2023 Rankings Update: Primed to Blow Up

We can’t guarantee any sort of track for a high school football player. We can only look at the evidence. And so far, we’ve see the type of proof that tells us a a major influx of production is coming. It’s not out of thin air.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> These 10 players are all ranked in the bottom half of our 161 spots in the class. Yet, we won’t be surprised if they give us reason to bump them way up before their time in high school is done. They’ve all laid the foundation. [player_tooltip player_id="204866" first="Jaylen" last="Brown-Wallace"], WR, Daniel We’re not exactly sure who Daniel is going to use to replace all-everything quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="153264" first="Trent" last="Pearman"] yet. But we do know this. Between [player_tooltip player_id="91140" first="Eli" last="Merck"] and [player_tooltip player_id="204866" first="Jaylen" last="Brown-Wallace"], that next signal caller may have the best one-two punch on the outside in the entire state, and definitely in Class 3A. Brown-Wallace’s junior figures (58 receptions, 958 yards, 11 touchdowns) are eye-popping. Clearly, he and Merck took pressure off one another.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> [player_tooltip player_id="202744" first="Randall" last="Bellamy"], WR, Loris Bellamy does a ton of everything for Loris, but that has been in part due to a relatively new coaching staff piecing back together the roster. Now, the rising senior’s role may start to get more defined on offense - thanks to other parts falling in line. With Loris finally appearing to have one quarterback (the Lions played three last season), the speedy 5-foot-10 receiver can do what he does best on that side of the ball. Make plays. [player_tooltip player_id="202756" first="Brody" last="Tesimale"], LB, Catawba Ridge A Copperheads’ defense that allowed fewer than 18 points per game against a quality schedule is now in the hands of Tesimale, the 5-foot-11, 215-pound smasher who was lost at the midway point of the season to an injury. Before he went down, though, he had 50 tackles and six tackles for loss. It was a solid effort, and we’ll be watching his return to the field with anticipation.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> [player_tooltip player_id="263155" first="Jaylin" last="Davis"]/[player_tooltip player_id="263156" first="Trokel" last="Prew"], LBs, South Florence The duo of juniors were quite impressive alongside fellow linebacker (and senior) [player_tooltip player_id="200718" first="Eric" last="Cooper"] this year. Each of the three had between 51-54 solo tackles and 60.5-65 total stops. It happened because all three of them were great in assignments and also fast as all get up. Now, Cooper is gone, and more of the load will fall on Prew and Davis. The Bruins return some other key pieces on that side of the ball, but none bigger than these two. [player_tooltip player_id="202774" first="DJ" last="Geth"], OL, Dorman If there is an offensive lineman in South Carolina who doesn’t already have multiple Power 5 offers but might by the start of next season, it’s Geth. The 6-foot-4, 300-pounder is playing basketball right, now, which means he’ll likely lean out some in the offseason. If he grows another inch or two, the sky’s the limit. Granted, that won’t be good news for early offerers Louisville, Appalachian State and South Florida, among others. [player_tooltip player_id="262675" first="Josh" last="Sadler"], LB, Ridge View The 6-foot-3, 215-pound edge linebacker has the physical tools to excel - especially after another year under his belt. Sadler was a disruption last season, when seven of his 23 total tackles were for loss. He also had three sacks and four forced fumbles. It leaves him primed for standout status next fall. [player_tooltip player_id="262680" first="Melvin" last="Minnick"], DT, Saluda In limited time in 2021, Minnick gave us a glimpse of what could come. The oversized small-school interior lineman piled up more than half of his tackles while being engaged by an offensive counterpart. Seven of his stops were tackles for loss. The 6-foot-3, 310-pound frame will only get better in the coming months. [player_tooltip player_id="262690" first="TJ" last="McElmurray"], QB, Midland Valley McElmurray is among the more intriguing quarterback prospects in the state. He’s got a good arm and some quality targets to throw to. He held himself back some during a timid first year under center. But he still threw for 1,309 yards and 10 touchdowns during what was 1-10 season for the Mustangs. The yards, touchdowns and wins will improve next year. [player_tooltip player_id="262691" first="Matt" last="Warren"], TE, Trinity Collegiate Warren caught eight passes last season. So what, right? But take these things into consideration and wonder if we’re wrong about his potential. First, Warren (pictured) is 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds. Second, he’s a heck of a blocker, both at the line and downfield. Third, that was his first year of football. Yeah, there might be something there.