Here are 9 Division I football players who played for Wilmington-area high schools

We've hit the final week of football-less action in the Wilmington area.

As teams prep for the first official day of practice next Wednesday, a new wave of talented area players will work to establish their names amongst the best in 2024.

Over the years, plenty of high school football talent has graced the Wilmington area. NFL legends like Sonny Jurgensen and Roman Gabriel rose to fame at New Hanover High School in the 1950s and 1960s. Current NFL player Alex Highsmith (Pittsburgh Steelers) is a glistening reminder that area athletes can still shine at the highest level.

Below is a list of college football players on a Division I roster who played for a Wilmington-area school during their high school careers.

Did we miss someone on this list? Let sports reporter Michael Cuneo know at @Mcuneo@gannett.com.

2024 Wilmington-area Division I college football players

Linden Clemmons, West Brunswick, William & Mary

The 6-foot-7 offensive lineman will search for a starting role on the Tribe's offensive line in 2024.

Owen Daffer, New Hanover, North Carolina A&T

A 2019 New Hanover graduate, Daffer nailed 24 of 31 field goals in three seasons at ECU as a walk-on before transferring to A&T in 2023. He converted 11 of 16 field goals last fall and will take the field as a senior this fall.

Austin Hobson, Topsail, Appalachian State

The Pirates' defensive lineman finished his high school career with 122 total tackles last fall.

Jack Lambert, Topsail, Penn State

The 2022 Topsail graduate didn't see any action as a redshirt freshman last fall. The quarterback will be looking to work his way onto the depth chart this fall.

Jason Smith, Hoggard, North Carolina

A member of Hoggard's 2023 state championship run, Smith provided plenty of protection on the offensive line throughout his high school career.

Steven Stokes, Laney, NC State

The defensive lineman will get his shot with the Wolfpack after finishing his high school career with 39 total tackles for the Bucs in 2023.

Chris Toudle, Hoggard, Western Michigan

Toudle graduated from NC State in 2023 and transferred to Western Michigan this season as a graduate student. He brought in 30 catches for five touchdowns with the Wolfpack.

Malakahi West, Hoggard, Elon

The former Vikings defensive end was one of the few area football players to receive a full Division I college scholarship to play football this fall.

A menace during his two seasons of varsity football, West racked up more than 30 sacks and 141 tackles.

Hudson Wilharm, Hoggard, North Carolina

Wilharm became Hoggard's all-time single-season passing leader in 2023 as he led the Vikings to a state championship in his senior season.