Watch these N.C. high school football alums in the 2025 NFL playoffs

Watch these N.C. high school football alums in the 2025 NFL playoffs

14 NFL teams made the postseason and there are a number of former North Carolina players involved.

Here’s a team-by-team breakdown of the North Carolina players in the playoffs, with some details on how they’ve performed during the 2024 season.

Baltimore Ravens from North Carolina high schools

#30 Trenton Simpson (Mallard Creek High School | Charlotte, N.C.)

  • Position: LB
  • Height: 6-3
  • Weight: 240
  • High School Class: 2020
  • College: Clemson
  • Draft Year: 2023
  • Draft Pick: 86th (3rd round)
  • Drafted By: Baltimore Ravens

Simpson recorded 73 combined tackles, five tackles for a los, four pass breakups, and a fumble recovery in his second season with the Ravens.

#81 Devontez Walker (West Charlotte High School | Charlotte, N.C.)

  • Position: WR
  • Height: 6-1.5
  • Weight: 198
  • High School Class: 2019
  • College: UNC
  • Draft Year: 2024
  • Draft Pick: 113th (4th Rd)
  • Drafted By: Baltimore Ravens

The rookie recorded one reception in his debut season, but it went for 21 yards and a touchdown.

Buffalo Bills from North Carolina high schools

#29 Brandon Codrington (Broughton High School | Raleigh, N.C.)

  • Position: DB
  • Height: 5-9
  • Weight: 185
  • High School Class: 2019
  • College: NC Central
  • Draft Year: 2024
  • Draft Pick: Undrafted
  • Drafted By: UDFA signing with the New York Jets

Codrington has been productive as a return specialist for the Bills. He ranks third among all AFC punt returners with a return average of 11.6 yards. He also has averaged 27.8 yards per kick return. Codrington tweaked his hamstring in the regular season finale, so there is a question if he will play in the wild card round.

Denver Broncos from North Carolina high schools

#25 Blake Watson (Green Hope High School | Cary, N.C.)

  • Position: RB
  • Height: 5-9
  • Weight: 195
  • High School Class: 2018
  • College: Memphis
  • Draft Year: 2024
  • Draft Pick: Undrafted
  • Drafted By: UDFA signing with Denver Broncos

Watson is a part of an almost entirely North Carolina-bred running back room. He’s played in two games as a rookie and has four rushes for 10 yards.

#29 Ja’Quan McMillian (West Forsyth High School | Clemmons, N.C.)

  • Position: CB
  • Height: 5-10
  • Weight: 185
  • High School Class: 2019
  • College: East Carolina
  • Draft Year: 2022
  • Draft Pick: Undrafted
  • Drafted By: UDFA signing with Denver Broncos

McMillian was a star at West Forsyth and ECU and has turned into a quality corner in the NFL. This year, he has 81 tackles, four for a loss, a sack, 10 passes defensed, and two interceptions. One of the interceptions was returned 44 yards for a touchdown.

#33 Javonte Williams (Wallace-Rose Hill High School | Teachey, N.C.)

  • Position: RB
  • Height: 5-10
  • Weight: 220
  • High School Class: 2018
  • College: North Carolina
  • Draft Year: 2021
  • Draft Pick: 35th (2nd Rd)
  • Drafted By: Denver Broncos

After a promising start to his career, Williams has been working back to his top form after he tore both his ACL and LCL in 2022. He was on the All-Rookie team in 2021. This year, Williams has 513 yards and four touchdowns on 139 carries. He has been very productive out of the backfield with 52 receptions for 346 yards.

#38 Jaleel McLaughlin (Forest Hills High School | Marshville, N.C.)

  • Position: RB
  • Height: 5-9
  • Weight: 183
  • High School Class: 2018
  • College: Youngstown State
  • Draft Year: 2023
  • Draft Pick: Undrafted
  • Drafted By: UDFA signing with Denver Broncos

McLaughlin serves as a change-of-pace back to Williams. This season, McLaughlin has rushed 113 time for 496 yards and a touchdown. He also has 24 receptions for 76 yards and two touchdowns.

