The 2023 high school football season has concluded, and a poll is underway to determine the top freshman football player in North Carolina, with 16 worthy candidates selected based on their impressive performances. Fans are encouraged to vote for the player they believe stood out the most, with the voting closing on February 14th, 2024.

Why It Matters

This poll highlights the talent and impact of young players in high school football, celebrating their contributions to their respective teams and showcasing their achievements to a broader audience.

By the Numbers
  • JaRon Ward, QB, Hendersonville: 94-of-158 passes, 1,357 yards, 17 touchdowns, 4 interceptions
  • Tyson Broadway, QB, Southern Durham: 73-of-99 passes, 1,328 yards, 13 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
  • Mason Holtzclaw, QB, Christ School: 118-of-236 passes, 14 touchdowns
  • Karvin Magwood, RB, New Bern: 947 yards, 12 touchdowns
  • Cameron Clem, RB, Murphy: 940 yards, 8 touchdowns
  • Calvin Lacewell, RB, Lakewood: 917 yards, 18 touchdowns
  • Otavio Oliveira, WR, Providence: 41 receptions, 672 yards, 6 touchdowns
  • Talik McCollum, WR, Douglas Byrd: 22 receptions, 481 yards, 6 touchdowns
  • Rakem Hammock, WR, Northwest Guilford: 28 receptions, 498 yards, 6 touchdowns
  • Bradley Byrd, LB, Oak Grove: 151 tackles, 8 tackles for loss
  • Quinton Cypher, LB, Millbrook: 150+ tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks
  • Jordan Hamm, LB, Wilson Prep: 16 sacks
  • Judah Harris, DE, Hunt: 7 sacks, 48 tackles, 14 tackles for loss
  • Griff Galloway, DL, Providence Day: 60 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks
  • John Archer, DL, Seventy First: 82 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 3 sacks
  • Zion Ikeme, DB, A.C. Reynolds: 5 interceptions
State of Play
  • Fans are currently participating in the voting process to determine the top freshman football player of 2023.
What's Next

After the voting concludes, a final poll will be conducted to determine the overall top freshman football player of 2023, featuring the winners from each state along the East Coast.