QB Efficiency An Early Trend In Pee Dee & Grand Strand
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From the big-name stars to game managers, the quarterback position in football is always going to be of utmost importance. Those who can run their offenses without making mistakes tend to be that much more productive. Across the Grand Strand…
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Continue ReadingFrom the big-name stars to game managers, the quarterback position in football is always going to be of utmost importance.
Those who can run their offenses without making mistakes tend to be that much more productive.
Across the Grand Strand and Pee Dee, several quarterbacks have started off the season by playing the type of ball their coaches need them to play. These five have kick-started a smart and efficient body of work – one that has these offenses starting to show they’ve only scratched the surface.
That early efficiency is a big reason why.
Tremel Echols, Wilson
Passing yards: 640
Passing touchdowns: 10
Completion percentage: 60.0 (39-of-65)
Interceptions: 2
Behind the numbers: Wilson wasn’t exactly sure what it was going to get from Echols, the former starter at Timmonsville before it was absorbed by Wilson over the summer. We’re pretty sure the Tigers are good with the progression. On top of his passing numbers, Echols has also rushed for 134 yards and four scores. It’s been a nice addition for a signal caller who is keeping his talented receiving corps engaged week after week.
Devin Grainger Devin Grainger 6'1" | 170 lbs | QB Conway | 2024 State SC , Conway
Passing yards: 374
Passing touchdowns: 3
Completion percentage: 66.0 (35-of-53)
Interceptions: 0
Behind the numbers: While nothing about Grainger’s numbers are going to make most people jump out of their seats, his effectiveness has come despite the fact that he’s been without a full complement of his receivers during the Tigers’ first three games. Grainger has no issue taking off with the ball when his early reads aren’t there; he’s already run for 305 yards this season. Yet, as his receiver strength increases, we’re likely going to see him become more of true passer.
Jackson Huff Jackson Huff 6'3" | 195 lbs | QB Loris | 2025 State SC , Loris
Passing yards: 506
Passing touchdowns: 6
Completion percentage: 61.9 (39-of-63)
Interceptions: 0
Behind the numbers: The sophomore entered the year as the clear No. 1 after taking over the valuable snaps at the position toward the end of last year. And while he didn’t have a bad game in the season opening against Green Sea Floyds, Huff has clearly benefitted from the return of receiver Randall Bellamy Randall Bellamy 5'10" | 165 lbs | WR Loris | 2023 State SC in the last two contests. The duo connected for four touchdowns in last week’s win over South Columbus (N.C.).
Scott Saylor Scott Saylor 6'1" | 200 lbs | QB Carolina Forest | 2023 State SC , Carolina Forest
Passing yards: 588
Passing touchdowns: 6
Completion percentage: 75.0 (42-of-56)
Interceptions: 1
Behind the numbers: Saylor’s only pick of 2022 (and just the seventh of his career) came on a night in which he still completed 10 of his 14 pass attempts. Simply, Saylor doesn’t make many mistakes. Considering he’s already rushed for 205 yards and another score this year, the Panthers’ offense is going to go as far as the 5-foot-11, 195-pound senior will take them.
Connor Schwalm Connor Schwalm 5'11" | 205 lbs | QB St. James | 2024 State SC , St. James
Passing yards: 554
Passing touchdowns: 6
Completion percentage: 64.5 (40-of-62)
Interceptions: 1
Behind the numbers: Schwalm (pictured) is a dual-threat quarterback who seemingly finds more and more creative ways to distribute the ball instead of tucking and running. The first-year Sharks starter has been subjected to a higher number of sacks than he or the coaching staff would like – something that’s affected his rushing totals – but he’s also able to do some things with his arm that no St. James quarterback has ever been able to. The lone interception he threw was a double-deflected pass.