Detroit Lions from North Carolina high schools

#2 Hendon Hooker (Dudley High School | Greensboro, N.C.)

  • Position: QB
  • Height: 6-4
  • Weight: 218
  • High School Class: 2017
  • College: Virginia Tech/Tennessee
  • Draft Year: 2023
  • Draft Pick: 68th (3rd round)
  • Drafted By: Detroit Lions

Hooker is a backup quarterback for the Lions. He has completed six of nine passing attempts this season for three first downs.

#4 Emmanuel Moseley (Dudley High School | Greensboro, N.C.)

  • Position: DB
  • Height: 5-11
  • Weight: 190
  • High School Class: 2014
  • College: Tennessee
  • Draft Year: 2018
  • Draft Pick: Undrafted
  • Drafted By: UDFA signing with San Francisco 49ers

Moseley started the season on the injured reserve and has since played 29 snaps on special teams.

#54 Alim McNeill (Sanderson High School | Raleigh, N.C.)

  • Reserve/Injured List
  • Position: NT
  • Height: 6-2
  • Weight: 330
  • High School Class: 2018
  • College: NC State
  • Draft Year: 2021
  • Draft Pick: 72nd (3rd Rd)
  • Drafted By: Detroit Lions

McNeill signed a huge contract extension to make him one of the highest paid interior defensive players. Unfortunately, he was placed on IR on Dec. 17 after he tore his ACL.

#98 D.J. Reader (Grimsley High School | Greensboro, N.C.)

  • Position: DT
  • Height: 6-3
  • Weight: 327
  • High School Class: 2012
  • College: Clemson
  • Draft Year: 2016
  • Draft Pick: 166th (5th Rd)
  • Drafted By: Cincinnati Bengals

The veteran has 23 combined tackles, four tackles for a loss, three sacks, and eight QB hits this season.

Are we missing anyone? There are a lot of NFL players from North Carolina, so it can be hard to keep track of them all. Send us an email at [email protected] with any corrections. Note: This list does not include tryout players/camp invites, only players signed to contracts.

Green Bay Packers from North Carolina high schools

#23 Jaire Alexander (Rocky River High School | Charlotte, N.C.)

  • Position: CB
  • Height: 5-10
  • Weight: 196
  • High School Class: 2015
  • College: Louisville
  • Draft Year: 2018
  • Draft Pick: 18th (1st Rd)
  • Drafted By: Green Bay Packers

Alexander is a star corner in the NFL, but he was recently put on injured reserve after undergoing an anthroscopic surgery on his knee.

#31 Emanuel Wilson (North Mecklenburg High School | Huntersville, N.C.)

  • Position: RB
  • Height: 6-1
  • Weight: 220
  • High School Class: 2018
  • College: Johnson C. Smith; Fort Valley State
  • Draft Year: 2023
  • Draft Pick: Undrafted
  • Drafted By: UDFA signing with Denver Broncos

A powerful runner, Wilson has been a nice back for Green Bay and has really turned it on as of late. He finished the regular season with a touchdown in three consecutive games. His final season stats were 103 carries for 502 yards and four touchdowns. He also had 11 receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown.

#62 Jacob Monk (Corinth Holders High School | Archer Lodge, N.C.)

  • Position: IOL
  • Height: 6-3
  • Weight: 308
  • High School Class: 2019
  • Draft Year: 2024
  • Draft Pick: 163rd (5th Rd)
  • Drafted By: Green Bay Packers

The lineman has played in 10 games as a rookie, mostly receiving special teams linemen snaps.

Are we missing anyone? There are a lot of NFL players from North Carolina, so it can be hard to keep track of them all. Send us an email at [email protected] with any corrections. Note: This list does not include tryout players/camp invites, only players signed to contracts.

Houston Texans from North Carolina high schools

#44 British Brooks (Ashbrook High School | Gastonia, N.C.)

