Where the top 50 high school football recruits in Hampton Roads’ Class of 2023 are headed
When coaches and recruiting evaluators were asked this summer to name the best high school football player in Hampton Roads’ senior class, the choice was unanimous. They all selected Western Branch’s Paul Billups Jr.
“He is projected to be a top-notch wide receiver on the next level, and has the ability to take the ball to the house every time he touches the ball,” one college coach said about the 6-foot-2, 185-pound wide receiver and defensive back.
“No question about it,” another coach added, “he is absolutely the best player in the state.”
Billups, signed Wednesday — the opening of the early signing period — with North Carolina, is the first Western Branch player to top the annual list of area high school seniors since quarterback Ryan Pond led the inaugural list in 2004. The past two top players in Hampton Roads — Landstown’s Tychaun Chapman (2022) and Princess Anne’s Tony Grimes (2021) — chose North Carolina, and the Tar Heels are among Billups’ nearly 30 scholarship offers.
The rankings, compiled before the 2022 high school football season, are based on previous season performances, current season expectations, 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.
Here are the Class of 2023 rankings and a look at the next 50:
1. Paul Billups Jr.
Western Branch, 6-2, 185, wide receiver/defensive back
College: North Carolina
Billups combines size, speed and great hands. Last season, he had 32 receptions for 572 yards and six touchdowns to earn all-state honors. A three-star prospect, he is rated the No. 10 senior in the state by Rivals, No. 21 by 247Sports and No. 22 by ESPN. He chose North Carolina over nearly 30 offers, including Michigan State and Virginia Tech.
2. Jordan Bass
Phoebus, 6-3, 200, defensive back
College: Pittsburgh
He helped lead the Phantoms to a Class 3 state title last season and earned All-Tidewater and all-state honors. A three-star prospect, he is rated the No. 12 senior in the state by 247Sports and No. 23 by Rivals. He chose Pittsburgh over nearly 20 offers, including from Penn State, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Virginia and Old Dominion.
3. Peyton Jones
Maury, 5-11, 180, running back
College: Duke
Jones is an athletic and strong running back who committed to Blue Devils area recruiter Zohn Burden, a former star receiver at Salem High in Virginia Beach. A three-star prospect, Jones is rated the No. 15 senior in the state by Rivals, No. 21 by ESPN and No. 29 by 247Sports. He can do it all out of the backfield: Get the tough yards, catch, block and get outside and take it to the end zone.
4. Leon Griffin III
Bayside, 5-11, 185, defensive back
College: Duke
One college coach said Griffin is a “ferocious hitter and a very good cover guy.” He’s an All-Tidewater defensive back and will play on the defensive side of the ball for the Blue Devils, but also will be a dynamic running back for the Marlins. A three-star prospect, he is rated the No. 29 senior in the state by ESPN and No. 42 by 247Sports.
5. Tory Johnson Jr.
Oscar Smith, 6-4, 215, wide receiver
College: West Virginia
A three-star prospect, he is rated the No. 24 senior in the state by Rivals, No. 28 by 247Sports and No. 37 by ESPN. He will follow in the footsteps of his father, who played for the Mountaineers from 2000-03. He chose West Virginia over Pittsburgh, Maryland, Virginia and East Carolina and is expected to play tight end in college.
6. Quran Boyd
Kempsville, 5-10, 185, athlete
College: Duke
He accounted for more than 700 yards and seven touchdowns for the Chiefs last season. On defense, he had 21 tackles, 14 pass breakups and four interceptions, returning two for TDs. ”He can do everything,” one college coach said. Boyd is rated the No. 32 senior in the state by ESPN and No. 37 by 247Sports.
7. Tajh Boyd
Oscar Smith, 6-4, 315, lineman
College: Liberty
You didn’t hear a lot about Boyd last season because the Tigers were loaded on the offensive and defensive lines. But you will see plenty of him this season as he tries to lead the Tigers to their third consecutive state title. He is rated the No. 18 senior in the state by both ESPN and Rivals.
