2022 Preview: Camden Bulldogs

For two years, Camden has been on the brink of adding to the state championship trophy case. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, Daniel has been standing in the way.   Despite coming up short in those two state championship games, Camden coach Brian Rimpf feels like his program is in good shape going into the 2022 campaign.   One of the main reasons for the optimism is the talent returning on both sides of the ball – five starters on offense and six on defense. But most importantly, it's the quality of players returning that has everyone in Camden excited.   “We have a string of really talented classes right now,” Rimpf said. “Two years ago, when we reached the championship game, we knew we had a chance to be good in the next few years with the young guys coming into the program. We're seeing that now.”   Rimpf felt he had the best defensive line in the state last season and that hasn't changed this season. It starts with PrepRedZone's No. 1 ranked player in the Class of 2023, [player_tooltip player_id='89338' first='Xzavier' last='McLeod']. He has recruiters from Alabama, Georgia, Clemson and South Carolina among his suitors but it's the others around him that makes Rimpf giddy.   The two defensive ends are [player_tooltip player_id='91155' first='David' last='Copley'] and Shymeik Jones, both returning starters. Both are garnering the attention of recruiters that are flocking to each Camden game. The lone new starter upfront is Donald Moore at the defensive tackle spot opposite of McLeod.   The linebacker corps will have a new look with Zack Earle and Wilson Nash taking over on the inside and Aiiji Gray on the outside.   Two starters return in the secondary – Dylan Locklear at cornerback and Henry Green at safety. Shai Mere Benson is slated to step in at the other cornerback spot. The final safety spot is a three-man rotation with Ja Mayrant, [player_tooltip player_id='1142669' first='Aidan' last='Heriot'] and sophomore JoJo Crim, who might end up taking the job full-time with Mayrant and Heriot focusing on offense.   “We felt like we had the best defensive line in the state and this year, three of them are back. If you're good up front, you have to like your chances in every game.”   The offense might be young, but they are experienced. Camden started four sophomores at the skill positions last year in the title game loss to Daniel. All those guys return and are healthy to begin the season.   [player_tooltip player_id='139311' first='Grayson' last='White'], who is ranked among the top defensive linemen in the Class of 2024, returns at quarterback. Rimpf said they hoped to move White back to the defensive line this season but feels that White gives them the best chance under center. White started nine games at quarterback last year and is even more comfortable this season.   Avery Hickman is back at running back. The wide receiver ranks begin with three talented juniors – Mayrant, Heriot and [player_tooltip player_id='139303' first='Cortez' last='Lane']. Lane dazzled in the early going last year before getting injured in the fourth game of the year.   The offensive line will rely heavily on Wyatt Tanner, Jaiden Jackson, Walker Lollis, James Williams, [player_tooltip player_id='997162' first='Carter' last='Rimpf']. Davis Beckley will get the bulk of snaps at tight end.   “We know they know what to do, we just need to make sure the execution is there,” Rimpf said. “That junior class got a lot of playing time last year. We hope that pays dividends for us. Our chambers are full.”   The schedule is as challenging as ever. The non-conference includes Myrtle Beach, Lugoff-Elgin, Hartsville, Gray Collegiate, and A.C. Flora. Four of those five have played in state title games within the last three years.   The region slate will consist of Lake City, Lakewood, Darlington, Crestwood and Marlboro County.

For two years, Camden has been on the brink of adding to the state championship trophy case. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, Daniel has been standing in the way.