Who's Next? NC Top Underclassmen 704 pt. 2

Part 2 of the Who's Next? #704 series is live. Ten more programs. Sixteen underclassmen. All poised to make a real impact next season—not just on Friday nights, but within their school halls and communities. Full breakdown in the article.    A true freshman who already looks ahead of the curve, Douglas-Brown put together a remarkable debut season, throwing for 2,500 yards and 27 touchdowns. The production—and poise—jump off the tape, and it's no surprise he's already holding a Power-4 offer from UCF. His best performance came in an explosive outing where he finished 11-of-25 for 263 yards and five touchdowns, showcasing big-play ability and confidence well beyond his years. One of the most promising young quarterbacks in the 704.     Simpson made his presence felt on both sides of the ball last season, scoring three touchdowns on offense while serving as a key contributor defensively. The junior athlete totaled 24 tackles and hauled in four interceptions, showing natural instincts and playmaking ability in the secondary. His two-way impact and versatility make him one of Corvian's most valuable returning pieces heading into next season.     Sherman quietly put together a highly productive sophomore season and looks primed for a breakout next year. He recorded five games with double-digit tackles and finished the season with over 100 total stops, consistently finding the football. With his motor and instincts, Lawson is a name to keep a close eye on heading into next season.     Pergee was a dynamic two-way playmaker last season, scoring 10 total touchdowns while racking up over 900 all-purpose yards. He also made his presence felt defensively with two interceptions, underscoring his versatility. His best performance came in a dominant outing where he totaled 266 yards and three touchdowns on 21 touches, showcasing his ability to take over a game. A rising senior ready for a big final run.     Butler is a true Swiss-army athlete who quietly put together a strong season, finishing with 769 total yards and eight touchdowns. His best outing came in a big-time performance where he totaled 161 yards and two scores on 14 touches, flashing takeover ability. A sleeper prospect whose production has a real chance to double this upcoming season—don't be surprised when his name starts circulating more often.     Barnes showed his value as a true two-way playmaker during his junior season, contributing on offense and defense. He finished with 332 receiving yards and three touchdowns, while also recording 35 tackles and four interceptions on the defensive side. Heading into his senior year, Barnes is expected to be a major piece of Union Academy's offense and a reliable difference-maker in the secondary.     Mendoza showed plenty of promise during his sophomore campaign, accounting for over 2,000 total yards and seven touchdowns. The production is a strong foundation, and with a full offseason of development under his belt, he's positioned to take a noticeable leap. Expect Nico to be a much bigger factor and one of the quarterbacks to watch next season.     One of the top freshman running backs in the state, Brooks flashed high-level ability while also showing he can contribute at linebacker. He finished the season with over 800 total yards, pairing great size with natural power and burst. His best performance came on just five carries, turning them into 116 yards and two touchdowns—an efficiency that jumps off the page. Loaded with talent and only scratching the surface heading into next season.     Little was a disruptive force all season, making his biggest impact on the defensive side of the ball. The rising senior finished with 69 tackles and an impressive 13 sacks, including two games with three sacks apiece, consistently living in the backfield. He also added four touchdowns on offense, underscoring his athletic versatility. A high-motor playmaker poised to be a tone-setter for North Stanly this season.     Woolf emerged as a big-play back last season, combining power, elusiveness, and breakaway speed to reach double-digit touchdowns. The junior rushed for over 800 yards and 10 scores, showing he can punish defenses and still outrun angles. His best performance was a statement game—22 carries, 263 yards, and five touchdowns—proof he can completely take over when the workload increases. A home-run threat every time he touches the ball.     Foxx put together a strong junior campaign as a true dual-threat quarterback, throwing for 1,784 yards and nine touchdowns while adding just over 700 rushing yards and eight more scores on the ground. His best performance showed his full skill set—15-of-24 for 277 yards and two passing touchdowns, plus 11 carries for 100 yards and two additional scores. When Foxx is in rhythm, he stresses defenses in every phase and can take over a game from the pocket or with his legs.     Dodson made the most of limited touches as a freshman, nearly reaching 900 total yards while scoring eight touchdowns. The production hints at just how dangerous he can be with an expanded role. His best performance came in a breakout game where he carried the ball 25 times for 168 yards and three scores, showing durability, burst, and natural playmaking ability. A true super athlete whose impact is only going to grow.     Frate plays the position with a linebacker's mindset, operating primarily in the box while still bringing defensive-back athleticism. The junior piled up an eye-opening 142 tackles last season, adding a sack and an interception to show his full range of ability. His physicality, instincts, and versatility give him a skill set that can translate to the next level. A tone-setter in the middle of the defense and one of the most productive defenders in the area.     Spence is one of the top athletes in the Class of 2027 regardless of position, but for West Iredell he's the engine as a featured back. He brings ideal size, speed, and natural playmaking ability, finishing last season with nearly 1,500 total yards and 19 touchdowns. His versatility was on full display in his best performance—seven carries for 77 yards and two scores, plus four catches for 84 yards and another touchdown—showing true three-down value. A complete offensive weapon with next-level upside written all over him.     One of the top sophomore quarterbacks in the state, Patterson put together an impressive season accounting for 1,800 total yards and 16 touchdowns. He showed efficiency and command of the offense all year, highlighted by a near-perfect outing where he went 10-of-11 for 226 yards and two touchdowns. With his poise and accuracy, Patterson is set up for a major leap and firmly belongs in the statewide QB conversation.     Danzy is the definition of a do-it-all athlete for West Stanly and one of the most versatile talents in the area. He accounted for over 1,000 total yards while lining up all over the offense, throwing three touchdown passes, rushing for 10 scores, and adding four more as a receiver. His athletic profile really stood out on the camp circuit last season, where his movement skills and ball skills jumped off the field. With continued development at receiver, Danzy has the tools to emerge as one of the top wideouts in his class once recruiting heats up.

Part 2 of the Who's Next? #704 series is live. Ten more programs. Sixteen underclassmen. All poised to make a real impact next season—not just on Friday nights, but within their school halls and communities. Full breakdown in the article.