2023 Rankings: Top Newcomers By Position
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Five position groups were bolstered by the additions of players who we initially missed in our Class of 2023 rankings. We consider the overlooks remedied. These five players added to an already heady stock of players at their current positions…
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Continue ReadingFive position groups were bolstered by the additions of players who we initially missed in our Class of 2023 rankings.
We consider the overlooks remedied.
These five players added to an already heady stock of players at their current positions in the updated rankings. And by the end of the 2021 season, we expect them to be some of the most productive at their positions statewide.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Montaque Rhames made plenty of headway when he picked up offers from North Carolina State, South Carolina, Arizona State and Michigan State in a two-month span. Oddly enough, it’s his wingspan that’s doing a lot of talking on the prep circuit. The 6-foot-6 Sumter defensive end lays waste to a lot of good plans, both in the rushing and passing games.
OFFENSIVE LINE
So much of what Bryce Smith Bryce Smith 6'4" | 265 lbs | OL Daniel | 2023 State SC (Pictured) does well for Daniel is also why the Lions are such a juggernaut on offense. The 6-foot-4, 265-pound tackle is a spread coordinator’s dream. He can play in tight formation or in wide sets, protect all those Daniel passes or steamroll on the rushing plays. He’d start at any school in the state.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Zion Fuller Zion Fuller 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB Spring Valley | 2023 State SC still moonlights on offense, but his play at free safety sets him apart. He plays the centerfielder role well, always keeping his eyes all over the field to spot developments that may be taking place away from the ball. The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder Spring Valley defensive back will only continue to improve as his snap count inches up by the play.
LINEBACKER
Teams who face Myrtle Beach have long since learned not to discount the 5-foot-7, 170-pound linebacker who lays out tailbacks and receivers coming across the middle. Cam Ward Cam Ward 5'4" | 170 lbs | LB Myrtle Beach | 2023 State SC is a pure two-way starter for the Seahawks moving forward, but his athleticism on defense more than makes up for his relatively small size.
QUARTERBACK
Oddly enough, South Florence’s weekly schedule probably got tougher when the Bruins dropped down to Class 4A prior to last season. And while they may not stay down for long (given enrollment estimates for 2022), Sellers’ quick-thinking ability to improvise has already set him apart in one of the toughest football regions in the state.