2022 Rankings: Breaking Down The Midlands (Part 2)

More than 30 players from our Class of 2022 state rankings come from the Midlands. From Sumter to the west side of Lexington County, the central pocket of the state produces battle-tested players who are cutting their teeth just about every game. In six parts, we broke down all of them and what we loved about their games. This is a list you don’t want to miss. [player_tooltip player_id="91202" first="Malik" last="McKinzie"] School: Sumter Position: Linebacker<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> Analysis: With some older D1 talent on the roster last fall, McKenzie quietly led the team by being in on 73 stops. Sumter’s defense will be loaded again, and he’s a big reason why. [player_tooltip player_id="92205" first="Chase" last="Smith"] School: Blythewood Position: Wide receiver Analysis: Smith is likely the next Blythewood receiver heading to the Division-I ranks, thanks in part to three years as a starter against a highly competitive schedule every season. [player_tooltip player_id="91203" first="Stephon" last="Gadsden"] School: Fairfield Central Position: Quarterback Analysis: Most quarterbacks who fill the “athlete” recruiting category lack arm strength. That’s not the case with Gadsden, even though he has options across the board at the next level. [player_tooltip player_id="89314" first="Kazarius" last="Adams"] School: Gray Collegiate Position: Running back Analysis: At 5-foot-8 and 170 pounds, Adams is on the smaller side for the position. But his junior year numbers (1,892 yards, 19 touchdowns in just nine games) tell a different story. [player_tooltip player_id="89325" first="Micaiah" last="Settles"] School: Dreher Position: Defensive line Analysis: While it’s fun to watch the 260-pound Settles dump truck would-be tacklers when he gets carries at running back, don’t lose sight of how good he is on the defensive line. TIMOTHY STAGGERS JR. School: North Central Position: Offensive line Analysis: Staggers has taken some excellent defensive traits - great first step, excellent pursuit angles, above average hand work - and found ways to translate those on the offensive line.