  • Injured Reserve
  • Position: RB
  • Height: 5-11
  • Weight: 225
  • High School Class: 2018
  • College: North Carolina
  • Draft Year: 2024
  • Draft Pick: Undrafted
  • Drafted by: UDFA signing with Houston Texans

Brooks was placed on IR three months ago after having a surgery to repair a torn meniscus. He had one rush for two yards.

#96 Denico Autry (Albemarle High School | Albemarle, N.C.)

  • Position: DE
  • Height: 6-6
  • Weight: 265
  • High School Class: 2009
  • College: Mississippi State
  • Draft Year: 2014
  • Draft Pick: Undrafted
  • Drafted By: UDFA signing with Oakland Raiders

Autry has been a good NFL player for a long time, but he’s had a tougher season this year. He started out on the suspension list and has accumulated 13 combined tackles and three sacks since coming back.

Kansas City Chiefs from North Carolina high schools

#2 Joshua Williams (Jack Britt High School | Fayetteville, N.C.)

  • Position: CB
  • Height: 6-3
  • Weight: 197
  • High School Class: 2017
  • College: Fayetteville State
  • Draft Year: 2022
  • Draft Pick: 135th (4th Rd)
  • Drafted By: Kansas City Chiefs

The Fayetteville native has been one of the Chiefs’ most important special teams players since they drafted him. He’s also reliable when he has to play snaps on defense. Over the 411 snaps he’s played this season, he’s earned a PFF grade of 64.3 and has 33 total tackles with six pass breakups.

#70 D.J. Humphries (Mallard Creek High School | Charlotte, N.C.)

  • Position: OT
  • Height: 6-7
  • Weight: 307
  • High School Class: 2012
  • College: Florida
  • Draft Year: 2015
  • Draft Pick: 24th (1st Rd)
  • Drafted By: Arizona Cardinals

Humphries was signed late in the season by the Chiefs and has since started two games for the. He has a PFF grade of 44.8.

Los Angeles Chargers from North Carolina high schools

No players from North Carolina currently signed to the roster.

Los Angeles Rams from North Carolina high schools

#16 Joshua Karty (Western Alamance High School | Elon, N.C.)

  • Position: K
  • Height: 6-2
  • Weight: 207
  • High School Class: 2020
  • College: Stanford
  • Draft Year: 2024
  • Draft Pick: 209th (6th Rd)
  • Drafted By: Los Angeles Rams

Karty has had an outstanding rookie season as the Rams’ kicker. He was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for December/January. He set the Rams franchise record for most points scored by a rookie.

#42 Ethan Evans (North Surry High School | Mt. Airy, N.C.)

  • Position: P
  • Height: 6-4
  • Weight: 235
  • High School Class: 2019
  • College: Wingate
  • Draft Year: 2023
  • Draft Pick: 223rd (7th round)
  • Drafted By: Los Angeles Rams

Evans has been an exceptional punter. This season, he has punted 55 times with an average of 46.0 yards per punt, a long of 68 yards, and 30 landed inside the 20-yard line.

#52 Larrell Murchison (East Bladen High School | Elizabethtown, N.C.)

  • Resrve/Injured List
  • Position: DE
  • Height: 6-2
  • Weight: 297
  • High School Class: 2017
  • College: NC State
  • Draft Year: 2020
  • Draft Pick: 174th (5th Rd)
  • Drafted By: Tennessee Titans

Murchison has been on IR throughout the 2024 season.

Minnesota Vikings from North Carolina high schools

#34 Nick Muse (South Point High School | Belmont, N.C.)

  • Practice Squad
  • Position: TE
  • Height: 6-5
  • Weight: 250
  • High School Class: 2017
  • College: William & Mary
  • Draft Year: 2022
  • Draft Pick: 227th (7th round)
  • Drafted By: Minnesota Vikings

Muse has been called up for a handful of games this season, but does not have a target in his 17 snaps. He has played 47 snaps on special teams.

