Class of 2021 | The Top 50 high school football recruits in Hampton Roads

To say we are facing unprecedented circumstances this high school football season would be an understatement.

For the first time, high school football will not be played by any public school team in Hampton Roads this fall because of COVID-19.

With that said, we didn’t want this senior class to go unnoticed, so even though the season won’t begin until 2021, we present our Top 50 high school seniors.

It will be different as this year’s top prospect, Tony Grimes, isn’t even in high school. He chose to reclassify and graduate early to get on campus. He’s at North Carolina competing for playing time. But we’re keeping him with the Class of 2021 for the purposes of this list to highlight what he did last season as a junior to become one of the nation’s top recruits.

The list also includes many athletes who may not even be in high school when the season begins in March. Many players, including Lake Taylor running back Malik Newton, have decided to graduate in December so they can get on college campuses for the spring semester.

Like previous years, the Top 50 rankings are based on the player’s 2019 season performances, the 2020 season expectations, a player’s potential, last season’s postseason honors, academic standing, consultation with high school and college coaches, and national and state rankings from 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals.

College coaches aren’t identified because under NCAA guidelines, they aren’t permitted to speak specifically about unsigned recruits.

Marty O’Brien contributed to the rankings from the Peninsula and Bay Rivers districts.

There were many deserving players who were left off this list. We will run the next 50 players online on Monday.

Here’s the Class of 2021:

1. Tony Grimes

Princess Anne, 6-0, 180, cornerback

College: North Carolina - enrolled early and played in all 12 games and recorded 13 tackles, three pass breakups, an interception and a sack for the Tar Heels last season.

The skinny: Before Grimes reclassified, the five-star prospect was rated the No. 1 rising senior in Virginia by Rivals and ESPN. He was rated the No. 3 player by 247Sports. Nationally, he was rated No. 6 by ESPN, No. 13 by Rivals and No. 20 by 247Sports. A two-time All-Tidewater selection, he was the Class 5 Region A Defensive Player of the Year. He helped lead the Cavaliers to their first winning season since 2000. He had more than 40 offers – including his final four of North Carolina, Georgia, Texas A&M and Ohio State – before deciding on the Tar Heels. He forced teams to throw away from him, but still finished with four interceptions and 48 tackles. A two-way starter, he finished with 715 all-purpose yards and 12 touchdowns. “He has all of the intangibles, length, speed, confidence and demeanor,” said one college coach. Cavaliers coach James Yeager said, “He does it all right. He has size right now that NFL teams would want, and he’s only 18 years old. ... He’s got great speed, great hips and great quickness. He’s got athletic ability and, on top of that, a great work ethic. ... The thing that I’m most impressed by is he didn’t transfer to a top private school. But he stuck it out to turn this program around.”

2. Naquan Brown

Ocean Lakes, 6-3, 205, defensive end

College: Pittsburgh

The skinny: Brown originally committed to LSU on July 1, but changed his mind on Dec. 3 and committed to Pittsburgh the next day. College coaches love him because of his ability to get to the quarterback. But most agree he will bulk up and probably move to linebacker at the next level. One college coach said, “He has speed to come off the edge and brings intensity and competitiveness.” Another said, “He’s got the ability to beat people upfield. He’s loose, so he can put three steps together and get a tackle off balanced. ... He also has long arms, so he never uses his hands to create space and rush the quarterback.” Brown is rated a four-star prospect by ESPN and Rivals. He’s rated the No. 4 player in Virginia by ESPN, No. 5 by Rivals and No. 11 by 247Sports. Dolphins coach Joe Jones said no one knew him as a sophomore, but by his junior year, everyone knew who he was as he drew double- and sometimes triple-team coverage “but he was still able to cause havoc.” He led the Dolphins in sacks the past two seasons with 12 and seven. “He’s just going to get bigger, stronger and faster,” said Jones. He committed to LSU on July 1 after getting many offers, including from Virginia Tech, Penn State, Tennessee, Pittsburgh and Miami.

