Metro 6A/7A Preview: Grimsley

The Metro 6A/7A Preview begins with the defending 7A state champions, Grimsley. I had the opportunity to watch the Whirlies close out last season with a state championship victory, and it's easy to see why they've become one of North Carolina's premier programs. Although they graduated a large senior class, the championship culture remains intact. With talented players stepping into bigger roles and the expectation of winning never changing, Grimsley enters 2026 focused on making another run at a state title.    [player_tooltip player_id='1048930' first='Brody' last='Lowe'] is one of the most accurate young quarterbacks I've seen this offseason. I covered the rising sophomore at a couple of 7-on-7 tournaments this spring, and he was lights out. Lowe consistently delivered the football on time and on target, showing outstanding ball placement, touch, and poise beyond his years. He processes the field well, makes quick decisions, and throws a very catchable ball. If his development continues at this pace, Lowe has all the tools to develop into one of the top quarterbacks in North Carolina's 2029 class.     [player_tooltip player_id='1607067' first='Andrew' last='Rogers'] is one of the premier edge rushers in North Carolina and enters his senior season with sky-high expectations. The 6-foot-6, 240-pound standout recently flipped his commitment from Virginia Tech to ECU, giving the Pirates one of the state's top defensive prospects. After recording an incredible 23 sacks last season, Rogers has the size, length, and relentless motor to put together another dominant campaign. With his combination of power, athleticism, and pass-rushing instincts, don't be surprised if he eclipses the 20-sack mark once again.     [player_tooltip player_id='1815393' first='Ty' last='Shoemake'] is one of the top running backs in North Carolina and is poised for an even bigger role this season. The rising junior rushed for over 1,000 yards and 16 rushing touchdowns (17 total scores) while averaging 8.5 yards per carry, establishing himself as one of the state's most productive backs.   Already holding multiple Division I offers, Shoemake combines size, power, and downhill explosiveness. At 6-foot, 210 pounds, he's a bruising runner who thrives through contact but has enough burst to break long runs once he reaches the second level. Entering the season as the No. 2 running back in North Carolina's Class of 2028, expect Shoemake to be a major force in Grimsley's pursuit of another state championship.     [player_tooltip player_id='2005242' first='Jordan' last='Davis'] is one of the rising stars in Grimsley's receiving corps and looks poised for a breakout season. I covered Davis at multiple 7-on-7 tournaments this spring, where he consistently earned Top Performer honors. His route-running is already at an elite level, creating outstanding separation at the top of his routes with sharp cuts and polished technique. Pair that with dependable hands—he catches just about everything thrown his way—and it's easy to see why he's becoming one of the most dangerous young receivers in the state. Expect Davis to play a major role in Grimsley's offense this fall.     The No. 1 offensive lineman in our rankings is now a Duke commit, [player_tooltip player_id='2204831' first='Gavin' last='Milton']. At 6'6”, 300 pounds, Milton is a mountain of a man with the frame, length, and power you look for up front. His long arms allow him to control defenders, and what really separates him is how well he can run and move at his size. Milton has the athletic profile, physical tools, and upside to be a major piece for Duke in the trenches.     [player_tooltip player_id='1051029' first='Tristan' last='Wardlaw'] enters his rising junior season as one of the top edge prospects in the Class of 2028, ranking inside our Top 20. I expect him to make a major jump this fall. Wardlaw is quick, powerful, and versatile enough to line up anywhere along the defensive front. He has the speed and athleticism to stand up, rush off the edge, or even drop into coverage when needed. With his combination of size, versatility, and upside, Wardlaw is a prospect college coaches—and fans—should remember.     [player_tooltip player_id='1788066' first='Makai' last='Yon'] is one of the leaders in Grimsley's secondary and a true playmaker at safety. The 5'10", 185-pound defensive back has the size and physicality to be an effective tackler, but his biggest strength is his ball-hawking ability. Yon has a knack for finding the football and creating turnovers, and he proved it on the biggest stage by recording a game-sealing interception in last season's state championship victory. Expect him to once again be one of the defensive leaders for the Whirlies this fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='2112036' first='Guy' last='Vann'] is a force on the interior defensive line and one of the most disruptive linemen in the state. The 6'3", 260-pound standout recently earned an offer from NC State, and it's easy to see why. Vann possesses tremendous strength, consistently commands double teams, and is nearly impossible to block one-on-one. His combination of power, leverage, and relentless motor makes him a game-changing presence in the trenches and a player offense must account for on every snap.

The Metro 6A/7A Preview begins with the defending 7A state champions, Grimsley. I had the opportunity to watch the Whirlies close out last season with a state championship victory, and it's easy to see why they've become one of North Carolina's premier programs. Although they graduated a large senior class, the championship culture remains intact. With talented players stepping into bigger roles and the expectation of winning never changing, Grimsley enters 2026 focused on making another run at a state title.