Who's Next? NC Top Underclassmen 704 Pt. 4

This group features some of the top underclassmen in the area, and several of these names also turned in some of the most productive seasons across the entire state. The talent is real, the film backs it up, and the ceiling keeps getting higher. With only two parts left, we're starting to shift toward the larger programs, where the depth, size, and competition level continue to rise. Stay locked in—this list is only getting heavier.    Harrington is a balanced dual-threat quarterback whose game is built on control, timing, and decision-making rather than raw flash. He plays with a point-guard / field-general style—comfortable distributing the ball, reading leverage, and taking what the defense gives him. While his rushing yardage doesn't jump off the page, his impact does: 12 rushing touchdowns, many coming in critical situations, show his effectiveness in the red zone and short-yardage game. Through the air, Harrington produced nearly 1,400 passing yards with 14 touchdowns, demonstrating consistency and command of the offense. He understands how to manage a game, protect the football, and apply pressure in multiple ways. As he continues to mature physically and expand his playmaking, Harrington profiles as a quarterback who can quietly win games and elevate those around him.     Newman is a physically imposing two-way athlete whose presence jumps off the field. At 6'3”, 220 pounds, he brings college-ready size and strength, and his production reflects how impactful he is in all phases. Defensively, Newman was a disruptive force with 59 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions, showing his ability to rush the passer, finish plays in the backfield, and drop into coverage when needed. Offensively, he added value as well, totaling 350 yards and 2 touchdowns, highlighting his versatility and athleticism with the ball in his hands. Newman's combination of size, aggression, and multi-phase production makes him a matchup problem and a prospect with real upside as he continues to refine his role at the next level.     Lindsay is a prime breakout candidate heading into next season as Ashbrook looks to make another deep postseason run. At 5'9”, 185 pounds, he's a compact, powerful back who runs with good balance and finishes through contact. Despite a limited workload, he was highly efficient—totaling 844 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns on just 136 carries, while also contributing 190 receiving yards and 3 more scores. His production per touch stands out and suggests there's another level waiting to be unlocked with an expanded role. With Ashbrook's momentum and Lindsay's versatility, he's positioned to take a major step forward and become a focal point of the offense.     McClain is a dynamic, super-athletic quarterback who puts constant stress on defenses with his versatility. At 5'9”, 175 pounds, he's compact, explosive, and dangerous in space—so much so that his athletic profile could translate to running back at the next level if needed. Last season, he accounted for over 1,500 total yards and 21 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. McClain thrives when plays break down, creates off-script opportunities, and brings a competitive edge that fuels Ashbrook's offense. His athleticism and production make him a matchup problem, and his ceiling will continue to rise as he sharpens his decision-making and role moving forward.     Morrow is a massive, high-upside lineman with a body type that immediately projects to the next level. At 6'5” and close to 300 pounds, he brings rare size and length, giving him the flexibility to line up on the edge at the high school level while projecting as an interior defensive lineman long term. His frame allows him to absorb contact, anchor against the run, and still collapse space inside. As he continues to refine his pad level and hand usage, his effectiveness only rises. With his size alone creating matchup problems, Morrow is a developmental prospect with clear next-level traits and a ceiling that fits well on the interior moving forward.     White is a high-level linebacker with an elite frame and explosive movement skills that immediately stand out on film. At 6'2”, close to 200 pounds, he has the build and range college programs covet, paired with the ability to play true sideline-to-sideline. His production backs it up—113 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 3 interceptions, showing impact against the run, as a blitzer, and in coverage. White diagnoses quickly, closes with burst, and brings a physical edge at the point of contact. With his length, athleticism, and versatility, he profiles as a sneaky Power-4 type prospect whose stock should rise as more eyes get on him.     