South Carolina's Most Talented: No. 2 James Island

So much for a five-year plan. James Island head coach Jamar McKoy has wasted no time in putting the Trojans back on the map in the Charleston area landscape.   McKoy just completed his third season with the Trojans, guiding James Island to an 11-2 finish. This after a 9-10 record in his first two seasons after inheriting a program that won eight games total in the four seasons prior to McKoy's arrival on the Island.   "Honestly, I am surprised we were able to turn it around so quickly but it's all the kids," McKoy said. "They have bought in and they have put in the work. We are fortunate to have a good many athletes and that certainly helps. We feel like we are in a position to continue to grow and improve. We are not satisfied. We are not where we want to be until we are holding that state championship trophy. But, we feel we are on the right track."   A solid group of senior leaders were pivotal in the 2022 success, but it is the up-and-comers that have put James Island among the most talented programs in the state.   [player_tooltip player_id='146374' first='Marcus' last='Adams'] TE, 2023   Adams is a developing prospect who McKoy feels has a huge upside on the next level. He is a solid blocker in the run game and showed good hands when needed in the passing game. He finished with 21 receptions and 264 yards with two scores this past season,   [player_tooltip player_id='277543' first='Walker' last='Woodall'] LB, 2023   McKoy calls his 6-1, 215-pound linebacker "the heart and soul of our defense." Woodall was the team's leading tackler with 101 total hits, including 26 tackles for loss in 2022. Very physical player who loves contact and plays with a high motor. Woodall will play his college football at Limestone University.   [player_tooltip player_id='443523' first='Gemoi' last='Brown'] SS, 2023   Brown was another of the emotional leaders on the defense. His athleticism allowed for him to play well against the run but also in coverage. He posted 72 total tackles during the 2022 season. He will play collegiately at Wingate University.   [player_tooltip player_id='448987' first='Wushi' last='Ravenel'] WR, 2024   Though not possessing eye-popping speed on the stopwatch, Ravenel runs well enough to find the endzone, which he did on 14 of his 51 pass receptions The 6-1, 175-pounder is only tipping his potential, according to McKoy. Ravenel totaled 1,167 yards on his 51 grabs. A good route runner who seems to find his way open in the big moments. Great at making adjustments on poor throws and can go high to catch balls. Said one opposing coach, "as good as he looks on film, he is way better in person. The kid is a player."    [player_tooltip player_id='91354' first='Coleman' last='Franzone'] P, 2024   Not only the top punter in the state but also rated a five-star performer and one of the top punters nationally. Franzone has a booming leg, averaging 44.5 yards (long of 60) per punt with tremendous hang time. His kickoffs routinely find the endzone (60 times in 2022).    [player_tooltip player_id='91365' first='Braxton' last='Scott'] QB, 2024   Scott saw his junior season cut short due to injury just as the 6-0, 170-pound athlete was getting into a groove. Scott's strength is athleticism and quickness, which allows him to make plays with his legs and buy time in the backfield in the passing game. "He's an athlete but he's a bonafide quarterback," McKoy says. "Just because he's such a great runner doesn't mean he can't throw it. He makes plays."   [player_tooltip player_id='589055' first='Amontrae' last='Scott'] Ath, 2024   Clearly the biggest offensive threat on the roster, Scott was tabbed the Region 7-AAAA player of the year. A true versatile threat in the passing, rushing and return game. Scott tallied over 1,100 all-purpose yards, including 662 rushing yards and 11 scores in 2022. The 5-10, 185-pounder also is capable of playing in the defensive secondary.    [player_tooltip player_id='208346' first='Jayden' last='Whaley'] SS/OLB, 2024   McKoy says Whaley's best football is ahead of him. He is a 6-2, 185-pounder that McKoy says projects as a 6-3, 210-pound linebacker at the next level. Long and rangy with good football instincts. Not a burner in terms of speed but makes up for it with athleticism.    [player_tooltip player_id='605521' first='Gray' last='Dangerfield'] PK, 2025   James Island has an embarassment of riches on special teams and Dangerfield is a big factor. Coupled with the punting of Franzone, the return game of Scott, and Dangerfield's effectiveness on field goals, James Island has an edge over every opponent. "I've never had anything like this in my career so I am still learning how to effectively weaponize those guys," McKoy said.   Dangerfield is climbing up the charts nationally with still two years of high school football left to play. Last fall, Dangerfield was nine-of-11 on field goals with a long of 48 yards. McKoy says he will be comfortable trying kicks from 50 to 55 yards this season with Dangerfield.

So much for a five-year plan. James Island head coach Jamar McKoy has wasted no time in putting the Trojans back on the map in the Charleston area landscape.