Top 50 of 2025: Impact Defenders Fill No. 21-30

We just dropped our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/top-50-of-2025/">Top 50 of 2025</a> (Click the link for a detailed breakdown of the criteria), and we want to break down every player on that list. Earlier, we broke down the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/top-50-of-2025-state-champions-highlight-no-41-50/">players at the end of the list</a> and then covered the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/top-50-of-2025-recruiting-heavyweights-litter-no-31-40/">players ranked 31-40</a>. Now, we're into the 20s to look at a group highlighted by high-level defenders.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top 50 of 2025: No. 21-30</h2>   30) [player_tooltip player_id='378921' first='Christian' last='Freeman'], RB, Southeast Raleigh   We knew there'd be a few major upsets in the 7A class, given the depth of some of the conferences, and Southeast Raleigh was at the center of two of those. They beat eventual 7A East champion Clayton in the regular season and two-seeded Cleveland in the playoffs. Freeman combined for nearly 300 yards and three touchdowns in those games on just 30 touches.   29) [player_tooltip player_id='1953538' first='Tristan' last='Thompson-Wynn'], WR, Brevard   Thompson-Wynn scored in 13 of Brevard's 15 games, inclduing multiple touchdowns in the Blue Devils' final seven games. He was the best return man in the state with four special teams scores and also picked off five passes en route to a state championship appearance.   28) [player_tooltip player_id='1157260' first='KD' last='Cotton'], Ath., Weddington   Cotton's transfer was one of the biggest storylines of the season, as he gained immediate eligibility for Weddington and boosted the Warriors on both sides of the ball. He played some quarterback, running back, receiver, and defensive back, scoring the only points for the Warriors on a fumble recovery in a close, low-scoring loss to Grimsley in the regional final.   27) [player_tooltip player_id='1421082' first='RJ' last='Lynch'], WR, Lincolnton   One of just a few sophomores on this list, Lynch did a little bit of everything for a strong Lincolnton team in 2025. He finished with over 1,600 scrimmage yards, completed a couple of passes, and had multiple interceptions for a Wolves team that made it to the regional finals.   26) [player_tooltip player_id='284097' first='Samari' last='Matthews'], DB, Hough   One of the top players in the 2026 class, Matthews locked down his side of the field for one of the best defenses we've seen this decade. The raw numbers don't tell the whole story, as teams basically avoided Matthews in coverage. He still had two picks and two fumble recoveries, en route to the Mr. Football Award.   25) [player_tooltip player_id='284090' first='Faizon' last='Brandon'], QB, Grimsley   Brandon only played six games, but his impact was noticeable, especially as a senior presence who can control the game in big moments. One of the top quarterbacks in the country, he finished his high school career as part of a senior class that finished 60-1 with three state titles.   24) [player_tooltip player_id='1678328' first='Jaysen' last='Oriol'], DL, Panther Creek   Panther Creek isn't considered a powerhouse, but Oriol helped lead the Catamounts to an eight-win season and first playoff win in four years. He finished with 19 sacks and 44.5 tackles for loss, leading the team in both of those categories and tackles.   23) [player_tooltip player_id='612252' first='Christopher' last='Bispham'], DL, Havelock   Havelock took a few weeks to find its groove, but when it did, the Rams found success on the back of an elite defensive front. Bispham was unblockable this season and the James Madison signee got better and better as the season progressed, finishing with 16.5 sacks and nearly 50 tackles for loss.   22) [player_tooltip player_id='1600424' first='Jaylen' last='King'], LB, Cleveland   King put together a monster performance at our Prep Redzone Showcase over the summer, then parlayed that into a truly fantastic season for Cleveland. He had one of the rarer recruitments you'll ever see, starting with Division II offers, then playing his way into FCS and eventually FBS recruiting range, finally signing with Colorado State after a 104-tackle, 11-sack season.   21) [player_tooltip player_id='951444' first='Andrew' last='Harris'], LB/Edge, Weddington   Harris was one of the top recruits in the 2026 class, and when it mattered most, he was at his best for Weddington's dominant defense. Playing in an off-ball role for the first time in his career, Harris adjusted well, showing elite athleticism in space, forcing multiple fumbles, and leading the team in tackles for loss. He was at his best in a regional finals loss to Grimsley, living in the backfield.   We'll continue to have plenty of in-depth content on our top 50—why they're there and what you should know about them. Make sure to follow <a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzoneNC">@PrepRedzoneNC</a> for the latest on camp coverage, rankings updates, and more.

We just dropped our Top 50 of 2025 (Click the link for a detailed breakdown of the criteria), and we want to break down every player on that list. Earlier, we broke down the players at the end of the list and then covered the players ranked 31-40. Now, we're into the 20s to look at a group highlighted by high-level defenders.