2023 Rankings Update: Unranked No More

Ian Guerin May 12, 2022 @ 04:00 PM

Of the nearly 30 players we added to the Class of 2023 rankings this week, seven shot directly into our top 130. These are players who put together the types of rankings periods that not only caught our eye, but proved they could begin to withstand the rigors of long-term careers. In their own ways, they have the chance to become top recruits worthy of chances to perform at the next level. These seven have made moves that led to a rare huge May jump into and considerably high up in the rankings. [player_tooltip player_id="208286" first="Jamari" last="Hough"], WR, Buford - Hough is a prototypical third-down receiver still playing the part of a small-school standout receiver. He’s got some wheels, but his cuts and route-running suggest he can be the type of every-down shake-up pass catcher at the college level. We think a few more pounds along the way only make him that much more durable. [player_tooltip player_id="336117" first="Hunter" last="Puckett"], RB, Westside - The anomaly that is Puckett’s size (6-foot-3, 240 pounds) at the position means that he’s capable of learning defenses in a way that so few can. Rams coach Scott Earley knows how valuable he is at tailback, but he’s willing to experiment with him elsewhere, too. All the while, Puckett with chew through early down situations. [player_tooltip player_id="313408" first="Mikey" last="Rosa"], LB, Wando - Rosa earned that elusive first offer just two weeks ago (from The Citadel). There will be more to follow. With his 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame and excellent form tackling, there’s no reason he won’t be among the top linebackers statewide in 2022. [player_tooltip player_id="336116" first="James" last="Moseley"], OL, Woodland - There was a moment last weekend when Moseley tried to hop onto the brick divide between the stands and field at Summerville’s football stadium during the Palmetto Combine where it looked like he would topple over. The 6-foot-3, 315-pound tackle balanced his weight in what was clear proof of his athleticism. He’s among South Carolina’s major diamonds in the rough and will get plenty of attention playing opposite the top player in the Class of 2024. [player_tooltip player_id="336115" first="Darrell" last="Brannon"], OL, Spartanburg - Starting the year as a sized-up right tackle, Brannon developed quickly and learned how to play violently. As he started to understand footwork, his overall technique improved, too. We think he’s a potential college left tackle in the making.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> [player_tooltip player_id="336114" first="Zandae" last="Butler"], WR, Wilson - The Tigers are likely going to struggle to compete week in and week out in the SEC of Class 4A football. But trust that opposing defensive coordinators will make him a priority. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Butler (pictured) is a threat to both burn defenders and run through them.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> [player_tooltip player_id="44974" first="Aliam" last="Appler"], QB, Dutch Fork - We’ve been waiting to include Appler for two reasons. First, he’s been mostly sitting for a year after his transfer into Dutch Fork from North Carolina. Secondly, we wanted to make sure he’d win the job. There aren’t many doubts about that now. The 6-foot-4, 205-pounder is primed to blow up in his one and only year as the Silver Foxes’ starter.