12 N.C. prospects make 247Sports' national Top 247 rankings, including 3 in the top 13
After On3 and Rivals debuted their initial national recruiting rankings for the class of 2026 in March, 247Sports has released its first Top 247 for the group here in late April.
Just as North Carolina players were littered across the On3 and Rivals rankings, there are 12 rising juniors from the Tar Heel State in the top 217 players for 247. All 12 players received a fourth star from the recruiting service.
As we already pointed out, Grimsley High School quarterback Faizon Brandon was ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect in any state in the big release. Brandon received his fifth star from 247. He was also ranked in the 5-star range by On3. Two more players from North Carolina are in 247's top 14 prospects: Reidsville tight end Kendre Harrison at No. 6 and South Garner offensive tackle Ekene Ogboko at No. 13. Harrison is a 6-foot-7 prospect with stunning athleticism, ball skills, and strength. Ogboko, at 6-foot-6 and with an 85.5 inch winspan, has the prototypical frame for a left tackle.
There are two players from Providence Day School and Weddington High School: offensive tackle Leo Delaney (No. 76) and wide receiver Braxton Winston (No. 217) from the Chargers and linebacker Thomas Davis Jr. (No. 85) and defensive lineman Aiden Harris (No. 201) from the Warriors.
Rodney Dunham, a 6-foot-5 edge rusher at Myers Park High School, received his highest ranking so far at No. 32. Rolesville High's 6-foot-6 edge defender Zavion Griffin-Haynes came in at No. 141.
West Forsyth High School interior offensive lineman Pierre Dean landed at No. 136 for 247Sports. He is a top 100 guy according to the other two services.
No. 145 for Hough High School standout corner Samari Matthews is also his lowest ranking so far. Matthews is the 17th-best sophomore in the country according to Rivals and No. 119 on On3.
Jordan High defensive lineman Noah Clark received his highest ranking so far at No. 177. Clark is a big 320-pound interior prospect.
See more on these players in our previous write-ups:
