Carolina Sharks Practice 1 Top Performers

Fayetteville, N.C.-The 10th season of Carolina Sharks 7v7 Football kicked off with some of the top athletes from across the “Carolina Recruits footprint” (843, 910, 252) ready to showcase their skills. As the longest-running 7v7 program in North Carolina, the Carolina Sharks have a proud tradition of developing talent, with hundreds of athletes advancing to college programs. In 2024, the program reached a major milestone, celebrating its first NFL draftee—a testament to its continued growth and impact on the football landscape.   PrepRedZone was on hand at this year's "Shark Showcase" with several athletes catching our eye.     CR MVP: QB Khayel Sam-Fong-Talia - Dillon Middle School    Khayel arrived at practice a bit late, fresh off his appearance at the Under Armour All-American Bowl, but wasted no time getting to work. The competition was stiff, with Talia and the other quarterbacks showcasing impressive size and strong arms. What set Khayel apart, however, were his exceptional leadership qualities and poise. Despite being just 14 years old, he displayed elite ball placement—an ability rarely seen at such a young age. Khayel's combination of talent and maturity makes him a standout prospect with a bright future ahead.    2. TE [player_tooltip player_id='1576586' first='River' last='Thayne'] - Carolina Forest High School    River made an impressive debut in 7-on-7 competition! The 6'1”, 250-pound tight end showcased more than just decent speed—he was a reliable target, hauling in nearly every pass thrown his way. His explosive release off the line, paired with remarkable body control for his size, made him a tough matchup for defenders. River's highlight of the day came on a back-shoulder fade, where he adjusted mid-route and made a spectacular diving catch. A dynamic blend of size, athleticism, and skill, River proved to be a key offensive weapon.    3. CB DJ Drew JR - Seventy-First High School    Player Spotlight: DJ, Seventy-First Falcons   DJ played a crucial role in leading the Seventy-First Falcons to their second consecutive state championship appearance. A standout on the defensive side of the ball, DJ demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership during the the recent practice. His performance was highlighted by multiple pass breakups, a pair of interceptions, and consistent success in one-on-one matchups. DJ also showcased strong communication skills, effectively coordinating with the rest of the secondary. His ability to read the game and make plays under pressure solidifies him as one of the top defensive performers for the Falcons.    4. WR Chosen Wynn - Cape Fear High School    Chosen Wynn has dynamic, big-play ability written all over him. Standing nearly 6'4”, he's a polished route runner who makes difficult catches look effortless. As a junior, Wynn is poised to be one of the top receiver prospects in the 910 area. A true vertical threat, he creates separation off the line with quick, precise footwork and uses his large frame and long arms to shield defenders effectively. His blend of size, athleticism, and skill makes him a game-changer in any offense.    5. WR [player_tooltip player_id='1394644' first='William' last='Moore']-South View High School    Will may come off as diminutive in stature, but his game is far from that. Moore is physical enough to carry the ball between the tackles and fast enough to line up outside and really produce. Saturday, Moore lined every on the offense except QB and scored. He is a mismatch for any linebacker or safety and is a tough cover for most corners.    6. LB [player_tooltip player_id='1720433' first='Dontrell' last='Mims']-Hoke High School    Dontrell had an outstanding performance on Saturday. The junior linebacker for the Hoke County Bucks brings the intensity and physicality you'd expect from a top-tier 4A player. He excelled in coverage, confidently putting his hands on tight ends while showcasing the speed and agility to keep up with running backs and slot receivers. Mims has the rare combination of speed, strength, and versatility that makes him a standout prospect for the next level. It'll be exciting to see how far his hard work takes him this offseason.    7. RB Tai Philips - Cape Fear High Schoolr    Tai Phillips was easily one of the most explosive athletes on the field Saturday. Known primarily as a dynamic running threat, Phillips showcased his ability to run crisp routes and catch passes out of the backfield, adding another dimension to his game. This versatility significantly boosts his recruitment value. As a sophomore, he's already positioned to be the top underclassman running back prospect in the area next season. With a strong 7-on-7 season highlighting his pass-catching skills, Phillips has the potential to emerge as one of the top underclassman recruits in the entire state.    8. QB [player_tooltip player_id='1453983' first='Geronimo' last='Sanchez'] - Cape Fear High School    [player_tooltip player_id='1453983' first='Geronimo' last='Sanchez'] delivered a solid performance on Saturday, displaying pinpoint accuracy on deep passes and consistently hitting his deep outs. With one of the strongest arms in the city, Sanchez isn't afraid to unleash it, making him a constant threat to stretch the field. The Cape Fear Colt benefited from having two of his teammates on hand, which paid dividends during critical third-down reps. Sanchez can truly spin the ball, and once he builds more chemistry with the rest of his receiving corps, he'll be even more dangerous. As one of the top quarterback prospects in the 910 area, Sanchez should be high on every recruiting board.    9. QB [player_tooltip player_id='870217' first='Tanner' last='Payne'] - West Carteret    [player_tooltip player_id='870217' first='Tanner' last='Payne'] delivered some of the prettiest, most catchable passes on the field Saturday, with every throw—a tight spiral—whether long or short. Nicknamed “Sunshine,” Payne was one of North Carolina's top-performing quarterbacks this past season, an impressive feat for his first year as a varsity starter. Despite his success, Payne remains humble and driven, fully aware of the areas he can improve—an intangible quality that sets him apart. With a rocket arm and a natural competitive edge, Payne has the tools to thrive at the next level and should, at minimum, land with an FCS program.    10. DB Tyquise Wilson - James Kenan    Tyquise Wilson joined the Sharks fresh off one of the best seasons his James Kenan Tigers have had in years. A versatile athlete in high school, Wilson is now honing in on his future position: cornerback. He showed exactly what it takes to play DB at the next level, with quick feet, violent hands, and sharp instincts. Wilson's route recognition and playmaking ability stood out, making him a tough matchup for receivers. His combination of skill, athleticism, and football IQ positions him as a top defensive back prospect moving forward.

Fayetteville, N.C.-The 10th season of Carolina Sharks 7v7 Football kicked off with some of the top athletes from across the “Carolina Recruits footprint” (843, 910, 252) ready to showcase their skills. As the longest-running 7v7 program in North Carolina, the Carolina Sharks have a proud tradition of developing talent, with hundreds of athletes advancing to college programs. In 2024, the program reached a major milestone, celebrating its first NFL draftee—a testament to its continued growth and impact on the football landscape.