Zone Reads: Class of 2025s repping the Grand Strand/Pee Dee

Of the 42 players appearing in the updated Class of 2025 rankings, eight hail from the Grand Strand and Pee Dee. That northeastern pocket of the state is reloading at some of its most notable teams in some of its most notable positions. That’s key for some of these players more than others (two were already significant standouts as freshman). It’s a microcosm of the area’s team’s staying the course and remaining as part of the statewide discussion. [player_tooltip player_id="346196" first="Jamarion" last="Fling"], RB, Dillon Like two others on this list, Fling was tapped early on to help fill the void of graduations at tailback. We like the 5-foot-8, 160-pound running back knows this system in and out, and he’ll also have plenty of huge bodies in front of him doing their thing (see, below). It sets Fling up for success right off the bat. Come region play, he should be in a great rhythm. [player_tooltip player_id="272722" first="Zion" last="Gilbert"], RB, Carolina Forest Carolina Forest’s development of tailbacks has been well documented under the Marc Morris regime. Much of it is due to the development of the linemen in front of those running backs, sure. But Gilbert is going to eat away at carries and will be able to put up some yards in the process. The staff believes he’s a potential star in the making even before he gets varsity snaps. [player_tooltip player_id="272717" first="Tre" last="Leonard"], RB, Trinity Collegiate If there was ever a player capable of going right into the fire and coming out smelling like he just got out of the shower, it’s Leonard. After backing up a pair of future FBS guys last season, Leonard will get a ton of carries this season and be a near lock to reach the 1,000-yard plateau, maybe even before the playoffs begin. This offense is built for big numbers. Leonard is the next man up to help achieve them. [player_tooltip player_id="346192" first="Jackson" last="Garstka"], K/P, North Myrtle Beach Some positions translate from junior varsity to varsity better than others. We’d certainly include kicking and punting among those that do. Last fall, Garstka hit three of his five field goal attempts and all but two of his 31 extra point tries for the Chiefs junior varsity. He’s got a strong leg, strikes the ball well from either hash and has some increasing distance on his kickoffs. [player_tooltip player_id="272711" first="Carlos" last="Miller"], OL, Dillon On a line that features one of the top lineman prospects in the state in left tackle [player_tooltip player_id="139295" first="Josiah" last="Thompson"], Miller cut his teeth last season at right guard and coach [player_tooltip player_id="208334" first="Kelvin" last="Hunter"] couldn’t have asked for more from his then-freshman. Now, Miller is expected to take the next step. If he does, it will help pave the way for another region title for a Wildcats squad that expects them. [player_tooltip player_id="272703" first="James" last="Herbert"], LB, Trinity Collegiate If Herbert was playing in a spread offense, we’d be more tempted to list his other position (tight end) for his top spot. However, since he’s mostly blocking there (so far) and so accomplished at tight end, we’re going with his defense. While most players at this age are hoping for a growth spurt to catch up, another one for Herbert could put him into the unforgettable range. [player_tooltip player_id="272701" first="Jon" last="Simmons"], WR, Myrtle Beach Simmons is currently the top-billed receiver in the class. His size (he’s 6-foot-4) and an equally long stride make him a match-up problem for the vast majority of defensive backs charged with covering him. Simmons spent the first part of the football offseason playing big minutes for the Seahawks’ basketball squad and has just as high of expectations on the gridiron. [player_tooltip player_id="272699" first="Da’Marion" last="Coe"], ATH, Hartsville A member of the school’s state championship 4x100 team this spring, Coe is pure speed. If it wasn’t for the presence of two future college tailbacks at Hartsville, he might be playing from the backfield more. Doesn’t matter, as the Red Foxes have proved they still know how to get the ball in his hands.