Community Film Room, Episode 9
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 9, we’re breaking down a pair of potential high-end linebackers, a defensive back with elite ball skills and two QBs with next-level athletic ability.
Juw-el Huntley Juw-el Huntley 6'0" | 165 lbs | ATH Florence Christian | 2023 State SC , QBs, Florence Christian
The older brother of running back Juelz Huntley, Jew-el was moved to quarterback during his junior season. There, he threw for 643 yards and nine touchdowns while rushing for another 632 yards and 10 scores. It isn’t clear if he’s stay behind center next year or shift into more of a hybrid tailback/receiver position, but his athleticism is there. He’s got a natural long stride when he hits the open field. If he remains at quarterback, we’d expect his TD:INT ratio (9:7) to improve next time around, too.
Damien Jackson, LB, Northwestern
We see a lot of linebackers with the frame range (6-foot, 220 pounds) Jackson has who rely solely on their stocky build to push opposing players around. With a year left, it’s obvious the speedy linebacker has found another niche. His ability to get to any point on the field to make the play is why he piled up 40 total tackles in 10 games last fall. That came while splitting time between middle and outside linebacker. Fitting to both sets will keep him on the field, and allow him to continue to make even more plays in 2022 and add to his offer list.
Justin Copeland, DB, Clinton
While Copeland doubles as a receiver for the Red Devils, we are fascinated by his ability in coverage, especially on the mid- and deep-range throws that often leave him on the island. He has a glue-like quality to stay with receivers who are adjusting to the types of throws he’s playing against on many of those busted plays (the Clinton front seven is adept at pressure). It means he fits well in this scheme and has proved he can be a highlight-reel type player for years to come.
Chris Glover, LB, James Island
Glover (pictured) can go ahead and take that “RB” distinction off his HUDL profile any day now. This is a potential all-region linebacker in the making. The 5-foot-10, 185-pounder had six games last fall to prove his skill set would translate, and the debate is gone. He picked up 22.5 tackles and four tackles for loss, forced one fumble and recovered another and intercepted a pass. Yes, coach Jamar McKoy has a potential cornerstone defensive player in this one.
Suderian Harrison, ATH, Woodland
The 5-foot-10, 160-pound Harrison is getting some decent NCAA Division-I interest. And while it’s not all based upon his junior year production, that certainly isn’t hurting. He put up 1,733 total yards and 22 touchdowns last season while playing quarterback for the Wolverines. Harrison has a raw mobility that can be taught and can stop and re-start with some of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the state. He’s probably too small for the position at the next level, but that doesn’t mean he can’t tear up prep opponents for one more year and force some college into find a way to put the ball in his hands.