NLG-Myrtle Beach Watch List (18u)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next Level Greats Hosts Inaugural Spring Myrtle Beach Tournament</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next Level Greats is set to make history with its first-ever spring Myrtle Beach tournament. Traditionally known for its national tournament series held in Myrtle Beach each February, the organization is expanding its footprint by adding a second event this May.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This highly anticipated spring edition will feature standout talent across various age groups, but all eyes will be on the 18U division, where some of the nation's top underclassmen are set to compete. Over the next few days, I'll be highlighting a few of the rising stars you'll want to keep an eye on during the tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensive Standouts </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1453983' first='Geronimo' last='Sanchez'] QB c/o 2026 Cape Fear </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1453983"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681e815e3724d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1453983' first='Geronimo' last='Sanchez'] – QB | Class of 2026 | Cape Fear High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>Heading into his senior year, [player_tooltip player_id='1453983' first='Geronimo' last='Sanchez'] has firmly established himself as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in North Carolina. A dynamic playmaker with the ability to beat defenses through the air and on the ground, Sanchez has been making waves this offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>His standout performances have already begun to attract college attention, earning his first Division II offer from Lane College in Tennessee. That momentum continued as Sanchez was named one of just nine quarterbacks selected for the final evaluation process of this year's prestigious Shrine Bowl — a showcase featuring the top senior talent from both North and South Carolina.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With a strong final season ahead, Sanchez is poised to continue rising on recruiting boards across the region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1617926' first='Richard' last='Vanderhorst'] QB c/o 2027 Westover High School </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1617926"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681e815e372b0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Richard “Fats” Vanderhorst – QB | Class of 2027 | Westover High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>Standing at 6'4", Richard “Fats” Vanderhorst enters his junior season as the clear leader of the Westover offense. After sharing reps during his first two years — including as the featured QB last season — Vanderhorst now takes full command of the position, poised for a breakout year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Known for his big-time arm strength, Vanderhorst also possesses impressive touch and poise in the pocket, making him a true dual-threat in the passing game. As he steps into a full-time starting role, the rising junior is drawing attention as a legitimate college prospect with the tools to excel at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1709585' first='Yoshua' last='McBryde'] RB c/o 2026 St Paul's </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1709585' first='Yoshua' last='McBryde'] ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"St Pauls","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681e815e3735b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1709585' first='Yoshua' last='McBryde'] – RB | Class of 2026 | St. Pauls High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1709585' first='Yoshua' last='McBryde'] is the latest standout running back to emerge from St. Pauls' storied football program. A powerful and explosive back, McBryde turned heads at the Carolina Coaches Combine, dominating his 1-on-1 reps and showcasing elite speed and footwork.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">His performance at the event sparked a surge in recruiting attention, and he now holds three Division I offers — with more likely on the way. As he heads into his senior season, McBryde is not only focused on leading his team but is also nearing a college decision that will shape the next chapter of his football journey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jamarae “Bubba” Lamb RB c/o 2026 Wallace RoseHill </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1600181"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681e815e373a8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Jamarae “Bubba” Lamb – RB | Class of 2026 | Wallace-Rose Hill High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>Jamarae “Bubba” Lamb may be the most underrated athlete in the Carolinas. Already holding offers from programs like UNC Charlotte and Princeton, Lamb has the talent to compete at the Power Five level. He's bigger and faster than he looks — a rare combination of elusiveness and power that makes him a nightmare for defenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With explosive speed, impressive vision, and a physical running style, Lamb consistently makes plays at all levels of the field. This weekend, he'll get the opportunity to showcase his route-running skills at a high-level tournament, aiming to prove there are no gaps in his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensive Players </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Amari Richardson DB c/o 2027 South Johnston</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Amarji Richardson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"South Johnston ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681e815e37433"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Amarji “AJ” Richardson – DB | Class of 2027 | South Johnston High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>Amarji "AJ" Richardson is a heat-seeking missile in the secondary. A fast, physical defensive back with a nose for the football, Richardson brings energy and aggression to every snap. Whether he's laying a big hit or jumping a route, his playmaking ability stands out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Versatile and confident in coverage, Richardson can lock up in man-to-man or play off coverage at corner when needed. Still flying under the radar, the Class of 2027 prospect is one of the hidden gems in the state — but that won't last for long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jahki Purcell DB c/o 2026 St</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ja'khi Purcell","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"St Paul's ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681e82bb7e689"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Ja'khi Purcell – DB | Class of 2026 | St. Pauls High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>Ja'khi Purcell is set to become a rare four-year starter at defensive back for St. Pauls — a testament to his consistency, talent, and toughness. A fast, physical athlete with quick feet and great instincts, Purcell plays with an edge that sets him apart.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Having followed Purcell closely, it's clear he's never been afraid to lower the boom in run support while also excelling in coverage. Heading into the upcoming tournament, don't be surprised if Purcell emerges as one of — if not <em>the</em> — top cover corners in attendance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1293228' first='Jahlil' last='Bryant'] DB c/o 2026 Ashley High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1293228"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681e82bb7e6e6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1293228' first='Jahlil' last='Bryant'] – DB | Class of 2026 | Ashley High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1293228' first='Jahlil' last='Bryant'] is a true defensive playmaker with the size, physicality, and versatility that college coaches love. With a frame that could easily add 20 pounds, Bryant projects as a player who could thrive in the box at the next level while maintaining his coverage skills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A coach's dream at defensive back, Bryant combines football IQ with an aggressive, high-motor style of play. At the Carolina Coaches Combine, he stood out as the most physical corner on the field — consistently setting the tone in every rep. His ability to cover, hit, and adapt makes him one of the more intriguing prospects in the Class of 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tymere Diaz-Baker&nbsp;DB c/o 2027 Seventy First High School </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Tymere Diaz-Baker ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Seventy First","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681e82bb7e774"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>ymere Diaz-Baker – DB | Class of 2027 | Seventy-First High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>Tymere Diaz-Baker has the size, technique, and presence of a seasoned varsity veteran. After spending his freshman and sophomore seasons as a reserve on the powerhouse 3A East Regional Champion Seventy-First Falcons, Baker is now ready to step into the spotlight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Heading into his junior year, Baker has put in the work and it's clear that his time is now. With excellent hands for a defensive back and long arms that give him an edge in man-to-man coverage, he's a problem for opposing receivers. Expect teams to have to game plan around him this weekend — he's not just emerging, he's arriving.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->