March On Campus: River Bluff Gators
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It was a strong, rebound 2022 season for River Bluff High School. After missing the playoffs for the first time under head coach Blair Hardin, the Gators posted a 7-4 record to make the Class 5A playoffs out of Region…
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Continue ReadingIt was a strong, rebound 2022 season for River Bluff High School.
After missing the playoffs for the first time under head coach Blair Hardin, the Gators posted a 7-4 record to make the Class 5A playoffs out of Region 5-4A.
Spearheading the turnaround was running back Cooper Johns Cooper Johns 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB River Bluff | 2023 State SC . Now with The Citadel, he rushed for 1,871 yards and 24 touchdowns.
While Johns is now in Charleston, River Bluff does return rising junior Parker Murray Parker Murray 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB River Bluff | 2025 State SC . He threw for 1,176 yards and 14 touchdowns, displaying a poise and calm rarely seen by a first-year starting quarterback.
The Gators also return one of Murray’s favorite targets wide receiver Stephen Collier Stephen Collier 6'3" | 210 lbs | WR River Bluff | 2025 State SC . The rising senior had a team-high 36 receptions for 356 yards and five touchdowns last year and is expected to be utilized at other positions once he fully recovers from a left labrum injury.
River Bluff will also have returning players on defense, with the secondary returning senior safety Xavier Sullender, cornerback Jordan Grant and defensive lineman Kaleb Long.
The Gators compete in one of the toughest regions in 5A with defending state champion Dutch Fork, a Lexington team which has finished second two years in a row and are now led by alumnus Dustin Curtis and an improved White Knoll team.
- The rising junior made a strong impression in his first year as a starting quarterback. He completed 61.4 percent of his passes, threw for 1,1,76 yards and 14 touchdowns in 11 games
- Can scan the entire field cleanly from the pocket and quickly adopted knowledge of the playbook
- An efficient passer out of the pocket, threw only three interceptions on 171 passing attempts
- Displays a “Joe Cool” demeanor and confidence when leading the team and has strong chemistry with his wide receivers
- While he accounted for only one rushing touchdowns, he’s athletic enough to avoid sacks and has a strong touch on both his deep and short passes
Highlights
- The 6-2 wide receiver is one of the team’s top returning playmakers. He led the team with 36 receptions for 356 yards and five touchdowns
- A physical player, who also sees action at safety, is blessed with a 31-inch vertical leap and 4.5 speed. He thrives on catching the long pass and enjoys chemistry with quarterback Parker Murray Parker Murray 6’1″ | 185 lbs | QB River Bluff | 2025 State SC .
- Is versatile enough to return kicks and is expected to see action at multiple offensive positions to help the team
- He’s currently recovering from a torn left labrum discovered while playing for the baseball team
Jordan Grant
Jordan Grant
- An aggressive cornerback who utilizes his speed and toughness to overcome any height disadvantages
- Competes in the 100 and 200 meters and 4×200 and 4×400 meter relays for the track team
- He had two pass breakups and a fumble recovery last season
- Has a “nose for the football”when it comes to anticipating passes
- Is expected to also see action at wide receiver
Xavier Sullender
Xavier Sullender
- A 3-year starter, Sullinder is a hard-hitting safety who height and strength allows him to be an effective defender in the secondary
- He will get to see action at running back this season, a position he played as a freshman
- Finished with 26 tackles and 3 pass breakups last season
Kaleb Long
Kaleb Long
- Despite missing four games due to injury last season, the 280-pound rising senior is a integral leader on the defensive line
- Displays quickness and strength in often being the first player to a tackle. He currently bench presses 225 pounds and is squatting 450 pounds
- He’s played at both tackle and end on the defensive line