3. George Wilson

Green Run, 6-5, 215, defensive end

College: Florida State

The skinny: The one thing all coaches say about Wilson is they love his frame. He’s long, tall and could fill out to be 250 pounds. Wilson, a four-star prospect, is rated the No. 5 player in Virginia by 247Sports, No. 8 by ESPN and No. 15 by Rivals. He had nearly 30 offers - including Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, Miami, Pittsburgh and Louisville - before deciding on South Carolina. Wilson decommitted from South Carolina before selecting Florida State. One college scout said, “He’s got the weight and size to actually play right now.” Stallions coach Brandon Williams believes “his best football is definitely in front of him.” Last season, Wilson helped lead the Green Run basketball team to a share of the Class 5 state title. He used his strength and quick feet to be an enforcer in the middle and on the boards. That translated to the gridiron, where Wilson also was unstoppable. Last season he finished with 73 tackles — including 15 for loss — and 10 sacks.

4. Malik Newton

Lake Taylor, 6-0, 225, running back

College: Pittsburgh

The skinny: Newton will go down as one of the most prolific running backs in South Hampton Roads history. In his first three seasons, he rushed for 4,053 yards, putting him 2,257 behind all-time South Hampton Roads leader Kevin Whaley of Salem. But Newton decided in July that he would enroll early at Pittsburgh, leaving him seventh on the all-time list. Newton won back-to-back Abe Goldblatt All-Tidewater Football Player of the Year awards, sharing the 2019 honor with Maury’s KeAndre Lambert. He was the Class 4 Offensive Player of the Year after he tied the single-season South Hampton Roads record for touchdowns with 32. He also rushed for 2,060 yards, which ranks eighth all-time. One college coach called him a “throwback” and compared him to former NFL bruisers Earl Campbell and John Riggins. “His thighs are huge and people bounce off of him. He’s tough to bring down. People don’t want to tackle him.” Newton also is a winner as he helped lead the Titans to the Class 4 state title last season and helped them finish runner-up in 2018.

5. Rodney Hammond

Booker T. Washington, 5-10, 170, running back

College: Pittsburgh

The skinny: Hammond is rated No. 9 in Virginia by ESPN, No. 14 by Rivals and No. 17 by 247Sports. He chose Pittsburgh back in November over offers from Virginia, Virginia Tech, Penn State, Michigan, South Carolina, Duke and Maryland. College coaches love him. “He’s versatile, he’s good in the backfield, he’s good in the slot, he can play on defense, he’s got great feet,” said one college coach. “He’s quick but he’s also fast. He’s got long-range speed, but he’s also got short-area quickness.” Another said, “He’s unstoppable when you get the ball in his hands on the edge and in space.” Hammond is leaning toward heading to Pittsburgh early along with Newton but has not made a final decision. Last season, the two-time All-Tidewater selection rushed for 18 touchdowns and more than 1,500 yards. He also had six interceptions.

6. Michael Green

Lafayette, 6-4, 215, linebacker/wide receiver

College: Virginia

The skinny: At one point, Green wasn’t getting a lot of attention, but that changed when he showed people what he can do. A three-star prospect, he is rated No. 11 by ESPN, No. 23 by Rivals and No. 16 by 247Sports. And it’s not by accident, either. One college coach said, “He can play a lot of positions. He can play tight end, big receiver, linebacker, and he could even play at defensive end.” At Virginia, Green will most likely play outside linebacker. Rams coach Andy Linn said Green will be successful wherever they put him. “He’s an incredibly tough kid and he doesn’t like to lose,” Linn said. “He had never wrestled before high school and he ended up going to state.” He finished second as a sophomore and third as a junior. Last season, he finished with 70 tackles — including nine for loss — and nine sacks.

