Top 10 Pee Dee And Grand Strand OL, TE To Watch
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We readily admit we could have beefed up this list. It’s a big sample size. It’s an even bigger task to cut them down to 10. Between the tight ends, tackles, guards and centers, those charged with multiple roles in…
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Continue ReadingWe readily admit we could have beefed up this list. It’s a big sample size.
It’s an even bigger task to cut them down to 10.
Between the tight ends, tackles, guards and centers, those charged with multiple roles in 2023 will dictate offenses across the board. They’ll block for tailbacks and quarterbacks and receivers. And most of the play special teams.
These are the dudes paving the way without getting much credit.
TIGHT ENDS
Dunkin Lay Green Sea Floyds, 2024
At 6-foot-4 and 185 pounds, Lay would be a big outside target in a lot of offenses. However, after Green Sea Floyds has spent – well, basically forever – as a run-first program, Lay has found a need to improve his blocking. He’s good at leveraging his height and reach against linebackers and safeties, two positions that will be coming at him off the edge.
Felder Gibson South Florence, 2024
The 6-foot, 205-pound tight end is going to be asked to be an extension of an offensive line is is now responsible for changing gears after the graduation of LaNorris Sellers. The Bruins are going to go much more run heavy. While that eliminates some of the freelancing that Sellers did, it also streamlines the blocking scheme and puts a premium on Gibson’s blocking.
Rodney Lesane Rodney Lesane 6'1" | 235 lbs | TE South Florence | 2024 State SC South Florence, 2024
Another South Florence tight end? Seriously, between the times Drew Marlowe goes into a 12 personnel with both of them on the line or when he brings Lesane into more of an H-Back role from the backfield, his primary role is blocking. And he does it as well as probably anyone in the position in all of Class 4A.
INTERIOR
JacQari Witherspoon JacQari Witherspoon 6'0" | 300 lbs | OL North Myrtle Beach | 2025 State SC North Myrtle Beach, 2025
While we recognize that Witherspoon has both the size at 300 pounds and the athletic ability to move to tackle at a moment’s notice, we’re also recognize what he’s already done in the better part of two years at guard. He’s been as consistent as anyone could possibly ask and its a prime example of how North Myrtle Beach is getting some looks after staying several courses.
Justin Joe Justin Joe 6'1" | 285 lbs | OL South Florence | 2024 State SC South Florence, 2024
Much like his two squad mates above, Joe spends a large portion of snaps at or outside the tackles. That’s because while he lines up at left guard, he pulls to the right time and time again. He’s an offensive line coach’s dream, as he’s cool not getting much credit while simultaneously getting the job done.
Slayton Stokes Slayton Stokes 6'5" | 325 lbs | OL Hartsville | 2024 State SC Hartsville, 2024
As of this writing, Stokes is still slated to be the Red Foxes’ starting center this year. We love the decision. For as much as Stokes could dominate at tackle or guard, this offense is set on timing and clean snaps. Stokes, maybe the best center in South Carolina, is the perfect person to handle that task for a team looking like it has state championship potential.
TACKLES
Will Hall Socastee, 2024
Let’s put this out there first. Hall is not going to play tackle in college. It’s not that we don’t think some school couldn’t have him ready for the next level. No, it’s because we believe someone else is going to come along, fall in love with his ultra-athletic 6-foot-2, 250-pound frame and decide he could play somewhere else. For now, he’s gonna do damage there for one more high school season.
Brady Pickett Brady Pickett 6'2" | 275 lbs | OL Myrtle Beach | 2024 State SC Myrtle Beach, 2024
Not unlike most schools, the Seahawks routinely park their best offensive lineman at left tackle and run their sets with the notion that it will work out more often than not. Pickett is not only Myrtle Beach’s best player along the line, he’s among a very small number of players who should be considering in the second tier of tackles statewide. He’s got three years of experience starting on this line already.
Kendall Walton Kendall Walton 6'5" | 290 lbs | OL Lamar | 2025 State SC Lamar, 2025
Prototypical offensive tackle size? Check. Great footwork? Check. Ability to lead prior to his senior year? Check. At 6-foot-5 and 280 pounds, Walton (pictured) is a kickstarter or two from absolutely blowing up on the recruiting scene. What’s more, the offense he’s leading looks to have everything going for it at exactly the right window. Start considering Walton for 2023 and 2024 season honors now.
Josiah Thompson Josiah Thompson 6'7" | 290 lbs | OL Dillon | 2024 State SC Dillon, 2024
We’ve been following Thompson since just prior to his sophomore season, when Dillon coach Kelvin Roller told us he saw something special in the then-youngster. Now, Thompson is a grown man masquerading as a high school senior. He’s already verbally committed to the University of South Carolina and he’s among the key reasons Dillon is on the short list of Class 3A state championship contenders this season.