2024 Rankings Update: The Stockrisers

The offseason is an oft-forgotten great time to evaluate talent.   Whether we're re-checking what happened last fall and putting it all into perspective or able to get eyes on players during the combine and conditioning circuits, the data and eye tests show some dudes just need to be higher.   Enter our Spring Stockrisers.   These 14 players are a combination of previously ranked players who made mention-worthy jumps or previously unranked guys who forced their way into the top 75 overall.   Either way, these players aren't waiting for next season to make their moves.   NEW ADDITIONS MAKING BIGGEST LEAPS   [player_tooltip player_id='771035' first='Kyan' last='Kennedy'] - No. 30 overall   Kennedy is the real deal at multiple positions. For now, we're going with where we think he'll end up at the next level. He's as dynamic of a dual-role tight end as there is in the state at this time.   [player_tooltip player_id='771036' first='Dakarai' last='Sumter'] - No. 38 overall   College coaches who come to see the 6-foot-8 lineman are going to notice there is a boatload of talent around him at Lower Richland. And while he's the main event, all that talent is going to feed off each other come fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='771037' first='Zay' last='Johnson'] - No. 41 overall   He's been on a tear all spring, impressing everyone who meets him. It's been a great follow to a fantastic junior season on the field.    [player_tooltip player_id='771038' first='Malachi' last='Marshall'] - No. 48 overall   The 2023 South Pointe schedule includes an opponent list that is going to turn heads. We're positive that Marshall can handle the pressure start to finish.   [player_tooltip player_id='771220' first='Christian' last='Zachary'] - No. 51 overall   Zachary is proving that you don't need to play big-class football to get noticed. The next seven months, he's going to be on short list after short list for college spots and all-star nods alike.   [player_tooltip player_id='771039' first='Demarius' last='Tolen'] - No. 56 overall   “Don't you mean…” No, Aiken really does have another receiver opposite Braylen Staley who could give opposing coordinators fits all by his lonesome.    [player_tooltip player_id='771040' first='Jamauri' last='Davis'] - No. 62 overall   Carolina Forest doesn't shy away from competition, and every school's top receiver gets a heavy dose of Davis, a 6-foot-1 corner who can keep pace with anyone.   [player_tooltip player_id='771062' first='Reggie' last='Heath'] - No. 64 overall   Heath is a 1,000-yard receiver who doubles as Chester's most consistent cornerback. He added 39 tackles and a pair of interceptions last fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='771063' first='Timir' last='Hickman-Collins'] - No. 69 overall   One of those guys who should lead his team onto every field, Hickman-Collins has the physical and mental tools to nuke every offensive scheme.   [player_tooltip player_id='771064' first='Talan' last='Scott'] - No. 72 overall   Over the last two seasons, Scott has put up: 95 solo tackles, 106 assisted tackles, 22 tackles for loss, eight sacks, forced five fumbles and picked off a pass. Any questions?   NEW TO THE TOP 10   We only had one player move into our top 10, and we feel confident that [player_tooltip player_id='265222' first='Turbo' last='Richard'] is right where he belongs.    As a sophomore in 2021, Richard burst on to the scene with 1,054 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground to go alone with 16 receptions for 183 yards and another score. Those numbers looked paltry compared to what he did as a junior.   Last fall, Richard rushed for 2,045 yards and 24 touchdowns (he also improved his receptions and yards). His small-college offers are likely to turn into bigger ones sooner rather than later.   BIG MOVEMENT FROM NAMES WE KNEW   [player_tooltip player_id='448980' first='Shaikh' last='Thompson'] (Up 21 spots)   Now sitting just outside the top 10 at No. 12 overall, Thompson is by far the best true defensive end in South Carolina and he's only getting better. He's digesting the competition of combines and recruiting and the rest of the offseason to near perfection.   [player_tooltip player_id='315319' first='Tamari' last='Daniels'] (Up 31 spots)   We don't want to assume anything here, but even with his diminutive stature, Daniels might just put up some of the fastest speeds in recent memory if he's allowed to run in perfect conditions. We're not sure what happens long term, but for now he's moving unlike so few can.   [player_tooltip player_id='589052' first='Derrick' last='Salley'] (Up 47 spots)   A scheduling snafu probably prevented Salley from earning a Power 5 offer some 11 months ago. The 6-foot-3, 190 pounder has every opportunity to be in the upper echelon of receivers in the Charleston area and beyond next fall.

The offseason is an oft-forgotten great time to evaluate talent.