Community Film Room, Episode 19
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 19, we’re looking at three linebackers, a big two-way threat and a tailback from the Midlands. If you’re not from their neck of the woods, you might not have heard their names yet. But trust us, they’ll be front and center soon enough.
Cameron Alston Cameron Alston 6'3" | 195 lbs | ATH Conway | 2023 State SC , DB/WR, Conway
Alston is one of those guys who when he gets to college could emerge as a star defensive back. The 6-foot-3, 195-pounder is a pretty good one now, as he used his height and speed on the gridiron to put up 28.5 tackles in just seven games. He’s also a pretty good receiver, one who had 12 receptions for 268 yards last year. His film is strong, and it clearly shows he’s now finesse player hiding behind his long frame. Pay attention at the 1:15 mark.
Maurice Odom Maurice Odom 5'11" | 215 lbs | LB Barnwell | 2023 State SC , LB, Barnwell
The experts keep telling kids to put their best clips right at the top of their HUDL links. Perfect example: Odom’s. In the first 18 seconds, the 5-foot-9, 220-pound (combine measurements) linebacker absolutely drills a ball carrier and shoots the ball into the open field. All he does from there is go on to display solid form tackles, great footwork to get into or stay in position, an awareness against multiple kinds of offenses and a willingness to pitch in on special teams.
Arber Lekani Arber Lekani 6'0" | 185 lbs | LB Socastee | 2023 State SC , LB, Socastee
The Braves senior is going to make the switch from outside backer into the middle of the defense this year, and his film shows us exactly what he’s already got the tools to emerge as one of the top stats monsters in Region VI-5A. Lekani finished his junior year season with 40.5 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He sees the entire field extremely well and showed above-average quickness for the position at the Palmetto Combine.
Nore Belton, LB, Westside
At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds and with the instincts of a defensive end, Westside has started to see the potential that Belton can provide. The outside linebacker doesn’t look quick on film. However, he typically lines up along the edge and is adept at busting up plays. In seven games last year, Belton (pictured) put up 20.5 tackles, four tackles for loss and three sacks. His 76-inch wingspan gives the impressing that he might have another vertical growth spurt, too.
Jonah Norris Jonah Norris 5'11" | 200 lbs | RB Lexington | 2023 State SC , RB, Lexington
While Lexington was busy making a nice run, Norris was on the bench dealing with an injury. But you can’t deny what he did in those four early games, nor what his return could mean for the Wildcats. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound tailback rushed for 460 yards and nine touchdowns while staying low to the ground and proving he was difficult to tackle. Lexington coach Perry Woolbright likes a rotation at the position, and Norris’s return makes this offense that much better.