Unranked Playmakers: Southwestern Conference

Through two games now for most teams in North Carolina, we are starting to see players step up in big ways for their teams, and new names to watch are emerging all across the state. In this unranked playmakers series, I am showcasing some of these players before they possibly enter our rankings in our midseason update here at Prep Redzone North Carolina. This installment takes a look at the Southwestern Conference, one of the three main conferences here in Charlotte. Let's take at these players as they come from the following schools: Palisades, Ardrey Kell, Providence, Rocky River, East Mecklenburg, and Ballantyne Ridge.    Watching some film of Jolani this season, I really like the way he runs routes and gains separation from corners in man coverage. Jolani consistently creates space for his quarterback to fit the ball into him on a variety of routes, and Jolani does a good job of being consistent with his speed and timing on those routes, making him one of the go-to receivers for the Pumas in their offensive attack. Jolani has a couple of offers to play college football, and I think he's going to be an impact player on that level one day.     Jared has done a good job of being efficient as the starting quarterback for the Knights and making smart decisions with the football. Watching film of Jared, he does a good job of knowing when to get out of the pocket when trouble is coming; however, he does a really good job of keeping his eyes downfield to make throws to keep the chains moving. I wouldn't classify him as a dual-threat necessarily, but Jared can run to get first downs and short yardage situations for conversions and touchdowns. On one touchdown run, Jared flat runs over a defensive back, and that gets you excited, seeing your quarterback willing to take on the defense in such a physical manner.     In watching Collin on film, there are a couple of things I really like about him. First is his coverage discipline as a linebacker - there are a few occasions where receivers going over the middle get alligator arms due to his presence and being in position to deliver a blow upon a possible catch. Second is his ability to blitz from depth and get pressure on the quarterback. It is a huge advantage knowing you don't have to show blitz to get to the quarterback from the linebacker spot. Third, I like Collin's tackling ability in the interior run game. Collin can come downhill and slam open windows shut and get ball carriers on the ground consistently. You can't ask for much more from an inside linebacker.     Mykie is a BIG offensive line prospect who can also play some interior defensive line if necessary. I like how Mykie can come off the football and drive block as an interior offensive lineman. Mykie also shows some athletic ability, flashing the ability to pull and trap in short spaces. I think Mykie is a good, technically sound pass blocker as well, who doesn't allow immediate penetration into the backfield. Mykie also looked smooth getting out into space in the screen game, a major plus for his size. I think Mykie has some potential to play tackle at the next level.     When you see Zahir, he's a prototypical slot receiver on the next level, that's what I think. I saw him in person recently, and he made a couple of nice catches over the middle of the field to keep the chains moving for first downs on both occasions. Zahir is not afraid of defenders and can make catches against tight-man coverage. However, when given the opportunity, Zahir can make some plays in the screen game and shows some speed down the field in the vertical passing game as well.     When I found out this young man was a current freshman, it really blew my mind. I saw Ballantyne Ridge in a jamboree this preseason, and my first thought was of this young man because he made at least 3 catches that made me think he was a transfer from another program who had high school playing experience. Zion runs some very good routes for a true freshman on varsity, and he displays some reliable hands over the middle of the field. Zion has a nice physical frame to build upon, and he shows some good speed already. He is a good candidate for our initial Class of 2029 rankings coming up towards the middle of the season.

Through two games now for most teams in North Carolina, we are starting to see players step up in big ways for their teams, and new names to watch are emerging all across the state. In this unranked playmakers series, I am showcasing some of these players before they possibly enter our rankings in our midseason update here at Prep Redzone North Carolina. This installment takes a look at the Southwestern Conference, one of the three main conferences here in Charlotte. Let's take at these players as they come from the following schools: Palisades, Ardrey Kell, Providence, Rocky River, East Mecklenburg, and Ballantyne Ridge.