I. Robert Marve, Plant, QB
The craftiest QB I have seen with my own eyes. He was great at evading the rush, excellent at controlling the offense and outstanding at making plays with his arm and feet. He set county and state passing records, won a state title and started what we now consider a powerhouse.
II. Marc Thomas, Hillsborough, LB
As far as pure competitors go, Thomas is my favorite. He would play any position, LB, RB, Special Teams, Thomas did it all and made play after play after play for the Terriers. One of the biggest hitters the county has had in the not so distant past. He was a playmaker in ever sense of the word.
III. Quentin Williams, Jefferson, QB
A pure passer and incredible leader. Deceptively swift and elusive. Williams had a big heart and played as if he owed someone something. Jefferson won its 1st state championship this year and Williams took it upon himself to make sure that dream came true.
IV. Angelo Hadley, Armwood, S
A nose for the ball and killer instinct. The leader of dangerous hawk defense. Recorded 9 turnovers his senior year at Armwood.
V. James Wilder Jr, Plant, RB/DE
Just and incredible athlete with special talents. A monster of a defensive players and beast of a running back. James Wilder Jr attracted and demanded attention from those who played against him and with him. He’ll go down as one of the greatest to come out of Hillsborough County.
VI. Aaron Murray, Plant, QB
“Air Murray” is what we tabbed the Plant QB. The successor to Robert Marve who keep the Gold and Black at the top. With a riffle of an arm and the IQ of a mad scientist, Murray carved of defenses and left no room in the stat book. Rarely did he look rattled and often he looked magnificent.
VII. Charles Lovett, Hillsborough, ATH
The argument will always stand, who is the best wide out? Was it Moore, Davis or Lovett? The answer will differ, but because this is my list, my answer is Charles Lovett. He was the most complete WR during his time. Superb route runner, great speed, tremendous escapability and a smart football player. DBs feared him and often paid the price trying to press cover him.
- VIII. Dontae Aycock, Chamberlain, QB
“The bull in the ring” would fit Aycock perfectly. He lined up behind center and was listed as a QB, but to describe him best, I’d say he was bull. Never would one defender bring him down alone. He was too tough and too strong. A soft spoken young man with a heart of a champion.
IX. Cornelius Gallon, Plant, ATH
Marve, Murray and Winter received plenty of attention as they were setting County and State records. But, the silent killer was Cornelius Gallon. He created match up problems for defenses. He locked down the opposing team’s best WR when playing corner and he was one of the most dangerous returners (punts and kick off returns) in the area. When the game got long and a play needed to be made, Gallon made it!
X. Terrence Mitchell, Hillsborough, ATH
ATHLETE (ATH) is the only position he played. Nick named “Trex” during his youth league days, described his play to a “T”. Rex was a violent hitter and an incredible athlete. He had to be accounted for. Whether playing WR, DB or KOR. He was special to watch completely take out the best WR from the opponent. Fearless competitor!