Who was the best ever player at your high school?

[Deana_King]

I will start with my alma mater Starmount. We have had some very good players through the years like Jackie Brown (first African-American to get athletic scholarship to South Carolina), Brocke Walker, Reggie Billips, Chris Charles, Donnie Bryant, and James Houston. But Carlos King is the player I have to go with. He is the all-time rushing leader, played at NC State, and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

 

[sway1532]

Wow that's a tough one. Albemarle doesn't have that type of history since we came on the scene late in the early 90's up until now. A lot of people from Albemarle would say T.A. McLendon, who's was an outstanding talent none the less, or some would say Tory Rushing who had untapped potential. But my vote would go to Denico Autry. He wasn't as talented as T.A. or Tory, but he was a hard worker which paid off. Started they final 7 games of the Raiders in 2015 and looks to be a major contributor to the Raiders franchise this season.

 

[knine1]

For the Murphy Bulldogs Carl Pickens is the most famous alumni and a Pro Bowl an All SEC WR. Many older fans however would still say running back Willie Brown was the best. Divided opinions still to this day.........Ricky Lyles would get my vote as best all around multi sport Male athlete to come thru Murphy.

 

[Buddy Rich]

Albemarle...TA Mclendon...

 

[BK13T-$]

Best football player is not the same as best athlete.

 

[TVILLEDAWG2370]

EJ Abrams-ward...Thomasville IMO,played fullback,linebacker,punter and QB...player of the year,all state,all county..and football wasn't even his best sport,a star in basketball as well,but his first love was baseball,and he was even better at that

 

[susancoleman]

Albemarle, Definitely TA. Denico was better in the long run but not in high school.

 

[Earnhardt Forever]

Phil Simms.

 

[3daughters]

John Heisman

 

[sway1532]

Albemarle, Definitely TA. Denico was better in the long run but not in high school.

You know the saying "It's not how you start, but how you finish".

 

[steady99]

Think you have to give it to McLendon for AHS. Autry is a close second. If you include special teams, the kicker from 10-15 years ago whose name escapes me now also gets consideration. He set/broke a bunch of records at the time.

 

[Deana_King]

Kicker was Tyler Lewis

 

[moped master]

Deana I played with Donnie Bryant in college. Great guy. Great teammate. Only had one gear and it was full speed. Story:

-In the spring, we'd have these miserably intense conditioning workouts a few times a week. Picture a Cross Fit WOD for an hour straight, no breaks, capped off with what seemed like endless 110 yard sprints. Donnie would come to these sessions straight from track practice, and if you know WCU track and field, you know Coach Danny Williamson and his practices are not for the faint of heart. Donnie would still somehow coast through our conditioning workout, then win every 110 by 15 yards. Awesome athlete.

 

[Deana_King]

He is still playing arena football for Winston Wildcats.

 

[ESOD]

At East Surry the two that stick out in my mind are Chris Griggs and Devin Lynch

 

[Realfreedom]

At East Wilkes it would be Luke Samples, Justin Call, Sandy Welborn (I think I have the name right. Running back in 87.) Todd and Tony Welborn from the early 80's were very good. I would pick Luke.

 

[Mitchaneers1]

For Mitchell high school it would have to be John Phillips who went on to be a 2 time all American at Clemson on the offensive line and I think he went to the Green Bay Packers. He started out as linebacker at Clemson before moving to the offensive line, where he only allowed one sack in his career. Also his brother Hank Phillips went on from Mitchell to be an all conference center at Clemson.

 

[RaidersRocks]

James McDougald at Maxton High from 72-75