Zone Read: Ten From Upstate Ranked In Top 65 For 2024

The Upstate is well-represented in the 2024 Prep Redzone rankings. Here’s a look at the 10 players with spots in the current Top 65 of the rankings. [player_tooltip player_id="163871" first="Mazeo" last="Bennett Jr"]., <strong>ATH, Greenville:</strong> Bennett is fast, explosive, and drawing a lot of notice. He’s got offers pouring in, including 10 from Power 5 schools. He has every intangible and stuffs the stat sheet as well, with 661 receiving yards and five touchdowns, two interceptions, a fumble recovery, 10 tackles, and a kick return average of nearly 26 yards. [player_tooltip player_id="209617" first="Jayden" last="Wilson-Abrams"], <strong>DL, Wren:</strong> Wilson-Abrams blew up as a sophomore for the Hurricanes. He had 78 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and 13 QB hurries last season, and is a nightmare to block. Wilson-Abrams is explosive enough to stand up off the edge, strong enough to play with a hand in the dirt, and fast enough to play on Wren’s kickoff team. [player_tooltip player_id="139296" first="Jimmar" last="Boston"],<strong> WR, Westside:</strong> Boston was the leading receiver for the Rams’ wide-open offense last season. He averaged more than 16 yards per catch and scored eight times, and looked like a problem for defenses in the process. He runs good, precise routes, is capable of running by defenders, and has a knack for winning one-on-one matchups when the ball’s in the air. [player_tooltip player_id="267431" first="Avery" last="McFadden"],<strong> WR, Hillcrest:</strong> McFadden is one of the key performers on a Rams team with 85 percent of its offense back from a year ago. He shines in space and with any opportunity, particularly on special teams. His blazing speed led to 1,671 total yards last season, with 71 catches, 1,025 yards, and 13 touchdowns. He added 646 return yards, with two kick returns and two punt returns for touchdowns. [player_tooltip player_id="139310" first="Dee" last="Robertson"], <strong>RB, Westside:</strong> Robertson’s got the build to run between the tackles and the speed and vision to bounce plays outside. He also excels in picking up blitzes in pass protection, and seems primed to step into an even bigger role for Westside. [player_tooltip player_id="267452" first="Kade" last="Caton"], <strong>TE, Byrnes:</strong> At 6-6 and 225 pounds, Caton is a huge matchup problem. He plays well with a hand on the ground and a step into the backfield, where he gives the Rebels an extra big body at the point of attack in the running game. He disguises his routes well from a traditional TE position, and also splits out wide to provide a huge target. and, he handles the longsnapping duties for Byrnes. [player_tooltip player_id="267454" first="Chris" last="Foster"], <strong>DL, Byrnes:</strong> Foster has a great first step, and practically lived in the backfield for the Rebels last season. He’s also shown the speed to chase plays down from behind, fitting for a DL who doubles as an All-Upper State lacrosse player. [player_tooltip player_id="208343" first="Thomas" last="Guererro"], <strong>K, Greenville:</strong> Guererro missed a single kick for the Red Raiders last season, finishing 42-of-43 on extra points and 4-for-4 on field goals. His resume includes a 42-yard game winner last season. [player_tooltip player_id="267455" first="Knai" last="Cook"], <strong>RB/DB, Byrnes:</strong> Cook stepped up for the Rebels last season, playing a lot of RB due to injury and leading the team with 766 yards on the ground and 10 rushing TDs. He’s a natural fit at DB, too, where he plays a punishing, physical style and is a big hitter. [player_tooltip player_id="267456" first="Harrison" last="Jeffries"],<strong> LB, Powdersville:</strong> Jeffries plays the same position on the same team as the No. 2 prospect in the class ahead of him, teammate [player_tooltip player_id="89333" first="Jalen" last="Rambert"]. So, where are you gonna run? Ideally, not at Jeffries. The rising junior finished his sophomore season with 91 tackles, 12 TFL, four sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, five QB hurries and six pass break-ups, and was a huge part of Powdersville’s school-record 12-1 season. &nbsp; &nbsp;