I-40 Classic (7v7) Players to Watch

Some of the top young football prospects from across the Atlantic Coast region will gather this weekend for the I-40 Classic, held in beautiful Bermuda Run, North Carolina, just outside of Winston-Salem. With over 60 teams expected to compete across multiple age divisions, the tournament will feature talented athletes traveling in from New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond. As the competition kicks off, the event will provide a major early-season stage for rising prospects—especially in the classes of 2031 and up—to showcase their skills against some of the best talent in the region.    One of the more intriguing prospects to watch this weekend is [player_tooltip player_id='2134347' first='Josh' last='Wallace'], a c/o 2027 athlete who recently transferred to Glen HS after playing at North Side in Jackson, Tennessee. Wallace made his impact known on both sides of the ball, showing the versatility that college programs covet. Last season he found the end zone four times on offense and added another score on defense, while also recording four interceptions.   At nearly 200 pounds, Wallace brings a rare combination of physicality, instincts, and positional versatility. Defensively he has the tools to play in the box as a hybrid defender or patrol the secondary as a high safety, while offensively he can line up in the slot or outside at receiver. Wallace is a true student of the game, and his understanding of schemes and situations shows up every time he steps on the field. Expect him to be one of the more physical and impactful athletes competing this weekend.     [player_tooltip player_id='1608327' first='Adam' last='Aoun'], quarterback from Marvin Ridge, has been really solid for Team CJ so far this offseason. Aoun has shown the ability to consistently deliver accurate intermediate passes, while also having the arm strength to push the ball down the field with ease when the opportunity presents itself.   What stands out most is his touch and timing on the football, allowing his receivers to make plays after the catch. Aoun also embraces being the focal point of the offense, showing confidence and command whenever he's under center. As the competition ramps up this weekend, he's a quarterback capable of putting together efficient and productive performances.     One of the most anticipated athletes competing in the tournament is [player_tooltip player_id='1114103' first='Jymel' last='Green'], the #1 ranked defensive back in the class of 2029. After transferring to Charlotte Vance last year, Green continues to show why he's considered one of the premier young prospects in the region. With elite size, length, and athletic ability, he has all the physical tools that project at a very high level.   Green has been a phenom since his middle school days, first making waves as a 7th grader before picking up his first college offer as an 8th grader. Now heading into another offseason of competition and exposure, Green looks poised for an even bigger jump as his game continues to develop. With his combination of instincts, ball skills, and physical presence in the secondary, he'll be one of the most exciting players to watch throughout the tournament.     [player_tooltip player_id='1607877' first='Vermont' last='Carmack'], a 2027 wide receiver from Dudley, has seen his recruitment take off during his junior year, and it's easy to understand why. At 6'4", Carmack brings rare size to the position but moves with the fluidity and route-running ability of a much smaller receiver. His ability to separate in routes, explode out of breaks, and elevate for contested catches makes him one of the most intriguing offensive prospects at the event.   Despite scoring seven touchdowns last season, it's clear that Carmack's upside is still scratching the surface. A two-sport athlete with elite explosiveness and leaping ability, he has already drawn attention from college programs across the country. Entering the tournament, Carmack is the highest-rated junior participating, ranked #13 overall in North Carolina and the #2 WR/TE in the state according to Prep Redzone NC. His blend of size, athleticism, and developing skill makes him a must-watch prospect this weekend.     [player_tooltip player_id='1531724' first='Josiah' last='Bedford'], a junior defensive back from Overhills High School, is another athlete to keep an eye on during the tournament. Bedford brings a strong blend of athleticism, physical play, and instincts to the secondary, allowing him to consistently put himself in position to make plays on the football.   Bedford shows the versatility to line up in multiple spots in the defensive backfield, whether covering receivers on the outside or playing deeper in the secondary. His ability to read routes, react quickly, and compete at the catch point makes him a defensive back capable of impacting games. As the competition picks up this weekend, Bedford will have a great opportunity to showcase his skills against some of the top passing offenses at the event.     [player_tooltip player_id='1858055' first='Mike' last='McLean'] enters the event as the #1 overall prospect in the Class of 2029, and one of the most electric young players in the region. McLean wasted no time making a name for himself during his freshman season, scoring 24 total touchdowns while establishing himself as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the state.   His production and talent have already drawn significant attention from the college level, earning an offer from North Carolina during his freshman year. Currently rated as the #1 freshman in North Carolina, McLean combines speed, vision, and explosiveness that make him a constant big-play threat whenever he touches the ball. With his ability to impact the game in multiple ways, he'll certainly be one of the headlining prospects to watch throughout the tournament.     [player_tooltip player_id='738731' first='AJ' last='McClain'], the talented junior quarterback from Ashbrook, is coming off a strong season where he helped lead his team on a deep playoff run during his junior year. Known for his athleticism and playmaking ability, McClain has proven he can impact the game both inside and outside of the pocket.   This weekend he'll be leading AYB in the tournament, giving him another opportunity to showcase his arm talent and passing ability against strong competition. Currently ranked as the #14 quarterback in the Class of 2027 by Prep Redzone NC, McClain continues to develop as a passer and competitor, and this event provides a great stage for him to further display his skills.     Asaiah Brown will be playing with 919 Elite this weekend, but he now suits up at Rolesville High School after transferring in January from Salem in neighboring Virginia. Brown is a physical, sticky defensive back that can really run. Listed at 5'11", he plays much bigger—closer to 6'2" with the way he competes at the catch point and uses his length. Brown is currently ranked the #5 defensive back in the state of Virginia according to Prep Redzone VA, and with his move to Rolesville, he should quickly become one of the highest-ranked defensive backs in North Carolina once that transition is fully reflected in the rankings. His combination of speed, physicality, and coverage instincts makes him a prospect to watch closely this weekend.     [player_tooltip player_id='1059980' first='Najee' last='Gillis'], a junior quarterback from Pinecrest, will be leading the County Boyz this weekend. Currently on the Prep Redzone Watch List, Gillis is a prospect whose stock could rise considerably by the time the 2027 recruiting cycle heats up in August.   Gillis plays the position with a true pro-style approach, showing patience and discipline when moving the offense. He rarely forces throws, instead letting plays develop and taking what the defense gives him. At the same time, Gillis has the arm talent to make every throw on the field and isn't afraid to push the ball downfield and take shots when the opportunity presents itself. His calm demeanor and poise under pressure make him a steady leader at quarterback and a player worth keeping a close eye on throughout the tournament.     Cyrus Creed – RB/ATH | Class of 2031   Cyrus Creed is the youngest prospect I evaluated heading into the tournament, competing with the 12U Quality group. Despite his age, Creed already shows a level of polish and natural ability well beyond what you typically see from players in this age group.   Creed is a strong runner with the football, showing good balance and body control while moving through traffic. What really stands out is how smooth and effortless he looks in the open field—almost like he's gliding when he runs. With his combination of natural athleticism and early development, Creed is a young prospect with a very bright future ahead if he continues on this trajectory.

Some of the top young football prospects from across the Atlantic Coast region will gather this weekend for the I-40 Classic, held in beautiful Bermuda Run, North Carolina, just outside of Winston-Salem. With over 60 teams expected to compete across multiple age divisions, the tournament will feature talented athletes traveling in from New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond. As the competition kicks off, the event will provide a major early-season stage for rising prospects—especially in the classes of 2031 and up—to showcase their skills against some of the best talent in the region.