7. Ze’Marion Harrell

Salem, 6-2, 220, linebacker

College: Coastal Carolina

The skinny: Harrell is rated the No. 11 player in Virginia by Rivals, No. 18 by ESPN and No. 21 by 247Sports. One college coach liked him because “he’s physical, he can run, and he’s got great instincts. He also can play from sideline to sideline.” Another said he’s “a fierce hitter” who brings bad intentions when he hits an opposing player. Coaches also like his size, speed and athleticism.

8. Maurice Freeman

Oscar Smith, 6-0, 190, safety

College: Indiana

The skinny: Freeman is rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports. The site also rates him the No. 13 rising senior prospect in Virginia and the No. 39 safety in the country. He had more than 20 offers, including Illinois, Mississippi, Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh, Louisville and Virginia Tech. He plans to skip his senior high school football season and head to Bloomington in January. Last season, he finished with 51 tackles, including 40 solo. He also had 14 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery to lead the Tigers to the Class 6 state title game. He plays physical. As one college coach said, “He comes down and knocks the crap out of you; he’s fearless.”

9. Myles Alston

Ocean Lakes, 6-2, 175, wide receiver

College: Pittsburgh

The skinny: Alston, a three-star prospect, had nearly 20 offers but chose the Panthers over Virginia, Virginia Tech, Maryland, Ole Miss, Appalachian State and Liberty. One college coach said Alston has good speed and is long and athletic. He also has good hands and is a good route runner. Dolphins coach Joe Jones said the Panthers are a perfect fit for Alston. “Pittsburgh is a tough, blue-collar area,” Jones said previously. “And Myles is that type of player. He’s a great blocker as a receiver and he can do a lot of things.” Another coach said Alston will do well for Pitt because “he’s got a tremendous work ethic and he’s coachable. He’s also a student of the game, and he’s versatile as an inside or outside receiver.” Last season, he had 17 receptions for 212 yards and a touchdown. As a defensive back, he had one interception that he returned for a touchdown.

10. Nate Evans

Cox, 6-1, 175, cornerback

College: N.C. State

The skinny: Evans, a three-star prospect, is rated the No. 16 player in Virginia by Rivals, No. 22 by 247Sports and No. 23 by ESPN. He had committed to Tennessee in November but decommitted from the Volunteers and committed to N.C. State in June. College coaches like Evans because “he has size and can run.” Another scout likes his ability to “flip his hips well.” What also helps is he has good genes. He is the younger brother of former Ocean Lakes High star Levonta Taylor, who played for Florida State, and Keontae Jenkins, who starred for Cox and plays for Texas Christian.

11. Trevion Stevenson

Phoebus, 6-3, 220, defensive end

College: North Carolina

The skinny: Stevenson originally committed to Old Dominion but changed his mind in April and committed to Pittsburgh, only to de-commit again and commit to North Carolina in July. But he is a talented player who “has tremendous upside,” said one college coach. Another said he has a “solid work ethic.” He has a motor that never stops and has quickness coming off the edge. Stevenson is ranked as a three-star prospect and rated the No. 12 player in Virginia by ESPN. He’s rated as No. 72 by 247 Sports.

12. James Smith

Princess Anne, 6-4, 235, defensive end

College: University of Louisiana-Monroe

The skinny: Smith, a three-star prospect, is rated the No. 19 player in Virginia by Rivals and No. 41 by 247Sports. One college coach said, “He’s a workhorse with a tremendous work ethic. No one is going to outwork him.” Another coach said, “He has a lot of upside. He’s got good takeoff and good speed.” Cavaliers coach James Yeager said, “He’s got an unreal motor and never gets tired.” He’s long and lean and squats 500 pounds.

13. Nathan Boerboom

Great Bridge, 6-4, 210, tight end

College: Central Florida

The skinny: Boerboom, a three-star prospect, is rated the No. 35 player in Virginia by ESPN, No. 38 by 247Sports and No. 40 by Rivals. He had more than 20 offers, including Penn State, Virginia Tech and Kansas State. He has good hands and size. He’s also athletic, as shown by his ability to play quarterback last season for the Wildcats. He threw for more than 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns. He also was a force on defense wherever he lined up as he finished with 62 tackles — including 15 for loss — with eight sacks and six pass deflections. Said one college scout, “He’s a good player and coach’s kid.” Boerboom has a 3.0 grade-point average.

