Doryan Jones Doryan Jones 5'8" | 195 lbs | RB Hunt | 2028 State NC is one of the most productive sophomores in the state coming off last season. He led his team to a state championship appearance while putting up nearly 2,000 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. A true home run threat who can score from anywhere on the field, Jones is quickly emerging as one of the brightest young stars in North Carolina.

In almost any other county, 1,800 yards and 21 touchdowns would earn a player the top spot in the rankings. Here, Jones settles for second, but he’s one of the best backs in the state. He’s smooth in the open field and incredibly shifty. Even though he’s a shorter back, Jones doesn’t get squared up in the open field, and he doesn’t take big hits.

Jones is another player who entered the rankings for the first time in October and then took his game to another level in the back half of the season, particularly during Hunt’s run to the 5A State Title game. In fact, when I wrote about him for the first time in October, I mentioned he could crack the 1,000-yard mark. He ran for over 1,850 yards. Since then, we’ve featured the compact, patient running back numerous times and have him as one of the top returning backs in the state next season.

Doryan Jones Doryan Jones 5'8" | 195 lbs | RB Hunt | 2028 State NC put the finishing touches on a breakout sophomore season with yet another efficient performance, eclipsing the 100-yard mark on just 16 carries. His vision, burst, and balance consistently turned routine runs into chain-moving plays, and he showed the ability to control the tempo even in a championship setting. With Jones leading the backfield, Hunt will be a strong and dangerous team next season, built around his ability to run through contact and create explosive gains. Jones is a phenomenal athlete whose continued development makes him one of the key building blocks for Hunt’s future.

Doryan Jones Doryan Jones 5'8" | 195 lbs | RB Hunt | 2028 State NC is the definition of a complete back — powerful, quick, and explosive in space. He runs through contact, hits the edge with real burst, and can catch the ball naturally out of the backfield. In last week’s semifinal, Jones posted 98 yards and 1 TD, once again showing he can carry the workload when Hunt needs him most.

With his ability to run between the tackles, bounce outside, and hurt defenses in the passing game, Jones is a legitimate MVP candidate in this 5A championship. If the game turns into the shootout many expect, don’t be surprised if Jones becomes the steady force — and the spark — that keeps Hunt trading blows for four quarters.

Doryan Jones Doryan Jones 5'8" | 195 lbs | RB Hunt | 2028 State NC is quickly becoming a rising star in the 910. The sophomore RB has been stacking 100-plus yard performances week after week, and he did it again in a way that almost snuck up on you. Even in a game where it didn’t feel like he carried the load that heavily, Jones quietly racked up 20 carries for 162 yards and a touchdown. His consistency, vision, and ability to rip off chunk gains are turning him into one of the most reliable young backs in the region — and his ceiling keeps climbing.

Doryan Jones Doryan Jones 5'8" | 195 lbs | RB Hunt | 2028 State NC delivered a true workhorse performance in Round 3, carrying the Hunt offense on his back from start to finish. The junior piled up 27 carries for 195 yards and 3 touchdowns, showing toughness, patience, and elite endurance in a physical playoff battle. Jones consistently fought through contact, extended drives, and wore down the defense with his relentless running style. In a game where every yard mattered, he proved to be the difference-maker— embodying exactly what playoff football is all about.

Jones is the supercharger to the engine of the Hunt offense — the player who turns routine touches into game-breaking moments. The sophomore is already one of the most electric young playmakers in the region, showing the rare ability to score from anywhere on the field. Whether he’s slipping tackles, hitting the edge with speed, or fighting through contact for extra yards, Jones brings a toughness and explosiveness that defenses struggle to contain. As Hunt looks to keep advancing, expect Jones to continue being the spark that ignites their entire offense.

Jones is on pace for 1,000 yards as a sophomore, and he’s doing it against some quality opponents. He’s at his best as a one-cut runner, and Hunt has done an excellent job of getting him off-tackle, where he can plant and get up the field. That’s because he has excellent acceleration and some wiggle in the hole. He’s an intriguing young back who we’ll follow carefully.