High School Football America, in partnership with scoutSMART, has revealed the sixth edition of its Academic All‑America team for North Carolina, spotlighting varsity football players who maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher — or score at least 92 on a 0‑to‑100 scale — while contributing significantly to their teams.
The recognition is made possible by scoutSMART’s proprietary FIT Score, a metric that blends on‑field statistics, skill assessments and academic performance to give college coaches a comprehensive view of each prospect.
According to the organizations, the FIT Score is shared with coaches at every level of college football, helping them evaluate recruits not only for their athletic abilities but also for their scholarly commitment.
Celebrating Academic Excellence on the Field
Among the honorees is Colby Nelson Davies, a kicker from Davies High School who will graduate in the class of 2027, followed by Kolten Tesch, a dual‑position standout at running back and defensive back from the same school, also slated for the class of 2026. Completing the group is Ben Hynek, a tight end from Stanley High School who is set to graduate in 2027.
These student‑athletes exemplify the balance of rigorous academics and competitive sports, a combination that the partnership hopes will inspire similar initiatives across the nation.
The collaboration between High School Football America and scoutSMART sets a precedent for integrating academic metrics into sports talent identification, reflecting a broader shift toward holistic player development.