Unsung Heroes: Big East 5A/6A

Matt Morrow has been doing a fantastic job of highlighting some of the key players in Charlotte who flew under the radar in 2025. Over the next few weeks, I'll do the same in further east, going conference-by-conference to bring attention to some of the best under-the-radar players in other areas of the state. I hit the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/unsung-heroes-greater-neuse-river-7a-conference/">Greater Neuse 7A Conference</a> last week, now let's look at the Big East 5A/6A.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Unsung Big East Conference Heroes</h2>   Aycock | [player_tooltip player_id='2104417' first='Jakarri' last='Johnson'] | DB   Aycock's defense was perhaps surprisingly stout this season, and Johnson was at the forefront of its success. He finished as the leading tackler and picked off two passes for the Golden Falcons. As he spends more time in the weight room, his size should catch up to his foot instincts.   Fike | [player_tooltip player_id='1953798' first='Darryl' last='Loatman'] | WR   While sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1616207' first='Braylen' last='Loftin'] gets a lot of the attention for the Golden Demons, Loatman matched him in most statistical categories this season. He's a big-bodied receiver who was a weapon in the red zone, and he's someone we expect to continue to develop as a route-runner. His 12 touchdowns this season quietly put him in the Top 10 among returning players.   Hunt | [player_tooltip player_id='1610537' first='Randy' last='James'] | Edge   I had a hard time with this one. For one, Hunt's dream run to the state title game was largely due to several key underclassmen. [player_tooltip player_id='1953755' first='Mez' last='Harris'], [player_tooltip player_id='1106602' first='Judah' last='Harris'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2085724' first='CJ' last='Dickerson'] are the stars, having received plenty of <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/top-50-of-2025/">postseason accolades</a> from us here at Prep Redzone. We also considered 1,800-yard rusher [player_tooltip player_id='1970795' first='Doryan' last='Jones'] here, but James is the key guy who we haven't written about often. James is a force off the edge, and he's more than willing to tie up double-teams to open space for his talented linebackers. Hunt will be back in full force next season.   Rocky Mount | [player_tooltip player_id='2106448' first='Kayden' last='Durham'] | RB   I try to pick underclassmen for these types of articles, and that was difficult for a senior-laden team like Rocky Mount. But the Gryphons may have a future superstar in their backfield. Durham only played five games, but the freshman is already a bruiser, averaging over six yards a carry and breaking a flurry of attempted tackles. We've heard he's a star on the basketball court, too, so we'll be interested in how his body develops and which sport he pursues.   Southern Nash | [player_tooltip player_id='2063296' first='Camron' last='Lyons'] | RB/DB   Southern Nash has plenty of talented players, including outgoing senior [player_tooltip player_id='205617' first='Luke' last='Faulkner'] and starting running back [player_tooltip player_id='1634632' first='Jaden' last='Hartsfield']. Lyons might be a "backup" on the depth chart, but he's so valuable to his team because of his versatility. He was the leading receiver, nearly hit 1,000 yards on the ground, and is the leading returning tackler for the Firebirds.   Southern Wayne | [player_tooltip player_id='2106463' first='Jhonte' last='King'] | WR/DB   It wasn't the most successful year for Southern Wayne, as the Saints struggled in conference play. That being said, 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='2106463' first='Jhonte' last='King'] was a bright spot, making some nice catches from quarterback Monte Kornegay, and scoring a couple of times as a runner, as well.   Northern Nash | [player_tooltip player_id='1361375' first='Jessie' last='Wade'] | LB   The Knights' offensive duo of [player_tooltip player_id='1665255' first='Kamren' last='Freeman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='618689' first='Myles' last='Eatmon'] gets the most attention, but the defense played a huge role in their conference championship season. The Knights allowed just 13.5 points per game in conference, and Wade was a major factor, finishing with double-digit tackles in five of six conference games.   This is the time of year when we have the most time to dive into film, reevaluate prospects, and change our minds about players. Send your film on Twitter/X (<a href="https://x.com/whelms21">@whelms21</a>), so I can evaluate you. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo Code Helms30 is good for 30% off your first billing cycle.

Matt Morrow has been doing a fantastic job of highlighting some of the key players in Charlotte who flew under the radar in 2025. Over the next few weeks, I'll do the same in further east, going conference-by-conference to bring attention to some of the best under-the-radar players in other areas of the state. I hit the Greater Neuse 7A Conference last week, now let's look at the Big East 5A/6A.