McPhatter was always going to have the top spot in this ranking, as arguably the most important player in the state to his team’s success. He moved to quarterback last season so he could touch the ball more. He finished second in the state in kickoff return yardage, picked off five passes, and had a 92-yard fumble return, in addition to the 2,400+ scrimmage yards he put up as a sophomore. Both explosive and twitchy, he’s one of the best pure athletes we’ve ever covered.

Every week, Teo McPhatter Teo McPhatter 5'10" | 160 lbs | RB Princeton | 2028 State NC proves why he’s one of the most complete young players in North Carolina. The do-it-all sophomore carried the ball 26 times for 74 hard-earned yards, serving as the heartbeat of Princeton’s offense. While the stat line may not jump off the page, McPhatter’s impact went far beyond the box score — he was the tone-setter, taking on a heavy workload and keeping the chains moving against a tough defensive front. His balance, toughness, and ability to create yards after contact show maturity well beyond his age. Whether running between the tackles, catching out of the backfield, or blocking in pass protection, McPhatter continues to be the steady engine that powers Princeton’s offense.

We bought stock early in McPhatter, a small-school two-way athlete who may be the state’s most explosive player. His suddenness and explosive qualities are on display both on the field and with his testing numbers. A smaller back, he can dunk easily, and gets to the line of scrimmage as quickly as any back in the state. Don’t be surprised if he puts up eye-popping explosive metrics in camps.

The #1-ranked running back in the Class of 2028, McPhatter has been nothing short of sensational this season. He’s accounted for 30 total touchdowns and averages over 210 rushing yards per game, making him one of the most dominant young playmakers anywhere in the state. His vision, burst, and ability to turn any carry into a home-run play separate him from the pack. Every defense that’s tried to slow him down has struggled — McPhatter is a true game-breaker and the definition of an X-factor.

Only a sophomore, McPhatter has already become the unquestioned leader of Princeton’s defense. His instincts and range in the secondary make him a problem for opposing quarterbacks, and his 3 interceptions this season are proof of that. Despite his youth, McPhatter plays with the poise and confidence of a veteran, consistently putting himself in position to make big plays. As the Bulldogs push toward playoff positioning, look for McPhatter’s ball-hawking ability to be a major X-factor in Week 10.