Touchstone Energy Bowl: Thursday Morning Practice Notes

She'Fon Boyd and [player_tooltip player_id='150017' first='Nathan' last='Thompson'] might have about the hardest job on the South squad this week during the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl.   With a loaded offensive backfield that features some of the biggest weapons in the state, Boyd and Thompson - the team's two centers - are the first step in the process. Neither of them were their respective team's full-time center at the beginning of this year, and in Boyd's case, he didn't play the position at Andrews at all in 2022.   “It's kind of a struggle getting back into it after a whole year,” Boyd said. “I'm not used to it. It's definitely not like riding a bike. I wish it was. But I think I'm getting the hang of it.”   That was evident just from the all-star game's first practice Wednesday morning through the en end of the third session on Thursday morning. Boyd and Conway's Thompson made dramatic improvement in getting their shotgun snaps where they needed to be. As a result, the South offense started to look much more fluid than it did on day one.   That will be key, since the South will need to get plenty of production out of quarterbacks [player_tooltip player_id='199432' first='Tanner' last='Staton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='89345' first='Zolten' last='Osborne'], a quintuplet of tailbacks who amassed more than 10,000 yards rushing this fall and a slate of receivers who each possess home run capabilities.   No pressure, right?   “Center's the most difficult position because you're one-handed. You've got to snap, punch and step,” Thompson said. “You've really got to lock in to make sure everyone else knows what they're doing, make sure everyone's on the same page.”   Thompson (pictured) said he's quickly working into his comfort zone, which wasn't a surprise since he moved back to center four games into the 2022 season after spending more than a season at guard and tackle. He's already got four college offers.   For Boyd, Andrews coach Scott Durham said he was hopeful the Class 2A Lower State Palmetto Champions Lineman of the Year would get that first one this week. If he does, putting another skill set on display might be the reason.   “It shows my range, being able to play defensive tackle, left guard and get some snaps in,” Boyd said. “Hopefully that will help me get recruited.”   OTHER SOUTH STANDOUTS   Ridge View tight end [player_tooltip player_id='202754' first='Tracy' last='Stephens'] spent most of his senior season in a blocking role. He was even asked to play tackle in two games, thanks to some injuries that happened along the way.   But during Thursday's morning session, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound tight got a chance with the ball in his hands. On a short route that led him to the corner of the end zone, Stephens hauled in a 10-yard pass with six bodies around him. What's more, he made it look routine.   He only caught two balls for 39 yards and a touchdown for the Blazers, but keep an eye on him Saturday.    Likewise, West Florence offensive lineman Josh Daniels is starting to thrive, especially during his time at tackle. Normally an interior lineman, Daniels had several big blocks Thursday to spring tailbacks to solid gains.   NORTH STANDOUTS   Saturday's game is going to be an exciting match-up between the South's tailbacks and the North's linebackers. Specifically, we're liking what we're seeing out of Northwestern linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='336118' first='Damien' last='Jackson']. The 6-foot, 230-pounder is playing in the middle and covering all sorts of ground.   He did it again in the team's third live on-field action.   “He is a player,” North coach Robin Bacon said after the Thursday morning practice.    Also, the catch of the day from a talented crop of North receivers came from Cayson Elledge, the Davidson commitment from Laurens. On a simple come-back route, Elledge adjusted to an underthrown ball and made a diving snag.

She'Fon Boyd and Nathan Thompson Nathan Thompson 6'5" | 300 lbs | OL Conway | 2023 State SC might have about the hardest job on the South squad this week during the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl.