Six North Carolina college football players landed on the D2Football.com Elite 100 Watch List, led by offensive linemen Jamari Mason from Johnson C. Smith and Will Hart from Wingate.
Mason and Hart made the First Team Offense. Four other players earned spots on the “Squad” or honorable mention list:
- Running back Bobby Smith (Johnson C. Smith)
- Wide receiver Charlie Guinade (Mars Hill)
- Wide receiver Que Kennedy (UNC Pembroke)
- Return specialist Tye Roberson (Lenoir-Rhyne)
The Elite 100 Watch List, released on Aug. 12, was selected by the staff of D2Football.com with input from Division II head coaches and professional football scout Josh Buchanan. The full watch list included first- and second-team units plus 25 Squad players for both offense and defense.
D2Football.com will release a post-season Elite 100 in December after the season is complete, one of the most anticipated awards teams in NCAA Division II football.
Meet North Carolina’s Elite 100 Watch List Selections
Jamari Mason was named the CIAA’s 2025 Lineman of the Year after a dominating season for the CIAA champs. The two-time all-conference performer helped anchor a line that gave up the fewest sacks in the league.
Will Hart earned D2CCA second-team All-America status last season as well as first-team All-South Atlantic Conference. Hart helped power a Wingate offense that enjoyed a 3,000-yard passer, a 1,000-yard receiver and a 1,000-yard rusher.
Bobby Smith was the CIAA’s Offensive Rookie of the Year. He rushed for 934 yards and nine touchdowns during the Golden Bulls’ 10-win campaign, including a crucial fourth-quarter score in the final seconds against Fayetteville State.
Charlie Guinade made 56 catches for 900 yards and nine touchdowns as part of an all-conference season for Mars Hill. He averaged 81.8 receiving yards per game and 16.1 per catch.
Que Kennedy had a big receiving season at UNC Pembroke as the Braves made the inaugural Conference Carolinas Bowl. He caught 58 passes for 887 yards and 11 scores, making first-team all-conference.
Tye Roberson was the NC Football News D2 Special Teams Player of the Year for 2025 as well as an All-American from multiple outlets. He returned 12 kicks for 503 yards and three touchdowns.
👉 See the full Elite 100 Watch List from D2Football.com
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