2026 Rankings: Skill Guys Shine In Upstate
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The PRZ rankings for the 2026 Class are already Upstate-heavy. The region has three of the top five players in the class, and five overall. There’s talent at two specific positions, with three RBs and two DBs in the class.…
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Continue ReadingThe PRZ rankings for the 2026 Class are already Upstate-heavy.
The region has three of the top five players in the class, and five overall. There’s talent at two specific positions, with three RBs and two DBs in the class. Here’s a look at those players.
Jaylen McGill Jaylen McGill 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Broome | 2026 State SC , RB, Broome
The No. 1 player in the class has already made a splash on the varsity stage. Broome’s offense ran through McGill in his freshman season, as he rushed for more than 1,000 yards and 23 TDs. He’s got the total package, with speed, power, balance, vision, and good hands out of the backfield. The upside for McGill is tremendous.
Rah’Keith Kelly Rah’Keith Kelly 5'8" | 165 lbs | RB Byrnes | 2026 GA , RB, Byrnes
Kelly’s another player who’s already got a standout season under his belt as a rising sophomore. A freshman RB for Spartanburg last year, Kelly rushed for 1,043 yards and 3 TDs, caught 18 balls for 177 yards and another score, and averaged 21.3 yards on six kick returns. Kelly has 4.5 speed and great balance, and became the Vikings’ feature back when a few injuries changed their look. His transfer to Byrnes, with the playmakers already there, is scary for Region II-5A opponents.
Jeremiah Favorite Jeremiah Favorite 5'11" | 165 lbs | DB Boiling Springs | 2026 State SC , DB, Boiling Springs
Favorite is an excellent cover guy who is another transfer player, moving from Myrtle Beach to Boiling Springs. He’s fast and athletic, and has become a go-to guy for the Bulldogs’ basketball team. That athleticism translates well, as he can chase down plays from behind and does a good job adjusting to balls in the air. He’s also a big hitter, and makes a ton of plays in space.
Somad Eaddy Somad Eaddy 5'11" | 155 lbs | DB Riverside | 2026 State SC , DB, Southside
Eaddy certainly made his mark as a freshman, with six interceptions to lead the Tigers. He had 34 tackles, two tackles for loss, and broke up six more passes. Eaddy is great in coverage, and when he sees a chance to make a play, he takes it. He seems to have a ton of confidence in the things he’s able to pull off, and he’s usually right.
Jaiden McDowell Jaiden McDowell 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Gaffney | 2026 State SC , Gaffney
Another back who had a big year, McDowell helped power the Indians back to the Upper State title game. He missed some time with an injury, but still finished with 584 yards, a 4.6 yards per carry average, and six rushing TDs. He caught 14 balls for 112 yards and another score, and while he’ll likely share time in the backfield again, that’s been a recipe for success for the Indians for years. He’s fast, he’s physical for his size, and he’s excellent in space.