Small-Class 2026s Capable of Blowing Up at CCC Invite Only

The official release of the inaugural Carolinas Coaches Combines Invite Only event has sparked even more converation about the biggest names and programs.   Some of those from the state's largest schools are coming in with offers galore, and a few of them have even verbally committed to Power 4 programs already. But the demographic that can make the most waves are those from the Class 2A and Class A.   The state's two smallest classifications are full of players who were selected for the Invite Only who we already know are capable of putting on a show. All of them were initial selections for the first rounds of the Carolinas Coaches Combines, and, as such, they've already donned Catapult's GPS vests.   The following 10 players will again wear a Cat 1. For anything not picked up there, the eye and production tests should give the all-star and college coaches in attendance evidence of guys more than capable of moving on to the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='1395098' first='AJ' last='Lee'] RB, Andrews   Lee (pictured) isn't a burner, and at 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, he's not exactly huge, either. What he is, however, is a battle-tested tailback who has rushed for 2,735 yards and 33 touchdowns over his last 23 varsity games. He's also a much more adept pass catcher than his 13 receptions for 103 yards might reflect. Lee can make plays, and we expect him to this time, as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='816740' first='Marcus' last='Cann'] ATH, Bamberg-Ehrhardt   Cann, who split time with the Red Raiders between receiver, tailback and defensive back, will be participating as a receiver. He's got a long stride that allows him to beat defenders, and he's a special talent in the open field that can turn even a simple hitch route into a highlight. His first few steps after the snap are fun to watch as he creates space to haul in targets.   [player_tooltip player_id='1165108' first='Zori' last='Pierce'] QB, Lamar   Pierce has one of the liveliest arms not only in Class A, but the state. Linking him up with the type of receivers he should have to throw to at River Bluff could be a major step forward for him personally. We already know he can run, and while there will be some temptation to look at him as a defensive back, he's got college quarterback written all over him.   [player_tooltip player_id='1758746' first='Jayden' last='Jackson'] RB, Blackville-Hilda   Jackson was mostly relegated to third-string tailback last fall between a pair of seniors, and he missed some time with an injury. At 5-foot-8 and 190 pounds, though, he's more than capable of putting up big numbers this fall for the Hawks. May 18 could absolutely serve as his spring board into the summer and then his senior year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1732610' first='Julius' last='McCrea'] DB, Carvers Bay   McCrea chimed in at a shade under 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds at West Florence back on March 30, and then he went on to put up some all-around respectable numbers in most of his combine sessions. The highlight was a 118-inch broad jump, but he didn't stop there. Matched up against some top-flight receivers will be his chance to shine at River Bluff, too.   [player_tooltip player_id='1161156' first='Javen' last='Cook'] RB, Clinton    Cook's mission over the next few months is to prove that his 5-foot-4, 150-pound verified measurements from the York combine last month aren't a reason to ignore him. He's already got all the prodution you could hope for from a tailback, and a strong showing in front of some college scouts won't do anything but continue to help his post-high school chances.   [player_tooltip player_id='1165165' first='Jaylen' last='Singletary'] DB, Hampton County   Like many of the others on this list, Singletary plays a lot of different positions for the Hurricanes, but on May 18 he's going to have to put his coverage skills to the test. Where he could make some headway is also in some of the sprint-related events. If he can pop off another solid miles-per-hour mark in the Cat 1, all the better.   [player_tooltip player_id='473015' first='Tyleek' last='Dukes'] RB, Kingstree   It's been a few months since Dukes capped off his junior year by rushing for 1,800 yards and 21 touchdowns. But a scheduling conflict kept him from participating the first round of combines, meaning his chance to grab some attention had to wait. Impressing everyone here could mean an eventual all-star invite for next fall.    [player_tooltip player_id='1592547' first='Brody' last='Tonon'] LB, Philip Simmons   Tonon has to skip many of the running events during the Woodland Combine back in March due to concerns about staying tip-top for baseball. But the 5-foot-10, 190-pound linebacker showed off plenty of power (24 reps on the 185-pound bench) and will be a full participant this time around. He had 126 tackles and 12 tackles for loss last year. Compeition is his thing.   [player_tooltip player_id='1639782' first='Jayden' last='Johnson'] QB, Ware Shoals   Johnson suffered a minor shoulder injury that prevented him from throwing during his appearance at Spartanburg. But believe us when we tell you he's one of the absolute hidden gems in this class. His football IQ is through the roof, and if he's cleared, a few early passes could create a nice rhythm for the 6-foot, 185-pound quarterback to open a few doors.

The official release of the inaugural Carolinas Coaches Combines Invite Only event has sparked even more converation about the biggest names and programs.