2022 Rankings: Breaking Down The Midlands (Part 2)
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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…
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Continue ReadingMore 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.
Malik McKinzie Malik McKinzie 6'3" | 210 lbs | LB Sumter | 2022 State SCSchool: Sumter
Position: Linebacker
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.
Chase Smith Chase Smith 6'2" | 180 lbs | WR Ridge View | 2022 State SCSchool: 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.
Stephon Gadsden Stephon Gadsden 5'10" | 180 lbs | QB Fairfield Central | 2022 State SCSchool: 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.
Kazarius Adams Kazarius Adams 5'8" | 170 lbs | RB Gray Collegiate Academy | 2022 State SCSchool: 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.
Micaiah Settles Micaiah Settles 6'1" | 260 lbs | DL Dreher | 2022 State SCSchool: 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.