Eight Players To Watch From The Grand Strand/Pee Dee This Spring
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If spring football is a proving ground, eight names along the Grand Strand and Pee Dee are looking to show what they can do. From North Myrtle Beach to Johnsonville, players in the zone who have previously flown at least…
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Continue ReadingIf spring football is a proving ground, eight names along the Grand Strand and Pee Dee are looking to show what they can do.
From North Myrtle Beach to Johnsonville, players in the zone who have previously flown at least someone under the radar will be able to cut their teeth in May, when reps are key and expectations are high.
After all, the 2023 season will be here before we know it, and gaining confidence – and having your teammates trust in you – is often determined in practice.
Ja’Saan Faulkner ATH, St. James
Sharks head coach Tommy Norwood contends Faulkner is a fringe FCS player after his final year of eligibility. And while many are going to struggled with his 5-foot-8 frame, his production hasn’t lied. A year ago, he was second in receptions and yards, fourth in carries and yards on the ground, third in solo tackles and tied for the team lead with two picks.
Kito Douglas Kito Douglas 6'1" | 230 lbs | DL Wilson | 2024 State SC DL, Wilson
One of the area’s most recent additions to the Growth Spurt Club, Douglas (pictured) chimed in at 6-foot-5 and 229 pounds during the Palmetto Combine Series East event at West Florence earlier this month. He then went on to earn top DL honors. He had five sacks a year ago while being listed much shorter than he is now. We think his production could follow right along with his size.
Issiah Brown LB, St. James
Brown is likely going to get plenty of carries next year, too, but we love his potential at linebacker. At a fraction of an inch under 6-foot but with a 79-inch wingspan, Brown is a solid combination of size and speed to get the job done. Now, he’s not only the Sharks’ most consistent defensive player, but a leader, as well.
Landon Cloninger QB, North Myrtle Beach
When Cloninger couldn’t beat out Chance Hall for the job last year, the Chiefs’ staff made the decision to keep him on the field any way they could. The then-sophomore went out and led North Myrtle Beach in receptions (while finishing second in yards and receiving touchdowns). Now, this offense is Cloninger’s to run and the next few weeks could be a boost to his play this fall.
Dunkin Lay TE, Green Sea Floyds
Someone is going to fall in love with Lay’s size – and, yes, he likely gets a boost since he’s playing Class 1A ball. Still, at 6-foot-4 and 181 pounds and with above average speed for the position, we’ll be interested to see how involved first-year coach Patrick Martin can get Lay involved in this offense.
Jershad Kennedy LB, Darlington
The cabinet at Darlington was nowhere near as empty as some would have you believe the last few years. New coach Jamey Johnson got to show that off during the PCS, when several of his players, including Kennedy, had some in attendance trying to figure out where he came from. He’s strong as an ox in the weight room and capable of leading the Falcons’ rebuild.
Malik Shippy Malik Shippy 6'2" | 180 lbs | QB Johnsonville | 2024 State SC QB, Johnsonville
Was last year the Daquan Burroughs Daquan Burroughs 6'0" | 190 lbs | RB Johnsonville | 2023 State SC show at Johnsonville? Absolutely. Did Shippy also have a pretty good year? Oh yeah. Is he now the guy on this offense? We think so. After putting up 1,500 combined passing/rushing yards and 17 total touchdowns as a junior, Shippy (6-foot-1, 177 pounds) has exactly what the Flashes need in Year 1 post Burroughs.
Derek Grant Derek Grant 6'1" | 175 lbs | WR Conway | 2024 State SC WR, Conway
Grant missed a little bit of time last year as a junior, when the Tigers struggled to a 4-7 mark and exited the playoffs in the first round. But there’s no mistaking that Grant is a favorite target of top-flight quarterback Devin Grainger Devin Grainger 6'1" | 170 lbs | QB Conway | 2024 State SC and that the duo of two-sports standouts are pretty tight knit. Grant has a burst after the catch and we are looking forward to seeing it in May.