North Carolina Central landed a Greensboro Dudley defensive standout with multiple Power Four offers, while Gardner-Webb added a West Iredell running back coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
These are two of the most recent additions to the 2027 recruiting classes at North Carolina’s FCS programs, with North Carolina A&T and Davidson also recently picking up in-state commitments.
Dudley’s Saimair Horton picks NCCU
After a strong junior season in 2025, Dudley’s Saimair Horton picked up a number of notable FBS offers. Duke came calling. So did Miami, Auburn, UCLA, Cincinnati, Missouri and Arkansas, according to Rivals.com.
North Carolina Central, our state’s winningest FCS program of the 2020s, won out in the end. Horton posted his commitment on social media on July 26 with a graphic and a simple statement: “919 let’s work.”
Horton did the work in 2025 for Dudley’s defense. He recorded 54 tackles, 17.0 tackles-for-loss, 10 sacks, two interceptions and six quarterback hurries for an 8-5 Dudley team.
He has attractive measurables to match his on-field production: 6-2, 200 pounds with a reported time of 4.51 in the 40-yard dash.
While 247Sports does not (yet) rank Horton, Rivals considers him a three-star prospect and the No. 41 player in North Carolina. Horton lists himself as a linebacker or athlete on social media. Rivals projects him as a safety and ranks him the No. 117 prospect nationally at that position.
North Carolina Central continues a strong in-state push with its 2027 class, especially in the Triangle/Triad region.
The Eagles now have commitments from six North Carolina commits, including Millbrook defensive lineman Markez Wilbert, Southern Durham defensive back Kobe Whimper, Grimsley safety Makai Yon, Rolesville offensive lineman Derek White and West Forsyth wide receiver/defensive back Braylen Marrow in addition to Horton.
👉 Read more about NCCU’s emerging 2027 recruiting class at our North Carolina Central Football Recruiting hub.
West Iredell RB Amario Spence commits to Gardner-Webb
Gardner-Webb added plenty of production to its 2027 recruiting class when West Iredell running back Amario Spence announced his commitment to the Runnin’ Bulldogs on Aug. 2.
The 6-foot, 225-pound Spence has already put together back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons and will enter his senior year as one of the most accomplished backs in the state.
Spence rushed for 1,225 yards and 17 touchdowns on 143 carries as a junior in 2025, averaging 8.6 yards per attempt. He topped 100 yards eight times and also caught 21 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns.
That followed a sophomore season in which Spence rushed for 1,042 yards and eight touchdowns on 156 carries while adding another 210 yards and a touchdown receiving.
Gardner-Webb had plenty of competition for Spence. He reported FCS offers from Campbell, North Carolina A&T, Elon, Richmond, Maine and Charleston Southern before choosing the Runnin’ Bulldogs.
Spence has shown some big-play ability along the way.
He needed only eight carries to rush for 200 yards and three touchdowns in West Iredell’s 43-6 win over North Iredell last August. He rushed for a career-high 258 yards against St. Stephens as a sophomore.
👉 Explore Gardner-Webb’s known 2027 commitments at our Gardner-Webb Football Recruiting hub.
West Iredell DB Phillip Maxey headed to NC A&T
Amario Spence isn’t the only West Iredell standout committing to an in-state FCS program this summer.
Two-way standout Phillip Maxey announced his commitment to North Carolina A&T on July 17, giving the Aggies a versatile addition to their 2027 recruiting class – and giving West Iredell future players on both sides of the Aggies-Eagles rivalry.
The 5-foot-10, 165-pound Maxey contributed all over the field as a junior. He caught 48 passes for 456 yards on offense while recording 29 tackles, six tackles for loss and an interception on defense. He also contributed in the return game.
Maxey reported additional offers from Charleston Southern and Erskine before choosing North Carolina A&T.
His high school coach, Sean Fitzgerald, offered perhaps the best glimpse at what the Aggies are getting beyond the numbers. Fitzgerald praised Maxey’s work ethic on social media, noting that he works two jobs, carries a 3.5 GPA and “loves the weight room.”
Maxey, who reports a 4.58-second time in the 40-yard dash, also plays basketball at West Iredell.
👉 Explore our North Carolina A&T Football Recruiting hub for more on the Aggies’ 2027 class.
Charlotte Catholic OL Will Johnson commits to Davidson
Davidson stayed close to home for an addition to its 2027 recruiting class, landing Charlotte Catholic offensive lineman Will Johnson.
The 6-foot-1, 270-pound Johnson announced his commitment to the Wildcats on Aug. 3. Davidson was among his first offers, and Johnson competed at the program’s National Academic Camp in June.
Johnson was a finalist for Offensive Lineman of the Year at the Friday Night Lights Charlotte Football Awards Dinner and earned all-conference honors in 2024.
He also brings a strong academic résumé to Davidson with a 3.97 GPA, 1390 SAT and 31 ACT. Johnson wrestles at Charlotte Catholic and previously earned the program’s Iron Cougar Award for perfect practice attendance.
Johnson is Davidson’s third 2027 offensive line prospect from a North Carolina high school to pick the Wildcats. East Surry’s Brett Moser and Community School of Davidson’s Matthew Worley committed earlier this summer.
👉 Want more Davidson football recruiting information? Visit our Davidson Football Recruiting hub.
West Forsyth DB Daniel Bunker commits to The Citadel
The Citadel dipped into North Carolina for its 2027 recruiting class, picking up a commitment from West Forsyth defensive back Daniel Bunker.
The 5-foot-11, 170-pound Bunker announced his commitment to the Bulldogs on July 21, about a month after participating in a June camp at The Citadel and earning an offer from the program.
Bunker recorded 27 tackles and eight pass breakups over 12 games during his junior season at West Forsyth.
🔗 More Recruiting & High School Coverage
More than 100 players from North Carolina’s high school class of 2027 have already made college commitments to Division I FBS or FCS programs. Follow where the state’s top prospects are headed — and which in-state and out-of-state recruits have committed to North Carolina college programs:
- 2027 North Carolina College Commitment Tracker: View who’s coming to North Carolina college programs
- 2027 North Carolina High School Commitment Tracker: See where North Carolina high school prospects have committed for college.
- NC Football Recruiting News Feed: Follow the latest recruiting news and commitments
- High School Football Scoreboard Hub: Follow scores and schedules throughout the 2026 season
