Community Film Room, Episode 5
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 two months before our next ranking update, we’re constantly looking for talent.
We want you to see what we’re looking at.
In our weekly series dubbed the Community Film Room, we’re going to break down players 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 5, we’re breaking down a highly skilled offensive lineman from the Upstate and four players who are showing great promise at either defensive back, receiver or both.
Clarence Simmons Clarence Simmons 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB Woodland | 2023 SC , ATH, Woodland
Simmons is a potential star receiver, the type of guy who can ditch corners, break tackles, catch the ball in traffic and take anything to the house. Watch his film from his time at cornerback and you can see he clearly understands one position because of his play-making ability in the other. As good as Simmons is on offense, he’s an even better defensive back. He expects to intercept anything thrown his way, and five times last year, he did just that.
Jake Norris, OL, Wren
If you’re going to play on the line in the Wren offense – one that is going to be even better next fall, you better operate in a hurry. Norris has the routine down. This punishing interior lineman is 6-foot-3 and 265 pounds already and has a highlight reel full of him just dropping dudes left and right. He’s clearly adept at leveraging his size, turning defenders and allowing the high-powered Hurricane offense to keep the type of pace that it likes to run.
Troy Stevenson, WR/DB, Philip Simmons
Stevenson’s name is going to bust up the charts in a hurry. His recent offers from Coastal Carolina, Ole Miss, Virginia Tech chased one from LSU back in the fall. His speed at both receiver and defensive back makes him a touchdown threat on nearly every snap. On offense, it’s about getting into space and letting everyone else play catch-up. On defense, it’s about creating opportunities by reading opposing quarterbacks’ eyes and then making them pay.
Quan Owens, DB, Abbeville
Even during his JV days, Owens showed off great tackling technique from his spot at safety. The heads-up style allowed him to keep his eye on ball carriers and then finish plays accordingly. Now, factor in that he’s heading into his junior season at 6-foot-2 and 173 pounds, and Owens could be the next man up for an Abbeville squad that consistently pushes out great linebackers and safeties.
Henry Evans, WR/DB, Kingstree
The 6-foot-3, 170-pound Evans (pictured) is primed for a breakout season after putting up 219 receiving yards and a touchdown as the third-most targeted player for C.E. Murray’s passing game last season. Add in some complements from Murray and Kingstree combining, and Evans will have every opportunity to exploit single coverages moving forward. That’s all on top of his defensive production – where he had 25 total tackles, two picks and four tackles for loss last year.