14. Isi Etute

Cox, 6-3, 205, linebacker

College: Virginia Tech

The skinny: Etute is regarded as a three-star recruit by 247Sports and ESPN. He is rated the No. 26 player in Virginia by ESPN and No. 35 by 247Sports. He chose the Hokies over several offers, including those from Virginia, N.C. State, Wake Forest, West Virginia and Old Dominion. He led the Falcons in tackles last season with 70 and intercepted four passes — returning two for touchdowns. As a receiver, he made 11 catches for 246 yards. “He can play multiple positions like tight end, wide receiver, linebacker and defensive back,” said one college coach. Another said, “He’s a good player and is long and athletic.”

15. Isaiah Henderson

Salem, 6-2, 230, defensive end

College: Air Force

The skinny: Henderson, a three-star prospect, is rated the No. 45 player in Virginia by 247Sports. A four-year starter, Henderson also gets it done in the classroom with a 3.0 grade-point average. He’s a hard hitter and versatile and could move to linebacker at the next level. Last season, he helped the SunDevils finish unbeaten in the Beach District. He finished with 71 tackles — 18 for loss — and nine sacks.

16. Eric “EJ” Gibson

Maury, 6-1, 190, quarterback

College: Has more than 10 offers, including Toledo, Fordham and Richmond

The skinny: Gibson, a dual-threat quarterback, is rated the No. 67 player in Virginia by 247Sports. Last season, in his first year in the Maury offense, he led the Commodores to the Class 5 state title. He threw for 3,562 yards and 40 touchdowns along the way. “He can make all the throws,” said Commodores coach Dyrri McCain. “He’s got great leadership, and he does well in the classroom with a 4.1 grade-point average. There’s nothing bad that you can say about this kid.”

17. Marquise Brunson

Princess Anne, 6-4, 270, defensive tackle

Colleges: Liberty

The skinny: Brunson, a three-star prospect, is rated the No. 29 player in Virginia by Rivals and No. 51 by 247Sports. His nickname is “Six pack” because of his physique, “You don’t see that too often with a lineman,” said Cavaliers coach James Yeager. College coaches have noticed his commitment in the weight room and conditioning, “He changed his body, he looks like a college player right now,” said one. Another called him “a run-stopper ... who will be good in the interior.” Brunson has a 3.0 grade-point average. “He has a tremendous attitude,” Yeager added. “And you can always count on him to do his job.”

18. Caymen Mills

Green Run, 6-1, 175, cornerback

College: University of Louisiana-Monroe

The skinny: Mills is rated one of the top cornerbacks in the state. He’s long, has great skills, is physical and can run. One coach said, “He’s just finding his potential and has been killing in the camps.”

19. Breyden Byrd

Woodside, 6-4, 245, defensive end

College: Navy

The skinny: Byrd, who has a 3.56 grade-point average, is a superb edge rusher with terrific hands at tight end.

20. Jah’ke Hilliard

Oscar Smith, 6-2, 225, defensive end

The skinny: Hilliard was first-team all-state last season with 90 tackles, including 18 for loss. He also has a 3.8 grade-point average. “I think it’s going to be a really big year for him,” said Tigers coach Chris Scott. He’s getting plenty of interest, including from service academies.

21. Griffin Duggan

Nansemond-Suffolk, 6-5, 285, offensive lineman

College: Virginia Tech

The skinny: Duggan, a three-star prospect, is rated the No. 39 player in Virginia by Rivals and No. 52 by 247Sports. College coaches like him because he has good feet and he’s developed a punch to go with it in pass protection. “He’s dominant, smart and competitive,” said one college coach, “and he works his butt off.” Saints coach Mike Biehl said, “He gets out in space seamlessly on the edge to become a big factor in the screen game. He’s a leader on our team because of his work ethic and the ability to lead by example by doing things the right way.” Duggan has decided to walk-on at Virginia Tech.

