Unsung Heroes: Greater Neuse River 7A Conference

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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 RDU, going conference-by-conference to bring attention to some of the best under-the-radar players in the Raleigh-Durham area. First up, the Greater Neause River 7A Conference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Unsung Greater Neuse River Conference Heroes</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Clayton | [player_tooltip player_id='561878' first='Terris' last='Hobbs'] | Athlete</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1243204' first='Aiden' last='Smalls']</strong>, a trio of senior receivers, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1660473' first='Noah' last='Smith']</strong> get most of the accolades on Clayton's regional-championship offense, it was often Hobbs who made the whole thing go. Whether as a receiver out of the backfield or an easy outlet in the passing game, the junior was tough to tackle and made plenty of plays. He's also the leading returner on a young team next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cleveland | [player_tooltip player_id='1608325' first='Kaleb' last='Ferrell'] | RB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perhaps because the Rams have traditionally been so pass-happy on offense, Ferrell's second-straight 900-yard rushing season flew under the radar. He's a steady presence in the running game, usually maximizing every carry and rarely making mistakes. Most of the offense returns next season, and Ferrell should be one of the top playmakers in the conference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fuquay-Varina | [player_tooltip player_id='2102329' first='Cayden' last='Yount'] | LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While standout senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1129856' first='Jackson' last='Bordelon']</strong> gets most of the attention, Yount had a strong year for Fuquay-Varina, as well. The versatile linebacker is a sure tackler who gets downhill to make plays on ball carriers and should be one of the Bengals' best players next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Garner | [player_tooltip player_id='2102334' first='Derek' last='Taylor'] | Edge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Among a host of breakout seasons, Taylor flew way under the radar for the Trojans, despite finishing fifth on the team in tackles and racking up eight sacks. He's grown over the last year and now has size that can match his on-field production, making him an intriguing rising-senior edge prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Smithfield-Selma | [player_tooltip player_id='2102339' first='Jeremy' last='Smith'] | DB/WR</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the midst of a difficult season for Smithfield-Selma, Smith was a star. He picked off six passes as a defensive back, returning three for touchdowns, including two in the Spartans' lone win of the season. Offensively, he was an explosive playmaker at the wide receiver position. Despite Smithfield-Selma's struggles in a brutal conference, Smith is a guy worth watching.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>South Garner | [player_tooltip player_id='1580801' first='Joseph' last='Bailey'] | DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Had South Garner not suffered so many quarterback injuries down the stretch (during which senior athlete <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1701341' first='Chase' last='Hardy']</strong> filled in admirably), more people would have paid attention to the work Bailey was doing defensively. The junior finished second on the team in both tackles and sacks, even as a safety, and had 19 tackles for loss on the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Southeast Raleigh | [player_tooltip player_id='2102343' first='Cam' last='Bullock'] | WR</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Amidst plenty of upperclassman talent, it was Bullock who led Southeast Raleigh in receiving, with just over 500 yards and almost 18 yards a catch. Must was made about the Bulldogs' talented running back duo of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378921' first='Christian' last='Freeman']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1251476' first='James' last='Adams'] IV</strong>, who were excellent, but Bullock's ability to stretch the field helped keep defenses honest and open up running lanes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>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.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->