Predicting Every Team’s 2023 MVP: Region VIII-3A
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With SCHSL football spread over five classifications and 36 regions, the talent pool in South Carolina is as vast as it is diverse. We’re going to tackle it unlike ever before. The Prep Red Zone South Carolina team is going…
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Continue ReadingWith SCHSL football spread over five classifications and 36 regions, the talent pool in South Carolina is as vast as it is diverse.
We’re going to tackle it unlike ever before.
The Prep Red Zone South Carolina team is going to predict every team’s MVP for the 2023 football season. Over the next several weeks, you’re going to be able to read about which player is leading the way for his team. We’ll even give you a whole bunch of highlight films to back up our predictions.
Damien Freeman
Damien Freeman
We didn’t get to see as much Damien Freeman as we were hoping to this past year, but he impressed when he was out there for Battery Creek. A quick, agile, and strong back for the Dolphins, Freeman was a monstrous offensive catalyst before suffering a tough injury midway through the year. He’s been a versatile athlete on the field, shining both at quarterback and in the backfield. With quick instincts and the strength to break a few tackles, Freeman could be a rising star of a Creek offense looking to break through under fourth-year head coach Terrance Ashe.
The Eagles will lose valuable pieces on both sides from last year’s state championship squad, but we’ll look up front to a young man that should be a key difference-maker. A veteran on the offensive line, Adrian Lamb Adrian Lamb 6’6″ | 295 lbs | OL Beaufort | 2024 State SC will be counted upon to thrive in the blocking game. His hard work was crucial to the Eagles’ run success last year, and he’ll be counted upon to exhibit his leadership and open up some holes for electric young quarterback Samari Bonds. Some of the top skill position players might be gone, but a good season from Lamb should help allow opportunities for the next batch of talent to shine and surprise again in this region.
The workhorse back for the Hanahan Hawks, Kevon Rivera Kevon Rivera 5’9″ | 215 lbs | RB Hanahan | 2024 State SC is primed for an even bigger senior year this fall. Rivera paced the offense in a big way with over six yards per carry in 2022. A difficult runner to bring down, Rivera has masterful agility to dodge tackles and the vision to spot holes ahead of the defense. A heavy and effective dose of Rivera both on the ground and through well-set screens will make the Hawks a difficult offense to stop come 2023.
A ball-hawking monster in the secondary last year for the Iron Horses, expect Troy Stevenson Troy Stevenson 6’0″ | 165 lbs | ATH Philip Simmons | 2024 State SC to take another massive leap forward this season. The rising senior played both ways and did a bit of everything this year, showing his terrific hands and athleticism and the clutch factor to make the big play. His ability to anticipate throws and opponents’ decisions has helped him take a step ahead with his game. A versatile player with the height, quickness, and reach to shut down passes including a textbook interception return for a score last year, Stevenson will be one to watch to try to put the Iron Horses over the top in a competitive region.
Tyler Gadsden
Tyler Gadsden
After a strong junior year under center, it’s time to see Tyrell Gadsden take that next step for North Charleston. The Cougar quarterback has a tall frame and excellent pocket presence. He knows when to scramble and run and does a great job of evading pressure. He doesn’t turn the ball over much and can make strong quick reads. If he can maintain that level of consistency, he’ll have his shot to impress in a big senior season.