Future Focus: Top ’22 Skill Players
A few weeks ago, we broke down the top defenders in the 2022 class, both on the defensive line and in the back seven. This week, we begin our look at the other side of the ball. The 2022 class…
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Continue ReadingA few weeks ago, we broke down the top defenders in the 2022 class, both on the defensive line and in the back seven. This week, we begin our look at the other side of the ball. The 2022 class has several skill players that have already made an impact for their varsity teams. Here are a few of the best from across the state.
Shaleak Knotts Shaleak Knotts 6'2" | 175 lbs | WR Monroe | 2022 State NC , 6’2 175, Monroe, WR/DB
Knotts burst onto the scene two years ago with a massive freshman season, starting on both offense and defense and racking up over 750 receiving yards. Knotts projects as an elite offensive player at any of the three main receiver positions. He excels both when the ball is in the air and after the catch, a combination that leads to a lot of big plays. A standout on the basketball court as well, Knotts’ athleticism has led to a lot of attention from major college programs.
Omarion Hampton Omarion Hampton 6'0" | 215 lbs | RB Cleveland | 2022 State NC , 6’ 215, Cleveland, RB
After playing well as a freshman, Hampton earned the starting role as a sophomore. To say he made the most of the opportunity would be an understatement. Hampton ran for over 2400 yards and 35 touchdowns. He’s a big bruising back that also happens to run a sub-4.5 40, traits that have colleges incredibly excited. It’ll be hard to top his sophomore performance, but Hampton should stil put up monster numbers as a junior.
Benji Gosnell Benji Gosnell 6'4" | 210 lbs | TE East Surry | 2022 State NC , 6’4 210, East Surry, TE
Like Knotts, Gosnell is a standout on both sides of the ball but we think he translates best as a tight end at the next level. Often, we think of big-bodied tight ends as being raw athletes that rely solely on their athleticism, but Gosnell is an excellent route runner with good hands. He knows how to find the soft spot in zone and excels as a safety net for his quarterback. Gosnell holds offers from several big-name schools and should receive more offers in the future.
Michael Allen Michael Allen 5'9" | 165 lbs | ATH JH Rose | 2022 State NC , 5’9 165, JH Rose, RB
Allen isn’t the biggest player you’ll ever see, but he’s incredibly explosive. Allen rarely dances and when he hits the hole he usually does so at full speed. Perhaps Allen’s greatest strength is that he rarely takes big hits, instead using his shiftiness to make it difficult for defenders to get clean contact on him. Allen holds offers from five of the six largest in-state schools and three other Power Five schools. He’ll be a hot target next year.
Dakota Twitty Dakota Twitty 6'5" | 225 lbs | WR Thomas Jefferson | 2022 State NC , 6’4 205, Thomas Jefferson Academy, WR
Some tall wide receivers struggle to fully use their height to their advantage. Twitty is not one of those receivers. The first thing that stands out on his tape is how much larger he is than the average defensive back. The second is how easily he climbs the ladder to make contested catches. He doesn’t have to have separation to be completely open, something colleges love from receivers. Twitty has received offers from dozens of schools including Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.