Spring Ball Storylines In The CSRA

With spring football launching next week, even the smallest zone in South Carolina is chock full of storylines that we couldn't even begin to answer during offseason conditioning and combines.   After a short acclimation period, though, the pads will go on, and we'll start getting clarity on whether such a football-rich pocket of the state is capable of pulling off in 2023.   These storylines from CSRA won't be mysteries for long.   SPRING RECRUITING TOUR   With three players (Aiken's [player_tooltip player_id='91351' first='Jayden' last='Fuller'], Silver Bluff's [player_tooltip player_id='139299' first='Jordan' last='Boyd'] and Midland Valley's [player_tooltip player_id='91348' first='Traevon' last='Dunbar']) all ranked in the top seven of our Class of 2024 rankings, it's clear this area is riding a massive wave of talent.   That list doesn't even include Aiken receiver [player_tooltip player_id='208338' first='Braylon' last='Staley'] - who already has a gazillion Power Five offers and who currently sits at No. 15 in our rankings - or No. 22 [player_tooltip player_id='340388' first='Terrence' last='Smith'], the speedy South Aiken quarterback who recently set the Palmetto Combine Series record with a 4.37 40.    What's great about this is how many players are building off each other despite playing for different schools in the relatively small pocket of the state. There is something in the water out west, and the recruits have been out in force.   Now, put the pads on these kids for the first time in six months and see the interest only blossom that much more.   DID REGION IV-4A JUST ENTER A NEW ERA?   North Augusta has has some goofy coaching turnover in recent years, maybe none more than Matt Quinn, citing personal reasons, resigned this month after just one year on the job.   Yet, Quinn was able to keep the Yellow Jackets right where the believe they belong, sweeping through Region IV-4A and winning another playoff game in 2022. Now, it will be up to interim coach Richard Bush to keep the train on the tracks over the coming weeks (and months).   North Augusta has some high-quality pieces in 2024s [player_tooltip player_id='451249' first='Jaydon' last='Eason'] and [player_tooltip player_id='346194' first='Jack' last='Stevens']. Still, the loss of the team's quarterback, top tailback, best receiver and linebacker is going to be felt.   This is a team that has had just one losing region record in the last decade and expects to contend, if not win the region crown in convincing fashion. And since the CSRA is the only zone of our six in the state without a Class 5A school, North Augusta wants to again carry the banner for the entire area.   However, the Yellow Jackets have some work to do.   That's because South Aiken has arguably the most potent backfield in all of Class 4A, Midland Valley (more on the Mustangs below) is loaded, Aiken has just hired a hall of fame coach in Dwayne Garrick - who assumes control of a program with three top-60 players in the Class of 2024 - and Airport just inked now-former Ashley Ridge coach Shane Fidler to a deal to take over after a quick coaching change in West Columbia, too.    MIDLAND VALLEY'S HOPES REVOLVE AROUND NEW QB   There's no question just how talented Earl Chaptman's team is.   Offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='267450' first='Braydn' last='Kesselring'], tailbacks [player_tooltip player_id='231445' first='Joenathan' last='Peeples'] and [player_tooltip player_id='91348' first='Traevon' last='Dunbar'], receiver [player_tooltip player_id='267472' first='Antrone' last='Butler'], linebackers [player_tooltip player_id='771234' first='Dominic' last='Morgan'], [player_tooltip player_id='272716' first='Andon' last='Hawkins'] and Garrett Miller and defensive backs Hosey Dukes and [player_tooltip player_id='141041' first='Jadyn' last='Simpkins'] are all back this spring with (at least) another year of eligibility remaining.    What the Mustangs have yet to figure out is exactly who starts at quarterback. Rising junior Preston Butler was the leader in the clubhouse, as he stepped in for [player_tooltip player_id='262690' first='TJ' last='McElmurray Jr'] for a game last year and threw for 200 yards. Whether he's the ultimate pick or there's someone else waiting in the wings, figuring out that position this spring is of the utmost importance for a team that is trending upward in a big, big way.   CLASS 2A POWERS SET ON REBUILDS   While Abbeville is considered the pride of Class 2A and Oceanside Collegiate is knocking on the door, it wouldn't be hard to argue that the pre-eminent front-runner for the strongest Class 2A zone in the state last year was right here in the CSRA.    Saluda. Strom Thurmond. Barnwell. All made at least the third round of the state playoff last year.   Silver Bluff finished second in Region III-2A (behind only Strom Thurmond) and won a playoff game, too.   All of those squads have some big-time faces returning. But what even Silver Bluff's [player_tooltip player_id='139299' first='Jordan' last='Boyd'] and [player_tooltip player_id='139306' first='Christian' last='Echols'], Strom Thurmond's [player_tooltip player_id='589020' first='Darius' last='Simpkins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='589012' first='Jamaris' last='Stevens'] and Barnwell's [player_tooltip player_id='272720' first='Cameron' last='Austin'] are some new high-profile players around them to keep up the tradition.   Those coaching staffs need to see what some younger players can do, and if they find even one or two who can bust out in May, they might just be on to something.

With spring football launching next week, even the smallest zone in South Carolina is chock full of storylines that we couldn't even begin to answer during offseason conditioning and combines.