Community Film Room, Episode 10
In this article:
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 10, we’re looking at a pair of running backs (one who also starts on defense for a state powerhouse), a defensive back with serious range, a former quarterback-turned-receiver and a massive tight end who will be targeted on and off the field for the next couple years.
Kalvin Banks, RB, Eastside
Banks took snaps as a freshman, but it was during his first three games of his sophomore season (including a two-score game against Wade Hampton in which he totaled 241 yards) when the skill set became clear. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound tailback used his scheme’s deep pre-snap positioning to scan the field and look for openings. As such, he put up 860 yards for an offense that often failed to do much, especially down the stretch when defenses keyed on him. Yet, he still finished out the year with a 117-yard performance against Greenville.
Austin Cunningham, ATH, White Knoll
Cunningham, at 6-foot and 175 pounds, actually started his prep career as a quarterback, completing 54 percent of his passes for 483 yards and four touchdowns early before White Knoll found out how natural he is in other spots. Cunningham (pictured) developed quickly as a dangerous receiver – where he caught 16 passes for 200 yards and a touchdown while exhibiting slot and outside capabilities. The staff is also toying with the idea of trying him out at safety given his knowledge of offenses and slowing them down. Don’t be surprised if he does both.
Jayden Lagroone, DB, Greenwood
Here’s the thing about playing in the secondary for Greenwood: You’re going to be asked to play against some hyper-diverse offenses. There were spreads and power running games alike, and Lagroone was a big reason the Eagles went 10-2, with those two losses coming to the Class 5A state runner up and the Class 4A champ. The 5-foot-11, 165-pound rising senior’s sideline-to-sideline range and ability to step in at corner helped Greenwood hold opponents to less than three touchdowns per game.
Bryce Rothwell Bryce Rothwell 6'4" | 245 lbs | TE Lucy Beckham | 2024 State SC , TE, Lucy Beckham
There’s a reason you haven’t yet heard of Rothwell. Lucy Beckham was supposed to wait until 2022 to start playing varsity games before an SCHSL exemption gave the Bengals to the go-ahead to sneak in a few early ones last fall. In those games, we saw the 6-foot-4, 245-pound tight end both as a punishing run blocker on the edge and also a huge target in the passing game. The three-sport athlete (hoops and lacrosse) could develop into one of the better tight ends in the Charleston area in a hurry.
Jayvion Sherman, RB/LB, Southside Christian
Of all the problems trying to stop Southside Christian from winning a third straight state championship next season, Ja’Corey Martin Ja’Corey Martin 6'1" | 170 lbs | QB Southside Christian | 2023 State SC is still the top Sabre. But Sherman is certainly in contention for No. 2 next season. The two-way standout had himself one heck of a playoff run last year. On offense, he finished the year with 429 yards and seven scores on the ground and another five receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown. He was also electric from his spot at OLB, where he picked off passes and notched a bunch of tackles for loss.