Twitter Film Room: February Freshmen Part 1
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We roll on in our film review series after touching on the 2024s (Found here) and 2025s (Found here). Every three months or so, I’ll send out a tweet asking for film to review and then… I’ll review it. Ed…
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Continue ReadingWe roll on in our film review series after touching on the 2024s (Found here) and 2025s (Found here). Every three months or so, I’ll send out a tweet asking for film to review and then… I’ll review it. Ed Brooks does a similar thing, so make sure to reply to his tweet as well. I’ve looked at five players each from the classes of 2024 and 2025, all of whom replied to my tweet. There are several 2026s and I’m not nearly as familiar with this freshman class, so I’m ready to do some film study. The tweet:
Haines Robitzer Haines Robitzer 6'1" | 180 lbs | QB Lake Norman | 2026 State NC , 6’1 190, QB- Myers Park
The best thing I can ever say when I see a quarterback’s film for the first time is “I need to see this kid live”. That was my exact reaction when seeing Robitzer’s freshman highlights. He looks poised in the pocket and has enough speed to function as a dual-threat guy. I have a few questions about the arm strength (He’s a freshman and that often develops last) but his touch and accuracy are on another level. I need to see him throw live before I’m ready to call him an elite prospect, but he sure looks the part.
Cameron Melvin, 6′ 215, Ath.- Cleveland
Melvin is a watch list guy in name only as he has an argument for being the top overall prospect in the state. While he plays both ways now, I like him best as a linebacker who has the potential to grow into an elite edge rusher should he continue to add weight. Melvin is a hard-hitter who has a knack for finding the football. He already excels at plugging gaps and he’s competent in coverage as well, which is rare for freshman linebackers.
Zavion Griffin-Haynes, 6’6 205, Edge- Hillside
Griffin-Haynes has elite height and length for a freshman and it will be interesting to see how he’s able to develop his body control over the next few years. While he isn’t a finish product as a pass rusher, he has a great first step and can get around the edge in a hurry. His length makes it hard for opposing tackles and quarterbacks to handle him in one-on-one situations. As a freshman, his physical upside is nearly limitless, he’ll just need to continue honing his technique.
Gavin Waddell Gavin Waddell 6'0" | 165 lbs | WR Rolesville | 2026 NC , 6′ 160, WR- Rolesville
Rolesville has put out its share of high-profile receivers in recent years and while I’m not ready to label Waddell the next great one, he’s certainly a player worth monitoring. He’s an above-average route-runner for his age and he shows great hands, catching the ball at the highest point and away from his body. He has speed to get behind a defense. I’m watching to see if he continues to add some weight and nuance to his game.
Bryce Johnston Bryce Johnston 6'4" | 210 lbs | LB South Caldwell | 2026 NC , 6’4 190, Edge- South Caldwell
Another freshman edge rusher with superb size, Johnston has a nose for the football. Despite his young age, he shows great football IQ. He can rush the passer, stop the run and he sets the edge well, something I rarely see from younger prospects. Several of his highlights are plays where he has to reverse field or crash down after the quarterback scrambles. Given that he already displays great technique, I have no doubts he’ll develop some advanced pass-rushing techniques.