Three 2027 North Carolina high school football standouts announced college commitments to Group of Six programs over the weekend, with James Madison emerging as one of the day’s biggest winners.
The Dukes from the Sun Belt Conference – fresh off a College Football Playoff appearance – landed commitments from Millbrook tight end Hayes Brawner and Grimsley defensive back Evander “E.J.” Davis. Ohio, which plays in the Mid-America Conference, secured a pledge from Cannon School playmaker Marcus Sales.
All three players were highly productive performers from top-level programs who attracted scholarship offers from FBS and FCS schools throughout the Southeast. Here is more information on the trio and their school picks:
Versatile athlete Marcus Sales heads to Ohio
Marcus Sales may have been the most accomplished offensive player of the group.
The Cannon School standout led North Carolina private school football in receptions (69), receiving yards (1,131) and receiving touchdowns (16) during the 2025 season. Sales is listed as a three-star prospect and the No. 40 player in North Carolina by 247Sports. He reported more than 20 scholarship offers before choosing Ohio.
Sales starred on both sides of the ball for Cannon School (7-5, 2-1 conference), earning all-state and all-conference honors while also contributing as a defensive back.
East Carolina made a strong push during the recruiting process. Among North Carolina schools, Charlotte, Campbell and North Carolina A&T also extended offers. He reported an offer from Vanderbilt, as well as Army, Navy and others.
JMU adds physical Millbrook tight end
Hayes Brawner gives the Dukes an imposing 6-foot-6, 245-pound tight end from one of the state’s top programs.
The Millbrook standout helped the Wildcats reach the NCHSAA 8A state championship game in 2025 and picked James Madison after an official visit. His film shows a true in-line tight end capable of moving defenders in the run game while also serving as a reliable short-yardage receiving target.
The honors student also had an in-state offer from Campbell, as well as from Air Force, Army and Navy.
Grimsley defender joins Dukes’ 2027 class
James Madison completed the in-state double by landing Evander Davis from reigning 7A state champion Grimsley.
The defensive back recorded 70 tackles and five interceptions as a junior while helping the Whirlies finish 15-0. Davis reported more than two dozen scholarship offers and chose the Dukes over interest from a multitude of Sun Belt programs.
Appalachian State and Charlotte headlined the in-state offer sheet, along with Campbell, Elon, Gardner-Webb, North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central.
Davis wasn’t the only Grimsley player to announce a college choice over the weekend. Left tackle Gavin Milton pledged for Duke University on Saturday, joining the highest ranked FBS recruiting class in the state.
What Stands Out
- JMU, coming off a College Football Playoff berth, landed two North Carolina prospects in one day.
- All three commitments came from top-level high school programs in our state, including the 7A champion and 8A runner-up.
- Sales, Brawner and Davis all held multiple FBS offers and had strong in-state interest.
- None chose an in-state FBS program.
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