2022 Rankings: Small-School Players To Watch (Defense)
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Seven small-school defensive players have already done enough to warrant a spot in the Prep Red Zone class of 2022 rankings. From the Upstate to the coast, the Class 2A and 1A standouts have made their mark on their own…
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Continue ReadingSeven small-school defensive players have already done enough to warrant a spot in the Prep Red Zone class of 2022 rankings.
From the Upstate to the coast, the Class 2A and 1A standouts have made their mark on their own programs and will be influential in their teams’ success in 2021. Along the way, they’ll open up their own chances for college ball.
Hiram Stready Jr. Hiram Stready Jr. 6'4" | 270 lbs | DL Calhoun County | 2022 State SC , CALHOUN COUNTY
Watch a few minutes of the Calhoun County 6-foot-4, 270 pounder’s film and you’ll see that he’s equal parts power and sliver. He can pound with the best of his class’ interior linemen while also using his hands and footwork to navigate the gaps.
Jeremiah Lomax Jeremiah Lomax 6'0" | 160 lbs | DB Abbeville | 2022 State SC , ABBEVILLE
The prototypical college free safety does just enough of everything to attract his fair share of suitors. He can player centerfield, cover a receiver, float the middle, press tight ends at the line and occasionally blitz. Lomax is a big reason why the Abbeville defense was so dominant en route to another state championship in 2020.
Jaden McLeod Jaden McLeod 6'0" | 210 lbs | DL Silver Bluff | 2022 State SC , SILVER BLUFF
At 6 foot and 225 pounds, production is going to matter much more than his physical stats. But after another year of maturation, who knows what McLeod’s future will hold. He’s overpowered small-school offensive lineman for a full season both standing up and with his hand in the dirt. It gives him some flexibility moving forward.
Michael Kennedy Michael Kennedy 6'2" | 280 lbs | DL Southside Christian | 2022 State SC , SOUTHSIDE CHRISTIAN
The definition of a “motor” guy, Kennedy never stops moving for SSC’s highly efficient offense when he’s on the field. Despite battling an injury, Kennedy racked up 53.5 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks this fall for the Class 1A state champion Sabres. He’ll be among the state’s best defenders next year.
Hunter Norton Hunter Norton 6'1" | 200 lbs | LB Lake View | 2022 State SC , LAKE VIEW
The Gators’ mike linebacker has a patient style that has paid dividends for Lake View already, and that should continue for another season. The 6-foot-1, 200 pounder seems to use a bait-and-switch style, allowing gaps to open before closing them in a hurry. It’s why he was such a tackle monster for his team, including the state title loss to Southside Christian.
Jesus Gutierrez Jesus Gutierrez 6'4" | 350 lbs | DL Green Sea Floyds | 2022 State SC , GREEN SEA FLOYDS
Like most small-school big guys, Gutierrez spends more than his fair share on the field. As a junior he started at left tackle and in the middle of the defensive line. And in both, he takes up a lot of room. At 6-foot-4 and 349 pounds, Gutierrez is a solid offseason away from getting into a few tight-knit recruiting circles.
Chandler McMaster Chandler McMaster 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Christ Church Episcopal School | 2022 State SC , CHRIST CHURCH
The standup defensive end had a high-quality 2020 campaign, piling up 64 tackles (second on the team) along with a team-best 14 tackles for loss and five sacks. He also forced two fumbles and recovered another for Christ Church. Next year, his numbers should all improve, and possibly by leaps and bounds.