2029 Offensive Stock-Risers: Winter

We recently released the first full update of our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/rankings/2029-north-carolina-high-school-football-rankings/">2029 rankings</a>, and we more than doubled the number of players in the rankings. We love getting to add so many newcomers, but mathematically, it does somewhat limit the amount of stock-risers we can have. Still, 11 previously-ranked players moved up in the rankings. Here, we're evaluating the offensive stock-risers.   Editor's Note: If you want to better familiarize yourself with this class, check out my "<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/3-things-to-know-about-the-2029-class-winter/">3 Things to Know About the 2029 Class</a>" piece for a bird's-eye view of the freshmen in the state.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2029 Offensive Stock-Risers</h2>    It's hard to overstate what Lowe did as a freshman. Backing up one of the top senior quarterbacks not only in the state, but in the entire country, Lowe wasn't expected to contribute. Instead, an injury thrust him into the spotlight, and he looked comfortable. It's not surprising that an offense would shift when going from an established three-year starter to a freshman, but the shift was shocking. Grimsley threw more and was more effective through the air. Lowe's touch on deep balls is ridiculous, and his ability to throw accurately from multiple arm slots is unmatched for a guy his age. We're convinced: he's elite.     When we saw Jenkins in camp last year, we were impressed, but what he did this season as a starting center was on an entirely different level. He added a bunch of good weight, and it showed on Friday's. From what we could tell, he had no issue with his snaps, and he's a powerful run blocker. It's not just that Jenkins played as a freshman; it's that he was critical to Northern Nash's offensive success.     We're not married to the idea of ranking Jones as a running back; we just think it's his best position right now. He contributed all over the field for Havelock as a freshman, providing a spark for an offense that had some uncharacteristic early-season struggles. He lined up in the slot and the backfield, returned kicks, and flashed as a box safety with a sack, interception, and three pass deflections. He already looks like the most athletic player on the field, and certainly doesn't look like a freshman, physically.     Douglas-Brown hit the recruiting radar before he even started his high school career, but we didn't expect him to win the starting job as a freshman. But, he won the job in the preseason and performed admirably for a rebuilding Corvian Community squad. He's a true dual-threat who can do plenty of damage with his legs, and he's a multi-sport athlete with a big arm at the quarterback position.     McLean didn't make a huge jump in the rankings, but then again, he didn't have far to go, moving from second to first in our class rankings. After splitting carries early in the season, McLean was thrust into a bellcow role. He toted the rock an absurd 76 times in two playoff games, running for over 500 yards and 11 touchdowns against two of the best teams in the 6A class. He's an elite back who seems destined for Power Four stardom. He's also an elite track athlete, with 100 and 200-meter times that rival some of that sport's best.     Hicks is still growing as a player, but the early returns are intriguing, as he was a season-long starter at center and seems to have a good grasp on the mental aspect of the game. He's a true center prospect with guard versatility who excels as a run blocker and is blossoming in the passing game. An all-conference selection, there's a lot of potential here.    There's plenty to come from Matt Morrow, Joshua Graham, and me on the 2029 rankings before we release our updated 2029 rankings next week. Stay locked in with Prep Redzone for more insights, evaluations, and rankings updates. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo code Helms30 will get them 30% off their first billing cycle for any subscription.

We recently released the first full update of our 2029 rankings, and we more than doubled the number of players in the rankings. We love getting to add so many newcomers, but mathematically, it does somewhat limit the amount of stock-risers we can have. Still, 11 previously-ranked players moved up in the rankings. Here, we're evaluating the offensive stock-risers.