22. Stephon Dubose

Indian River, 6-4, 285, offensive lineman

College: Old Dominion

The skinny: Dubose is rated the No. 48 player in Virginia by ESPN and No. 73 by 247Sports. A three-year starter, he has experience playing center, guard and tackle. One college coach said, “He’s competitive, aggressive, has good feet, and when he gets his hands on you, you’re going backward.” His Indian River coaches complimented him on his offseason workouts as he got in the weight room and got stronger and faster. “He’s moving way better than before.”

23. Ibri Harrell

Phoebus, 6-3, 220, defensive end

College: Appalachian State

The skinny: Harrell is rated the No. 49 player in Virginia by ESPN and No. 82 by 247Sports. He finished the season with 76 tackles — 11 for loss — and 13 sacks, along with seven pass breakups, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He did it all while beating double-teams.

24. Marqaz Young

Oscar Smith, 5-11, 185, linebacker

The skinny: Young, who was second-team All-Tidewater and second-team all-state last season, finished with 121 tackles in 2019, including 25 for loss. “He’s one of the fastest linebackers I have ever seen,” said Tigers coach Chris Scott. “He covers sideline to sideline. And he can blitz from the edge or play in the middle, and can cover (running backs) well.”

25. Donovan Everette

Norview, 6-3, 230, defensive end

College: Navy

The skinny: Everette is rated the No. 69 player in Virginia by 247Sports. He committed to Navy but also had offers from Maryland and Army. “He possesses a wide variety of pass-rushers’ moves and is a matchup nightmare for tackles,” said Pilots coach Ian Rapanick. “He can win the edge with speed and power.” Everette, who has a 3.2 grade-point average, is regarded as one of the top pass rushers in Hampton Roads.

26. Messiah Russell

Warwick, 6-2, 185, wide receiver/defensive back

College: James Madison

The skinny: Russell can do it on both sides of the ball. As a receiver, he had 30 catches for 710 yards and seven touchdowns. On defense, he had six interceptions — including one he returned for a touchdown — and 40 tackles. He was named all-region on offense and defense.

27. Jayden Truesdale

Princess Anne, 6-2, 220, linebacker

The skinny: Truesdale is rated the No. 66 player in Virginia by 247Sports. He has offers from Florida, East Carolina, Charlotte and Liberty. He has a 3.4 grade-point average. College coaches like his flow to the ball, and he makes plays. “He got good change of direction and will knock the crap out of you,” said one coach.

28. Kemari Copeland

Kellam, 6-3, 230, linebacker

College: Army

The skinny: Copeland has been getting interest for the past two seasons. Knights coach Chris DeWitt said South Carolina, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest asked about him and he had offers from Army, Navy, Marshall and William & Mary. “He’s the biggest kid on the field, but flies around the field like he’s the smallest,” DeWitt said. “He is an animal on the field and makes plays from sideline to sideline.” He also gets it done in the classroom with a 3.0 grade-point average.

29. MarQeese Dietz

Norview, 5-11, 180, athlete

The skinny: Dietz is rated the No. 75 player in Virginia by 247Sports. College coaches like him because he can play on both sides of the ball. One said, “He’s a good route runner and a playmaker.” Another coach said, “He is dynamic with the ball in his hands in open space.” He can play quarterback, wide receiver, safety and cornerback. Dietz, who has a 3.0 grade-point average, has interest from many schools, including Old Dominion and East Carolina.

