Zone Watch: Preseason All-Pee Dee And Grand Strand (Defense)
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As the anticipation builds toward the start of the 2022 season, we can clearly point to many of the names and faces adding to potential excitement. Along the Grand Strand and over to the Pee Dee, start with this list.…
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Continue ReadingAs the anticipation builds toward the start of the 2022 season, we can clearly point to many of the names and faces adding to potential excitement.
Along the Grand Strand and over to the Pee Dee, start with this list.
We analyzed hundreds of players from the zone – looking at 2021 performances, offseason camp and 7-on-7 performances and each player’s situation – and came up with the Prep Red Zone Preseason All-Pee Dee and Grand Strand squad.
We wrap-up this two-part series with the defensive standouts.
Daniel Deneen, P, St. James
Deneen had over 1,000 yards worth of punts last year. In the time since, he’s improved his distance, his hang time, his form and his chances of playing on beyond his graduation later this school year.
Nic Brown Nic Brown 6'4" | 220 lbs | ATH Kingstree | 2023 State SC , DL, Kingstree
We’re still not sure which side of the ball Brown will be playing in college. It’s why we still have him listed as a tight end in our system. But his eye-popping 34 tackles for loss last year keep the debate going.
Emmanuel Deas, DL, Aynor
It says quite a bit about Deas that he was the highest-graded defensive player for the Blue Jackets last season despite often taking on double-teams. Deas performed well anyway, and he will this year, too.
CJ Cox CJ Cox 6'1" | 215 lbs | DL Loris | 2023 State SC , DL, Loris
Cox would likely be considered a linebacker in other systems, but at Loris, he flexes all over the line. It’s a big reason why last year he had 28 tackles for loss to go along with 80.5 total tackles.
Jaylin William Davis Jaylin William Davis 5'11" | 220 lbs | LB South Florence | 2023 State SC , LB, South Florence
Davis will remain in his outside backer spot again this year. And we’re not surprised. After all, last year he accounted for 60.5 tackles, six sacks, 15 tackles for loss, an interception and a fumble recovery.
Franklin Emerson, LB, West Florence
Even in using the college stats formula in which assists count for half a tackle, Emerson (pictured) still topped the century mark last season in leading West Florence to the Class 4A Lower State finals.
Cameron Faircloth Cameron Faircloth 6'1" | 195 lbs | LB Loris | 2023 State SC , LB, Loris
We love what experience can provide, and this year, we see Faircloth as the type of player to tie the Lions’ room together. He will have every chance to eclipse his 74.5 tackles from last year before 2022 comes to an end.
Kelvin Hunter Kelvin Hunter 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB West Florence | 2024 State SC , LB, West Florence
Hunter is the epitome of an outside linebacker. He’s able to stick his nose into a pile and stop opposing momentum. He’s also capable of coming off the edge and blowing up the backfield in a big way.
Brycen Scott Brycen Scott 5'11" | 170 lbs | DB Wilson | 2024 State SC , DB, Trinity Collegiate
A true corner with a nose for the ball and even better closing speed, Scott broke up 12 passes as a sophomore while picking off two more. He also forced a fumble and piled up 47 tackles last fall.
Treion McFarland, DB, Hartsville
The safety is coming back for one more run after a five-interception, 67-tackle season in which the Red Fox defense just kept getting better. He’s in line for another big year in the defensive backfield.
Mike Gillard Mike Gillard 6'1" | 170 lbs | LB Myrtle Beach | 2023 State SC , DB, Myrtle Beach
Built like a linebacker but with the speed and quickness of a corner, Gillard is likely going to be among the statistical leaders in several categories this season in Region VI-4A.
Cameron Alston, DB, Conway
Alston is a safety by trade, but there will be times when Conway shifts him to corner against opposing teams’ top receivers. He has that kind of range in the defensive backfield, and the rest of Region VI-5A knows it.