2021 Carolina Bowl Senior Showcase

I worked and covered the 2021 Carolina Bowl Senior Showcase which was took place in Gaffney, South Carolina.  Some of the top high school seniors from North and South Carolina were invited to participate in the event.  The players participated in two-a-day practices, community service project, media day, 7on7 competition, Lineman Challenge, Kicker Challenge, and the game which was played at Gaffney High School Stadium.  University and college coaches attended the practices and the game who were looking for recruits.  There was a multitude on talent on display for the showcase and the players listed caught my attention. <strong>Prometheus Franklin II, 6’3" 195, QB, Greenville HS, SC</strong>.  Prometheus displayed poise and leadership directing the offensive unit on the field.  He has a strong arm and delivers accurate short range and long-range passes to the wide receivers.  Prometheus displayed the ability to run to avoid being sacked while under pressure.  The West Virginia University signee is a dual threat as a passer and as a runner to opposing defenses. <strong>Max Garridd, OL, 6’1" 250, Fort Dorchester HS, SC</strong>.  Max displayed good footwork and technique to control defenders while opening lanes for the running backs.  He was quick out of his stance to make contact with defender and drive block defender out of the play.  Max Garridd was one of the anchors on the offensive line. <strong>Ethan Benson, OL, 6’2" 285, Dutch Fork HS, SC</strong>.  Ethan displayed good footwork and technique to control defenders while opening lanes for the running backs.  He used upper body strength to control to overpower defenders and block them downfield and out of the play.  Ethan Benson was one of the anchors on the offensive line. <strong>Duece Caldwell, LB, 6’1" 225, Mauldin HS, SC</strong>.  Duece displayed great lateral movement and quickness while closing in to stop the play.  He reacted quickly to the play and covered a lot of ground quickly to stop the ball carrier.  The University of North Carolina signee made some punishing tackles and was a threat on offense as a power runner. <strong>Meosphia Yarborough, DT, 6’5" 340, Gilbert HS, SC</strong>.  Meosphia displayed good quickness out of his stance and good use of hands to control blockers.  He used his size and strength to overpower blockers on several plays.  Meosphia Yarborough was a dominant force on the defensive line and made it difficult to run inside against him. <strong>Alonzo Barnett III, QB, 6’0" 195, Grimsley HS</strong>.  Alonzo displayed good arm strength on the medium and long-range passes which were delivered on target to the wide receivers.  He was calm under pressure in the pocket while directing the offense throughout the game.  Alonzo tucked it and ran when needed to gain yardage.  The James Madison University signee was a dual threat to the defense as a passer and as a runner. <strong>Jabrii Carolina, RB, 6’1" 225, Thomasville HS</strong>.  Jabrii displayed good balance and speed to get outside to accelerate past defenders to gain big yardage.  He followed his blockers while running inside with power to gain tough yards.  Jabrii Carolina is a big back who displayed the ability run inside and the speed to get around the corner to gain yards. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="28631" first="Shaleak" last="Knotts"], WR, 6’2" 190, Monroe HS</strong>.  Shaleak ran precision pass routes while separating quickly from the defenders to make catches in traffic.  He accelerated in the open field to run past defender to make several long-ball receptions, scoring often.  The University of Maryland signee was difficult to defend in man-coverage. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="28658" first="William" last="Hawkins IV"], 6’4" 200, Heritage HS</strong>.  William was limited in his playing time due to an injury that occurred during the 7on7 competition a day earlier.  He ran precision pass routes while separating quickly from the defenders during the practices.  The big wide receiver used his size and strength to shield defenders while making catches in traffic.  [player_tooltip player_id="28658" first="William" last="Hawkins IV"] and [player_tooltip player_id="28631" first="Shaleak" last="Knotts"] had impressive performances during the 7on7 competition where they took turns catching TD receptions in the endzone.  William was difficult to defend in man-coverage.  William is an outstanding blocker and is anticipating more offers before deciding on a school to play at on the next level. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="28634" first="Jalon" last="Walker"], LB, 6’2" 225, Salisbury HS</strong>.  Jalon displayed great lateral movement and great speed in the open field as he closed quickly to disrupt the play.  He displayed great technique and strength to control and move past blockers to make punishing tackles, several for losses.  The University of Georgia signee was difficult to block and was the most dominant player on the defensive unit. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="28678" first="Albert" last="Redd"], LB, 6’3" 220, Glenn HS</strong>.  Albert displayed good lateral movement and speed while closing quickly to stop the play.  He read the play and reacted quickly to control blockers and apply pressure in the backfield.  Albert displayed good technique and made several punishing tackles throughout the game.  [player_tooltip player_id="28678" first="Albert" last="Redd"] was difficult to block and was one of the leaders on the defensive unit. <strong>Xzavier Fields, DT, 6’1" 295, Corinth Holders HS</strong>.  Xzavier displayed good technique and use of hands to control blockers.  He was quick out of his stance to make contact with blockers to move past them to disrupt the play.  Xzavier used his quickness and strength to apply pressure in the backfield, making several tackles for losses.  Xzavier Fields was the dominant player on the defensive line and was difficult to block.