Williams turned in one of the most impressive defensive back seasons by any freshman in the state, immediately separating himself as a true playmaker on the back end. Finishing the year with 5 interceptions, he consistently showed natural ball skills, strong anticipation, and confidence playing the football in the air. Williams has a knack for being in the right place at the right time and capitalizes on quarterback mistakes like a veteran. His instincts and awareness stand out well beyond his age, marking him as a legitimate ball hawk and an underclass defender whose ceiling is extremely high as he continues to develop.     Whalen is positioned to become the feature back for Charlotte Catholic over the next two seasons, and his sophomore production offers a strong preview of what's coming. This past year, he rushed for 611 yards and 7 touchdowns, showing efficiency, toughness, and reliability within the offense. He runs with good balance, understands how to press the hole, and finishes runs moving forward—traits that translate well as volume increases. With experience, trust from the staff, and a larger workload ahead, Whalen is set up to take a significant step forward and establish himself as one of the more dependable backs in the 704 moving forward.     Walker is an intriguing late-blooming running back who made the most of limited opportunities last season. At 5'10”, 180 pounds, he brings a solid, well-balanced frame and shows comfort running between the tackles or getting to the edge. Despite a reduced workload, he totaled 321 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns, flashing efficiency and nose for the end zone. Heading into his senior year, Walker is motivated and positioned for an expanded role, with the chance to make a real name for himself if the touches increase. His combination of size, urgency, and production per carry makes him a breakout candidate worth tracking.     Robbins is a big, physical running back who brings a downhill presence to Marvin Ridge's offense. As a junior, he rushed for nearly 600 yards and 7 touchdowns, consistently showing the ability to finish runs and convert in short-yardage and red-zone situations. He runs with power, keeps his pads low, and wears on defenses over the course of a game. Robbins' physical style makes him a reliable option between the tackles, and with continued development and opportunity, he has the tools to remain a productive, chain-moving back moving forward.     Culicerto is a stout, physical tackling machine who set the tone for Marvin Ridge's defense all season. He finished with over 140 total tackles, consistently living around the football and showing elite reliability snap after snap. His best outing—19 tackles in a single game—perfectly captures his motor, instincts, and toughness. Culicerto plays downhill, takes on blocks, and finishes with authority, making him a dependable presence in the box. His production reflects durability, discipline, and a high football IQ, and he projects as a defensive cornerstone whose impact goes far beyond the stat sheet.     Barb is a physically built, impact linebacker who looks every bit the part of a next-level defender. At 6'1”, 220 pounds, he brings a college-ready frame with strength and pop at the point of attack. His production last season was dominant—94 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks, showing his ability to disrupt games both downhill and as a pass rusher. Barb plays with urgency, attacks gaps with confidence, and finishes plays in the backfield. The combination of size, violence, and backfield production puts him firmly in the conversation as a Power-4 caliber prospect, and his upside only grows as more eyes get on him.     Craft is a big-framed quarterback with clear upward trajectory early in his high school career. At 6'4”, 200 pounds, he already has prototypical size for the position and shows comfort operating from the pocket. As a sophomore, he accounted for just under 1,200 total yards and 17 total touchdowns, flashing efficiency and playmaking ability when called upon. With the opportunity to step in as the full-time starter, Craft's confidence, command, and production are all expected to take a jump. His size, arm talent, and room to continue developing make his future bright and position him as a quarterback to watch moving forward.     Williamson is a high-motor edge defender with the frame and production to draw attention. At 6'2”, 215 pounds, he has the length and build teams look for off the edge, with room to continue adding strength. His output last season—84 total tackles—speaks to his activity level and ability to impact plays beyond just pass rushing. Williamson plays with good effort, sets the edge against the run, and consistently works to the football. With continued physical development and refinement of his pass-rush tools, he projects as an ascending edge prospect whose best football is still ahead.

This group features some of the top underclassmen in the area, and several of these names also turned in some of the most productive seasons across the entire state. The talent is real, the film backs it up, and the ceiling keeps getting higher. With only two parts left, we're starting to shift toward the larger programs, where the depth, size, and competition level continue to rise. Stay locked in—this list is only getting heavier.