The 2024 North Carolina high school football season featured a remarkable collection of standout offensive and defensive talents. From quarterbacks carving up defenses with pinpoint accuracy to running backs racking up eye-popping yardage, these players captivated fans across the state with their exceptional skill and consistent production. On the defensive side, dominant linemen, instinctive linebackers, and ball-hawking defensive backs spearheaded stifling units that made life difficult for opposing offenses. As the postseason approaches, these top performers are poised to continue delivering thrilling moments and highlight-reel plays when the stakes are highest.
Offense
1. Trevaris Jones, QB – Northeastern
Jones has arguably had the most impressive all-around season among North Carolina quarterbacks. With a staggering 75.8% completion rate, Jones threw for 2,805 yards, 34 touchdowns, and just 2 interceptions across 10 games. His accuracy and decision-making were unmatched, and his quarterback rating of 152 was the highest among the top passers. Jones led NHS with precision and efficiency, setting a standard for consistent excellence.
2. Tylik Mitchell, RB – Southern Nash
In just 8 games, Mitchell posted eye-popping numbers, rushing for 1,751 yards with a state-high average of 218.9 yards per game and 13.16 yards per carry. His ability to break big plays is reflected in his 20 touchdowns, making him one of the most efficient and explosive rushers in the league. Despite missing two games, Mitchell’s performance set him apart as a dominant force in the backfield.
3. Bryce Baker, QB – East Forsyth
Baker’s 77% completion rate is a testament to his accuracy and decision-making. He threw for 2,629 yards, 30 touchdowns, and just 4 interceptions, giving him a near-perfect season in terms of efficiency. His quarterback rating of 149 and ability to keep turnovers low highlighted his effectiveness as a leader on the field. Baker’s consistency made him one of the most reliable quarterbacks in the state.
4. Taeshon Martin, RB/DB – Mount Airy
Martin finished the season with 1,721 rushing yards, 28 touchdowns, and an impressive 11.79 yards per carry across 10 games. His 172.1 yards per game average speaks to his impact as an every-down back capable of explosive gains. Martin’s high touchdown total, paired with his double-duty role as a defensive back, underscores his versatility and playmaking ability.
5. Treavion Mageo, RB – White Oak
Mageo led the state in total rushing yards with 2,095, averaging 209.5 yards per game and an impressive 9.57 yards per carry. His 26 touchdowns and no fumbles in 10 games highlight his strength and ball security, making him one of the most dependable running backs in North Carolina.
6. Famous Wilson, QB – North Pitt
Wilson put together a strong season with 3,164 passing yards, a completion rate of 63.4%, and an impressive 25 touchdowns to only 7 interceptions. With a quarterback rating of 123, he was a steady performer who could produce big plays and control the pace of the game, showcasing his impact as a central figure in North Pitt’s offense.
7. Reggie Thompson, WR – Hobbton
Thompson led all receivers with 1,361 receiving yards and averaged 16.6 yards per catch. His 12 touchdowns across 10 games were crucial to Hobbton’s passing attack. Thompson’s ability to consistently produce yardage and move the chains made him an invaluable asset to his team.
8. Jayden Jones, RB – Independence
With an astounding 15.19 yards per carry, Jones compiled 2,066 yards and 25 touchdowns in 10 games. His season highlight included a long run of 68 yards, showcasing his ability to break free and add quick points to the scoreboard. Jones’ efficiency on the ground was unmatched, as he led Independence with explosive power and speed.
9. Jackson Byrd, QB – Cleveland
Byrd wrapped up the season with 2,856 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions, giving him a strong touchdown-to-interception ratio and a quarterback rating of 124. His 61.4% completion rate and ability to find the end zone consistently made him a dependable offensive leader for Cleveland.
10. Mitchell Summers, RB – Grimsley
Summers brought consistent scoring with 198 points, totaling 33 touchdowns in 10 games. While his yardage isn’t as high as others, his knack for scoring emphasizes his value in Grimsley’s offensive scheme. Summers’ scoring consistency makes him one of the most efficient red-zone threats.
