ACC target Josiah Sturdivant was among many prospects on hand at the Blue-Grey All-American Combine (North Carolina Regional).

In its debut in this part of the country, the turnout for the Blue-Grey All-American Combine (North Carolina Regional) at Johnson C. Smith University was better, truly much better, than anyone expected. NFL veteran trainer and lead instructor Rodney Beasley can vouch for that fact.

There were many scholarship-worthy prospects in attendance and numerous others fit in that category. Below is a recap of some of the top performers and each is now considered as an All-American Bowl candidate for one of the upcoming games later on this year (details to follow).

Owen Hulbert, 2027, QB, Cleveland (NC): With some good size, the 6’2 and 195-pounder went out and left a lasting impression.

Ian Wands, 2027, QB, American Leadership Academy Johnston (NC): The 6’1 and 185-pounder earned the respect of his peers.

A’Todrick Settles, QB, 2027, A.L. Brown (NC): Versatile as they come, the 6’0 and 180-pounder turned plenty of heads in this setting.

Hayden Fleisher, 2027, QB, West Perry (PA): The 6’3 and 190-pounder had a good understanding of what was expected from him.

Nicholas Straughn, 2027, RB, Providence Grove (NC): Big and strong, with good speed, the 6’3 and 200-pounder opened eyes.

Hez Krider, 2027, RB, High Point Christian (NC): The 5’8 and 170-pounder wasn’t intimated by the big stage, not in the least.

Derrick Callis, 2027, RB, Southeast Alamance (NC): Good balance and burst, the 5’9 and 180-pounder made a name for himself.

Jeremiah Davis, 2027, WR, Harrell’s Christian Academy (NC): The 6’3 and 180-pounder could very well land at North Carolina State.

Carmello Beasley, 2028, WR, Swansboro (NC): Ready for the next level, the 5’11 and 165-pounder is destined to play on Saturdays.

Ryyan Coley, 2027, WR, Overhills (NC): The 5’10 and 175-pounder would be a good fit in with a team in Conference USA.

Dawson Mack, 2027, WR, Knightdale (NC): A redzone target, the 6’3 and 187-pounder impressed just about everyone.

Kaden Johnson, 2027, WR, Lawrence County (WV): The 6’0 and 170-pounder left it all out on the field. Remember his name.

Jorian Ussery, 2028, WR, Burns (NC): Not afraid of anyone or anything, the 6’1 and 177-pounder certainly got the job done.

Landon Corley, 2027, WR, Apex (NC): The 5’11 and 165-pounder was somewhat recently on campus over at East Carolina.

Irvin Thompson, 2027, WR, Highland Tech (NC): Coastal Carolina seems to have its sight set on the 6’4 and 190-pounder.

Jadyn Goldwire, 2027, WR, Overhills (NC): The 5’8 and 168-pounder was absolutely fearless, nothing was going to stop him.

Peyton Russo, 2028, OL, Wheatmore (NC): The 6’4 and 275-pounder was seemingly a man among boys in the trenches.

Markus Medley, 2027, DB, Cleveland (NC): Charlotte appears to have some interest in the 6’1 and 188-pounder.

Trent Hockenberry, 2027, DB, West Perry (PA): The 5’11 and 180-pounder passed every test, with flying colors too.

Kaleil Hamilton, 2028, DB, Southeast Raleigh (NC): There was plenty to like about skill set of the 5’8 and 180-pounder.

Aaron Fulcher, 2028, DB, Northern Durham (NC): The 6’1 and 175-pounder is going to be deal with as an upperclassman.

De’reon Watson, 2028, DB, R.J. Reynolds (NC): Tough and determined, the 5’11 and 180-pounder was a relentless competitor.

Hunter McGreggor, 2027, LB, Windsor Academy (GA): The 6’2 and 205 has been in contact with UT Martin, among others.

Elijah Alexander, 2028, LB, Charlotte Latin (NC): Good against backs or tight ends, the 6’0 and 200-pounder did well.

Jordan Wallace, 2027, LB, Westover (GA): The 5’10 and 200-pounder strengthened a growing reputation with great effort.

Bralan Wilson, 2027, LB, North Pitt (NC): With good bloodlines, the 5’11 and 215-pounder did nothing to tarnish namesake.

Jacob Brown, 2027, LB, Green Hope (NC): The 6’0 and 208-pounder is talented, make no mistake about him or his bright future.

D.J. Steele, 2027, LB, St. Bernard (OH): Gritty, and never giving up an inch, the 5’9 and 180-pounder battled from start to finish.

Levontae McNeill, 2027, DL, Overhills (NC): The 6’4 and 255-pounder was a menace and his opponents can attest to that.

Josiah Sturdivant, 2027, DL Wake Forest (NC): North Carolina State and Georgia Tech are keeping tabs on the 6’4 and 225-pounder.

Johnathan Solomon, 2027, DL, Hawkinsville (GA): The 6’1 and 200-pounder has established a rapport with UT Chattanooga.

Armani Jones, 2028, DL, South View (NC): In time, the 6’3 and 225-pounder could be one of the better recruits in this bunch.

Editor’s Note: When it comes to statistics from the nationwide series of All-American Combines, such as the most recent one, we’ve got you covered. For the numbers, look no further (click here).

Worth mentioning, periodically and often within days, more information about the workout will be added in this space. That said, feel free to check back on a regular basis for the much-needed insight.

A bit later in the summer, invitations will be extended to one of the brand’s upcoming All-American Bowls held at NFL stadium and nationally broadcast on ESPN’s family of networks or YouTube.

Games take place at Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, Buccaneers’ Raymond James Stadium, Falcons’ Mercedes Benz Stadium, Texans’ NRG Stadium or Jaguars’ EverBank Field, among other venues. 

Moving forward, the Blue-Grey Football Selection Committee will consider a number of different factors before making any decision on potential invites to the All-American Bowl. Stay tuned.