2023 Rankings Zone Read: CSRA Strong At Top Of Class
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The Class of 2023 is a strong one in the Central Savannah River Area. Of the Top 100 in the final Prep Redzone 2023 rankings, eight players – nearly a 10th of the field – are from the CSRA. Here’s…
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Continue ReadingThe Class of 2023 is a strong one in the Central Savannah River Area. Of the Top 100 in the final Prep Redzone 2023 rankings, eight players – nearly a 10th of the field – are from the CSRA. Here’s a look at the guys at the top of the class.
Tyler J Smith Tyler J Smith 6'1" | 200 lbs | RB Barnwell | 2023 State SC , RB, Barnwell
Smith is, put simply, one of the best backs in the state. He finished his senior year just short of 3,000 yards, averaged more than 230 yards per game on the ground, banged out 9.8 yards per carry, scored 46 rushing TDs, and topped 100 yards rushing in 12 games. He caught 8 passes for 120 yards and another score, and he threw a TD pass. Smith’s got all the tools. Take a look.
Kanaan Ligons Kanaan Ligons 6'3" | 285 lbs | OL Ridge Spring-Monetta | 2023 State SC , OL, Ridge Spring – Monetta
Ligons is a glimpse at what’s special about small-school linemen. He plays both ways by necessity, and is quick and agile enough to shed blockers and track down the ball as a defensive lineman. Where he shines, though, is at OL. He’s just a road-grader. Look for Ligons, and you’ll find him engaging defenders and either locking them down and neutralizing them, knocking them off their feet, or finishing off blocks WAY down the field.
A’Chean Durant A’Chean Durant 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB McCormick | 2023 State SC , RB, McCormick
Durant’s a burner first and foremost. He has the speed to return kicks, which he did well for the Chiefs, and to line up out wide in the passing game occasionally. He’s phenomenal, though, between the tackles. His speed helps a ton, but he’s physical enough to run through tacklers, and elusive enough to get out of a crowd. When he does, it’s off to the races.
Zion Wright Zion Wright 6'4" | 180 lbs | WR Saluda | 2023 State SC , WR, Saluda
Wright’s a monster on both sides of the ball for the Tigers. He was the team’s second-leading receiver, and led the Tigers in interceptions, picking off three passes on the year. Offensively, he’s a big, tall target who has no problem going up to get it. He’s shifty enough to make defenders miss, and his enormous stride just eats up yardage.
Clay Pender Clay Pender 6'1" | 165 lbs | ATH Barnwell | 2023 SC , ATH, Barnwell
Pender did a little bit of everything for the Warhorses. He totaled just three carries on the year, but those went for 88 yards and one touchdown. He caught 35 balls for 534 yards and nine scores, Barnwell’s leader in those categories by a wide margin. He had nine tackles and picked off two passes, and was a standout in the return game. Any time he’s around the ball, Pender looks electric.
Cam Davis Cam Davis 5'8" | 170 lbs | RB Wagener-Salley | 2023 State SC , RB, Wagener-Salley
Davis’ stat line for his senior year is eye-popping, on both sides of the ball. Lining up at QB for the War Eagles, he finished with 1,808 yards rushing and 24 TDs, adding 740 yards and eight touchdowns through the air. He accounted for 19 two-point conversions. On defense, Davis had 75 tackles, six tackles for loss, a sack, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. He’s Wagener-Salley’s all-time leading rusher, and with 4.6 speed, he’s an absolute nightmare once he’s on the edge.
Maleik Williams Maleik Williams 5'8" | 165 lbs | ATH Silver Bluff | 2023 State SC , ATH, Silver Bluff
Williams threw for 1,790 yards for the Bulldogs, with 11 TD passes. He led the team in rushing, with 726 yards, and scored 10 more times. He added 17 tackles and two interceptions, and was the offensive focus for Silver Bluff. He’s got a combination of speed and vision that make him especially dangerous.
Will Jenison Will Jenison 6'5" | 285 lbs | OL South Aiken | 2023 State SC , OL, South Aiken
There’s something that jumps out immediately when you’re watching film on Jenison. Watching him blocking linebackers at the second level isn’t fair. Jenison is a strong run-blocker, and equally good in pass-block situations. But when he’s pulling, or just getting to the second level as a design of the play, he’s dangerous. He’s big and quick enough to overpower guys, and has enough of a nasty streak to finish plays 10, 15, even 20 yards downfield.