The top high school prospect from North Carolina’s Class of 2025, Providence Day’s David Sanders, generated national headlines last Saturday when he finally made his college choice official.
The day after Sanders and the Chargers defeated Trinity Christian 55-8 in their season opener, the 6-6, 290-pound, five-star offensive lineman announced his commitment to Tennessee. He chose the Volunteers over Ohio State, Georgia and Nebraska.
Sanders’ much anticipated decision took another of North Carolina’s top gridiron prospects from the Class of 2025 off the board. Of the 58 who appear in statewide rankings from the four major recruiting outlets — 247Sports, Rivals, On3 and ESPN — only nine now remain uncommitted.
Here’s a look at those nine players and what schools could be in the running for their football and academic services, though a couple could choose other sports in the end:
1. Jordan Young | S | Monroe | Monroe HS
Considered a consensus four-star prospect by 247Sports, On3, Rivals and ESPN, Young is among the top 20 recruits nationally at his position.
Young (6-0, 184) told On3 Recruits in early July that he’s down to NC State, Clemson, Florida State and Michigan. The Wolfpack and Tigers seem to have an edge, according to 247Sports. He has publicly stated his plans to announce his college decision Oct. 12 at noon.
2. Traquin Watson | EDGE | Kenly | North Johnston HS
The three-star prospect (6-4, 203) doesn’t appear in 247Sports top 45 players for North Carolina, but he’s listed at No. 10 in the state by On3 and No. 13 by ESPN. Watson has offers from Appalachian State, South Carolina, James Madison and Texas Tech, but recruiting outlets have differing opinions on where he is leaning.
Watson’s highlights a year ago include 76 tackles, seven sacks and an interception return for a touchdown.
3. Kaegan Chambers | ATH | Monroe | Monroe HS
The 6-1, 170-pounder, a dual-threat quarterback for the Redhawks, has been offered by Charlotte, Lenoir-Rhyne, Coastal Carolina, Georgia State and Temple. Chambers finished the 2023 season with more than 1.600 passing yards and more than 700 rushing yards, accounting for 26 total touchdowns.
4. Tylik Mitchell | RB | Bailey | Southern Nash
The three-sport standout (track and basketball also) appears only within 247Sports’ statewide rankings and none of the other three major outlets. But he’s been given prime position by 247Sports, listed as the 12th best prospect in the state.
Mitchell lists offers from Campbell, Elon and North Carolina Central in-state, as well as Coastal Carolina, UConn, James Madison, Old Dominion and Wofford out-of-state. He rushed for more than 1,800 yards a year ago with 30 touchdowns. His stock may rise with a big senior season at Southern Nash.
5. Najai Hines | TE | Garner | South Garner HS
The senior has superior size at 6-9 and plays center for the Titans’ basketball squad. He camped with NC State football over the summer and is considered a three-star prospect in football by On3 and Rivals.
Hines reported 10 football offers last fall and winter. South Carolina and East Carolina were the first to extend offers. Others came from Charlotte, Appalachian State, Elon, Houston, West Virginia, Coastal Carolina, Troy and Temple.
6. Jared Lockhart | QB | Indian Trail | Porter Ridge HS
The 6-4, 185-pound signal caller got the attention of FBS programs last fall and over the winter. He posted on social media that he received offers from Syracuse, Boston College, Connecticut and James Madison. Over the spring and summer, North Carolina Central, Jackson State, Tennessee State and Bryant joined his offer sheet.
Lockhart piloted Porter Ridge to nine wins a year ago and the second round of the 4A playoffs. He completed 62.4 percent of his passes (118-of-189) for 1,321 yards, 12 TD and 3 INT. He also rushed for nine touchdowns and 372 total yards.
7. Christopher Daley II | RB | Denver | East Lincoln HS
The 5-11, 180-pound back rushed for 94 yards and a touchdown in the 2022 state championship game, which East Lincoln won over Northern Nash. Daley received offers from Appalachian State, Charlotte and Liberty after that stellar season.
East Carolina jumped in last August. Per Daley’s social media, Navy and Howard offered back in May.
8. De’Von Thomas | RB | Rolesville | Rolesville HS
The 5-9, 195-pounder had a monster season for the Rams in 2023, accounting for 2,477 all-purpose yards. He got most of that on the ground (2,312 rushing yards with 25 touchdowns) but also caught four TD passes.
On3 considers Thomas a three-star back. East Carolina, Liberty, Marshall and Georgia State have offered from the FBS ranks. Thomas also has been courted by MEAC schools (Howard, Morgan State), the Ivy League (Yale, Dartmouth) and Campbell.
9. CJ Gray | QB | Kannapolis | A.L. Brown HS
Gray committed to NC State for baseball in 2022 but has since been getting more looks for his football prowess. Charlotte, Liberty and Eastern Kentucky extended offers to the 6-2, 200-pound passer last winter, with the 49ers being the first. He visited Virginia back in the spring.
Gray threw for 1,751 yards and 19 TDs last season for Brown. He can buzz a fastball in the mid-90s and is listed as the No. 8 baseball prospect in North Carolina by Prep Baseball NC. Would he consider going the football route? Could he do both at NC State?
