Indiana LB commit Jalaythan Mayfield dominates in season-opener for Lincolnton (N.C.)

· Yahoo Sports

Lincolnton (N.C.) won 11 games and reached the NCHSAA 3A state semifinals last season. The Wolves plan on making another deep run this fall and they’ve got one of the state’s top defensive prospects leading the way.

Visit h-doctor.club for more information.

Senior four-star linebacker Jalaythan Mayfield is the leader on the Lincolnton defense. The Indiana commit was all over the place in an impressive season-opening 30-10 road win at Maiden on Friday evening.

The 6-foot-1.5, 235-pounder racked up 13 tackles, forced a fumble in the red zone and returned a fumble for a touchdown in the victory. He routinely bullied the Maiden offensive line coming off the edge, notching a sack and tackle for loss. Mayfield raced all over the field and finished plenty of plays with aggression.

Mayfield is also an offensive weapon on the ground for the Wolves. He rushed for 13 touchdowns as a junior last fall to go with a whopping 152 tackles. He averaged over 11 tackles per game in 2025 and is already off to a blistering pace as a senior.

Off to a 1-0 start, Lincolnton is now the No. 64 team in North Carolina, according to the Rivals Composite Rankings. It is seeking its first state title since 2007 and first state title appearance since 2011. The Wolves will play their next three games at home, beginning with a tilt against East Lincoln this Friday, Aug. 28. Cherryville Senior and Burns will then follow.

Scouting Jalaythan Mayfield

Mayfield is the No. 234 overall prospect and No. 21 LB in the 2027 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 9 senior prospect in North Carolina.

Curt Cignetti and Indiana beat out Miami and Georgia for his commitment on June 19. Mayfield is one of five blue-chippers pledged to the Hoosiers, who currently have the No. 28 class in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. Charles Power, Rivals’ Director of Scouting and Rankings, previously wrote this about Mayfield as a prospect:

“Thickly-built, instinctive linebacker who is a tackle machine on Friday nights. Measured in at a shade over 6-foot-1 and around 235 pounds. Touts plus length for the position with arms that measure around 33 inches. Highly productive player who lives in opposing backfields. Intelligent and instinctive. Reads plays and will often beat offensive players to their spot. Uses his length to stack and shed. Motor runs hot and makes second-effort plays. Quality tackler who shows good form. Also shows ability as a pass rusher and blitzer.

…Finished his junior season with 152 tackles and 26 tackles for loss. Also lines up at tight end and as a short yardage ball-carrier out of the wildcat, rushing for 343 yards and 13 touchdowns. A quicker than fast athlete and top-end speed appears below average compared to fellow highly-ranked linebackers. Has the look of a high-floor prospect who could grow into a defensive captain at middle linebacker in college.”

How to Follow North Carolina High School Football

For high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around North Carolina, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the gridiron excitement across the country.

Read full story at source