Phoenix Barnes Phoenix Barnes 6'4" | 215 lbs | TE/EDGE Jack Britt | 2027 State NC is the complete package at tight end and one of the premier prospects in North Carolina. The ECU commit is widely regarded as one of the top tight ends in the region and among the best in the state. Barnes brings a rare combination of power and athleticism—he blocks with the physicality and technique of an offensive tackle while running routes and catching the football like a true wide receiver. His versatility creates matchup problems all over the field, making him a major weapon in both the run and passing game. Simply put, Barnes is an elite prospect with the talent to make an immediate impact at the next level.

The raw statistics don’t tell the whole story of Jack Britt’s highly athletic tight end. Barnes caught just six passes last year, most near the line of scrimmage, but averaged nearly 25 yards per reception. He’s remarkably shifty in the open field, especially for a taller guy, and he’s a willing blocker, signaling he’ll likely play in line for the Pirates. He has massive hands (10.75″) and an 81-inch wingspan. When he competed at our Prep Redzone Exposure Camp, the two things that surprised me the most were his short-area quickness and full route tree. He showed plenty of downfield playmaking ability, something that he hasn’t yet put on film.

Barnes is our biggest riser of the cycle. He was a bit behind, due to the role he plays for Jack Britt, with only a handful of catches last year. But he’s electric with the ball in his hands and is a matchup nightmare. We had him slated for a big jump, then saw him at our Prep Redzone Exposure Camp and made the decision to move him even closer to the top.

Phoenix Barnes Phoenix Barnes 6'4" | 215 lbs | TE/EDGE Jack Britt | 2027 State NC | 6’5” 210
Barnes is the prototype tight end prospect. At 6’5, 210, he brings the full package—route-running ability, blocking strength, and a big frame that creates natural mismatches. Still an up-and-coming talent, he has the tools to rise quickly, and with the right opportunities, he could develop into one of the top tight ends not just in the area, but across the state.

Phoenix Barnes Phoenix Barnes 6'4" | 215 lbs | TE/EDGE Jack Britt | 2027 State NC , a junior tight end at Jack Britt High School, is the definition of a prototypical tight end. Standing at 6’5″ with long arms and legs, he brings the kind of size and frame that college programs covet. Barnes is a strong, physical presence in the run game — a good-to-great blocker — and pairs that with smooth route running and reliable hands as a pass catcher. His versatility makes him a matchup nightmare and one of the most promising tight ends in the region.