Palmetto Combine East: 2024 MVP, Award Winners From Underclassmen

Chris Dearing April 16, 2023 @ 07:12 PM

Potential New Subscribers: Take advantage of our 40% off special by using the coupon code Guerin40 at checkout. In addition to our 365-day-a-year football approach, Prep Red Zone South Carolina is the official media partner of the 2023 Palmetto Combine Series, meaning subscribers will get first-hand information on many of the 1,200 athletes in attendance at all four sites.   FLORENCE | If Silver Bluff rising sophomore wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='205787' first='Hiszari' last='Gantt'] Bluff was an unknown commodity coming into the Palmetto Combine Series for underclassmen, he quickly changed that outlook in a few short hours Sunday afternoon at West Florence.     The diminutive speedster turned heads in each of his station workouts and even won the Pro Shuttle with a time of 4.28. But he earned the overall MVP award and that mainly came from his work in 1-on-1 drills with the wide receivers going up against the defensive backs.   Gannt, who was listed 5'7”.25 and weighed 130 pounds, was elusive and defensive backs had a difficult time trying to stay with him on his crisp route running. Gantt added a 74-inch wingspan and ran a 4.57 40-yard dash with a 34-inch vertical and a 9'4” broad jump. All those numbers were in the upper echelon of the more than 125 players on hand.   Gannt played in 12 games as a freshman and was the fourth leading receiver for the Bulldogs with 11 receptions for 108 yards and one touchdown. He also was the second kickoff and punt returner, but he should transition into that full time this season.   If Gannt hits a growth spurt and continues with the same work ethic he displayed Sunday, he will be a name several college recruiters will know about soon enough.   AROUND THE PCS EAST UNDERCLASSMEN   Fastest 40: [player_tooltip player_id='464882' first='Jamarcus' last='Williams'], Hannah-Pamplico, 4.37 – Williams wowed the crowd with his 4.37 sprint in front of the home stands at West Florence. That tied the fastest time of the four combine series this year. The bar was set earlier Sunday morning by South Aiken QB [player_tooltip player_id='340388' first='Terrence' last='Smith'].   Vertical: Jordan Burgess, Johnsonville, 36 feet, 3 inches – The Flashes defensive back not only tied for the best vertical, but his 80-inch wingspan and 6-foot-1.25 inches will make it nearly impossible for a wide receiver to go up and win a jump ball situation.     Broad Jump: [player_tooltip player_id='272702' first='Jevon' last='Edwards'], South Aiken, 9 feet, 6 inches – The Throughbreds running back is compact and has a burst that was evident in individual drills. He was listed at 5-foot-8.5 and 181.8 pounds but his broad jump and vertical jumps were near the top for the afternoon.   Top Defensive Line: [player_tooltip player_id='809755' first='DJ' last='Gause'], North Myrtle Beach – Gause was nearly unstoppable watching him go against the offensive linemen. The defensive line prospect has a chance to add some weight (he was 210 pounds Sunday) without slowing him down any.   Top Offensive Line: [player_tooltip player_id='459924' first='JacQari' last='Witherspoon'], North Myrtle Beach – North Myrtle Beach had a strong showing with interior linemen on both sides of the ball. Witherspoon came in at just over 300 pounds (301.8) and was hard to get around or move during drills against the defensive line.   Top Defensive Skill: [player_tooltip player_id='1157897' first='Cameron' last='Coe'], South Florence – Coe showed why he's going to be a featured part of the Bruins trying to defend their Class 4A state title. Coe, a linebacker, checked all the boxes, checking in at 5-foot-11.25 inches and 183.4 pounds. He ran a 4.58 40, with a 28-feet, 4-inch vertical, an 8-foot, 6-inch broad jump and 4.79 pro shuttle.   Top Offensive Skill: [player_tooltip player_id='1013109' first='Justin' last='Purvis'], Marlboro County – The 5-foot-7, 169.2-pound speedster excelled on offensive, defense and special teams for the Bulldogs as a sophomore.

Potential New Subscribers: Take advantage of our 40% off special by using the coupon code Guerin40 at checkout. In addition to our 365-day-a-year football approach, Prep Red Zone South Carolina is the official media partner of the 2023 Palmetto Combine Series, meaning subscribers will get first-hand information on many of the 1,200 athletes in attendance at all four sites.