Carolina Recruits Region Player of the Year Watchlist: Offense

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mid-Season Carolina Recruits Region Player of the Year Watchlist</h3>   As we hit the midway point of the season, the race for Carolina Recruits Region Player of the Year is starting to take shape. The 910 and 252 areas have been home to some of the state's most explosive offensive playmakers, and several names have already begun to separate themselves with eye-popping performances. From quarterbacks putting up video-game numbers, to running backs carrying their teams on the ground, to wide receivers emerging as breakout stars in the passing game, the first half of the season has been nothing short of electric. With the stretch run still ahead, here's a look at the players who are leading the conversation at mid-season.    [player_tooltip player_id='1854319' first='Zak' last='Ishman'] (QB, Northeastern, Junior) is putting together one of the most impressive all-around seasons in the Carolina Recruits Region. At 6'2, 185 pounds, Ishman has grown into a true dual-threat quarterback who can carve up defenses through the air while punishing them on the ground. So far this year, he's accounted for 22 total touchdowns with 1,383 passing yards and has thrown only 2 interceptions, showing remarkable efficiency for the volume of offense he produces. Week after week, Ishman has been the engine of Northeastern's attack, keeping his team in the win column and proving why he's one of the top signal-callers not just in the 252, but in the entire state. His production makes him a lock for the mid-season Player of the Year watchlist on offense.     [player_tooltip player_id='870217' first='Tanner' last='Payne'] (QB, West Carteret, Senior) has been nothing short of phenomenal this season, proving why he's already locked in his commitment to Elon University. Payne has piled up over 1,300 passing yards while accounting for 21 total touchdowns, showing the ability to push the ball downfield with accuracy and make plays with his legs when needed. A true leader for the Patriots, Payne has been the centerpiece of their offense, delivering consistently in both big moments and week-to-week play. His production, efficiency, and poise make him one of the premier quarterbacks in the Carolina Recruits Region and a clear headliner on the mid-season offensive Player of the Year watchlist.     [player_tooltip player_id='1337049' first='Tyler' last='Jones'] (QB, Kinston, Senior) is putting together a standout senior campaign and has been the spark for the Vikings' offense all year. Jones has already thrown for nearly 1,300 passing yards and 15 touchdowns, with an eye-popping 6 scores in his most recent game to highlight his ability to take over when it matters most. His poise in the pocket and accuracy downfield have made him one of the most reliable playmakers in the 252, and his production places him firmly among the top quarterbacks in the region. As Kinston continues its push into the second half of the season, Jones has established himself as a clear contender on the mid-season offensive Player of the Year watchlist.     [player_tooltip player_id='1678657' first='Matthew' last='Boring'] (QB, Hoggard, Junior) has been the steady hand guiding the #1 team in 8A football to an undefeated season so far. Efficient, smart, and reliable, Boring has totaled over 1,000 passing yards with 16 touchdowns against just 2 interceptions, showing excellent decision-making and command of the offense. His ability to keep drives alive, spread the ball around, and avoid costly mistakes has made him the perfect leader for Hoggard's high-powered attack. With his production and his team's success, Boring has firmly established himself as one of the premier quarterbacks in the state and a headliner on the mid-season offensive Player of the Year watchlist.     [player_tooltip player_id='1851677' first='Jacob' last='Moore'] (QB, Terry Sanford, Senior) has been one of the most efficient and productive quarterbacks in the Carolina Recruits Region this season. With nearly 1,400 total yards and 20 total touchdowns, Moore has proven to be a true dual-threat leader, able to beat defenses with both his arm and his legs. Perhaps most impressive, he's done it all while taking care of the football — with just one turnover through the first half of the season. His combination of production, efficiency, and leadership makes him the engine of Terry Sanford's offense and a clear standout on the mid-season offensive Player of the Year watchlist.     [player_tooltip player_id='1604514' first='JJ' last='Gulat'] (RB, Dixon, Senior) is putting together a historic senior season, not only leading the state but ranking among the nation's top rushers at the mid-season mark. Gulat has already piled up over 1,400 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, powering the Dixon offense week after week. His consistency has been remarkable — he has topped 200 yards in every single game, including a jaw-dropping performance of over 300 yards in his most recent outing. A durable workhorse with breakaway ability, Gulat has become nearly unstoppable, and his production places him firmly at the top of the mid-season offensive Player of the Year watchlist for running backs.     Jamarae “Bubba” Lamb (RB, Wallace-Rose Hill, Senior) has been on an absolute tear, pushing his season total to nearly 950 rushing yards despite Wallace-Rose Hill battling through injuries early on. Over his last four games, Lamb has averaged more than 200 yards per outing, carrying the Bulldogs back into form as one of the most dangerous teams in the region. Explosive, physical, and efficient, Lamb's production has gone hand-in-hand with Wallace's resurgence, proving that as he dominates, so does his team. His hot streak has firmly placed him among the premier rushers on the mid-season Player of the Year watchlist.     [player_tooltip player_id='1709591' first='Yoshua' last='McBryde'] (RB, St. Pauls, Senior) has been the definition of a home-run hitter for the Bulldogs, capable of breaking a game wide open on any carry. While his game-by-game stats have fluctuated, his ceiling is unmatched — highlighted by his school-record 390-yard, 5-touchdown performance earlier this season. That outing, along with several other strong showings, has him closing in on 1,000 rushing yards at mid-season. McBryde's big-play ability makes him one of the most feared backs in the state, and his explosiveness has kept St. Pauls' offense dangerous every week.     [player_tooltip player_id='1687440' first='Wesley' last='Tew'] (ATH/RB, Midway, Sophomore) has quickly established himself as one of the region's brightest young stars, bursting onto the scene with an average of 145 rushing yards per game. At 6'2 and nearly 200 pounds, Tew blends size with explosiveness, making him a nightmare for defenses to bring down in space. His impact has been immediate, fueling Midway's impressive 5-1 record and giving the Raiders a go-to weapon on offense. Still only a sophomore, Tew's production and upside make him one of the most exciting underclassmen in the Carolina Recruits Region and a strong name on the mid-season Player of the Year watchlist.     [player_tooltip player_id='1368098' first='Tyreek' last='Copper'] (WR, Kinston, Senior – NC State commit) has lived up to the hype this season, proving why he's one of the most highly recruited players in the Carolina Recruits Region. Copper currently leads the state with just over 700 receiving yards, consistently making big plays as the Vikings' go-to target. His most recent outing was his best yet, as he hauled in 4 touchdowns and 179 yards, showcasing his explosiveness and ability to dominate a game. Already committed to NC State, Copper continues to add to his résumé each week, solidifying himself as the premier wide receiver in the state and a headliner on the mid-season Player of the Year watchlist.     [player_tooltip player_id='1852705' first='Jaleek' last='Parson'] (WR, Sophomore) has been nearly unstoppable this season, cementing himself as one of the top young backs in the Carolina Recruits Region. At 5'9, Parson brings a powerful blend of speed, balance, and toughness that has translated into 626 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns already. What's most impressive is his consistency — he's topped 100 yards in every game but one, giving his team a reliable offensive weapon week in and week out. A true “super sophomore,” Parson's production and ceiling make him one of the brightest underclassmen on the mid-season Player of the Year watchlist.     [player_tooltip player_id='1581460' first='Jay' last='Murray'] (TE, West Carteret, Senior) has elevated his game to another level over the last three weeks, putting up video-game numbers from the tight end position. His production has skyrocketed with receiving totals of 129 yards, 166 yards, and a career-high 225 yards in consecutive games — a remarkable stretch for any pass catcher, let alone a tight end. Murray has also found the end zone consistently, scoring 7 touchdowns on the year, and has become the centerpiece of West Carteret's passing attack. His size, hands, and ability to stretch the field make him a matchup nightmare, and his surge firmly places him among the top mid-season Player of the Year candidates on offense.     [player_tooltip player_id='1865522' first='Desyn' last='Durand'] (WR, Hoggard, Junior) has been the big-play spark in the Vikings' undefeated run, consistently stretching the field while also serving as a reliable chain-mover. Just shy of 500 receiving yards at mid-season, Durand has shown he can make explosive plays downfield and pick up the tough yards to keep drives alive. He's had two multi-touchdown games already this season, proving he can take over when his number is called. As Hoggard continues its push as the top 8A team in the state, Durand's production and versatility make him one of the most impactful wideouts in the region and a strong name on the mid-season Player of the Year watchlist.     Jackson Greene (WR, East Carteret, Senior) has been a bright spot for the Mariners, producing at a high level even as the team's start hasn't gone as planned. Greene has piled up nearly 500 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns at mid-season, consistently finding ways to get open and make plays for his offense. His size, reliable hands, and ability to finish drives have made him the go-to target in East Carteret's passing game. Greene's steady production and leadership keep him firmly on the mid-season Player of the Year watchlist among wide receivers in the region.     Taquan “TJ” Ellerbe (ATH, Red Springs, Senior) is one of the most electrifying playmakers in the Carolina Recruits Region, a true speedster who impacts the game in all three phases. With 7 touchdowns already this season, Ellerbe has proven he can score from anywhere on the field — whether it's on offense, defense, or special teams. His versatility makes him nearly impossible to game plan against, as he can line up in multiple spots and change the momentum in an instant. For Red Springs, Ellerbe has been the ultimate X-factor, and his ability to produce in so many ways puts him firmly on the mid-season Player of the Year watchlist.