Who’s Next? Top NC Underclassmen 704 Pt. 6

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've officially reached the end of the <em>Who's Next? 704 Edition</em>, highlighting some of the biggest schools in North Carolina and home to some of the biggest prospects in America. This region continues to set the standard with packed stadiums, championship expectations, and rosters loaded with Power 4 talent from top to bottom. From state championship MVPs to nationally ranked underclassmen, the 704 once again proved why it's one of the premier talent hubs in the Southeast. The depth, size, speed, and overall upside in this area are different — and the pipeline isn't slowing down anytime soon. The future is bright, and the bar remains high. Now the question becomes… <strong>Who's Next?</strong> 👀🏈</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1112733"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698bfca51e3c0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1112733' first='Micah' last='Walker']</strong>, junior defensive back, has one of the better frames in the area at <strong>6'0", 175 pounds</strong>, and he pairs that size with real production. Last season he recorded <strong>32 tackles and 4 interceptions</strong>, showing he can both hold his own in coverage and step up to finish plays in the run game. Walker has the length and build college coaches look for at the position, along with the ball skills to capitalize on opportunities downfield. With his combination of frame, instincts, and playmaking ability, he's established himself as one of the top defensive backs in the area heading into his senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1321007"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698bfca51e424"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1321007' first='Jamouri' last='Nichols']</strong>, junior quarterback for West Charlotte and former state champion, is heading into his senior year with momentum and proven production. Nichols threw for <strong>2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns</strong>, while adding <strong>500 rushing yards and 13 rushing scores</strong>, showcasing his ability to hurt defenses in multiple ways. He plays with confidence and composure, understanding when to take shots through the air and when to tuck it and move the chains. With championship experience already under his belt and another offseason to elevate his game, Nichols enters his senior season as one of the more dynamic quarterbacks in the 704.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1849424"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698bfca51e476"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1849424' first='Tahj' last='Brooks']</strong>, junior running back, quietly put together a solid season with <strong>over 400 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns</strong>, showing flashes of being a reliable offensive weapon. Brooks runs with good balance and physicality, and when he gets into space, he has the burst to finish runs. With more opportunities and an expanded role, he has the potential to be a real bright spot for Chambers next season. As he continues to develop strength and consistency, Brooks could be poised for a breakout year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Chris Williams ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Chambers","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698bfca51e531"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Chris Williams</strong>, junior linebacker, put together a solid season anchoring the defense with <strong>61 total tackles and 3 sacks</strong>. He plays with good instincts and physicality, consistently finding his way to the football and finishing plays. Williams shows the ability to attack downhill in the run game while also contributing as a blitzer, timing his pressures well to affect the quarterback. As he continues to develop strength and refine his technique, he has the tools to take an even bigger leap heading into his senior season.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1953767"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698bfca51e586"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1953767' first='Ramir' last='Watson']</strong>, 6'1", 170-pound junior quarterback, is the definition of balance at the position. He threw for <strong>1,422 yards and 19 touchdowns</strong> through the air while adding <strong>362 rushing yards and 3 more scores</strong> on the ground. Watson shows good touch and timing as a passer, capable of spreading the ball around and finishing drives, but he also brings enough mobility to extend plays and pick up key yards when protection breaks down. His frame still has room to fill out, which only adds to his long-term upside. A poised, productive signal-caller whose game continues to trend upward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1607867"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698bfca51e5d5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Kam Guy</strong> is a real-deal prospect at the next level. Now over 6 feet and pushing close to 180 pounds, he has the size colleges look for in the secondary — and the production to match. He finished with <strong>33 tackles and 5 interceptions</strong>, showing true ball-hawk instincts and the ability to flip momentum in a game. What stands out most is his range and confidence in coverage; he trusts his eyes, breaks on the football, and finishes plays. With his frame continuing to develop and his playmaking ability already evident, Guy is trending toward being one of the more intriguing defensive back prospects in his class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Xavier Edmond","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Mallard Creek","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698bfca51e674"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Xavier Edmond</strong>, sophomore running back from Mallard Creek, quietly put together a strong season with <strong>over 700 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns</strong>, showing consistency and growth in a competitive backfield. His best performance came against Myers Park, where he carried the ball <strong>16 times for 136 yards and 2 scores</strong>, proving he can step up in big matchups. Edmond runs with good vision and balance, allowing blocks to develop before exploding through the hole, and he finishes runs with authority. As he continues to add strength and refine his overall game, he has the tools to become a major offensive weapon moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1616115"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698bfca51e6c5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616115' first='Cailen' last='Napier']</strong>, 6'2", 180-pound sophomore