March On Campus: Ridge View Blazers
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On the outside, Derek Howard displays the demeanor a patient head coach. As he talks about the potential of his Ridge View football team, the level of excitement and anticipation is quite evident in his voice. “I think our kids…
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Continue ReadingOn the outside, Derek Howard displays the demeanor a patient head coach.
As he talks about the potential of his Ridge View football team, the level of excitement and anticipation is quite evident in his voice.
“I think our kids are excited about having the opportunity to start back again playing the game that they love,” he said. “But, we’re extremely patient. Half the team is participating in spring sports, be it soccer or baseball or track. So, we’re going to allow those young men to finish their season on a high note and whenever we get them, we’ll get them as we make our move into spring ball.”
The Blazers do have several seniors from last year’s team taking part in off-season workouts. To a man, the pain of having their post-season dreams end on a S.C. High School League decision (the ruling organization ordered Ridge View to forfeit its eight wins due to ineligible players, keeping the team out of the playoffs) has been replaced with a deep hunger to take care of unfinished business this upcoming season.
- After two seasons mostly as a backup quarterback, the 205-pound senior looks to settle in the starter’s role he earned in the final two games
- A dual threat quarterback whose a physical runner and with a strong arm
- Shows confidence in his ability to read defenses and demonstrate leadership
- Learned behind future college quarterbacks like Andre Washington (now at South Carolina State)
Myles Brown
Myles Brown
- Comes from a family of tall parents over six feet and an older brother who started two seasons as a 6-5, 280-pound left tackle for the Blazers
- Has developed into a fierce pass rusher whose quick and strong enough to shake off blockers
- Shows versatility in his ability to play in pass coverage and even line up on the defensive line
- Has offers from Miami (Ohio) and Army and strong interest from Coastal Carolina, Appalachian State and Charlotte
Francis Aiken
Francis Aiken
- Will get an opportunity as the lead running back this season for the Blazers as the returning senior
- Is quick to find open lanes for long runs and possesses a “dog” mentality to fight for every yard
- His strong lower body and toughness stems from a successful wrestling career. He finished fifth at the S.C. High School League Class 4A wrestling tournament
- An effective blocker who can also run passing routes out of the backfield
Joshua Ladd
Joshua Ladd
- One of the Blazers’ most versatile linemen having played guard, center and tackle during his high school career
- Displays strength and non-stop energy as a lead blocker. He can be seen continuing to block downfield for the running back
- Has improved his speed and strength length, bench pressing 275 lbs. and squatting 405 lbs
- Strong lower body strength which is displayed when knocking defenders to the ground. Wants to improve on his number of “pancake” blocks
Jayden Andrews
Jayden Andrews
- A self-professed “hard hitter”, the 155-pound senior is not shy about making hard contact
- A former running back, he’s thrived in the secondary whether a coverman or safety
- One of the team’s top kick returners
- Reacts quickly to plays whether making a tackle or defending a pass
- He has an offer from Limestone
Kenneth Boyd
Kenneth Boyd
- Started last year at left tackle where he was the tallest and lightest player on the offensive line
- Disployed strong footwork and showed physical and aggressive play upfront. He looks to replace Tracy Stephens Tracy Stephens 6’4″ | 240 lbs | TE Ridge View | 2023 State SC , now at Marshall University
- A three-sport athlete who’s currently a shotput and discus thrower for the track and field team and played basketball this past season
- Committed to improving pass catching and speed off the line of scrimmage
- A former wide receiver, he’s expected to compete with Breylon Boyd Breylon Boyd 6’0″ | 205 lbs | QB Ridge View | 2024 State SC for the starting nod
- At 6-5, 180 lbs., has a prototype quarterback build to go with a strong arm
- Displays strong communication skills and believes playing wide receiver will give him an advantage at quarterback
- Bench presses 160 lbs. and squats 300 lbs.
- Head coach Derek Howard believes “the sky’s the limit” in terms of his potential
Highlights
- Holds the fastest time in the 200 meters by a freshman in South Carolina this year
- Size, length, leaping ability and speed makes him a difficult matchup for most defenders
- Made the move up from the junior varsity ranks last season
- Is a physical wide receiver who understands the importance of blocking in the Blazers’ stretch offense
- Currently has a 5.0 GPA in advanced placement classes