I-40 Classic Top Performers

The 18U division at the I-40 Classic was full of elite defensive playmakers. From lockdown coverage to physical stops and game-changing effort, the defense was on full display all weekend. I wasn't able to catch every team, but in the games I did watch, these were some of the top performers who stood out the most.    Warren Hemphill Jr. proved he is one of the top DB prospects at the tournament with a standout performance on both ends of the game. The Class of 2027 defender from Randleman played strong, confident man coverage all day, holding his own even against bigger receivers. His biggest moment came late in the game when he stepped in front of a pass and returned a critical interception for a touchdown, completely shifting the momentum in his team's favor.     Trey Burnette Jr. (ATH, Randleman HS) delivered one of the most clutch performances of the weekend, showcasing elite coverage ability and true playmaking instincts. Burnette capped off the game I watched in dramatic fashion, jumping a pass and taking it back for a game-winning pick-six. Throughout the tournament, he consistently displayed tight coverage, great anticipation, and the ability to make plays on the ball, proving he's a dynamic two-way threat with a knack for stepping up in big moments.     Reid Herring (QB, c/o 2028, Randleman HS) put together one of the most poised performances of the weekend, playing the position with a calm, controlled presence from start to finish. He consistently took what the defense gave him, never forcing throws, and showed a strong understanding of timing and progression. When opportunities presented themselves, Herring wasn't afraid to take his shots, delivering the ball with confidence and touch. A smooth operator under center, he throws a very catchable ball and kept his offense in rhythm all tournament long.     Keegan Heisler (LB, c/o 2028, Fort Mill) was one of the top performers at his position all weekend, showing a strong combination of size, range, and instincts. He consistently made his presence felt, flying sideline to sideline and effectively taking away the entire middle of the field. Heisler's ability to read plays, close space, and make plays on the ball really stood out, and if he continues progressing at this rate, he has the tools to be a breakout prospect this upcoming season.     Kieran McCormack (ATH, c/o 2027, Fort Mill) is one of those true playmakers that jumps out immediately when you turn on the film. After watching multiple games, it's honestly hard to say where he's better—wide receiver or defensive back—which speaks to just how complete his skill set is. He makes plays on the ball effortlessly, competes at a high level, and brings that edge every snap. Wherever he ends up at the next level, one thing is certain—they're getting a real dawg who can impact the game in multiple ways.     Seven Glover (ATH, c/o 2027, Reagan HS) might've been the pound-for-pound most talented prospect at the tournament. In the games I covered, he was absolutely dominant on both sides of the ball, impacting the game every time it came his way. Even at under 6 feet, Glover plays much bigger than his size—showing elite 1-on-1 ability in jump ball situations and attacking the ball at its highest point. His highlight moment came on a 40-yard throw where he made an incredible one-handed catch in traffic—an elite play that turned heads across the field. A phenomenal athlete with natural playmaking instincts, Glover could very well be one of the most under-the-radar prospects in the 336 heading into this upcoming season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2148612' first='Samuel' last='Haith'] (ATH, c/o 2029, Eastern Guilford HS) put together one of the most productive performances of the entire weekend regardless of age group. At just 14 years old, Haith competed across both the 14U and 15U divisions and still managed to dominate. He scored six times on Saturday alone, consistently finding ways to get open and make plays in space.   What stood out most was how unguardable he was—defenders simply couldn't match his quickness, instincts, and ability to create separation. Haith played a major role in leading his team to a championship run, showing maturity and production well beyond his age. A name to definitely keep tracking in the 2029 class.     [player_tooltip player_id='1607877' first='Vermont' last='Carmack'] (WR, c/o 2027, Dudley HS) was his usual dominant self throughout the tournament, consistently making his presence felt in the passing game. A big-bodied target, Carmack thrives working down the middle of the field, using his size and strength to create mismatches. He came down with multiple highlight jump-ball catches, showcasing his strong hands and excellent leaping ability. When the ball is in the air, he's a problem—physical at the catch point and reliable in traffic, making him one of the toughest covers all weekend.     [player_tooltip player_id='2134347' first='Josh' last='Wallace'] (ATH, c/o 2027, Glenn HS) showcased elite playmaking ability all weekend, impacting the game on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he found the end zone twice, using his size, speed, and physicality to create mismatches. Defensively, he made his presence felt at high safety with multiple pass breakups, displaying great range and awareness over the top. At close to 200 pounds with the ability to really run, Wallace brings an elite size-speed combination that makes him a problem in space and a true two-way threat.     [player_tooltip player_id='1271067' first='KJ' last='Jackson'] (QB, c/o 2027, Grays Creek HS) showed some serious upside this weekend, especially coming from a predominantly run-heavy system. Once he settled in, he became automatic—delivering tight-window throws with confidence and consistency. He was firing straight laser beams all over the field, and if not for a few drops, his stat line would've looked even more impressive.   What really stood out was how he finished—leading four consecutive scoring drives to close out the weekend, showing command, rhythm, and growing confidence in the passing game. A strong showing for Jackson, and with more reps this offseason, he's a name that could really start to trend upward.

The 18U division at the I-40 Classic was full of elite defensive playmakers. From lockdown coverage to physical stops and game-changing effort, the defense was on full display all weekend. I wasn't able to catch every team, but in the games I did watch, these were some of the top performers who stood out the most.