#56 Garrett Bradbury (Charlotte Christian School | Charlotte, N.C.)

  • Position: C
  • Height: 6-3
  • Weight: 304
  • High School Class: 2014
  • College: NC State
  • Draft Year: 2019
  • Draft Pick: 18th (1st Rd)
  • Drafted By: Minnesota Vikings

#89 Thayer Thomas (Heritage High School | Wake Forest, N.C.)

  • Practice Squad
  • Position: WR
  • Height: 6-0
  • Weight: 195
  • High School Class: 2017
  • College: NC State
  • Draft Year: 2023
  • Draft Pick: Undrafted
  • Drafted By: UDFA signing with Minnesota Vikings

Thomas has not been called up yet, but he’s carved himself a solid role on the Vikings’ practice squad over the past two seasons.

#90 Jonathan Bullard (Crest High School | Boiling Springs, N.C.)

  • Position: DL
  • Height: 6-foot-3
  • Weight: 290
  • High School Class: 2012
  • College: Florida
  • Draft Year: 2016
  • Draft Pick: 72nd (3rd round)
  • Drafted By: Chicago Bears

The veteran has 41 combined tackles and a sack this season. He has played 51% of the Vikings’ defensive snaps.

Are we missing anyone? There are a lot of NFL players from North Carolina, so it can be hard to keep track of them all. Send us an email at [email protected] with any corrections. Note: This list does not include tryout players/camp invites, only players signed to contracts.

Philadelphia Eagles from North Carolina high schools

#28 Will Shipley (Weddington High School | Matthews, N.C.)

  • Position: RB
  • Height: 5-11
  • Weight: 206
  • High School Class: 2021
  • College: Clemson
  • Draft Year: 2024
  • Draft Pick: 127th (4th Rd)
  • Drafted By: Philadelphia Eagles

Shipley has not had many opportunities this season as he’s played behind Saquon Barkley, who produced a top 10 rushing season in NFL history. He’s had 30 rushes for 82 yards and four receptions for 35 yards.

#50 K.J. Henry (West Forsyth High School | Clemmons, N.C.)

  • Position: EDGE
  • Height: 6-4
  • Weight: 255
  • High School Class: 2018
  • College: Clemson
  • Draft Year: 2023
  • Draft Pick: 137th (5th round)
  • Drafted By: Washington Commanders

Henry was recently signed to the Eagles’ practice squad.

#69 Landon Dickerson (South Caldwell High School | Hudson, N.C.)

  • Position: OG
  • Height: 6-6
  • Weight: 333
  • High School Class: 2016
  • College: Alabama
  • Draft Year: 2021
  • Draft Pick: 37th (2nd Rd)
  • Drafted By: Philadelphia Eagles

Dickerson was selected to the Pro Bowl once again. He’s now up to three selections in his young career. Dickerson is the biggest reason behind the success of the Eagles’ Tush Push play.

#90 Jordan Davis (Mallard Creek High School | Charlotte, N.C.)

  • Position: DT
  • Height: 6-6
  • Weight: 340
  • High School Class: 2018
  • College: Georgia
  • Draft Year: 2022
  • Draft Pick: 13th (1st Rd)
  • Drafted By: Philadelphia Eagles

Davis won’t make too many splash plays – his role in the Eagles’ defense is to eat up blocks for his teammates to make plays. He does a very good job in his role and has helped the Eagles finish as the No. 1 defense in yards and DVOA.

Pittsburgh Steelers from North Carolina high schools

#41 Payton Wilson (Orange High School | Hillsborough N.C.)

  • Position: LB
  • Height: 6-4
  • Weight: 233
  • High School Class: 2018
  • College: NC State
  • Draft Year: 2024
  • Draft Pick: 98th (3rd Rd)
  • Drafted by: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Orange alum has had a nice rookie year. He has 78 combined tackles, three tackles for a loss, two pass breakups, an interception, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries, one of which he turned for a touchdown. He has a strong PFF season grade of 75.3.