8. Kevin White
Green Run, 6-0, 180, quarterback
The Menchville transfer completed 50% of his passes for 1,052 yards and 13 touchdowns with eight interceptions last season. This season, he will throw to two of the best wide receivers in the state in Keylen Adams and Tasean Young-Stieff. He has picked up several offers, including those from Duke, Marshall and Maryland. He has a 3.32 GPA and runs 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
9. Anthony Britton
Lake Taylor, 6-5, 280, lineman
College: Virginia
He was all-state, all-region and all-district last season. “He’s got ability, a motor, size, he’s very coachable, and a high academic guy,” Titans coach Hank Sawyer said. Britton, who committed to Virginia last week, has a 3.9 grade-point average and will be the anchor for the Titans on both sides of the ball this season.
10. David Anderson
Kecoughtan, 6-4, 280, lineman
College: Duke
A three-star prospect, Anderson is rated the No. 25 player in the state by 247Sports and No. 38 by ESPN. He chose the Blue Devils over offers from Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Syracuse, East Carolina and Old Dominion. He did not play last season due to a foot injury, but recovered nicely to win the shot put at both the Class 5 state indoor and outdoor track and field championships.
11. Mychal McMullin, Phoebus, 6-2, 285, lineman
College: James Madison
He was first-team All-Tidewater on offense and first-team all-state on both offense and defense after helping to lead the Phantoms to the Class 3 state title.
12. Kaden Beatty, Atlantic Shores, 6-2, 285, lineman
College: Kent State
Beatty recorded 90 tackles — 45 for loss — and 15 sacks last season and was named the VISAA Division II State Defensive Player of the Year. With a 4.0 grade-point average, he had more than 20 offers.
13. Brock Stukes, Oscar Smith 6-3, 295, lineman
College: North Carolina A&T
He was named All-Tidewater and all-state last season after he helped lead the Tigers to a Class 6 state title.
14. Shimique Blizzard, Western Branch, 5-8, 195, running back
College: North Carolina A&T
He rushed for 1,196 yards and 16 touchdowns last season to earn All-Tidewater, all-state and all-region honors. He also had 17 receptions for 329 yards and three touchdowns.
15. Jordin Cooper, Cox, 5-9, 175, wide receiver/defensive back
One of the most dynamic players in the Beach District, he accounted for more than 1,200 yards and 19 touchdowns on offense last season and had six interceptions on defense.
16. Davion Corpening, Warwick, 5-10, 175, athlete
College: Virginia Military Institute
A three-star prospect, Corpening is rated the No. 39 senior in the state by Rivals. He was an All-Peninsula District selection last season.
17. Kelvin Seay, Maury, 6-2, 185, defensive back
College: Delaware
He helped lead the Commodores to the Class 5 state championship and was named all-state. He committed to Delaware.
18. Brandyn Hillman, Churchland, 6-2, 200, quarterback
College: Notre Dame
He was the Class 4 Region A Player of the Year and second-team All-Tidewater. He completed 73 of 132 passes for 1,082 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,314 yards and 17 touchdowns.
19. CJ Fraser, Western Branch, 6-0, 190, athlete
College: Richmond
Fraser is a hard-hitting cornerback and sure-handed receiver. He had 32 receptions, made 59 tackles and had three interceptions. He’s getting interest from several schools, and has an offer from Virginia Military Institute.
20. NaiQuan Washington-Pearce, Kempsville, 5-9, 235, running back
Washington-Pearce was the second-leading rusher among area public schools during the regular season, with 1,179 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was All-Tidewater and all-state. He has a 3.8 grade-point average.
21. Kam Johnson, Oscar Smith, 5-10, 205, linebacker
He Helped lead the Tigers to back-to-back state titles and was named second-team all-state.
22. Nathaniel Knox, Maury, 6-0, 200, athlete
Knox was All-Tidewater, all-state and all-region as he helped lead the Commodores to the Class 5 state championship game. He is getting plenty of interest, with offers from Virginia Military Institute and Sacred Heart.
23. Kaletri Boyd, King’s Fork, 5-7, 170, athlete
Boyd was first-team all-state at kick returner and second-team all-state at wide receiver. He also had seven interceptions as a defensive back, where he was named second-team All-Tidewater.
