Princeton High School in Johnston County hosted the first Carolinas Coaches Combine in North Carolina.

The combine is a new joint venture between the North Carolina Coaches Association, North Carolina Football Coaches Association, NCCA East-West All-Star Game, the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, and some coaches associations from South Carolina designed to identify the players who will be selected to the all-star games.

Selected coaches on the staff of the upcoming Shrine Bowl and East-West All-Star Game were on hand to evaluate the players, which mostly came from Eastern North Carolina Schools.

Page High School in Greensboro and Hickory High School will host the final two combines in April.

The best broad jump at the combine came from Greene Central linebacker Nicholas Avent, who leapped 10 feet, one inch. The fastest pro shuttle performance came from Nicholas’ brother Sam at a 4.2 flat. Greene Central also had the top 40-time at the combine: defensive back Kam Vandiford ran a 4.61. The best vertical jump came from Red Springs All-State player TJ Ellerbe at 38.6 inches.

Purnell Swett offensive lineman Hunter Clark won the leadership award. Tanner Payne was the top quarterback at the event. The top offensive combo player award went to Yoshua McBryde of St. Pauls High School. Pine Forest’s Donovan Johnson was the top offensive lineman, while Jordan’s Noah Clark was named the top defensive lineman. Franklinton’s Walter Royster was the top linebacker. DJ Davis of West Craven was named the top defensive back.

HighSchoolOT was able to speak with seven of the players at the Princeton, including event MVP River Fiore of Clayton High School.

River Fiore, Clayton TE

Noah Clark, Jordan OL/DL

Donovan Johnson, Pine Forest OL/DL

TJ Ellerbe, Red Springs athlete

Tanner Payne, West Carteret QB

Shawn Davis, East Duplin RB

Chase Boone, Red Springs QB