Realignment Breakdown: Who’s New In Region IV-3A

<em>Realignment will affect nearly every region in the Upstate with teams moving into and out of classifications and regions. Here’s our second in a series of looks at some of the top players moving into new regions, focusing on Region IV-3A.</em> The entire Upstate was affected by 3A realignment, with changes in regions I through IV. In Region IV, Chester is the lone remaining team from a year ago, and the Cyclones are bringing back some talent from a run to the Class 3A Upper State title game. Two rising sophomores are of particular interest for Chester. ATH <strong>Trooper Floyd</strong> played all over the field a year ago, while WR/DB <strong>Zeke Evans</strong> made a tremendous impression in the playoffs. New to the region are Clinton, Emerald, Union County, and Woodruff, who are all sliding over from Region III. Clinton might be the marquee team to watch. The Red Devils put together a great year last year, and have a bunch of talent back on both sides of the ball. RB/LBs <strong>Jishun Copeland</strong> and <strong>Bryson James</strong> helped lead the Devils’ grind-it-out offense last year, with OL/DL <strong>Naiim Mayes</strong> and <strong>Hezekiah Kinard</strong> will help anchor the lines. <strong>CJ Young</strong> and <strong>Justin Copeland</strong> provide threats at WR/DB. Emerald’s dynamic ATH [player_tooltip player_id="91151" first="Jaylen" last="Foster"] will grab some attention in his new region. He’s got speed, patience, and a knack for physical play. He rushed for nearly 600 yards and seven touchdowns last year, while contributing 42 tackles, six TFL, four pass break-ups and an interception on defense. Union County’s got a standout on both sides of the ball, with physical, lockdown corner <strong>JJ Thomas</strong> and TE/DE <strong>Khristian Means</strong>, who’s a legit downfield threat in the passing game as well as a presence on the defensive line. Woodruff will return <strong>Carson Tucker</strong>, one of the top passers in the Upstate, as well as RB/DB <strong>Nemo Cochran</strong>. <strong>Ty Ellis</strong> helps lead the Wolverines’ defense at DE/OLB, while 6-2, 285-pound <strong>Jacob Abreu</strong> is one to watch up front for Woodruff. &nbsp; &nbsp;