South Carolina's Most Talented: No. 3 Summerville

Ian Rafferty's third season as head coach at Summerville High School proved the Green Wave may be turning the corner in their goal of being one of the state's top Class AAAAA programs.   Summerville went 11-3 and lost in the Lower State finals to rival Fort Dorchester in 2022. That squad was loaded with a bevy of three-year starters that began their varsity career in Rafferty's first season as head coach. It was that group of veterans, along with another solid rising group of prospects that led to Summerville's No. 3 ranking in the list of most talented programs in South Carolina.   "That first year was Covid and then we had a ton of injuries in 2021," Rafferty said. "The biggest thing was getting a full offseason. That really helped us stabilize some things. We played a lot of young guys who grew and developed, and it all came together this year. Even with the good group of seniors that we had, we still played a lot of underclassmen. We expect those guys to step right in and assume the leadership roles. We feel like we are on the right track."   Rafferty says interest is way up and he anticipates more strength in numbers moving forward.   "I think we're getting the numbers up, especially at the lower levels," the Summerville graduate said. "That was a major focus for us. I feel like we are getting the numbers back. We have about 250 kids rolling through the weight room every day."   [player_tooltip player_id='262617' first='Michael' last='Jenkins'] DB, 2023   Jenkins was a highly productive performer as a three-year starter for the Green Wave. He played cornerback and excelled in pass coverage, but he also was a very good tackler in the run game. Another strength was his ability to block kicks, totaling six during the 2022 season. He finished with nearly 100 tackles as well. Jenkins signed with East Tennessee State.   [player_tooltip player_id='89335' first='Keith' last='Elmore'] DB, 2023   Elmore teamed with Jenkins as mainstays in the secondary, though Elmore was a safety. Like Jenkins, Elmore was a physical tackler. In fact, he was moved to outside linebacker for part of the 2022 season due to injuries at the position and Rafferty praised his work. Elmore is headed to Presbyterian College.   [player_tooltip player_id='262614' first='Drew' last='Inabinet'] OL, 2023   A three-year varsity performer and a reliable run blocker. The 6-6, 330-pounder was good at the point of the attack in the run game.   [player_tooltip player_id='263161' first='Reginald' last='Pinckney'] OL, 2023   The most reliable and consistent offensive lineman in 2022, Pinckney earned all-region and All-Lowcountry status. A strong, physical blocker who also was solid in pass protection as a 6-4, 320-pound tackle.   [player_tooltip player_id='262615' first='Steve' last='Simpkins'], Jr. LB, 2023   Headed to Dartmouth, Simpkins was a sure tackler at inside linebacker and a very consistent performer, according to Rafferty. At 6-2, 220-pounds. Simpkins tallied 101 total tackles with 17.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.   [player_tooltip player_id='582098' first='Josh' last='Matusik'] DL, 2023   Though considered under-sized for his position at defensive end, the 6-0, 240-pound Matusik was among the most productive defensive players in the state. Matusik earned Class AAAAA all-state honors and was named the Lowcountry defensive player of the year by the Charleston Post and Courier. The Anderson University signee totaled 117 tackles with 27 tackles for loss and 12 sacks during the 2022 season.   [player_tooltip player_id='589013' first='Trae' last='Green'] RB, 2024   Green is a 5-9, 180-pound power back who runs very hard and rarely fumbles. He rushed for more than 800 yards and 10 touchdowns as Summerville's second back behind 1,200-yard rusher Marquez Spells. Green will be the No. 1 back in 2023    [player_tooltip player_id='227804' first='Jaidyn' last='Penix'] LB, 2024   Rafferty feels Penix is headed for a strong senior season at outside linebacker. He was injured midway through last season but still managed 84 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and four sacks. Penix (6-0. 210) is a physical player and a workout warrior in the weight room.    [player_tooltip player_id='267457' first='Michael' last='Woodfield'] DB, 2024   Woodfield saw considerable playing time as a sophomore and was a starter during his junior season. The 6-2, 170-pound corner is long and rangy and has worked hard to put on weight during the off-season. Posted 67 tackles and four interceptions last fall.    [player_tooltip player_id='448990' first='Rylan' last='Mitchell'] DB, 2024   Mitchell will replace Elmore as Summerville's leader at safety. He inherited the role last season when Elmore moved down to the linebacker. Mitchell was one of the top tacklers last fall, totaling 116 hits with eight tackles for loss. He had 19 tackles in a playoff win over Sumter. "He is a really good football player with a great upside," Rafferty said.    [player_tooltip player_id='272723' first='Ashton' last='Allen-Hawkins'] RB, 2025   Hawkins (6-0, 175) saw a good bit of action in a backup role as a sophomore and is developing into one of the better backs in the Lowcountry. He will share time with Green this season but look for Hawkins (pictured) to be a major contributor. Will add weight as he matures and already possesses quick feet and reads his blocking well. He has good speed and great hands as a receiver out of the backfield.

Ian Rafferty's third season as head coach at Summerville High School proved the Green Wave may be turning the corner in their goal of being one of the state's top Class AAAAA programs.