One of North Carolina’s top small-college return specialists is set to make the jump from Division III to Division I in 2026. Meanwhile, Winston-Salem State has added two more promising prospects – including a prolific quarterback from Florida – coming out of spring practice.
These are the top storylines in the latest North Carolina Small-College Recruiting Buzz (April 27 edition).
Brevard’s Jeremyah Lane commits to Delaware State
Jeremyah Lane had a breakout sophomore season with the D3 Tornados, earning second-team USA South All-Conference honors as a return specialist.
He returned two kickoffs (92 and 90 yards) and two punts (75 and 50 yards) for touchdowns. He finished third nationally in total punt return yards (359) and fourth nationally in kickoff return yards-per-game (33.8).
Lane entered the transfer portal in February and found a 2026 home with Delaware State over the weekend. He announced his commitment via social media on April 25.
The Hornets compete at the D1 FCS level as a member of the MEAC (the same conference as North Carolina Central). Delaware State is coached by former NFL standout DeSean Jackson and finished 8-4 last season, 4-1 in conference play.
Lane was our NC Football News’ Special Teams Player of the Year for Division III in 2025. He’s the second D3 MVP to jump up to a higher division in the off-season, joining Guilford edge rusher Travis Burton, who committed to D2 Livingstone College out of the portal.
Winston-Salem State signs Florida prep QB, all-purpose athlete from Franklinton
New Winston-Salem State coach Tory Woodbury continues to shape his roster even after the conclusion of spring practice.
The Rams announced the signing of quarterback Florentino Lopez – a 6-3, 228-pound passer from Monarch High in south Florida – last week. Franklinton all-purpose athlete Harrison Long announced his commitment to WSSU on April 24.
Lopez threw for 3,300 yards, rushed for 1,042 and accounted for 39 total touchdowns the past two seasons at Monarch, according to MaxPreps stats. His senior year stat line included a 62.5 percent completion percentage, 2,743 passing yards, 546 rushing yards and 32 TDs.
Lopez could become a factor right away in the battle to replace departed quarterback Daylin Lee, who transferred to FCS Tennessee State over the winter. Lee quarterbacked the Rams across three seasons, recording more than 5,600 yards through the air and 55 TDs.
Winston-Salem State signed quarterback Brayden Jeffries from Dudley (Greensboro) in February, whom Woodbury at the time called the “total package at QB.”
Long played a variety of roles for a Franklinton team that finished 8-4 in 2025. He rushed for 198 yards and five TDs on offense, while picking off five passes and racking up 58 tackles on the defensive end.
Long also played quarterback for the Rams in 2024. He completed his only pass in 2025 for 50 yards and a touchdown.
It’s unclear how WSSU plans to use Long going forward, but he offers versatility and athleticism. “Can’t wait to make things happen,” Long wrote on social media after his commitment.
More NC Football Recruiting Content
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- 2027 NC High School Commitment Tracker
- 2026 NC High School Commitment Tracker
