Which NC high school players were named Sports Illustrated Preseason All-Americans?
North Carolina is well represented in the Sports Illustrated preseason ranking of the nation’s top 99 high school football players.
The list was culled from a watch list of more than 1,000 players, and 24 of them have yet to commit.
North Carolina had six prospects on the list, tying with Pennsylvania and the state of Washington. That was good for foruth place among all states. Florida (16) was first, followed by Texas (14) and California and Georgia (nine).
North Carolina recruit Keeshawn Silver, a defensive end, was the highest-ranked N.C. player, coming in at No. 22 nationally. Defensive lineman Payton Page of Greensboro Dudley, a Clemson recruit, was No. 25. Weddington running back Will Shipley, another Clemson recruit, was No. 28.
Myers Park QB Drake Maye, another Tar Heel recruit, was No. 33. Hough running back Evan Pryor, heading to Ohio State in January, was No. 52, and Winston-Salem Prep defensive end Zaire Patterson, a Clemson recruit, was No. 71.
South Carolina did not have any players ranked in the top 99.
