CHARLOTTE – The air in North Carolina is already thick with anticipation, not just with the summer humidity, but with the palpable excitement for the upcoming high school football season. As anticipation builds for the 2025 high school football season, the stage is set for another year of thrilling rivalries, breakout performances, and the relentless pursuit of state championships. Here at Carolina Gridiron, we're ready to ignite the excitement with our annual Preseason All-Gridiron Team, showcasing the unparalleled talent flourishing across the Old North State.
Offensive Architects: The Commanders and Playmakers
Leading our All-Gridiron offense is the electrifying Faizon Brandon from Grimsley. Entering his senior year, Brandon is widely recognized as one of the nation's premier dual-threat quarterbacks. His previous seasons have been nothing short of spectacular, consistently delivering over 2,800 passing yards and over 30 touchdowns through the air, complemented by significant rushing yardage and multiple scores on the ground. His ability to extend plays, dissect defenses with his arm, and escape pressure with his legs makes him a nightmare for opposing coordinators and the undeniable engine of his team.
In the backfield, we feature a dynamic duo built for power and versatility. Jayson Franklin of Seventy-First brings a potent combination of hard-nosed running and surprising agility. He's a player who can grind out tough yards between the tackles but also has the burst to hit the perimeter and turn a modest gain into an explosive play. Joining him is Southeast Raleigh's Christian Freeman, a rising junior who has already proven his mettle. Freeman's breakaway speed and vision allowed him to amass impressive rushing totals last season, and his ability to contribute in the passing game adds another dimension to his arsenal, making him a true all-purpose back.
The receiving corps for this All-Gridiron squad is stacked with game-changers, each bringing a unique set of skills to the field. Myers Park's Brody Keefe stands out with his elite route-running and reliable hands, consistently creating separation and hauling in contested catches. His big-play ability makes him a constant threat downfield. Providence Day’s Gordon Sellars is another top-tier receiver whose precise footwork and ability to navigate tight windows make him a dependable target in crucial situations. Rounding out this formidable trio is Tyran Evans from Hough, a receiver whose explosive bursts and knack for finding the end zone have made him a prolific scoring threat. All three wideouts possess the talent to shift momentum on any given snap.
At tight end, the choice was clear: Kendre Harrison of Reidsville. A truly unique talent, Harrison combines the size of an offensive lineman with the agility and hands of a wide receiver. As a senior, he's already demonstrated his ability to be a dominant force, consistently racking up significant receiving yards and posing a matchup nightmare for linebackers and defensive backs alike. His background as a multi-sport athlete underscores his exceptional coordination and athleticism, making him an invaluable asset in both the passing and running games.
No offense can truly shine without a dominant offensive line, and our All-Gridiron unit is built on a foundation of strength and technical prowess. Pine Forest’s Donovan Johnson brings immense power and mass to the interior, capable of moving defensive fronts with ease. South Garner’s Ekene Ogboko is a highly athletic and rugged lineman whose violent approach to the game sets the tone up front. J.B. Shabazz from East Forsyth is a towering tackle with excellent footwork, projecting dominance on the edge. Providence Day’s Leo Delaney consistently exhibits superior run-blocking technique, creating wide lanes for ball carriers. Completing this formidable quintet is Tyrell Simpson of North Brunswick, another massive tackle whose imposing frame provides a crucial barrier against pass rushers and a significant advantage in the run game.
Defensive Powerhouses: Disruptors and Tackling Machines
Our defensive line is a relentless force, designed to terrorize opposing quarterbacks and shut down rushing lanes. Weddington’s Aiden Harris is a high-motor lineman who consistently infiltrates the backfield, evidenced by his high tackle for loss and sack numbers from last season. Ebenezer Ewetade from South Garner is an explosive edge rusher who frequently found his way to the quarterback, recording a significant sack total as a sophomore. Clayton’s Keshawn Stancil is a disruptive presence inside, capable of shedding blocks and making plays in the backfield with his consistent tackle and TFL production. Rounding out this fearsome quartet is Myers Park’s Rodney Dunham, a quick and athletic pass rusher who makes opposing offensive linemen work overtime. This group's collective ability to generate pressure and control the line of scrimmage will be a nightmare for offenses.
The heart of our defense lies with our All-Gridiron linebackers, a unit known for their instincts, tackling ability, and versatility. Ashbrook’s Caleb Gordon is a sideline-to-sideline presence, consistently making plays against both the run and the pass. Lincolnton’s Jalaythan Mayfield, a rising junior, has already established himself as a tackling machine, racking up impressive numbers in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks. Rolesville’s Jayden Griffin-Haynes brings exceptional athleticism and range, making him a key player in pass coverage and run support. Finally, Weddington’s Thomas Davis, Jr. combines physical toughness with keen awareness, consistently making impactful plays and disrupting offensive schemes. This quartet sets the tone for aggressive, intelligent defense.
Our defensive backfield is loaded with talent, featuring players who excel in coverage, support the run, and possess excellent ball skills. Myers Park’s Camdin Portis is a lockdown corner with a knack for breaking up passes and contributing effectively in run defense. Crest’s D'Various Surratt is a true ball-hawk, consistently coming away with interceptions and changing the momentum of games. Independence’s Nick Reddish brings a blend of physicality and coverage ability, capable of matching up with a variety of receivers. Anchoring this unit is Hough’s Samari Matthews, a highly-rated defensive back whose instincts and athleticism make him a formidable opponent for any wideout. This group ensures tight coverage and minimizes big plays downfield.
Versatile Aces and Special Teams Savants
The "Athlete" category highlights players whose diverse skill sets make them invaluable across multiple positions. Aiden Smalls from Clayton is a dynamic playmaker who can impact the game in various phases, whether it's on offense, defense, or special teams. West Charlotte’s KD Cotton also embodies versatility, bringing speed and agility that can be deployed effectively in numerous roles, making him a constant threat wherever he lines up. These two athletes add a crucial layer of flexibility and explosive potential to the All-Gridiron squad.
No elite team is complete without specialized talent, and our All-Gridiron special teams unit features some of the best in North Carolina. Punting duties fall to High Point Christian’s David Green, who consistently demonstrates a powerful leg and excellent hang time, flipping field position with ease. Kicking responsibilities are handled by Corvian’s Cooper Peterson, a reliable leg who has proven his consistency on both field goals and extra points. And ensuring seamless operations on every snap is Union Pines’s Taylon Tranel, a highly regarded long snapper whose precision and consistency are critical for successful special teams play.
As the 2025 high school football season approaches, the excitement is palpable. This Preseason All-Gridiron Team represents the pinnacle of high school football talent in North Carolina, a collection of remarkable student-athletes poised to deliver unforgettable performances. We congratulate each of these players on their selection and eagerly await the thrills they will bring to fields across the Old North State this fall.
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