30. Demetrius Johnson

Maury, 6-1, 200, linebacker

The skinny: Johnson helped lead the Commodores to the Class 5 state title last season. He was one of the top tacklers in Hampton Roads last season with 123, including 18 for loss. He also had three sacks and two forced fumbles. He also was named first-team All-Tidewater and first-team all-state and was the Eastern District Player of the Year. “He’s a hard worker and pushes himself to the limit,” said Commodores coach Dyrri McCain. “He does everything we ask of him.” Johnson, who has a 3.3 grade-point average, is getting interest from Toledo and Norfolk State.

31. Tae’ron Richardson

Oscar Smith, 5-9, 230, linebacker

The skinny: Tigers coach Chris Scott calls Richardson “our war daddy.” When it’s time for the Tigers to play in big games, Richardson answers the call. In the 2019 state semifinal victory over Colonial Forge, he had 18 tackles, caused two fumbles and had two fumble recoveries. “He comes up big in big games,” Scott said. In the state championship game, he had an interception and fumble recovery in a loss to South County.

32. Noah Wallace

Indian River, 6-1, 275, defensive tackle/center

The skinny: Indian River coach Marcus Ferebee said the only thing going against Wallace is something he can’t control: his height. “He would be a big-time recruit if it wasn’t for his height,” Ferebee said. “He plays with a motor and a nastiness, and he has a big chip on his shoulder due to all the concerns about his height.” Another coach said, “If he were two inches taller, everyone in America would be wanting him.”

33. Desmond Green

Salem, 5-10, 185 wide receiver

College: James Madison

The skinny: SunDevils coach Shawn Wilson calls Green “the hardest-working man in show business. He’s always grinding, lifting weights and practicing his technique.” Last season, he helped the SunDevils finish unbeaten in the Beach District.

34. Shawn Fahey

Ocean Lakes, 6-3, 270, offensive lineman

College: Norfolk State

The skinny: Fahey is a three-year starter for the Dolphins. The past two seasons, he has played right tackle. He’s strong, athletic and has good feet.

35. Jeff Foster

Lake Taylor, 6-0, 175 quarterback

The skinny: Foster is a proven winner as he’s led the Titans to the state championship game the past two seasons, including a state title last year. He’s getting interest from several schools, including Fordham and Old Dominion, but has been hurt by no spring evaluation because of COVID-19. Last season, he threw for more than 1,200 yards and rushed for more than 1,000.

36. David Roulley

Ocean Lakes, 6-2, 190, free safety/wide receiver

College: William & Mary

The skinny: Roulley led the Dolphins in tackles (89) and interceptions (four). He also was a key receiver. “He’s a big part of our team,” said Ocean Lakes coach Joe Jones. “He understands the game. He has the best hands on the team and runs great routes.” One college coach called Roulley “sneaky athletic” and “underrated.”

37. Jevon Hill

Green Run, 6-1, 210, linebacker

The skinny: Hill is the younger brother of former Salem standout Trevon Hill. But he’s making a name for himself and is getting a lot of interest from schools, including Norfolk State, James Madison and Marshall. Last season, he finished with 101 tackles — 18 for loss — and eight sacks.

38. Iosefa Tanoai

Landstown, 6-4, 225, tight end/linebacker

The skinny: Tanoai was named second-team all-state last season. Coaches like him because he’s aggressive, smart — 3.2 grade-point average — and a leader. He’s getting interest from William & Mary, Connecticut, East Carolina, Massachusetts and Appalachian State.

39. Miguel Rijo

Princess Anne, 6-2, 235, linebacker

The skinny: Rijo has been playing football for only two years after moving to the United States from the Dominican Republic. “Had he been playing football the whole time, he would be a top recruit,” said Cavaliers coach James Yeager. “He’s got unreal athleticism.“ He has interest from Tennessee, Old Dominion, James Madison and Western Carolina.

40. Keondre Hodges

Oscar Smith, 6-3, 270, defensive tackle

The skinny: Hodges originally committed to Western Michigan but opened up his options. He’s also getting interest from many other schools, including Buffalo, Delaware and Massachusetts. He is rated the No. 44 prospect in Virginia by ESPN and No. 57 by 247Sports. He has quick feet, speed and size.

