Elon University is becoming a destination school for in-state special teams standouts.
Punter Jeff Yurk (Southern Pines | Pinecrest HS) earned All-America status from multiple outlets after last season and appears on numerous preseason All-America and all-conference watch lists this summer.
Chandler Brayboy (Pembroke | Purnell Swett HS) parlayed his excellent return and receiving skills into an undrafted free agent contract with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars.
Next in line could be Elon’s latest commitment for the Class of 2026: long snapper Sam Creed, who also hails from Southern Pines and will be a senior for the Pinecrest Patriots this season.
Creed announced his commitment to the Phoenix and head coach Tony Trisciani on Friday, Aug. 1. He also had an offer from Lafayette.
As camp season comes to an end I would first like to thank my parents for helping me attend these camps and supporting me. Thank you to all the coaches who invited me and who ran great camps and evaluated me.
2 D1 offers, 5 camp wins and countless connections.
4.52 GPA 7 AP… pic.twitter.com/BXx2HLf3kT — Sam Creed 26 LS (@Sam_creeedd) July 14, 2025
Creed will head into the 2025 campaign with momentum on his side and his recruiting stock trending upward. He attended a dozen Division I camps over the spring and summer, earning champion status or winning competitions at five of them — including stops at Elon, ECU, Duke, Western Carolina and Vanderbilt.
Creed boasts a 4.52 GPA and a 4.5-star rating from nationally acclaimed Rubio Long Snapping, who wrote this about him earlier in the year:
“He’s got great form, a tight spiral and a smooth snap, all while getting out of the gate quickly … He has an excellent frame – big enough to potentially play two positions in college if given the opportunity. With massive upside and all the tools to snap at the next level, Samuel is definitely a long snapper to keep an eye on …”
Creed posted on social media in May that he has completed his Eagle scout project – building a map kiosk at a walking trail in Pinehurst.
Creed’s Pinecrest team opens the season on Friday, Aug. 22 against Cleveland. Pinecrest will compete in the Mid-South 7A/8A Conference in the new NCHSAA alignment. The Patriots are coached by Nick Eddins and finished 10-2 a year ago.
📌 More 2026 Recruiting Coverage:
- 🔥Elon Football Recruiting & Transfer Tracker – See who else is committed to the Phoenix for 2026.
- 🔁 NC High School Commitment Tracker – Where top NC prospects are committing (in-state & out-of-state)
- 🎯 NC College Commitment Tracker – Who’s heading to North Carolina college programs (from NC and beyond)
