2028 New Additions: Offense + Athletes

In case you missed it, we released our final preseason rankings update for the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/updated-2028-north-carolina-rankings/">2028 class</a>. I've already gone <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2028-rankings-preseason-update/">behind the scenes</a> of the update, and my colleague, Josh Graham, looked at the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/new-additions-2028-defensive-players/">new defensive players</a> and the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/stock-risers-2028-defensive-players/">defensive stock-risers</a> for the class. Earlier, I broke down several <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/top-2028-offensive-stock-risers/">offensive stock-risers</a> from the class. Here, I'm looking at some of the biggest new additions for the 2028 rankings update.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top 2028 Offensive New Additions</h2>   Editor's Note: Since we had nearly 90 new additions, I'm breaking down the seven highest-ranked, then listing a few others who have my attention heading into the season.   Second Editor's Note: Several of our top "new additions" are either transfers into the state or reclassifications. I used my own discretion about which of those players to include in this piece.    Humphrey has the frame of a Division I tackle, and already shows plenty of raw strength. He's also a refined technician, and when that weight eventually comes, there won't be much lacking in his evaluation. The footwork, pad level, balance, and leg drive are excellent, and it's a shame we didn't rank him earlier.     Rowland comes to North Carolina from Georgia, and we think he can cut it here. He's already shown himself to be dangerous with the ball in his hands, and NECP will try to get him the ball in a variety of ways this season. He's shifty, fast, and makes smart decisions about when and where to make his cuts.     Joiner isn't a typical preseason add to the rankings. He was fantastic last year, especially as a corner, and I can see him continuing to move up as we get better looks at him. He has excellent length and speed, and he has the ball production, with four interceptions last season. R-S Central also used his speed at receiver, and he averaged over 25 yards per catch last year.     Pressley is as versatile a high school lineman as you'll find. He can play all three interior spots and has some experience at tackle as well. He's even taken some short-yardage handoffs. We like him best on the interior, where his athleticism allows him to reach the second and third levels of the defense. He should be a key piece for Piedmont this season.     Smith is a long tackle with a good frame and a massive (7-foot) wingspan. He played both tackle spots, and we love his pass-blocking highlights. At his best, he's a stalwart, nearly impossible to get around. He anchors well and has the strength and length to stop defensive ends before they can get to his body. Keep an eye out for Smith as a potential riser.     From the outset of Ikerd's highlight tape, you know what you're getting. He's an athletic guard who excels at getting to the second level. He flashes a nastiness and desire to not just move defenders out of the way, but to punish them and set the tone. He's a violent puller and willing run blocker. He's added some weight to his frame, and if he cleans up some of his footwork in pass protection, we'll hear a lot more from him in the coming months.     Watch out for Nesbitt, who doesn't have much varsity experience, but could be a star in 2026. I've heard from several around the program that Nesbitt is one to watch in the immediate future. I felt confident enough in the intel I heard (and the little bit of film we've seen) to move him into the rankings before the season. Expect Nesbitt to be a big part of the Rolesville passing attack.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other New Offensive Additions of Note</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1097767' first='Trevor' last='Howard'] | OL | Southeast Raleigh   [player_tooltip player_id='1953800' first='Malachi' last='Prah-Ennin'] | OL | Cannon School   [player_tooltip player_id='2245314' first='Thomas' last='Semmler'] | OL | Christ the King   [player_tooltip player_id='2176273' first='Khimani' last='Nelson'] | WR | Ayden-Grifton   [player_tooltip player_id='2232659' first='Chase' last='Watts'] | QB | Felton Grove   [player_tooltip player_id='2190831' first='Bryce' last='Thomas'] | QB | Leesville Road   [player_tooltip player_id='2226281' first='DJ' last='Baker'] | RB | Southern Nash   [player_tooltip player_id='1654910' first='Mak' last='Anderson'] | QB | Christ School   Stay tuned for a 2029 rankings update, 2030 watchlist debut, and our Week 1 coverage next week.

In case you missed it, we released our final preseason rankings update for the 2028 class. I've already gone behind the scenes of the update, and my colleague, Josh Graham, looked at the new defensive players and the defensive stock-risers for the class. Earlier, I broke down several offensive stock-risers from the class. Here, I'm looking at some of the biggest new additions for the 2028 rankings update.