Robeson County Jamboree Obervations

The Robeson County Jamboree has become one of the premier events to kick off the high school football season in the 910, and this year's edition didn't disappoint. Hosted by Fairmont High School, the jamboree brought together programs from across the region, along with visiting teams including Marlboro out of South Carolina, giving the night an added level of competition. The talent on the field was impressive, with Power Four prospects, established college recruits, and several younger names ready to break onto the recruiting radar all getting an opportunity to compete. With that much talent in one place, plenty of players made their presence felt. Here are some of the top prospects who flashed at the Robeson County Jamboree.    [player_tooltip player_id='2268051' first='Lucas' last='Tyner'] looked poised and comfortable running the offense for Purnell Swett. The Rams kept things fairly basic during the jamboree, so Tyner wasn't asked to do too much, but when his number was called, he delivered. He showed a strong arm and the ability to push the football downfield with ease, while also displaying the patience and decision-making you want from a young quarterback. Tyner has waited for his opportunity, and now it's his turn to take control of the offense. He looks focused, confident, and ready to lead the Rams this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2268053' first='Seth' last='Brooks'] made his presence felt at the jamboree, finding the end zone and showing why he could become one of Purnell Swett's go-to playmakers this season. Brooks has a great frame with impressive speed, showing the ability to create separation and stretch the field vertically. His touchdown came on a contested catch in the end zone, where he did a great job competing for the football and finishing the play. Listed as a WR/DB, Brooks brings athleticism and versatility to both sides of the ball, but his combination of size, speed, and ball skills could make him a major weapon in the Rams' passing attack.     [player_tooltip player_id='2268056' first='Caleb' last='Locklear'] brings a physical presence to the Purnell Swett backfield. The senior runner is tough to bring down and consistently runs behind his pads, allowing him to fight through contact and keep the chains moving. Locklear showed strong footwork at the jamboree, making quick cuts while maintaining his balance and running with power. He looks like the type of back the Rams can lean on when they need tough yards and first downs. Entering his final season, Locklear looks strong, determined, and ready for a breakout senior campaign.     Sincere McKinley may have been the brightest star on the field for West Bladen at the jamboree. He showed the ability to impact the game on both sides of the football, but his speed immediately stood out when the Knights put the ball in his hands. McKinley received a couple of touches on jet sweeps and was one cut away from taking them to the house, showing real burst once he turned the corner. He can flat-out run, and West Bladen will have plenty of ways to get the ball into his hands this season. McKinley looks like a player who can become a difference-maker in all three phases for the Knights.     [player_tooltip player_id='2268060' first='Andrew' last='Lowry'] stepped into his role as the new starting quarterback for St. Pauls and looked comfortable commanding the offense. The 2029 prospect showed a strong arm, confidence in the pocket, and decisive decision-making, getting the football out without hesitation when he saw his read. It was only a preseason scrimmage, but Lowry carried himself like the moment wasn't too big for him. There will naturally be growth as he gains varsity experience, but his early poise and arm talent give St. Pauls an intriguing young quarterback to build around.     [player_tooltip player_id='2268061' first='Malikah' last='Locklear'] is one of the most important two-way pieces for St. Pauls heading into the season. Defensively, he is a leader in the secondary, bringing experience and playmaking ability to the back end of the defense. On offense, Locklear is also one of the Bulldogs' top receiving threats and should be a go-to target for their young quarterback. His ability to make an impact on both sides of the football makes him a player St. Pauls will lean on heavily this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1656785' first='Antwan' last='McKoy'], one of the top defensive linemen in the state and a USC commit, had his hands full going up against a big, physical Marlboro County offensive line during the scrimmage. Marlboro made it a priority to slow him down, consistently sending double teams his way. McKoy showed both his mental and physical toughness, battling through the extra attention without allowing it to take him out of the game. Even with two blockers accounting for him on many snaps, he was still able to create penetration, disrupt the backfield, and impact the run game. That ability to command multiple blockers while still making his presence felt is exactly what separates McKoy as an elite defensive line prospect.     [player_tooltip player_id='2111037' first='Dallas' last='Richardson'], a 2028 edge prospect for St. Paul's, showed impressive versatility along the defensive front during the scrimmage. He was moved around and played both edge positions as well as snaps on the interior, where he was tasked with taking on and defeating double teams. Despite the added attention inside, Richardson held his ground well, using his strength and effort to stay active in the play. On the edge, he displayed his ability to set the edge and apply pressure, showing flashes of a developing pass-rush skill set. His ability to line up in multiple spots and still be effective against different blocking schemes highlights his growing value as a flexible defensive weapon.     [player_tooltip player_id='1685581' first='Tariq' last='Leggett'] is a three-star prospect with offers from ECU and Wake Forest, and he flashed exactly why during Fairmont's scrimmage. The 6'2”, 184-pound two-way athlete showed off his elite combination of size and 4.4 speed on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Leggett hauled in a 40-plus-yard bomb, displaying his ability to stretch the field vertically and become a home-run threat whenever the ball is in his hands.   Defensively, his versatility may be even more impressive. Leggett came downhill from the secondary and delivered some big hits on receivers and ball carriers. When he lines up at high safety, quarterbacks have to know exactly where he is and think twice about attacking his area of the field. He also has the size and physicality to play as an overhang defender, in the alley, or even in a weakside linebacker/rover role. Leggett is a true chess piece defensively with the athleticism to impact the game from multiple spots.     [player_tooltip player_id='2268062' first='Jamarion' last='Brown'] was easily one of the biggest surprises of the day. Even in a shortened scrimmage, the 2027 Fairmont quarterback absolutely dominated, finishing with over 100 yards both rushing and passing while keeping the offense moving consistently. Brown was a threat to score every time he touched the ball, yet he remained under control, protected the football, and avoided taking a sack.   Physically, Brown really stands out once you see him up close. He has a strong, well-built frame and is much bigger than he appears from a distance. Combine that physicality with his elusiveness, and he becomes extremely difficult to bring down in space. He produced several explosive plays, including a deep bomb through the air and a 60-plus-yard run where he was finally brought down at the two-yard line. Brown showed legitimate dual-threat ability and put together one of the most impressive performances of the entire scrimmage.     [player_tooltip player_id='1709614' first='Cassell' last='Cruickshank'] continues to show why he is considered one of the premier athletes in the country in the 2028 class. He has everything you want from a high-level edge prospect—size, length, athleticism, power, and explosiveness—but his elite get-off is what truly separates him. At times during the scrimmage, his first step was simply overwhelming.   With it being a scrimmage, Cruickshank wasn't finishing plays by taking the quarterback to the ground, but he still got home several times and consistently disrupted the pocket. Running backs attempting to chip him had almost no chance of slowing him down once he exploded off the line. He is already a monster on the field, but the scary part is how much better he can still become.   The projected five-star prospect has only scratched the surface of his potential. This is just his fourth year playing football, and he is already displaying traits that very few edge defenders possess. As his technique and understanding of the position continue to develop, Cruickshank's ceiling is about as high as it gets.     [player_tooltip player_id='2268064' first='Willie' last='Winston'] has an elite combination of size, speed, and quickness that immediately jumps out when you watch him play. Standing close to 6'3” with long arms, Winston already possesses the type of frame college programs look for in a defensive back. What makes him even more intriguing is that he was also one of the fastest athletes on the field.   Winston wasn't tested much through the air during the scrimmage, but that didn't stop him from making his presence felt. He was around nearly every play that came to his side and consistently showed the range to get involved on plays developing on the opposite side of the field. One of his best efforts came late when he used his closing speed to run down the quarterback and prevent what looked like a sure touchdown.   Winston has all the physical tools of a big-time defensive back prospect. With increased production and exposure this season, expect his name to shoot up recruiting boards. He has the size, range, athleticism, and speed that are difficult to teach—a can't-miss college prospect in the 2028 class.     [player_tooltip player_id='2325223' first='Kamron' last='Sharif'] may be new to the Golden Bulls, but his impact was seen and felt immediately. Sharif looks the part of a true middle linebacker—big, fast, physical, and aggressive. During the scrimmage, he showed impressive sideline-to-sideline range and consistently arrived at the football with bad intentions.   What really stood out was his ability to attack downhill. Good luck trying to slow Sharif down when E.E. Smith sends him through the A-gap this season. He has the burst to shoot through openings quickly and the strength to finish once he gets into the backfield. His combination of size, speed, and physicality gives the Golden Bulls a legitimate presence in the middle of their defense.   Sharif looks ready to make an immediate impact in his new home. If this scrimmage was any indication, expect the 2028 linebacker to be a problem for opposing offenses all season.

The Robeson County Jamboree has become one of the premier events to kick off the high school football season in the 910, and this year's edition didn't disappoint. Hosted by Fairmont High School, the jamboree brought together programs from across the region, along with visiting teams including Marlboro out of South Carolina, giving the night an added level of competition. The talent on the field was impressive, with Power Four prospects, established college recruits, and several younger names ready to break onto the recruiting radar all getting an opportunity to compete. With that much talent in one place, plenty of players made their presence felt. Here are some of the top prospects who flashed at the Robeson County Jamboree.