Way-Too-Early 5A Top 10

<p>Amidst plenty of <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/top-6-wrs-in-franklin-nash-wilson-county/">county deep dives</a>, I'm working my way through "way-too-early" classification previews. It's not too early to begin previewing the 2026 season, as many fans may not be familiar with some of the younger players who could be future stars in the 5A classification. I started with <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/way-too-early-6a-top-10/">6A</a>, then looked at <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/way-too-early-8a-top-10/">8A</a> and <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/way-too-early-4a-top-10/">4A</a>, before finishing the even classifications with <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/way-too-early-2a-top-10/">2A</a>. Friday, I previewed the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/way-too-early-7a-top-10/">7A class</a>, so in keeping with the odd theme, here's my way-too-early 5A Top 10.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Let's Predict the Top 10 5A Teams</h2>   <p>5A was one of the most fun classifications last year. While we didn't have many playoff upsets, and the highest seeds (for the most part) advanced, the best teams in the class were largely dark horses. Even at the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/10/midseason-5a-check-in-teams-storylines-to-watch-before-playoffs/">halfway point in the regular season</a> last year, I didn't even list No. 1 seed and eventual runner-up Hunt in the conversation.</p>   <p>The 5A class is also unique in that there's a ton of returning talent, more than most other classes. This could be the most intriguing classification in the state. So, who makes the top 10?</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">1) Hunt Warriors</h3>   <p>I'm not forgetting Hunt this year, as the Warriors are loaded this year after a championship berth. It starts with star quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1953755' first='Mez' last='Harris']</strong>, who had nearly 1,500 passing yards and 1,400 rushing yards a season ago. He wasn't his team's leading rusher, though, as rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1970795' first='Doryan' last='Jones']</strong> eclipsed 1,600 yards.</p>   <p>Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2108371' first='CJ' last='Dickerson']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1610537' first='Randy' last='James']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2113127' first='Nicholas' last='Bynum'],</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1106602' first='Judah' last='Harris']</strong> lead an elite defensive front, while 2029 linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1857997' first='Trevorius' last='Cooper']</strong> was a freshman star last year.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2) Northside-Jacksonville Monarchs</h3>   <p>Last year, Northside-Jacksonville was the Cinderella story. But most surprising about last year's run was how young the Monarchs were. It's highly unlikely they're a one-year wonder, if for no other reason than the talent they return. The Monarchs return essentially the entire offense, plus five of their top seven tacklers.</p>   <p>Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687459' first='Reginald' last='Gray']</strong> was one of our Player of the Year candidates last year, and leading rusher and receiver, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='534079' first='Rahlai' last='Anderson']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2127567' first='Gavyn' last='Davis']</strong>, respectively, are back, too. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607071' first='Matthew' last='Smoot']</strong> is one of the headliners on defense with 13 career interceptions.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">3) Crest Chargers</h3>   <p>Last year's state champions started more slowly than expected, but kicked it into high gear at the right time. The Chargers lose a ton of production, though, including an all-state quarterback, five of their six leading tacklers, and several other key contributors. </p>   <p>That being said, backup quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2151059' first='Brock' last='Melton']</strong> was incredible last season as an all-purpose athlete, completing all nine of his pass attempts, averaging 14 yards per carry, and finishing third on the team in receiving.</p>   <p>Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2065236' first='Nazae' last='Famble']</strong> played well in limited reps (three interceptions in two games), but the secondary will be rebuilt this season. Look for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668282' first='Christian' last='Stowe']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1815350' first='Ja'Andre' last='Beam']</strong> to step up on the defensive line. Offensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2081622' first='Malachi' last='Gamble']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1154024' first='Namajay' last='Thompson']</strong> are as good a duo of skill players as you'll find at the 5A level.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">4) Jay M. Robinson Bulldogs </h3>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">5) Havelock Rams</h3>   <p>Last year was what could be called a rebuilding year for the powerhouse Rams, who were caught in the middle of experience and young talent. As the young guys acclimated, Havelock finished with momentum they'll take into 2026 behind quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2055654' first='Kaleb' last='Montanye']</strong> and athlete <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1909457' first='Lloyd' last='Jones']</strong>, both rising sophomores.</p>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2055660' first='Michael' last='Gatling']</strong> is the veteran in the secondary, but the Rams will need to replace some elite defensive line play.C</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">6) South Point Red Raiders</h3>   <p>There's a high floor for South Point, as the Red Raiders have won at least six games in 20-straight seasons (Covid-year not withstanding). So to a degree, the losses don't hit quite as hard. It also helps that the Red Raiders return leading rusher and best offensive weapon <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2065235' first='Kaveaun' last='Pless']</strong>. The defense loses a few guys, but returns difference-makers like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2104446' first='Gregory' last='Blair III']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607789' first='Cayden' last='Rumph']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1970938' first='Tucker' last='McWhirter']</strong>.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">7) East Lincoln Mustangs</h3>   <p>East Lincoln loses a lot, including a Power Four quarterback signee, but returns arguably the best player in the state, regardless of class, in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607779' first='Jaxon' last='Dollar']</strong>. The two-way athlete is likely a tight end at the next level, but impacts the game in multiple ways. Look for defensive back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='379100' first='Jacoby' last='Hunt']</strong> to build on a strong sophomore campaign.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">8) Northwest Cabarrus Trojans</h3>   <p>When I looked at some <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/5a-sleepers-in-2026/">5A sleepers</a>, the Trojans were one of the obvious choices. They were young last season, and the experience they got will be key this season. 2029 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1858006' first='Dom' last='Baker']</strong> led the team in sacks and tackles for loss from his safety position, while running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616134' first='Titus' last='Troy']</strong> flew up our 2028 rankings after a huge sophomore season.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">9) Hickory Red Tornadoes</h3>   <p>Hickory has plenty of young talent that will be counted on to replace departing stars. It's hard to believe the Red Tornadoes won't feel the effects of losing a few key guys, but running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2074450' first='Jaheem' last='Jenkins']</strong> and linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2084495' first='Tony' last='King']</strong> are proven stars. </p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">10) Franklin Panthers</h3>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1421089' first='Garrett' last='Young']</strong> is the two-way star for an up-and-coming 5A squad, after 1,800 scrimmage yards and 100 tackles. Can they get enough from emerging players like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1665290' first='Larry' last='Parker']</strong>, and can some of the other stars like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2138345' first='Daiveon' last='Hall']</strong> elevate their game even more? If so, the Panthers will be dangerous.</p>   <p><em>This is the time of year when we have the most time to dive into film, re-evaluate prospects, and change our minds about players. Send your film on Twitter/X (<a href="https://x.com/whelms21">@whelms21</a>), so I can evaluate you.</em></p>

Amidst plenty of county deep dives, I'm working my way through "way-too-early" classification previews. It's not too early to begin previewing the 2026 season, as many fans may not be familiar with some of the younger players who could be future stars in the 5A classification. I started with 6A, then looked at 8A and 4A, before finishing the even classifications with 2A. Friday, I previewed the 7A class, so in keeping with the odd theme, here's my way-too-early 5A Top 10.