 prospect with the potential to be an every-down back at the next level. His stock is rising fast.    ATH Kam McDowell Moore Tarboro High School    Kam McDowell Moore – ATH – Class of 2026 – Tarboro High School   Kam McDowell Moore continues to prove why he's regarded as one of the top playmakers in the Carolinas. After earning MVP honors in the 2A state championship last winter, Moore hasn't missed a beat. Seeing him again recently, he looked just as explosive — if not more.   Moore is a dynamic athlete with elite quickness, great hands, and advanced route-running ability. Whether lining up in the backfield, out wide, or in the slot, he creates separation and makes plays. His versatility and polish as a route runner make him a true offensive weapon who can impact the game in multiple ways.   His recruitment has taken off with a growing list of FCS and Group of Five offers, including schools like Elon and UNC Charlotte. Moore's ceiling is high, and he's only getting better.    WR [player_tooltip player_id='1368098' first='Tyreek' last='Copper'] Kinston High School    [player_tooltip player_id='1368098' first='Tyreek' last='Copper'] – WR – Class of 2026 – Kinston High School   [player_tooltip player_id='1368098' first='Tyreek' last='Copper'] is an imposing presence on the field, with a physical profile that stands out immediately in person. A much larger athlete than expected, Copper combines size with athleticism, making him a matchup nightmare at the high school level. He runs crisp, efficient routes and showcases an impressive vertical leap, consistently winning contested catches.   His frame suggests plenty of room for growth, and with added muscle, he has the potential to become a dominant outside receiver. At this level, Copper is nearly impossible to guard in one-on-one situations thanks to his blend of size, body control, and leaping ability. As he continues to develop physically and refine his technique, Copper projects as a high-upside prospect to watch in the 2026 class.    WR [player_tooltip player_id='402288' first='Javonte' last='Brooks'] Jack Britt High School    [player_tooltip player_id='402288' first='Javonte' last='Brooks'] | WR | Jack Britt HS | Class of 2026   [player_tooltip player_id='402288' first='Javonte' last='Brooks'] turned heads at the Carolina Coaches Combine with a polished, consistent performance. He caught everything thrown his way—including several tough grabs that he made look effortless. Brooks stood out with his smooth route running, fluid movement, and natural hands.   Equally comfortable in the slot or on the outside, Brooks brings versatility and reliability to the wide receiver position. His precision as a route runner allows him to create separation consistently, and his ability to adjust to the ball in the air gives quarterbacks a trusted target in all situations.   A rising prospect in the 2026 class, Brooks is one to watch as he continues to develop into a complete receiver.    WR [player_tooltip player_id='1299433' first='Donte' last='Nicholson'] West Charlotte High School    [player_tooltip player_id='1299433' first='Donte' last='Nicholson'] | WR | West Charlotte HS | Class of 2026   [player_tooltip player_id='1299433' first='Donte' last='Nicholson'] was the top wide receiver at the camp—an eye-opener for those who may not have been familiar with his game. He put on a clinic, showcasing elite explosiveness, crisp route running, and an impressive catch radius. If the ball was anywhere near him, it was his.   Nicholson's athleticism and hands stood out in every drill, and he consistently separated from defenders with smooth footwork and acceleration. Despite playing in a run-heavy system at West Charlotte that limits his touches, Donte's skill set is undeniable. He's a true vertical threat who can stretch the field, but also possesses the body control and toughness to make contested catches over the middle.   His recruitment is starting to trend upward, but he still remains one of the most overlooked receivers in the 2026 class. Nicholson is a hidden gem whose best football is still ahead of him—and when the opportunities come, he's going to explode.    DB [player_tooltip player_id='1034840' first='Jaleel' last='Parker'] Jack Britt High School    [player_tooltip player_id='1034840' first='Jaleel' last='Parker'] | S/ATH | Jack Britt HS | Class of 2026 | Liberty Commit   A dynamic and explosive playmaker, [player_tooltip player_id='1034840' first='Jaleel' last='Parker'] has solidified himself as not just the top safety in Eastern North Carolina—but potentially the premier safety prospect in the entire state. Now pushing 200 pounds, Parker brings elite size and blazing speed to the position, making him a true difference-maker on the back end.   The Liberty commit has taken noticeable strides in his technical development, particularly refining his backpedal and improving his fluidity in coverage. He excels in off-man situations, showcasing the ability to mirror receivers, break on the ball with burst, and create turnovers. His range and instincts are elite, and his closing speed makes him a threat to make plays all over the field.   As Jack Britt's defensive leader heading into the 2025 season, expect Parker to set the tone with his physicality, football IQ, and game-changing ability. He's a name to know in the 2026 class and a cornerstone for Liberty's future defense.    TE [player_tooltip player_id='327286' first='Gavin' last='Barber'] Mooresville High School    [player_tooltip player_id='327286' first='Gavin' last='Barber'] | TE | Mooresville HS | Class of 2026   At 6'3" and 220 pounds, [player_tooltip player_id='327286' first='Gavin' last='Barber'] emerged as the most complete prospect at the camp. A physical specimen with elite versatility, Barber stood out by combining the movement skills of a wide receiver with the blocking strength of an offensive tackle. His work ethic was unmatched—he ran harder, competed with relentless energy, and brought intensity to every rep.   Barber dominated every drill, showcasing a rare blend of athleticism and toughness. In 1-on-1 matchups, he was simply unstoppable, winning every rep regardless of who lined up across from him. His route running was crisp, his hands were reliable, and his ability to separate made him a nightmare matchup for defenders. In blocking drills, Barber displayed a powerful base and refined technique, handling edge rushers with ease.   A true matchup nightmare and a high-upside TE prospect, Barber has all the tools to succeed at the next level and beyond.

Elite 8: Top Skill Players Carolina Coaches Combine