Class Of 2023 Rankings: Lowcountry Midseason Standouts
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Preseason rankings highlight our top talent, but only the best can back it up once things get started for real. It’s time to showcase some of our top risers and standouts from the Lowcountry senior class of 2023. Monroe Freeling…
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Continue ReadingPreseason rankings highlight our top talent, but only the best can back it up once things get started for real. It’s time to showcase some of our top risers and standouts from the Lowcountry senior class of 2023.
Surging up to the top in this edition of our rankings, Monroe Freeling Monroe Freeling 6’7″ | 285 lbs | OL Oceanside Collegiate Academy | 2023 State SC has become a dominant force on Oceanside Collegiate’s offensive line. Freeling has a monster 285-pound frame with a clinical technique to hold down his blocks. His power and strength at the line is nearly unbeatable at the high school level, and his quick feet allows him to set up and maintain his blocking prowess. The University of Georgia commit has a heck of a future lined up and could help carry the Landsharks to a Class 2A state title.
The captain and the leader of a strong Seahawk defensive line, Chris Marable Chris Marable 6’4″ | 280 lbs | DL Hilton Head | 2023 State SC continues to excel at Hilton Head High. Marable leads his team with 28 tackles in four games including nine stops behind the line of scrimmage. But his impact goes beyond the numbers, using his strength to help clog up running lanes while his teammates swarm the ball-carrier. His hustle is hard to top at his position, scooping up a fumble and racing forward with his quick legs to power the ball close to the goal line. He’s committed to Wake Forest for the upcoming season and will look to follow in the footsteps of previous Seahawk greats at the college level.
A hidden gem that has emerged as a factor everywhere on the field for Beaufort, Colton Phares Colton Phares 6’1″ | 185 lbs | DB Beaufort | 2023 State SC has taken the start of the 2022 season by storm. Originally a defensive back, Phares has made impacts on all three phases of the game this year. Alongside his quickness and lockdown coverage defensively, Phares has taken his talents to the offensive side as well, becoming a go-to target for new quarterback Samari Bonds Samari Bonds 6’1″ | 160 lbs | QB Beaufort | 2025 State SC while racking up yards in the run game on some carries to the outside including a reverse touchdown on the first play two weeks ago against Hilton Head. He also filled in as the kicker against Goose Creek and provided all the scoring with a pair of field goals. A leader with the athleticism and versatility to do it all, Phares will bring lots of electric potential to the Appalachian State Mountaineers next year.
The top standout on a strong James Island defense this season, Walker Woodall Walker Woodall 6’1″ | 210 lbs | LB James Island Charter | 2023 State SC is off to a tremendous start in 2022. He’s made a total of 38 tackles so far this year including a whopping 15 stops for loss. He reads plays very well off the snap and has the patience to stay home and commit when the play is there. Woodall has an unstoppable motor and can pounce towards the ball-carrier in a matter of moments. A lightning-quick defender with the hustle to make a play from anywhere, Woodall is a centerpiece of a James Island defense that could make some big noise in November.
Highlights
Bryce Lybrand said it after Beaufort’s victory over May River on Friday, and we certainly agree – Kacy Fields Kacy Fields 6’0″ | 190 lbs | RB Beaufort | 2023 State SC is becoming one of the most underrated players in the state of South Carolina. The electric wideout has blazing speed to rack up yards on the outside and has become a lethal component of a new-look Eagle offense. He is a threat to take it the distance any time the ball gets in his hands and can make defenders miss with his quick feet. A player with incredible drive and talent who has continued to up his game each season, Fields has taken the reins as possibly the most potent playmaker at wide receiver in the Lowcountry.
The younger of a dynamic duo of brothers at Beaufort, Michael Dennison Michael Dennison 6’6″ | 225 lbs | TE Beaufort | 2023 State SC has become the anchor of a defense that is hungry to run it back to the state title game. A two-way star this year for the Eagles, Dennison has served as an H-back and a tight end on offense and a terrific leader at linebacker. He is an exceptional tackler who can blow up plays and make key open-field stops. And he’s been especially valuable on offense this year, becoming an important valve for Bonds to target in third-down situations with his dominant frame and excellent route running. Also a key blocker in the run game in goal-line situations, Dennison provides a wealth of skills for a Beaufort team that is looking like a state title contender again.
Highlights
A high riser in this edition of the rankings, Kameron Durant Kameron Durant 6’4″ | 315 lbs | OL Cane Bay | 2023 State SC is making a name for himself at Cane Bay. The senior lineman and East Carolina commit has proved his talent on the line, using his exceptional technique and power to hold down blocks. His terrific footwork and intensity on the line has been noticeable to spark a run game averaging 5.6 yards per carry this season. A gritty young man who refuses to take a play off, Durant is prepared for the challenge of college football.