24. Jaylen Pretlow, Lafayette, 5-10, 175, wide receiver
College: Navy
Pretlow was the second-leading receiver in Hampton Roads with 42 catches for 1,112 yards and 18 touchdowns during the regular season last year. At defensive back, he had three interceptions. He was second-team All-Tidewater.
25. Xavier Glass, Landstown, 6-3, 215, linebacker
Glass, committed to William & Mary, will be one of the top defensive players in the Beach District this season.
26. Erion Griffin, Oscar Smith, 6-0, 170, defensive back
Griffin, who has a 3.7 GPA, led the Tigers in tackles last season.
27. Antoine Gray, King’s Fork, 5-11, 175, defensive back
He was second-team all-state and had more than 60 tackles, plus three interceptions.
28. Tarreon Washington-Jacobs, Lake Taylor, 5-11, 185, running back
He rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season and was the Eastern District Offensive Player of the Year.
29. Isaiah Whitehurst, Maury, 5-11, 270, lineman
He was first-team all-state, all-region, all-district and a three-time region champion.
30. Ty’Reon Taylor, Phoebus, 5-9, 175, running back
He was a first-team All-Peninsula District selection who helped lead the Phantoms to the Class 3 state title. Has a 3.33 GPA and runs 4.4 in the 40-yard dash.
31. Taquan Trotman, Western Branch, 6-3, 195, quarterback
He threw for 1,596 yards and 13 touchdowns and completed more than 50% of his passes.
32. Dequan Cobb, Woodside, 6-2, 310, lineman
He was named second-team all-state last season.
33. Bryce Buchanan, Warwick, 5-7, 190, running back
He was a first-team All-Peninsula District selection who has rushed for more than 2,600 yards in three seasons.
34. Diamondz Wells, Booker T. Washington, 5-11, 220, linebacker
He was first-team All-Eastern District.
35. Nate Clark, Kempsville, 6-4, 190, tight end/defensive back
The First Colonial transfer was first-team all-region and All-Beach District.
36. Cameron Butler, King’s Fork, 5-11, 170, quarterback
He accounted for more than 2,000 passing yards, 700 rushing yards and 35 total touchdowns last season.
37. Jamison Battle, York, 6-0, 260, lineman
He had 54 tackles — including nine for loss — during the regular season.
38. Gianni Ganci, Salem, 6-0, 255, lineman
He was first-team All-Beach District at center.
39. Tyler Edwards, Churchland, 6-4, 225, lineman
He was first-team All-Eastern District last season.
40. Nolan James, Phoebus, 6-2, 180, quarterback
The Nansemond River transfer threw for 1,067 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Warriors.
41. Aquan Ballard, Lake Taylor, 5-9, 170, defensive back
He was first-team All-Eastern District last season.
42. Isaiah Coley, Tallwood, 6-2, 270, lineman
He was first-team All-Beach District on offense and all-region on both sides of the ball.
43. Jayden Chappell, Western Branch, 6-5, 310, lineman
He must be a leader in the trenches if the Bruins are to be successful this season.
44. Javon Boone, Manor, 6-3, 260, lineman
He was second-team All-Eastern District on offense, but also finished with 33 tackles and three sacks on defense.
45. Tristan Woodley, Bayside, 6-4, 280, lineman
Committed to Virginia Military Institute, he will anchor the Marlins on the offensive and defensive lines.
46. Ahmarri Williams, Salem, 6-1, 185, linebacker/wide receiver
He will be a key member for the SunDevils this season.
47. Henry Strickland, Deep Creek, 6-2, 295, lineman
He will be the anchor for the Hornets in the trenches.
48. Shamarius Whitby, York, 6-2, 185, linebacker
He finished the regular season with 78 tackles, including seven for loss.
49. Jahrell Walton, Salem, 6-0, 180, wide receiver/defensive back
He was second-team All-Beach District.
50. Javion Whitfield, Manor, 5-9, 215, running back/linebacker
He finished last season with 42 tackles and was an All-Eastern District selection.
Larry Rubama, 757-575-6449, larry.rubama@pilotonline.com. Twitter @LHRubama
