Class of 2023: Upstate Players Jump Into Rankings

With the Prep Redzone Class of 2023 rankings list nearly doubling in size to 114 players, there’s a lot of movement all over the board as a summer full of work and the start of the 2021 season has paid off for several athletes who have vaulted into the rankings on the strength of strong performances. Here’s a look at five Upstate players who have made their way into the rankings as the class was re-evaluated. Riverside QB [player_tooltip player_id="202732" first="Rob" last="Sanders"] is a big mover in the class, making his debut as the 10th-ranked QB in a strong class, and the No. 69 recruit overall. Sanders has a big arm, and has been throwing it all over the place for the Warriors, one of the biggest surprises in the Upstate. They’re 6-0 for the first time ever, reaching that mark with a win over Blue Ridge last week that saw Sanders throw for 340 yards and four touchdowns. He’ll be one to watch as region play starts and the Warriors attempt to make a playoff run. [player_tooltip player_id="202740" first="Gemire" last="Darden"] breaks in as the No. 76 overall player and the No. 12 linebacker in the class. The Laurens standout has played a little offense for the Raiders, but from his spot in the middle of the defense, he’s put together an eye-popping midseason stat line. Darden’s recorded 55 tackles and an interception, and has scored a defensive touchdown. Darden has recorded 17 tackles in each of his last two games. Byrnes LB [player_tooltip player_id="204428" first="Miquel" last="Dingle"] jumps into the rankings at No. 78 overall and No. 13 at his position. Dingle is big, strong, and fast. At 6-2 and 205 pounds, he’s a legitimate sub-4.6 runner who can also play safety and who shines on special teams. Dingle’s 16 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss this year have helped him stand out for Byrnes. In a bit of a rebuild for Wren, QB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id="202753" first="Trey" last="Horne"] has been a bright spot. Horne breaks into the rankings at No. 101, the No. 15 QB in the class. He’s split time at that position for the Hurricanes this year, and has helped power the Wren rushing attack as well. Horne has offers from Eastern Kentucky and Marshall, with several other schools showing interest. Dorman has shown a commitment to the run after some early offensive struggles, and OL [player_tooltip player_id="202774" first="DJ" last="Geth"] has helped to lead the way. Geth is a massive presence on the Cavaliers’ line at 6-4 and 275 pounds, and he makes his first appearance in the rankings as the No. 111 overall player and the No. 18 offensive lineman. Geth has good feet, a big wingspan, and the nasty streak that OL coaches love, finishing plays 20 yards and more downfield. He’s got offers from Appalachian State, Louisville, Delaware State, Old Dominion, and South Florida, which might be just the beginning given his size and talent.