quarterback, has the frame and athletic profile that suggests his best football is still ahead of him. He threw for <strong>nearly 1,000 yards and 8 touchdowns</strong> while adding <strong>240 rushing yards and 2 more scores</strong> on the ground, showing flashes of dual-threat ability. Napier has room to continue filling out physically, which should only enhance both his arm strength and durability in the run game. With his size, mobility, and developing command of the offense, he's a young quarterback trending upward with the potential to become even more dynamic in the years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["525514"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698bfca51e710"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='525514' first='Cole' last='Hough']</strong>, junior quarterback for Palisades, put together a strong all-around season leading the offense. He threw for <strong>nearly 2,200 yards and 17 touchdowns</strong>, showing the ability to consistently push the ball downfield and operate efficiently within the system. Hough also added <strong>261 rushing yards and 3 more scores</strong>, proving he can extend plays and pick up key yards when needed. He plays with confidence in the pocket and has a good feel for timing and rhythm in the passing game. With another offseason to sharpen his mechanics and decision-making, Hough is positioned to take another leap heading into his senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Nick Rankin","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"180","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Palisades ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698bfca51e7ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Nick Rankin</strong>, 6'0", 180-pound junior ATH, truly did it all for the Pumas last season. On offense, he accounted for <strong>nearly 300 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns</strong>, while adding <strong>almost 150 receiving yards and a score</strong>, proving to be a versatile weapon with the ball in his hands. Defensively, he was just as impactful, totaling <strong>70 tackles and 3 interceptions</strong>, showcasing his instincts and playmaking ability on the back end. Rankin's versatility stands out — he can line up in multiple spots and make an impact on either side of the ball. A true three-phase contributor whose value goes beyond the stat sheet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ravion Pauling","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"South Meck","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698bfca51e84b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Ravion Pauling</strong>, sophomore running back for South Meck, showed strong balance and versatility in his breakout season. He rushed for <strong>631 yards and 6 touchdowns</strong>, consistently moving the chains and providing a steady ground presence, while also adding <strong>117 receiving yards and a touchdown</strong> out of the backfield. Pauling's ability to contribute in both phases makes him valuable in multiple personnel groupings, and his production as a sophomore suggests there's plenty of upside still to tap into. As he continues to develop physically and refine his explosiveness, he has the tools to take another jump next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Xavier Lopez-Cruz","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698bfca51e8e4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Xavier Lopez-Cruz</strong>, super sophomore athlete, made the most of his limited opportunities last season. Even without full-time snaps, he found ways to impact the game on both sides of the ball — hauling in <strong>2 receiving touchdowns</strong> while also grabbing <strong>2 interceptions</strong> defensively. That kind of two-way production speaks to his versatility, instincts, and playmaking ability. Lopez-Cruz shows a natural feel for the game, whether tracking the football in the air or finishing plays once it comes his way. As his role expands, expect his impact — and stat line — to grow right along with it.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["950967"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698bfca51e933"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='950967' first='JaMarion' last='Morrison']</strong> is currently ranked <strong>No. 4 in the Class of 2028</strong>, and he backed that up on the biggest stage. The dynamic running back earned <strong>Offensive Player of the Game</strong> honors in the <strong>8A State Championship</strong>, proving he rises when the lights are brightest. Morrison finished the season with <strong>over 700 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns</strong>, showcasing burst, vision, and the ability to change a game with one touch. What separates him isn't just the production — it's his poise in big moments and natural playmaking instincts. Already one of the top young backs in the state, and his ceiling is still climbing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["950969"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698bfca51e97f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='950969' first='Ryan' last='Peterson']</strong>, sophomore linebacker, announced himself on the biggest stage by earning <strong>Defensive Player of the Game</strong> honors in the <strong>8A State Championship</strong>. He backed that performance up with a strong season overall, totaling <strong>72 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks</strong>. A true sideline-to-sideline defender, Peterson plays with range, physicality, and instincts well beyond his years. He triggers downhill quickly, finishes in space, and consistently finds himself around the football. With his motor, production, and athletic profile, he projects as a <strong>sure-fire Power 4 athlete</strong> whose stock will only continue to rise.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["254550"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698bfca51e9c9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='254550' first='Ethan' last='Royal']</strong>, rising senior quarterback, capped off a huge season by being named the <strong>8A State Championship Game Overall MVP</strong>, cementing his status as one of the premier signal-callers in the state. Royal threw for <strong>2,272 passing yards and 29 touchdowns</strong>, while adding <strong>721 rushing yards and 14 rushing scores</strong>, proving to be a true dual-threat weapon. He can dissect defenses from the pocket with timing and touch, but when plays break down, he has the athleticism to turn broken plays into explosive gains. Royal's command of the offense, production, and big-game performance all point to a quarterback ready to lead at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->