41. Tony Harrington

Woodside, 6-3, 260, center/long snapper

The skinny: The All-Tidewater first-team center last year and a fourth-year varsity starter is labeled “one of the smartest players I’ve ever coached” by Wolverines head coach Danny Dodson. He was virtually flawless snapping the ball last year en route to Class 5 Region A first-team honors.

42. Darious Speight

Lake Taylor, 6-2, 175 wide receiver

The skinny: Speight showed what he could do in the Class 4 state title game. He finished with four receptions for 113 yards and three touchdowns to help lead the Titans to the state title. He was named first team all-state.

43. Kole Jones

Oscar Smith, 5-10, 190, wide receiver

The skinny: Jones transferred to Oscar Smith from Great Bridge. One college coach said “he’s a hard worker, fast and has good hands.” Tigers coach Chris Scott said he also will use him as a returner. “He could be a home-run guy from anywhere on the field.”

44. Jalen Jones

Deep Creek, 6-1, 170, cornerback/wide receiver

The skinny: Jones, an all-state performer in track, is long and rangy. Hornets coach Andre Twine calls him “our jack of all trades because he does so much.” He has many schools looking at him, including William & Mary and Norfolk State. “He has the best all-around skills that I’ve seen out of a kid that I’ve coached,” Twine said about Jones, who has a 4.1 grade-point average. “He’s just tremendous.”

45. Isaiah Smith

Bethel, 6-2, 225, tight end

The skinny: A Class 5 first-team all-state selection at tight end as a junior, the versatile Smith, who returned a kick for a touchdown last year against Warwick, will again return kicks and see time at wide receiver, running back, quarterback and outside linebacker for the Bruins. He has a 3.12 grade-point average.

46. Austin Gilliam

Phoebus, 5-11, 270, defensive tackle

The skinny: Gilliam enters his senior season having earned Class 3 all-state honors as a sophomore and junior. Adept at stopping the run and pass — not to mention dropping into coverage — he had 19 tackles for loss and nine sacks among his 73 tackles as a junior, in addition to breaking up six passes, intercepting one and recovering two fumbles.

47. Tyvon Norfleet

Oscar Smith, 6-1, 175, running back

The skinny: Norfleet was second-team all-state last season in leading the Tigers to the Class 6 Region A title and Southeastern District championship. He led the team in rushing with 939 yards and 12 touchdowns. Tigers coach Chris Scott calls him “physical” and “fast.”

48. Denzel Lowry

Landstown, 6-1, 280, lineman

College: Old Dominion

The skinny: Lowry was named second-team all-state last season for the Eagles. Landstown coach Tommy Reamon said Lowry has offers from Virginia Tech, Florida International, James Madison, Kent State and Old Dominion.

49. Javoni Hales

Menchville, 5-11, 215, running back

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The skinny: After rushing for more than 1,000 yards as a sophomore, Hales, fast and powerful, added another 1,450 as a junior. He’s getting interest from numerous Division I schools, including Wake Forest, East Carolina, Old Dominion, Hampton and Norfolk State.

50. Marquis Kimble

Oscar Smith, 6-2, 245, offensive lineman

The skinny: Kimble was first-team All-Tidewater last season and was the top lineman on an offense that produced 5,614 yards to help lead the Tigers to the Class 6 Region A championship and Southeastern District title. Tigers coach Chris Scott said, “He’s everything you love in an offensive lineman. His athleticism combined with his technique allows him to dominate opponents.” College coaches call him an “athletic offensive lineman.” He has a 3.5 grade-point average.

Other local players who will play Division I football

WR Joey Campbell, New Kent (Virginia Military Institute)

RB Chris Gundy, Smithfield (Navy)

DB Bryan Stukes, Oscar Smith (Morgan State)

RB Carlton Winston III, Ocean Lakes (Campbell)