Zone Read: Teammates Dominate Upstate 2024 Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As usual, the Upstate zone shows up big in the PRZ 2024 rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of the 195 players ranked in the class, more than 10 percent of them are from the northwestern corner of the state. Within that number, though, something jumps off the page. Several programs have multiple seniors ranked in our May update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Greenville leads the way, with six players ranked in the class. Two who are headed to South Carolina after graduation lead the way, as ATH [player_tooltip player_id='163871' first='Mazeo' last='Bennett Jr']. comes in ranked No. 2, and OL [player_tooltip player_id='448975' first='Blake' last='Franks'] is the fifth-ranked player in the class. Two defensive linemen are ranked for the Red Raiders, with [player_tooltip player_id='209617' first='Jayden' last='Wilson-Abrams'] and [player_tooltip player_id='242787' first='Bruce' last='Knauber'] in the mix. Kicker [player_tooltip player_id='208343' first='Thomas' last='Guererro'] is the second-ranked kicker in the class, while [player_tooltip player_id='119009' first='Riley' last='Staton'], a transfer from Gray Collegiate, hasn't taken a snap yet for the Red Raiders, but comes in ranked No. 64.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Greenville may be out in front, but Westside and Byrnes both make their presence known with three ranked players each. For the Rams, [player_tooltip player_id='139296' first='Jimmar' last='Boston'] and [player_tooltip player_id='139314' first='Josh' last='Williams'] are both proven commodities at wide receiver. Both are electric playmakers with plenty of speed, and both will be expected to post big numbers in their first year in Brian Lane's offensive attack. [player_tooltip player_id='139310' first='Dee' last='Robertson'] will bring a new look at RB for Westside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Byrnes' [player_tooltip player_id='267452' first='Kade' last='Caton'], a true TE who is capable of playing with a hand in the dirt and athletic enough to split out wide (and he can long-snap, too) is ranked at No. 76. [player_tooltip player_id='267454' first='Chris' last='Foster'] is a force for the Rebels on the offensive line, and [player_tooltip player_id='267455' first='Knai' last='Cook'] does a lot of things and does them well for the Rebels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spartanburg and Powdersville both have two players in the rankings. The defending upper state champion Patriots will count on [player_tooltip player_id='448984' first='Eli' last='Hudgins'] to run the show offensively. He's a true dual-threat QB, capable of making every throw and more than willing to beat you with his legs, as well. [player_tooltip player_id='267456' first='Harrison' last='Jeffries'] patrols the middle of the field from his LB position, and is a smart, physical player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Vikings have to standout defensive players in the rankings, with [player_tooltip player_id='448978' first='Bennie' last='Littlejohn'] coming in at No. 68 and [player_tooltip player_id='589014' first='Demario' last='Bookhart'] right behind him at No. 69. Littlejohn is a wrecking ball, seemingly in on every tackle for the Vikings. Bookhart is great in coverage, but doesn't hesitate to come up and stop the run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->