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<p><strong>Who's Next</strong> is a closer look at some of the top underclassmen from across the state. With the offseason in full bloom, I went back and reviewed how last season ended to get a sense of who could be next up heading into the new year. I used every team that made the playoffs last season, breaking them down by area regions, and based my selections strictly on last year's production. This is <strong>Part 1 of the 704</strong>, starting with <strong>1A and 2A schools</strong>, and we'll work our way up through <strong>7A and 8A</strong>.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Newton finished the season just shy of <strong>1,000 passing yards with 7 touchdowns</strong>, highlighted by a standout performance going <strong>19-of-27 for 248 yards and 2 TDs</strong>. Listed at <strong>6'1”, just under 200 pounds</strong>, Newton showed toughness and competitiveness despite a first-round playoff exit that wasn't for lack of his effort. His film jumps off the screen with his <strong>speed, creativity outside the pocket, and ability to make something out of nothing</strong>. With spring football and the March–April camp circuit ahead, Newton has the tools to emerge as a <strong>true sleeper in the 2027 class</strong> and generate real college interest. <strong>Dynamic upside.</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Howell put together a productive season, finishing with <strong>over 1,200 total yards and 17 touchdowns</strong>, establishing himself as one of the more versatile underclassmen in the area. His best performance came on just <strong>10 carries for 190 yards and 3 touchdowns</strong>, a snapshot of how explosive he can be with limited touches. Howell brings <strong>legitimate speed that can turn plays into scores from 40+ yards out</strong>, while also showing the <strong>power and toughness to run between the tackles</strong>. In a <strong>loaded 2027 class from the 704</strong>, Howell is a name that could easily be overlooked—but the production and play style say otherwise. A quiet riser with real upside if he continues to develop.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Nilsen finished the season with <strong>over 800 total yards and 10 touchdowns</strong>, proving to be a reliable and physical piece of the South Davidson offense. His top performance came on <strong>13 carries for 119 yards and 2 touchdowns</strong>, showcasing his ability to shoulder the load and finish runs. Beyond his offensive production, Nilsen brings <strong>defensive upside</strong> that projects well to the next level, giving him true two-way value. Heading into next season, he'll be a key part of a <strong>strong rushing attack</strong> for South Davidson and a name worth tracking as his role continues to expand.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Sutton's season was shortened, but his impact was clear when he was on the field. A true <strong>dual-threat quarterback</strong>, he showed his versatility in multiple ways throughout the year. His best passing performance came in an efficient <strong>8-of-14 outing for over 200 yards and 4 touchdowns</strong>, displaying poise and big-play ability through the air. On the ground, Sutton was just as dangerous, turning <strong>8 rushes into 136 yards and 2 scores</strong>, consistently stressing defenses with his legs. Even in a limited sample size, Sutton flashed the kind of playmaking ability that makes him a problem for defenses and a name to keep an eye on moving forward.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Hargo projects cleanly as a <strong>defensive back at the next level</strong>, bringing <strong>excellent size at 6'2”, 170 pounds</strong> and a physical edge to his game. While he'll likely transition to DB long term, he was used primarily <strong>in the box</strong> for Thomas Jefferson last season, where he thrived. Hargo finished the year with <strong>60 total tackles and 5 sacks</strong>, showing his ability to impact the game around the line of scrimmage. His best performance came in a game where he posted <strong>10 tackles with 2 TFLs</strong>, consistently flying to the football. With his frame, versatility, and physical play style, Hargo is a name that fits perfectly in the <strong>Who's Next</strong> conversation.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Heavner's season was shortened, but the production—and explosiveness—still jumped off the stat sheet. The 2027 running back finished with <strong>nearly 700 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns</strong>, highlighted by one of the <strong>top single-game performances in the state</strong>: <strong>9 carries for 262 yards and 5 touchdowns</strong>. Electric with the ball in his hands, Heavner has the kind of speed and burst that can flip a game in a matter of seconds. A true <strong>home-run hitter</strong> who doesn't need many touches to change the outcome, he's a name defenses will have to account for every snap moving forward.<br></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Adams becomes the <strong>first sophomore to crack the list</strong>, and he earned it with impact on both sides of the ball. The two-way playmaker finished the season with <strong>over 800 total yards</strong>, consistently finding ways to affect the game offensively. Defensively, he was just as dangerous, recording <strong>4 interceptions</strong>, including a <strong>2-INT performance in a single game</strong>. Adams plays fast, sees it before it happens, and has a knack for showing up in big moments. Simply put—<strong>he's an absolute playmaker</strong>, and his trajectory is pointing up as he continues to develop.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Stevens was a true difference-maker for Christ the King, finishing the season with <strong>600 total yards and 10 total touchdowns</strong> while serving as a leader on both sides of the ball. Defensively, he stood out as one of the <strong>top turnover creators in the state</strong>, recording <strong>6 interceptions</strong> to go along with <strong>34 total tackles</strong>. His ability to impact the game in multiple phases, paired with his instincts and ball skills, makes him a name worth circling as the 2027 class continues to develop. High motor, high impact.