Community Film Room, Episode 3
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After each rankings update, we still have scores of players we’ve yet to evaluate. Considering South Carolina has just shy of 10,000 prep football players between the SCHSL and SCISA ranks, it’s an inevitable part of the process. But even…
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Continue ReadingAfter each rankings update, we still have scores of players we’ve yet to evaluate.
Considering South Carolina has just shy of 10,000 prep football players between the SCHSL and SCISA ranks, it’s an inevitable part of the process. But even now, with nearly three months before our next release, we’re constantly looking for talent.
We want you to see what we’re looking at.
In a new series dubbed the Community Film Room, we’re going to break down players each week who have yet to find their way into the rankings. Maybe they’re young, haven’t had a chance to get their film out or – yes, it’s entirely possible – we just missed them the last time around.
In Episode 3, we’re taking a look at three small-school guys who have proven their worth to their team, a soon-to-be offensive starter transitioning from a defense-first spot and an edge rusher looking to improve on an already stout past two years.
Darren Lloyd, RB/DB, West Florence
Lloyd played corner and tailback last season, all while showing some flash on special teams in the return game. And while he’s not going to be the only Knight trying to make up for the loss of Terry McKithen Terry McKithen 6'0" | 180 lbs | RB West Florence | 2022 State SC at tailback next year, Lloyd should get first crack at the bulk of the carries. Still, coach Jody Jenerette knows his two-way abilities could come in handy again, making Lloyd (pictured) one of the more valuable pieces to a team replacing a ton on both sides.
Malyje Brown, WR, Southside Christian
Amid a season in which Southside Christian not only went undefeated, but also had just one game decided by a touchdown or less, Brown established himself as a reliable and dangerous weapon on the outside. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound receiver can muscle his way through traffic and can high-point most of the defensive backs who line up against him at that level. His 16 receptions for 284 yards and two scores were a nice addition for quarterback Ja’Corey Martin Ja’Corey Martin 6'1" | 170 lbs | QB Southside Christian | 2023 State SC .
Luke Cowley, WR/TE/LB, Williamsburg Academy
Cowley’s size alone isn’t going to stand out to recruiters. But anyone who has seen him play can vouch for his physicality. Cowley, at 6-foot and 160 pounds, is a ferocious hitter on defense and offense. Like most small-school guys, he’s also vital on special teams. Williamsburg moves him around like a true H-Back, meaning on any given offensive snap, he could be next to the tackle or in the slot.
Kj Morton Kj Morton 5'9" | 175 lbs | LB McCormick | 2024 SC , LB, McCormick
Every now and again, we stumble across a player who we’re surprised we haven’t heard about yet. There are only so many of us, so it’s understandable. Yet, Morton’s film put him into that category. The 5-foot-9, 175-pound hybrid linebacker/safety is a strong tackler who just so happens to track everything happening in front of him with a great field awareness. With two years of high school ball remaining, Morton will only keep getting better.
Jeb Robinson, DL, Hillcrest
Class 5A defensive ends with two years of varsity experience and another season to go don’t come along too often, as the demands of the position don’t frequently align with underclassmen bodies. However, Robinson and his 6-foot-1, 220-pound frame has already proved adept. He’s already put up 10 tackles for loss and seven sacks to go along with a whole bunch of tackles. What’s more, he can start with both hands down or from a standing start.