Community Film Room, Episode 13
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, immediately following our latest 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 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 13, we’re getting into what makes five more players tick. A huge offensive lineman, a linebacker who can knock opposing ball carriers on their backs, an Upstate defensive back who is rising quickly, a quarterback transferring within the CSRA and a two-position offensive threat all make the cut as we get back into the lab.
Ben Holmes Ben Holmes 6'7" | 285 lbs | OL AC Flora | 2023 State SC , OL, AC Flora
At 6-foot-7, Holmes (pictured) has the type of height that graces a very select number of football players, even offensive linemen. But what makes the Wofford verbal commitment jump off film is his ability to get to the right point of attack regardless of the play call. Holmes moves well for a 270-pound exterior lineman and has no issue going after opposing linemen, linebackers and even the occasional defensive back.
Bennie Littlejohn, LB, Spartanburg
Described as a “weight room monster” by his coaches, the rising junior is the type of defensive playmaker that every staff in the state would love to have. Littlejohn isn’t tall – he’s all of 5-foot-8. But he tips the scales to 210 pounds (or more during certain parts of the year). More importantly, he’s a tenacious tackler and more than adequate in short passing coverage situations.
Rashard Wright, DB, Byrnes
Wright’s athletic ability gives Byrnes reason enough to let him cherry pick some extra playing time on offense (at receiver) and on the special teams in both kick returns and coverage. But his biggest asset is on defense. From his safety spot, Wright is a fine center fielder on deep throws who rarely lets anyone get behind him. He’ll be an every down defensive player come fall, and we expect his number to increase dramatically.
Mickenzie Atterberry Mickenzie Atterberry 6'1" | 160 lbs | QB Silver Bluff | 2024 State SC , QB/ATH, Aiken
We’re going to preface the rest of our words on Atterberry by pointing our right away that his film session is all about what he did at Blackville-Hilda last fall. Atterberry clearly brought something to the table at quarterback. Now, he’s making the jump to a Class 4A program as part of a relatively high number of transfers in the CSRA have done before him. Either way, Atterberry adds a talented and experienced weapon to an already budding Region IV-4A.
Marshall Pritchett Marshall Pritchett 6'5" | 205 lbs | ATH Rabun Gap Nacoochee | 2024 SC , ATH, Porter-Gaud
Small-school football can lead to some misleading information. But 6-foot-4, 190-pound guys who have stood out at both receiver and quarterback heading into their junior season is a tough thing to inflate. Pritchett’s arm strength is there – he’s able to get the ball over the top in a hurry. Meanwhile he can tuck and run or can be a viable threat while lining up outside. Size doesn’t lie.