#53 Eku Leota (Asheville High School | Asheville, N.C.)

  • Practice Squad
  • Position: EDGE
  • Height: 6-4
  • Weight: 257
  • High School Class: 2018
  • College: Northwestern/Auburn
  • Draft Year: 2023
  • Draft Pick: Undrafted
  • Drafted By: UDFA signing with Carolina Panthers

Leota was signed to the Steelers’ practice squad in October after he was released by the Panthers.

#56 Alex Highsmith (Ashley High School | Wilmington, N.C.)

  • Position: OLB
  • Height: 6-4
  • Weight: 242
  • High School Class: 2015
  • College: UNC-Charlotte
  • Draft Year: 2020
  • Draft Pick: 102nd (3rd Rd)
  • Drafted By: Pittsburgh Steelers

Highsmith has been a good pass rusher since entering the NFL. This season, he has 45 combined tackles, nine tackles for a loss, six sacks, and 13 QB hits.

#99 Larry Ogunjobi (Ragsdale High School | Jamestown, N.C.)

  • Position: DT
  • Height: 6-3
  • Weight: 305
  • High School Class: 2012
  • College: UNC-Charlotte
  • Draft Year: 2017
  • Draft Pick: 65th (3rd round)
  • Drafted By: Cleveland Browns

The veteran has 41 combined tackles this season and five tackles for a loss.

Are we missing anyone? There are a lot of NFL players from North Carolina, so it can be hard to keep track of them all. Send us an email at [email protected] with any corrections. Note: This list does not include tryout players/camp invites, only players signed to contracts.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers from North Carolina high schools

#9 Kameron Johnson (Northern Nash High School | Nashville, N.C.)

  • Position: WR
  • Height: 5-10
  • Weight: 170
  • High School Class: 2020
  • College: Barton
  • Draft Year: 2024
  • Draft Pick: Undrafted
  • Drafted By: UDFA signing with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Johnson is an incredible story as he made it to the NFL despite being an unheralded recruit and playing for a newer program at Barton. He’s had one target this year, which he didn’t catch, but he did have a rush for 11 yards against the Panthers.

#24 Tyrek Funderburk (Metrolina Christian Academy | Indian Trail, N.C.)

  • Position: CB
  • Height: 6-0
  • Weight: 185
  • High School Class: 2018
  • College: Appalachian State
  • Draft Year: 2024
  • Draft Pick: Undrafted
  • Drafted By: UDFA signing with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Funderburk has played in 13 games this season. He has played 19% of the defensive snaps this season and has 14 tackles, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble. Funderburk has alo played in 24% of the special teams snaps.

Washington Commanders from North Carolina high schools

#2 Dyami Brown (West Mecklenburg High School | Charlotte, N.C.)

  • Position: WR
  • Height: 6-0
  • Weight: 195
  • High School Class: 2018
  • College: North Carolina
  • Draft Year: 2021
  • Draft Pick: 82nd (3rd Rd)
  • Drafted By: Washington Commanders

The fourth year receiver has had his best season so far with 30 receptions for 308 yards and a touchdown.

#15 Sam Hartman (Davidson Day School | Davidson, N.C.)

  • Practice Squad
  • Position: QB
  • Height: 6-1
  • Weight: 209
  • High School Class: 2018
  • College: Notre Dame
  • Draft Year: 2024
  • Draft Pick: Undrafted
  • Drafted By: UDFA signing with Washington Commanders

Hartman has not been called up this season.

#80 Jamison Crowder (Monroe High School | Monroe, N.C.)

  • Position: WR
  • Height: 5-9
  • Weight: 177
  • High School Class: 2011
  • College: Duke
  • Draft Year: 2015
  • Draft Pick: 105th (4th Rd)
  • Drafted By: Washington Commanders

The veteran had nine receptions for 72 yards and two touchdowns this year.

Copyright 2025 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Source: highschoolot.com