Troy is one of the top backs in the 2028 class after a 1,300-yard season last year for Northwest Cabarrus. After picking up an East Carolina offer, Troy moved over to Cannon School. The Cougars are building a strong offense, and we expect Troy to be at the center. He runs with good speed and contact balance, and we’re excited to see what he can do over the next two seasons.

Coming off of an impressive breakout sophomore season, Titus showed he was ready for this back at the CFI Carolinas MEGA showcase last season, coming out as one of the best players overall from the showcase at the time. Titus runs with excellent contact balance and power, fitting well in the Trojans ball-control offense. Titus was an All-Conference selection, and when he was running the ball well, Northwest Cabarrus was really tough to beat. That breakout season also earned Titus an offer from East Carolina. Titus also has a good bit of interest from in-state ACC schools, so I think this is truly just the beginning for this young man.

Troy is a physically advanced sophomore running back who already looks the part of a Power-4 caliber athlete. At 5’10”, nearly 200 pounds, he has a college-ready frame with strength and balance that consistently show up on film. Production matched the eye test last season, as he rushed for over 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns, proving he can be a dependable, high-volume option. His best outing — 18 carries for 228 yards and 2 scores — highlighted his explosiveness, vision, and ability to finish runs through contact. Troy combines size with burst and natural running instincts, and as his game continues to mature, he projects as a major offensive weapon and one of the more intriguing sophomore backs in the region.

Troy was a major rankings riser in October, moving up 75 places in the rankings. He ticked up again after a strong finish to the season for Northwest Cabarrus. We love his size and the strength he showed as a sophomore. He’s elusive in the open field and has plenty of speed to turn 20-yard runs into 60-yard runs.

Troy is our biggest mover at the running back position this update. He’s shown this year that he can beat teams in a variety of ways. He was a consistent workhorse in the non-conference, grinding away at tough yardage and always falling forward. In the conference slate, he’s been able to find some explosive runs as teams crowd the box. Often breaking a tackle or two at the line of scrimmage, then using speed to hit the edge. He has a run of 40+ in four-straight games, including a 93-yarder against Carson.

We originally had Troy on the watchlist as we awaited more varsity film, but he impressed us enough this spring at the CFI Showcase to move into the rankings before the season starts. A two-way player, Troy has excellent size and has the athleticism to become one of the best backs in the state as he gets older.

We have Titus on our wait list in our state rankings because we are excited about the potential he has overall as a back, and just want to see some film to back up those thoughts. For his size, to be a 2028 player is a promising thing, though, because I think all he needs is an opportunity to step into a role and be productive. Titus moved very well with some good agility and speed with the ball in his hands through several running back drills.

A two-way player for Northwest Cabarrus, Troy got some varsity experience as a freshman, making a handful of plays on both sides of the ball. We’re still not sure if he’s going to find a better home at linebacker than running back, but we like his athleticism and upside at linebacker just a bit better.