SCISA Class 3A Players to Watch in 2022

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's the dawn of a new football season in SCISA, and also the start of a new era. For the first time, the league will have four separate classifications of teams competing for state titles. And the most intriguing might be a new-look Class 3A.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We'll see some quality teams move up, including state champion Hilton Head Christian Academy who will be tested in a big way against some new squads. The talent on the field is only going to be elevated. Here are some key names to know as a new SCISA 3A landscape gets set to do battle.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James Crosby</strong>, DE/QB, 6-1 177, Hilton Head Christian, 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Jace Blackshear, Jackson Lanier, and many of last year's stars gone, the Eagles will turn to do-it-all <strong>James Crosby</strong> as they seek a SCISA three-peat. The rising junior was all over the field in 2021 and thrived defensively, racking up 45 tackles including a pair of sacks and fumble recoveries. But he's also more than ready to take the new spot under center after Jace Blackshear went on to South Carolina. In limited action last year, Crosby showed off his quick feet and strong running while making good decisions with the football under center. He'll look to follow in the footsteps of his former teammate as he competes for the starting job. But no matter how things shake up, he'll surely be an anchor of a defense looking to feast again in 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AJ Barger</strong>, WR/DB, 5-11 160, Hilton Head Prep, 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An impact transfer ready to step his game further, <strong>AJ Barger</strong> should be in line for a stellar junior season. Barger plays both ways and has outstanding hands and athleticism to make high-level catches. He also served as a kick and punt returner last year with the power and acceleration to break tackles and burn past defenders. Barger was the most reliable target on the Dolphins' roster last season and locked down his receivers on defense while adding two interceptions. He's an excellent piece for Dustin Etheridge to have in his first season in Sea Pines.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Christian Tilton</strong>, QB/RB/DB, 5-10 169, John Paul II, 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A proven veteran all around the field at John Paul II, <strong>Christian Tilton</strong> is ready to help John Paul II compete in a daunting SCISA 3A division. The Golden Warriors' chances of a strong season will rely on the legs of Tilton, who slashed through defenses on the ground last year with his terrific agility. He does most of his damage as a runner, but a successful passing game will make it difficult to defend against a still-dangerous John Paul II offense led by dynamic runner <strong>Anthony Hill</strong> and speed demon <strong>Jackson Ogden</strong>.&nbsp; </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shane DaRe</strong>, RB/LB, Pinewood Prep, 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shane DaRe</strong> is already tearing up preseason over at Pinewood Prep and is set for a big fall. The senior standout is a fantastic route runner with the acceleration to rack up extra yards. DaRe already showed off his speed in a preseason matchup with Beaufort Academy and should be a key part of a high-octane Panther offense. Look for Pinewood Prep to find different ways to get him involved both in the backfield and out wide. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='332696' first='Juw-el' last='Huntley']</strong>, QB/WR/DB, 6-0 160, Florence Christian, 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now up in a demanding Class 3A schedule, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='332696' first='Juw-el' last='Huntley']</strong> is ready to put on a show in his senior season at Florence Christian. The spectacular quarterback had a busy summer and further improved his mechanics and accuracy in the pocket throughout several camps and exhibitions. Huntley has developed a beautiful and crisp throw and has taken his deep ball to the next level which should pay dividends right away during his senior year. His quick feet and dual-threat abilities under center make him difficult to defend, and he's not afraid to pull off a big throw on the run. Huntley could have a banner year for Florence Christian in what will be a captivating year for SCISA 3A quarterbacks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coleby Sinclair</strong>, RB, Pee Dee Academy, 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='89346' first='Hudson' last='Spivey']</strong> may be the biggest name over at Pee Dee Academy, but running back <strong>Coleby Sinclair </strong>has made a name for himself as well heading into his senior year. The dynamite back blitzed past his competition in 2021 with his elite quickness and vision. He has the patience to find the holes in the defense and make the opposition pay for any open space. Sinclair is extremely agile and has the motor to do whatever it takes to fight for extra yards. He's got all the tools to shine in his senior year and contribute to a dynamic Golden Eagle offense that will be gunning for a state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->