2023 Rankings Update: New Additions At DB, ATH, Specialists

<div>The 2023 rankings list added several athletes to an already loaded class, a handful of lockdown defensive backs, two kickers, and a punter in the latest updates. Here’s a closer look at those players, the second in a three-part series on our 46 new additions.</div> <div></div> <div><span style="font-size: 1rem;">[player_tooltip player_id="263159" first="Ty’Quavious" last="Adams"], DB, Ridge Spring - Monetta - Adams had 52 tackles, a tackle for loss, five interceptions and a fumble recovery last season. He covers well, he’s physical at the line of scrimmage, and he’s great at shedding blockers and getting to the ball.</span></div> <div></div> <div>[player_tooltip player_id="262702" first="Elijah" last="Barnes"], ATH, Byrnes - In just eight games, Barnes did a little bit of everything for Byrnes. He had 40 carries and was targeted seven times in the passing game, catching all seven. Barnes recorded 424 total yards, averaging 9 yards per play.</div> <div></div> <div>[player_tooltip player_id="262550" first="Landon" last="Danley"], DB, Dutch Fork - Danley was a force for the 5A Lower State champions, with 62 solo tackles, three TFL, four interceptions, four pass break-ups and two forced fumbles.</div> <div></div> <div>[player_tooltip player_id="262701" first="Demarius" last="Foster"], ATH, Dorman - Foster took on a huge role in Dorman’s rushing attack last season, finishing as the Cavaliers’ leader with 966 yards and 11 scores. He’s an adept receiver out of the backfield as well, and can present a matchup challenge wherever he lines up.</div> <div></div> <div>[player_tooltip player_id="263163" first="Constantine" last="Gandis"], K, Christ Church - Gandis is a true weapon for the Cavaliers. He recorded six touchbacks, had a 38.3-yard punting average, and was perfect on his kicks. He finished 26-for-26 on extra points and 5-for-5 on field goal attempts, including the game winner in a 3-0 playoff war against rival St. Joseph’s.</div> <div></div> <div>[player_tooltip player_id="262634" first="Griffin" last="Gore"], K, Phillip Simmons - Gore knocked 38 of his 74 kickoffs into the end zone for the Iron Horses last season, and punted for an average of nearly 40 yards, killing 12 kicks inside the 20. If helping his defense wasn’t enough, he did plenty offensively as well, with 51 extra points and seven field goals, including a 45-yarder.</div> <div></div> <div>[player_tooltip player_id="262617" first="Michael" last="Jenkins"], DB, Summerville - Jenkins surely had some impressive stats, with 40 tackles and 15 pass break-ups on the season. Look for those numbers to go down, primarily because of another number. Jenkins allowed ONE touchdown in coverage in nine games last season, so the only question is how long opposing offenses will continue to even bother throwing it his way. He also blocked a pair of punts.</div> <div></div> <div>[player_tooltip player_id="262616" first="Chance" last="Jennings"], ATH, Gilbert - You need something offensively? Jennings is your guy. He’s been pressed into service as a quarterback, but his true strength is in the backfield and out wide. Oh, and he has scary speed, running a handful of sub-4.5 40s.</div> <div></div> <div>[player_tooltip player_id="262674" first="Tyleke" last="Mathis"], ATH, Saluda - Mathis does it all for the Tigers. A state championship game veteran starter at defensive back, he also led Saluda in receptions last season (49) and returned kicks and punts for 428 yards in addition to his four interceptions, four TFL, 47 tackles, and three forced fumbles at his original position.</div> <div></div> <div>[player_tooltip player_id="262638" first="Campbell" last="McCurry"], ATH, Summerville - McCurry went down with an injury last season, but not before he opened some eyes at the QB position for the Green Wave. In his limited action, McCurry showed not only a strong arm, but the running ability and elusiveness that translates into potential as a true two-way threat.</div> <div></div> <div>[player_tooltip player_id="263160" first="James" last="Peterson"], ATH, Lake City - Peterson’s a burner, and a problem for opponents, plain and simple. On paper, he’ll probably play DB and return kicks. In reality, he can be penciled in at any skill position, and could give the Panthers an advantage anywhere he lines up.</div> <div></div> <div>[player_tooltip player_id="262676" first="Reed" last="Richardson"], P, Nation Ford - Richardson has a big leg, booming punts for a 41.5 yard average last season, with 10 of his 31 points downed inside the 20. He’s a true punter, but did make the only extra point he attempted.</div> <div></div> <div>[player_tooltip player_id="262639" first="Jordan" last="Smith"], DB, Gilbert - Smith is incredibly active in the defensive backfield. He had 90 tackles, four TFL, an interception, five pass break-ups, and two forced fumbles in his junior season. And on a bunch of those 90 tackles, Smith brought some pain. He closes well on plays, and seems to thrive on contact when he arrives.</div>