11. Major Leak, WR – Lake Norman Charter
Leak put up a remarkable season with 1,057 yards receiving, 16 touchdowns, and an average of 19.94 yards per catch. His ability to make high-impact plays and his scoring consistency helped elevate LNC’s offense, and his performance makes him one of the standout receivers of the season.
12. Jeremiah Johnson, FB/OLB – Pender
With 216 points scored and 30 touchdowns, Johnson showcased his versatility and scoring ability. His 1,877 rushing yards and 9.02 yards per carry underscore his impact on the ground. Johnson’s scoring, combined with his efficient yardage, solidifies his place among the top performers.
13. Barian Strickland, RB/OLB – Northern Nash
With 176 points and 29 touchdowns over 9 games, Strickland was a scoring machine, averaging 19.6 points per game. His 1,723 rushing yards and extraordinary 14.01 yards per carry, paired with his high scoring, make him a standout performer in both yardage and points.
Defense
1. Garrison Dibble, DE/TE – Atkins
Dibble led the state with 177 total tackles, averaging 17.7 tackles per game. He also posted an astonishing 31 sacks and 49 tackles for loss, constantly pressuring quarterbacks with 54 hurries. Dibble’s disruptive ability in the backfield makes him the top defensive player this season.
2. Josh Baker, ATH – South Wake
With 153 tackles, including 18 for loss, and 14 sacks, Baker was a constant threat on defense. His balanced skill set allowed him to contribute as both a tackler and a pass-rusher, making him invaluable to South Wake's defensive unit.
3. Cameron Johnson, LB/FB – Southeast Halifax
Johnson’s 146 total tackles included an impressive 127 solo stops, alongside 17 tackles for loss and 8 sacks in just 9 games. His high solo tackle rate reflects his ability to make crucial open-field tackles and prevent big plays.
4. Jack Earley, RB/LB – South Brunswick
Earley racked up 163 tackles, including 97 solo tackles, averaging 16.3 tackles per game. Although he had only 5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks, his consistency in tackling made him a foundational player for his defense.
5. Alex Pannell, WR/S – South Wake
With 10 interceptions in 10 games and 183 return yards, Pannell was one of the state’s top playmakers in the secondary. His knack for forcing turnovers provided game-changing momentum swings and consistently disrupted opponents' passing games.
6. Sawyer Lowe, MLB – Cleveland
Lowe’s 144 tackles—all solo—illustrate his remarkable tackling ability, alongside 21 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. His dominance in solo tackles and ability to create negative plays in the backfield make him a standout run-stopper.
7. Kaleb Caraway, MLB/TE – Gray’s Creek
With 144 total tackles, including 30 for loss, Caraway was a backfield force. Although he recorded only 2 sacks, his high number of tackles for loss highlights his instincts and effectiveness in stopping running plays.
8. Brady Collins, RB/LB – Providence Grove
Collins posted 147 tackles, including 81 solo, providing dependable support in stopping the run. His consistent tackle totals were essential to his team’s defensive success, and his tackling volume highlights his importance on the field.
9. Mar’quele Harvey, LB/RB – Western Alamance
Harvey tallied 131 tackles, with 114 of them solo. In his 9 games, he maintained a solid tackle rate and contributed effectively in pass-rushing situations with half a sack, underlining his versatility as a defender.
10. Quinton Cypher, MLB – Millbrook
Cypher’s 131 tackles, paired with an impressive 24.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, reflect his disruptive play. His ability to stop plays in the backfield and put pressure on the quarterback make him one of the top linebackers in North Carolina.
11. Elijah Chaffin, MLB – Davie
Chaffin’s 142 tackles included 103 assists, showing his strong presence in team tackling situations. With 7 tackles for loss, he was instrumental in limiting opponents’ yards.
12. Deandre Brown, OLB/RB – Orange
Brown had 125 solo tackles over 9 games, demonstrating his effectiveness as a solo tackler. His four sacks added to his impact on the defensive side.
13. Jackson Forrest, MLB/TE – Northwest Cabarrus
Forrest accumulated 137 tackles, 14 of which were for loss, along with 4 sacks. His versatility in both tackling and pass-rushing made him a reliable defensive asset for his team.
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