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Fritz is a physical junior who impacts the game on both sides of the ball. While he also contributes at running back—finishing the season with <strong>5 total touchdowns</strong> and projecting as a valuable <strong>short-yardage and goal-line weapon</strong>—his natural position is linebacker. From that spot, Fritz piled up an impressive <strong>109 total tackles</strong>, adding an interception and consistently serving as the backbone of the defense. His best all-around performance came in the same game where he posted <strong>14 tackles on defense and 60 rushing yards on offense</strong>, a clear example of his toughness and endurance. A true tone-setter whose production could jump even higher as his role expands.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Dockery becomes the <strong>first freshman to crack the list</strong>, and the upside is easy to see. The young running back brings <strong>good size at 5'11”, 175 pounds</strong>, already looking the part physically. While his opportunities were limited last season, he made the most of them, highlighted by a game where he turned <strong>9 carries into over 100 yards and 2 touchdowns</strong>. Dockery runs with confidence, shows burst through the hole, and flashes big-play potential. As his role expands, he's a <strong>name to know early</strong> in the 704 and one that could rise quickly with more touches.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Poplin is <strong>another sophomore to crack the list</strong>, and his production speaks loudly. The South Stanly linebacker finished the season with <strong>82 total tackles and 7.5 sacks</strong>, consistently showing up around the ball and affecting the game in the backfield. His best performance came in a dominant outing where he recorded <strong>8 tackles and 3 sacks</strong>, setting the tone defensively. Poplin plays downhill, brings physicality, and shows a natural feel for timing blitzes. A disruptive presence now, with even more upside as he continues to develop.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Hay is another <strong>sophomore</strong> who made his way onto the list after a highly productive season. The true slot receiver finished the year with <strong>900 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns</strong>, consistently serving as a reliable option in the passing game. His best performance came in a breakout showing of <strong>7 receptions for 183 yards and 2 touchdowns</strong>, highlighting his ability to stress defenses vertically and underneath. Despite his size, Hay plays tough, understands leverage, and has a knack for finding space—making him a <strong>true chain mover</strong> and a matchup problem on third down.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Ramseur earns the label of <strong>super sophomore</strong> after a monster season statistically. The Mt. Island Charter athlete accounted for <strong>1,700 passing yards</strong>, added <strong>nearly 1,200 rushing yards</strong>, and finished with <strong>29 total touchdowns</strong>, putting constant pressure on defenses in multiple ways. While he's been used in a versatile role, his skill set projects cleanly to a <strong>full-time running back at the next level</strong>, where his vision, toughness, and explosiveness can really shine. With another year like this—or an expanded role—Ramseur has all the tools to be a <strong>Player of the Year candidate</strong> this season and one of the most productive players in the 704 regardless of classification.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Cuadra was a <strong>tackling machine</strong> all season long for Mt. Island Charter and one of the most productive defenders in the area. The junior linebacker piled up an eye-popping <strong>146 total tackles</strong> to go along with <strong>9 sacks</strong>, showing both consistency and backfield disruption. He plays <strong>sideline to sideline</strong>, flows well to the football, and has a nonstop motor that keeps him around the play snap after snap. Cuadra sets the tone defensively and brings the kind of physical, high-volume production that coaches love at the linebacker position.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Thompson is one of those prospects that immediately catches your eye from a <strong>measurables standpoint</strong>, bringing <strong>Power-4 size and ability</strong> to the table. The junior athlete stands <strong>6'4”, nearly 200 pounds</strong>, and he can really move, showing fluidity and range uncommon for his frame. While his film sample is limited, what's available clearly flashes upside and raw tools. If Thompson continues to develop—particularly by refining his skill set at <strong>defensive back</strong>—the ceiling is extremely high. With his length, mobility, and physical traits, there's <strong>no limit to the opportunities</strong> he could create for himself at the next level.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Alford put together a <strong>breakout season</strong> as the junior signal caller for North Rowan, finishing with <strong>over 3,000 total yards and 31 total touchdowns</strong>. At his best, he was nearly unstoppable, highlighted by a dominant outing where he went <strong>11-of-15 for 360 yards and 6 touchdowns</strong>, showcasing efficiency, arm strength, and big-play ability. Alford commanded the offense with confidence and consistently pushed the ball downfield, making him one of the more productive quarterbacks in the 704 last season. A high-output passer whose numbers demand attention as he moves forward.</p>
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Who's Next is a closer look at some of the top underclassmen from across the state. With the offseason in full bloom, I went back and reviewed how last season ended to get a sense of who could be next up heading into the new year. I used every team that made the playoffs last season, breaking them down by area regions, and based my selections strictly on last year's production. This is Part 1 of the 704, starting with 1A and 2A schools, and we'll work our way up through 7A and 8A.
HEIGHT
6'1"
WEIGHT
155
POS
QB
CLASS
2027
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HEIGHT
5'11"
WEIGHT
170
POS
WR/RB
CLASS
2027
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HEIGHT
5'10"
WEIGHT
160
POS
WR
CLASS
2027
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HEIGHT
5'8"
WEIGHT
170
POS
LB
CLASS
2027
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HEIGHT
5'4"
WEIGHT
125
POS
WR/DB
CLASS
2028
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School:
Mount Island Charter School
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School:
Mount Island Charter School
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