Impact Freshman: Meet 10 of the top 9th grade football players in the greater Charlotte-area

Providence Day wide receiver Porter Rooks received a scholarship offer from Louisville while in the eighth grade. Several national scouts say he’s going to be a high-level college recruit by the time he’s a senior. He’s not the only promising young high school football player in the Observer’s coverage area.

Here are nine other area freshmen to watch:

Elijah Burris, Mountain Island Charter, 5-foot-9, 200, RB: Despite battling ankle injuries all season, Burris has rushed 34 times for 185 yards and two scores. He’s played in 2.5 games but shows tremendous size, promise.

Jackson Concannon, Stuart Cramer, 6-2, 240, OL: A 14-year-old left tackle, he has graded out consistently as his team’s top offensive lineman. He’s helped the Storm to a 5-2 start in its third season. In its first two seasons, Stuart Cramer won six games.

Malik Faust, Harding, 5-10, 170, DB: Coach Sam Greiner describes him as a “pretty amazing safety.” He’s got 32 tackles, two interceptions (one returned for a score), three tackles for loss and three pass breakups. He has also scored as a running back.

Malik McGowen, Charlotte Catholic, 6-3, 270, OL: McGowen, 15, starts at left tackle for a Catholic team that averages more than 430 yards (271 rushing, 160 passing) and 35 points per game.

Storm Monroe, Mooresville, 5-10, 210, LB: In five games, Monroe has 64 tackles and leads the state among freshmen, although many of his fellow leaders have played one or two additional games.

Tim Newman Jr., Charlotte Country Day, 5-9, 165, RB: The No. 2 freshman running back in the state is son of the former NFL player with the same name. Newman Jr. has rushed 107 times for 498 yards and six touchdowns.

Porter Rooks, Providence Day, 6-2, 180, WR: Brother of former Clemson basketball guard Patrick Rooks, Porter leads the state among freshmen in catches (32) and yards (466). Has five receiving TDs and has run 13 times for 109 yards.

Justin Simmons, Davidson Day, 5-10, 170, K: Coach Chad Grier marvels at Simmons’ strong leg and thinks he has major college potential. He’s 37-of-42 on PATs this season.

Zoe Wallace, Hunter Huss, 6-2, 190, QB: Wallace is the state’s leading passer among freshmen. He’s completed 32 of 67 passes for 627 and eight touchdowns.

This story was originally published October 13, 2016 at 7:06 PM with the headline "Impact Freshman: Meet 10 of the top 9th grade football players in the greater Charlotte-area."