Five Early Surprises From The Grand Strand
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Two games. That’s what we have to look at so far. But we’ve been able to see plenty of development coming out of spots were were’t so sure of even three weeks ago. From players who have exceeded expectations to…
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Continue ReadingTwo games. That’s what we have to look at so far.
But we’ve been able to see plenty of development coming out of spots were were’t so sure of even three weeks ago. From players who have exceeded expectations to others who seemingly came out of nowhere, Horry County has a handful of players who look like they could be laying the foundation for huge seasons.
Daniel Campbell, DB, Loris
On a team full of guys capable of blowing up opposing plays and creating turnovers, the Lions wanted to make sure they had another reliable tackler ready to go. They’ve found one in the first-year starting safety. The 6-foot-1, 160-pound senior is among the team lead in solo and overall tackles and has shown proficiency in crashing the line. He’s got a pair of tackles for loss, too, but his general ability to be in the right place in the right time is a big reason Loris has allowed just seven points in two games.
Arber Lekani, LB, Socastee
After making the switch from the outside into the middle, Lekani has been even better than advertised for a Braves team that has started 2-0 with a pair of wins over teams who have played for state championships in the last two seasons. Combined in Socastee’s wins over North Myrtle Beach and Silver Bluff, Lekani has 16 total tackles (12 solo, eight assists), two tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble.
Connor Schwalm Connor Schwalm 5'11" | 205 lbs | QB St. James | 2024 State SC , QB, St. James
Take a double-deflected interception from Week 0 off Schwalm’s ledger, and he’s looking like a potential all-state player early for the Sharks. The first-year starter has thrown for 416 yards and four touchdowns (against just that one pick) while completing 72 percent of his passes. He’s also run for a pair of touchdowns. And while Schwalm would have to keep this up for another eight games, he’s on pace to break Zach Werba’s school single-season passing record (1,947 yards, 2015).
Ashton Keith Ashton Keith 5'10" | 215 lbs | LB Myrtle Beach | 2025 State SC , LB, Myrtle Beach
Just a sophomore, Keith has immediately jumped off as one of those players the Seahawks can build around for the next three seasons. Despite the fact that Myrtle Beach is 0-2, Keith has forced two fumbles, recovered another and been in on a stop behind the line in addition to his six tackles. Keith (pictured), is 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, meaning another offseason in the weight room makes us think this is only the beginning.
TJ Stanley, DE, North Myrtle Beach
Stanley was saddled behind a whole bunch of experience upperclassmen a year ago, and he only got into one varsity game. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound junior has certainly made the most of his first two contests in 2022. He’s leading the team with 11 total tackles (six solo, 10 assisted), has 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Greg Hill’s 4-3 defense looks to be wrapping around Stanley and his playmaking abilities.