Catawba River Region 2027s Looking to Leave Mark

Dynamic two-way players.   Quarterbacks who can sling it around.   Defenders who meet the ball carrier with aggression when the ball comes their way.   Running backs who have been in their respective systems for a while and run hard.   Linemen who can clear the way on offense or clog up run lanes.   The talent in the Catawba River Region is plentiful, and as the 2026 season officially begins this week, our updated 2027 rankings are a reflection of how vast the pool is. Two of the state champions in 2025 came from the area and at least over a dozen guys have Power Four offers or they've already made a decision as to where they'll be playing on Saturdays in 2027. But before they get there, they want to leave their mark for their teams in 2026.   Here's a deep dive into our updated 2027 rankings featuring the zone's top five, guys who made their way into the rankings for the first time and why along with five guys who don't have as much recruiting attention right now, but we think that could change with a great senior year.   ZONE'S TOP FIVE   [player_tooltip player_id='232624' first='Xavier' last='Means'] QB, Northwestern    Means has been in Northwestern's Air Raid system and has patiently waited his turn. That patience paid off in 2025 as he helped the Trojans claim their second consecutive state championship in his first year as a starter. And he also did what other Trojan quarterbacks haven't been able to as well historically – pass and throw. He threw for 30 touchdowns while also rushing for 27 touchdowns. The East Carolina commit will keep defensive coordinators busy trying to figure out ways to slow him down in 2026.   [player_tooltip player_id='1591712' first='Seth' last='Tillman'] DL, South Pointe   Tillman was a force on the Stallions' defensive line last year with his ability to rush off the edge and make life hard for an opposing quarterback in 2025. He has great size and a motor that is always running. He can help stop the run effectively and helps the younger guys be where they need to be as well up front on the line. The Clemson commit will be one of the leaders on a Stallions' defense that had multiple shutouts last year and will look to continue that trend in 2026.   [player_tooltip player_id='1271263' first='KJ' last='Burg'] LB, Northwestern   Burg was a leading tackler for the Stallions' defense in 2025 and is aggressive as they come at the linebacker position. He has great football IQ and understands what an offense is trying to do. As soon as the ball is snapped, he's working to get into the backfield as quickly as possible. The Wofford commit has taken his talents across town to the Trojans and will be an added boost to an already talented Trojans' defense in 2026.   [player_tooltip player_id='1603727' first='Alex' last='Johnson'] DL, Catawba Ridge   Johnson is another guy off the edge that can make life difficult for opposing linemen. He can anticipate what an opposing linemen is going to do and attacks the line of scrimmage with a quick move and a great first step. Once he beats the offensive linemen, he's not stopping until he gets to the quarterback or whoever has the ball. The Boston College commit will lead an experienced group that is looking to take the next step.   [player_tooltip player_id='1283361' first='Jaylon' last='Richardson'] DB, Northwestern   Richardson is an active corner for the Trojans, as he had 29 solo tackles as well as three interceptions and eight pass breakups. Opposing quarterbacks did not try to throw to the Charleston Southern commit often as he could get teams out of rhythm and force them into long yardage situations, as he had 3.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks.   SLEEPERS NO MORE   [player_tooltip player_id='2254211' first='Josh' last='McClure'] DL, South Pointe   McClure saw time sparingly during the Stallions' run to a state championship in 2025, and will now be one of the feature guys up front on the defensive line. He typically rushes off the edge and is explosive and violent with his hand usage and we expect him to make life difficult for opposing left tackles all season long. He can contribute on special teams as hustled to the ball to make tackles and set up the defense.    [player_tooltip player_id='1821816' first='Smith' last='Stapleton'] DL, Fort Mill   Stapleton is talented at the defensive end spot for the Yellow Jackets. He has a motor that is always running and he can get after opposing quarterbacks. Even if he can't get home, he will affect the throw, and thus throwing off the timing – you'll know when he's there. He can also clog up running lanes and make it tough to run inside with his ability to fight off blocks at the line of scrimmage.   [player_tooltip player_id='1667267' first='J'Von' last='Kelly'] ATH, Andrew Jackson   Kelly will be the focal point for the Volunteers in 2026, beginning at running back and that should take some of the load off a new starting quarterback taking the reins. He runs with a burst of power and speed and he doesn't try to dance in space and make people miss. He's patient enough to wait for his blocks to open up and make plays when they present themselves. He can also catch the ball out of the backfield, and flip over on defense and help out there as needed.   [player_tooltip player_id='1819631' first='Ty'Quan' last='Brice'] LB, South Pointe   Brice had an active year for the Stallions during his junior season. He can diagnose plays quickly and get into the backfield. One of those attributes includes being able to blitz effectively once the ball is snapped. He can read the quarterback's eyes well and his break is fun to watch, as he had several interceptions taken back to the house. He's a hard hitter on special teams as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='1824661' first='TJ' last='Bratton'] TE, York   Bratton is a tall pass catcher who can flex out at wide receiver or come into the box at the tight end. His impact on the game can't be understated. That size is a matchup problem for opposing defenders and he has smooth hands to be able to go up and make the contested catches, like we saw at the Carolinas Coaches Combine this spring and he should be a viable outlet for the Cougars receiving room in 2026.   RECRUITS ON TAP   [player_tooltip player_id='1404968' first='Jackson' last='Hill'] DL, Clover   The two-time All Region selection returns for his final season for the Blue Eagles. And he can get after an opposing quarterback off the edge and defeat one-on-one blocks to affect what an offense wants to do. His physicality against the run is impressive as he can chase down the ball carrier before they can get going and build momentum. The multi-sport athlete currently has a few offers, including Erskine and Anderson, and we feel that could grow in 2026.   [player_tooltip player_id='1407416' first='Aaron' last='Shealey'] QB, Clover   Shealey is a dual threat signal-caller for the Blue Eagles, and the potential is there for him to make some noise in new coach Bennett Swygert's spread system. He can let it fly and get it out to his receivers in space. He excels in the quick game and he has a good presence in the pocket with good size and ability to create when a play breaks down. Speaking of that, he has wheels on him that can catch you off guard if you don't account for him defensively. He currently has one offer from North Carolina Central and we don't think that will be the only one.   [player_tooltip player_id='1603999' first='Caleb' last='Feaster'] RB, Chester   Feaster is a solid north and south runner who can beat you with power and speed. He is patient to wait for his blocks to open and then explodes for big runs behind the blocks of his offensive line. When he gets out into the open field, if you're in his way, he can run you over and can get yards after contact. He will be a huge focal point for the Cyclones offense with new head coach Jerry Caldwell leading the way. He currently has offers from Coastal Carolina and North Greenville.   [player_tooltip player_id='1664364' first='Dwayne' last='Louallen'] QB, Central (pictured)   Louallen is another dual-threat quarterback who lit up the scoreboard for the Eagles on their way to the semifinals in 2025. He threw for over 1,600 yards and 17 passing touchdowns along with nearly 700 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. He has great size for the position and can scramble around when a play breaks down along with good pocket presence to go along with an accurate arm.   [player_tooltip player_id='1266099' first='Broden' last='Mitcheson'] RB, Fort Mill   Mitcheson is a multi-faceted running back that runs hard with the ball in his hands. He is a difference maker with his speed and ability to make plays in space, particularly in catching the ball out of the backfield. He even got a chance to take snaps at quarterback in the first round of the playoffs against Catawba Ridge. He ran for over 1,000 yards in 2025. If you're looking for a downhill running back with speed, Mitcheson is your guy.

Dynamic two-way players.

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Catawba River Region 2027s Looking to Leave Mark

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