2023 Preview: Spartanburg Vikings
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Despite some talented returners, Spartanburg will definitely have a new look. After finishing 8-5 overall and second in Region II-5A at 3-1, Spartanburg lost their starter at QB along with standouts at WR, LB, RB, and WR. The Vikings are…
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Continue ReadingDespite some talented returners, Spartanburg will definitely have a new look. After finishing 8-5 overall and second in Region II-5A at 3-1, Spartanburg lost their starter at QB along with standouts at WR, LB, RB, and WR.
The Vikings are breaking in a number of players at the skill positions, and replacing a ton of talent. Still, head coach Mark Hodge is excited to see his team take the field.
“We have an underclassman-heavy team with a solid core of returning seniors and starters on both sides of the ball,” he said. “With an emphasis on details and excellence each week, we expect this team to become one of the best in the state. We return many dynamic football players and have many young kids who we feel will be special.”
The Vikings look particularly good up front, with Joseph Flores, Jayden Foster Peake, and Trey Weathers returning on the offensive line. Here’s a look at others who have expectations set high at Spartanburg.
STARS SET TO SHINE
Cam’rich Smith LB, 2025 – Smith had a sensational sophomore campaign for the Vikings, with 125 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. He’s fast, he’s physical, and he’s got a keen ability to diagnose plays and get to where he needs to be in a hurry.
T.J. Johnson QB, 2025 – Johnson brings a true dual-threat to the QB position. Hodge has praised his leadership along with his cerebral play and physical gifts.
Demario Bookhart Demario Bookhart 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB Spartanburg | 2024 State SC S, 2024 – Bookhart has a combination of length and speed that make him an ideal safety. He excels at breaking on throws, and if you’re slinging it his way, you’d better be on target. He’s shown a remarkable ability to knock away passes that are even slightly off-target – if he’s not picking them off, that is.
FILM REVIEW
Bennie Littlejohn Bennie Littlejohn 5'7" | 210 lbs | LB Spartanburg | 2024 State SC LB, 2024 – Littlejohn (pictured), on paper, shows why you don’t judge things on paper. He’s an inch short. He’s a couple pounds heavy. He’s also in on nearly every tackle that’s remotely in his area, he’s tough as nails, and he’s sometimes unblockable. His measurables might not jump off the page, but his play sure jumps off the film. Just take a look.
UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL
Trey Harris RB, 2024 – Harris isn’t a newcomer, but he’ll see a tremendous workload increase in the Vikings’ backfield this season. Spartanburg made a living on the ground last year, and Harris’ spot in the offense will be crucial.
Lamont Brewton OL, 2026 – Brewton is massive, at 6-3 and 310 pounds. With offensive line depth a concern for Spartanburg, the way Brewton grows into a spot at tackle will be a key to the Vikings’ success.
Torean Davis WR, 2026 – Davis caught a varsity pass last year for the Vikings as a freshman in a loaded receiver group. However, now he’s one of just six returning guys who notched a grab in varsity action. He’s a big body at 6-2, and can give Johnson a reliable target on the outside.