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<p>Our 2028 watchlist is huge, and this summer, we're going through it to highlight a few of the guys we think could make an impact in 2026. Like most of our lists, we'll start with the quarterbacks. Which watchlist quarterbacks could join the rankings in 2026?</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2028 Watchlist QB Check-In</h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Established Starters</h3>
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<p>There are a few watchlist quarterbacks who have ample starting experience, but aren't yet ranked. A strong start to the season would likely push them into the rankings at the midseason update.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">While Knox started last year at HPCA, we didn't see his film until later this offseason. He managed a run-heavy team well, while quarterbacking a state championship squad. We expect the coaching staff to put more on his plate in 2026 and look forward to seeing what he can do with more volume.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Holland started a handful of games, several of them against high-quality defenses. He was forced into a lot of obvious passing situations and put under a lot of pressure, making it difficult to properly evaluate him. That said, he flashed excellent potential and we think he could be one of the better passers in the Carolina Pines 6A conference.</p>
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<p><strong>Other Returning Starters:</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Nicholas Smith</strong> | E.E. Smith</p>
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<p><strong>Landon Brogdon</strong> | Wakefield</p>
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<p><strong>Sion Stevenson</strong> | Ragsdale</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">New Starters</h3>
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<p>Often, we throw guys on the watchlist who we know will likely start in the future. It's a big reason why we often have more watchlisted quarterbacks than other positions (Only one guy can start at a time). These guys are confirmed or likely starters in 2026 who don't have much prior varsity experience.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">The Union Pines staff is high on Blue, who also impressed some of my colleagues at our Prep Redzone Showcasse last December. He's entering an explosive offense with stability, both on the offensive line and at the skill positions, which is vital for any young quarterback's development. His arm talent is impressive, especially for his size.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Norris checks a lot of the boxes you want checked from your likely starter. He has great size and in limited past reps he's shown great anticipation. That allows his receivers to get upfield more quickly and maximize yardage after the catch. That's a good fit in his Newton-Conover offense, and we think he'll have a great season.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Huffman was behind a 2,400-yard passer last season who will be tough to replace. That said, while we don't yet have confirmation he'll start for the 6A contenders, he was the only other player on the roster to attempt passes last season. Two of Freedom's top three receivers are returning and the schedule is manageable, so the talented Huffman is walking into a nice situation.</p>
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<p><strong>Other Potential Starters:</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Jason Battle</strong> | Rocky Mount</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Waiting Patiently</h3>
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<p>A few guys are sitting patiently for their opportunity. We may not see a ton of them in 2026, but we'll be ready for their future breakouts.</p>
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<p><em>Editor's Note: If one or two of these guys ultimately sees significant playing time this season, we won't be surprised, but as of now, that's not necessarily an expectation.</em></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Sometimes, talented passers sit on the bench. After all, there are only a handful of FCS commits at the position across the state and Clinard is behind one of them. In relief last year, he was excellent, completing 23 of 28 passes for three touchdowns. He has good poise in the pocket, and since he holds the ball high and tight, it doesn't take him long to get the ball out.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Shepherd played some in relief of a departing senior last season, and was used often as a runner, finishing third ont he team in carries. As he develops his accuracy, especially on the run, he's going to be difficult to stop, thanks to his athleticism and arm strength.</p>
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<p><strong>Other Names To Know</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Braydon Thomas</strong> | Providence Grove</p>
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<p><strong>Steven Mikkelsen</strong> | Seventy-First</p>
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Our 2028 watchlist is huge, and this summer, we're going through it to highlight a few of the guys we think could make an impact in 2026. Like most of our lists, we'll start with the quarterbacks. Which watchlist quarterbacks could join the rankings in 2026?
2028 Watchlist QB Check-In
Established Starters
There are a few watchlist quarterbacks who have ample starting experience, but aren't yet ranked. A strong start to the season would likely push them into the rankings at the midseason update.
While Knox started last year at HPCA, we didn't see his film until later this offseason. He managed a run-heavy team well, while quarterbacking a state championship squad. We expect the coaching staff to put more on his plate in 2026 and look forward to seeing what he can do with more volume.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Holland started a handful of games, several of them against high-quality defenses. He was forced into a lot of obvious passing situations and put under a lot of pressure, making it difficult to properly evaluate him. That said, he flashed…
Often, we throw guys on the watchlist who we know will likely start in the future. It's a big reason why we often have more watchlisted quarterbacks than other positions (Only one guy can start at a time). These guys are confirmed or likely starters in 2026 who don't have much prior varsity experience.
The Union Pines staff is high on Blue, who also impressed some of my colleagues at our Prep Redzone Showcasse last December. He's entering an explosive offense with stability, both on the offensive line and at the skill positions, which…
Norris checks a lot of the boxes you want checked from your likely starter. He has great size and in limited past reps he's shown great anticipation. That allows his receivers to get upfield more quickly and maximize yardage after the catch. That's a good fit in his Newton-Conover offense, and we think he'll have a great season.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Huffman was behind a 2,400-yard passer last season who will be tough to replace. That said, while we don't yet have confirmation he'll start for the 6A contenders, he was the only other player on the roster to attempt passes last season. Two of Freedom's top three receivers are returning and the schedule is manageable, so the talented Huffman is walking into a nice situation.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Highlights
Other Potential Starters:
Jason Battle | Rocky Mount
Waiting Patiently
A few guys are sitting patiently for their opportunity. We may not see a ton of them in 2026, but we'll be ready for their future breakouts.
Editor's Note: If one or two of these guys ultimately sees significant playing time this season, we won't be surprised, but as of now, that's not necessarily an expectation.
Sometimes, talented passers sit on the bench. After all, there are only a handful of FCS commits at the position across the state and Clinard is behind one of them. In relief last year, he was excellent, completing 23 of 28 passes for three touchdowns. He has good poise in the pocket, and since he holds the ball high and tight, it doesn't take him long to get the ball out.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Shepherd played some in relief of a departing senior last season, and was used often as a runner, finishing third ont he team in carries. As he develops his accuracy, especially on the run, he's going to be difficult to stop, thanks to his athleticism and arm strength.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Highlights
Other Names To Know
Braydon Thomas | Providence Grove
Steven Mikkelsen | Seventy-First
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