2022 Rankings: Sleepers About To Make Their Move
In this article:
When you rank 237 players in a single class, a simple numbers game means not everyone can be in the top 100. Meanwhile, there are some just outside that grouping who we’re keeping a close eye on in the months…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWhen you rank 237 players in a single class, a simple numbers game means not everyone can be in the top 100.
Meanwhile, there are some just outside that grouping who we’re keeping a close eye on in the months ahead. Any off the following five players could see a significant jump between now and our next rankings, especially if they do what they’re capable of when the football schedules open up some and teams begin to resume their regular routines.
Jesus Gutierrez Jesus Gutierrez 6'4" | 350 lbs | DL Green Sea Floyds | 2022 State SC , OL/DL, Green Sea Floyds (No. 107)
If size is what matters, than Gutierrez matters. The 6-foot-4, 350-pound two-way lineman chews up a ton of space while playing nose guard and is developing into a punishing blocker at offensive tackle. If the Trojans continue to develop their passing game this fall, Gutierrez will be a large reason why.
Carson Arnold Carson Arnold 6'4" | 225 lbs | LB Oceanside Collegiate Academy | 2022 State SC , LB, Oceanside Collegiate (No. 121)
Arnold is a bit overlooked on an Oceanside roster chock full of future college talent. But make no mistake that the Landsharks’ linebacker is among the best at his position in the state. If all goes to plan, his senior season could be among the more dynamic the Charleston area has seen in some time.
Chase Smith Chase Smith 6'2" | 180 lbs | WR Ridge View | 2022 State SC , WR, Ridge View (No. 125)
Smith quietly transferred to Ridge View (from Blythewood) in the offseason, and almost immediately he began to click with a slew of talented offensive players who are primed to make waves at the state’s largest classification. Smith enters the summer at 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, and he’s got NCAA Division-I receiver written all over him.
Ethan Kelly Ethan Kelly 5'11" | 175 lbs | RB Florence Christian | 2022 State SC , RB, Florence Christian (No. 134)
It’s easy to say that Kelly’s prominence is relegated to his level of competition. That, however, doesn’t take into account his various abilities running and catching the ball out of the backfield, his urgency to take on tacklers or the number of times he’s out-run others. Kelly is a complete back who could easily take the next step.
Roman Wadford Roman Wadford 5'10" | 170 lbs | DB Timberland | 2022 State SC , DB, Timberland (No. 160)
Wadford could carve out a nice career for himself at a small college as a wildcat quarterback alone. However, he also happens to be such a good strong safety that his offensive potential pales in comparison. Wadford is a hit-stick tackler who can also read a quarterback’s eyes and break up and even intercept passes.